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    Josh Warrington reveals how fans who called him a w***** spurred boxer to retirement U-turn

    JOSH WARRINGTON will keep fighting for the fans — even those who think he is a w****r.The 34-year-old Leeds legend laid down his gloves after a third consecutive defeat — this time against Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium — in September.Josh Warrington will keep fighting for the fans — even those who think he is a w****rCredit: GettyFollowing previous losses to Luis Alberto Lopez and Leigh Wood, the two-time featherweight world champ felt he had reached the end of the Elland Road.But, after a couple of strong gym sessions — and a scan of his X-rated social messages — the latest comeback starts on April 19 against Asad Khan.The Yorkshire hero said: “Something was missing in that last performance.“I told my dad, in my corner, that ten per cent or so just wasn’t there.READ MORE IN BOXING“When I laid down my gloves, I meant it.“I went back in the gym to help a mate and things started to click again.“Then I checked social media, expecting the worst, but I had nothing but support and backing.“Some people even wrote, ‘I have always thought you are a w****r but don’t retire yet, you’ve got loads left to give’.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I don’t need to retire on a win or a world title.“I need to retire after a performance I can be proud of, one that my fans deserve, after so many years of backing me”I need to retire on my terms. And I will — w* or not.”Josh Warrington’s top-flight boxing career ends after suffering his third fight on the spin More

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    ‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mum

    PEP GUARDIOLA slammed Manchester United fans for “shameful” chants about Phil Foden’s mum.Sections of the home support chanted “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the Old Trafford stalemate.Pep Guardiola said Man Utd fans who sang about Phil Foden’s mum had a lack of ‘class’Credit: Not known, clear with picture deskChants were aimed at Foden as he walked off the pitch at Old TraffordCredit: RexCity boss Guardiola said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”Senior City figures were understood to have been shocked and disgusted by the chants, both in the number of those taking part and the frequency they hurled their abuse about Foden’s mother, Claire.Guardiola said: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”The Spaniard also admitted he has been stunned by City’s shocking fall from grace.They remain fifth in the table, a point behind Chelsea, and are still in a desperate fight to qualify for the Champions League.Guardiola is struggling to work out how it has all gone so badly wrong and so quickly for the four-in-a-row Prem winners.Most read in FootballFoden is only one of those whose form has collapsed, having started the campaign as double Player of the Year.Guardiola admitted: “This season we dropped incredibly. Not just Phil Foden but all of them.’Gary Neville’s having a proper meltdown’ – Fans fear for Man Utd icon after he apologises for his derby co-commentary“Last season, his impact was incredible. With him and chances it’s normally bang, bang. Just not at the moment. “But the team is not playing at the level we had. And we were not at our level in this game.”Meanwhile, United boss Ruben Amorim batted away complaints by ex-Red Devils star Gary Neville that players hugging and shaking hands after the final whistle “tells you both teams feel happy with a 0-0”.Amorim now needs to win his last seven games to beat United’s lowest Prem points tally of 58, set in 2021-22.He said: “I understand Gary Neville is critical about everything.“I understand we are doing the worst season in history.“I’m not naive or crazy, I can see the moment we are in. We have to show urgency to do better because we don’t have much time at a club like this. We are in a rush.”Read More on The SunMore than 1,000 United fans staged a sit-in protest for over 30 minutes aimed at owners, the Glazers, and ticket-price hikes.Around 500 also protested after being told they must move seats to accommodate a new high-paying tunnel club next season. More

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    Man City set to hand Nico O’Reilly new deal to head off Chelsea bid for Cole Palmer-style transfer heist

    NICO O’REILLY looks set for a double-your-money new deal that slams the door on any lingering Chelsea hopes of landing him.The Blues were knocked back in a bid to sign the Manchester City kid in January. — but had not given up on being successful with a fresh summer move.Manchester City are set to tie Nico O’Reilly down to a major new dealCredit: RexChelsea are targeting O’Reilly and Man City want to avoid a Cole Palmer-style heistCredit: RexYet the West Londoners will finally admit defeat when the 20-year-old rookie agrees a £25,000-a-week contract.O’Reilly made his first Premier League start in the 2-0 midweek win against Leicester. Boss Pep Guardiola rates the midfielder highly…  and is also wary of losing another home-grown star to Chelsea after Cole Palmer’s career took off when he joined them.Talks have been going on for the past few weeks over an extension that will tie him to the Etihad for the next five years.Read More on FootballAnd O’Reilly’s new terms will also see him getting incremental rises each season, with bonuses on top of that.The vesatile midfielder, who has been touted as Rodri’s heir, started out at Man City’s academy in 2011 at the age of six.The England Under-20 international went on to amass a total of 29 goals and 20 assists in 85 appearances across City’s youth ranks.And the attacking midfielder has hit the ground running with the seniors as he already counts three goals and two assists in 12 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut City have learned from Palmer’s exit back in 2023 as they know O’Reilly can hit similar heights.Palmer is considered as one of the best players in the Premier League and an England superstar.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years The versatile forward counts a total of 39 goals and 23 assists in 80 appearances since his move to Chelsea. More

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    Erik ten Hag spotted at huge Serie A clash following Man Utd axe as fans say ‘he could actually do bits there’

    ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted in attendance at a huge Serie A clash months after his Manchester United sacking.Ten Hag, 55, was pictured walking into the ground and in the stands of the blockbuster clash between Roma and Juventus on Sunday evening.Erik ten Hag was seen in the stands of the Roma vs Juventus Serie A gameTen Hag was sacked by Man Utd in OctoberCredit: PAThe Dutchman was sacked by Man Utd at the end of October.He has since been seen in attendance at former club Ajax.But he has now been pictured at the Stadio Olimpico.In a video captured before the clash as Ten Hag arrived at the stadium, his security detail were cautious of cameras recording him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoma are without a manager at the end of the season, with interim Claudio Ranieri set to step down from his role as the club’s boss at the end of the campaign.According to Italian reporter Francesco Lucca, Ten Hag’s entourage deny he has had any talks with Roma over the managerial position.Instead, it is reported Ten Hag was invited by the club owners, the Friedkin family – who also own Everton – to watch the game.But that didn’t stop fans getting excited at the thought of Ten Hag returning to management.Most read in FootballOne wrote: “He could actually do bits at Roma.”And after Man Utd’s bore draw with Man City, another fan even posted: “Manchester United miss him”Ten Hag is understood to have checked into a hotel in the morning which is typically reserved for new signings.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther names linked to the Roma job include Massimiliano Allegri, Stefano Pioli and Gian Piero Gasperini.Juventus themselves have only recently appointed a new manager.Ten Hag reveals problem with current players in first interview since Man Utd sackingThiago Motta was sacked by the Turin outfit in March before Igor Tudor was appointed as his replacement.After his sacking from the Red Devils, Ten Hag said in an open letter to fans: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. “Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. “Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England. “Europe or during the summer tours. I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. “Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. “That’s what makes United supporters so special. I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. “I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. “Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”He gave a major update on his future in February, saying he would consider a new job in July.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

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    ‘Gary Neville’s having a proper meltdown’ – Fans fear for Man Utd icon after he apologises for his derby co-commentary

    FANS were left fearing for Manchester United icon Gary Neville after he APOLOGISED for his commentary during Sunday’s drab derby.Neville’s former side United and rivals Man City played out a dull 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, sending supporters of both sides to sleep.Gary Neville apologised for his commentary during Man Utd’s 0-0 draw with Man CityThe derby failed to ignite as fans were served up a dismal affairCredit: GettyThe encounter lacked the kind of excitement usually found in one of the league’s biggest matches.And even Neville sounded like he was dropping off with some unenthusiastic remarks from the commentary box.However, the Sky Sports pundit left fans stunned as he said sorry for his dreary commentary.Neville explained that his mood merely mirrored the lack of enthusiasm on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he even labelled the modern-day style of “micro-managing” players a “disease in the game.”Neville first said: “I don’t think there was one player who walked off that pitch disappointed about drawing 0-0, from either side. They all walked off sort of thinking, ‘We’re okay here, got away without making a mistake’. It was that type of game.“It was a real disappointment. I apologise for my co-commentary actually, I think I let it get to me. I was boring on there as well. That was drab as well.”On United’s lack of progress under boss Ruben Amorim, and their tactical “disease”, Neville continued: “I get what he (Amorim) is saying about it being that stage of the season, United and City are in a difficult moment. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“But this robotic nature of [players] not leaving positions and being micro-managed within an inch of their lives, of not having any freedom to take a risk and try to win a football match, is becoming an illness in the game. It’s a disease in the game.“You think of Pep Guardiola over the years and that’s what his teams do. ‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mum”We’re seeing poor imitations of that across the board now. “United’s goalkeeper rolling his foot over the ball and waiting for things to happen – that’s not it. That’s not what this club is, it’s not what we do here.“Liverpool don’t do that. You’ve got to be a top team with tempo in your play, rhythm in your play, get the ball moving, shift it quickly.”From a United perspective, I get why he (Amorim) has gone deep, back into a structure, he called it a low block. “But that’s what we’ve seen from Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag. They’ve all come in with the intention of playing high-press, high-energy football, but always go back to playing in a low block in big games.”Fans were quick to react to Neville’s spectacular rant.One said: “Neville’s having a proper meltdown.”Another declared: “It’s a huge number of Prem games, it’s dull.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “He’s spot on, modern football is boring, it’s all robotic tactics.”Another added: “I agree, the league has been getting steadily worse.” More

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    Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration online

    MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes walked out for the Manchester derby with a very special fan.United played out a goalless draw in the Premier League with rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford in a game that is surely to be forgotten by history.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes led his team-mates out with a very special fanCredit: GettyFernandes was joined by seven-year-old Man Utd super fan Bobby Moore from BelfastCredit: GettyBobby became Man Utd’s first ever wheelchair mascotCredit: GettyWhat will always be remembered, however, is what preceded the match as the two teams entered the pitch.Fernandes, 30, led the way for the hosts and was joined by seven-year-old Man Utd super fan Bobby Moore from Belfast.And Bobby made history as the Red Devils’ first ever mascot that uses a wheelchair.The adorable United enthusiast was discovered by the Portugal international after watching him celebrating his penalty in the first Manchester derby of the season at the Etihad.Read More on Man UtdThe playmaker led the Manchester giants to a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over City in December.Fernandes’ spot-kick cancelled out Josko Gvardiol’s opener before Amad Diallo’s dramatic last-gasp winner three months ago.But it was Bobby who stole the headlines with his passionate celebration of that major victory that won Fernandes over.So much so that the ex-Sporting Lisbon star invited him over to Man Utd’s training ground on Friday.Most read in FootballAnd then the United fan was asked to be the team’s official mascot for the big game with City.Every Man City player joined the Portuguese ace in honouring this adorable supporter by shaking his hand during the pre-match greetings.Brandon Williams opens up on struggles with ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd pressure and being ‘stabbed in the back’ by friendsMoore saw his favourite team holding its ground against the Citizens, who are chasing a top-five finish that will almost definitely seal Champions League qualification.United, on the other hand, will almost certainly need to win the Europa League to return to Europe’s elite competition next season. More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Hojlund will never live up to £72m fee but tireless Fernandes continues to show he’s key man

    MANCHESTER UNITED could not win their final derby of the season with a 0-0 draw at home to Man City.Ruben Amorim’s men huffed and puffed but ultimately could not find a way through to goal at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd could only muster a 0-0 draw against Man CityCredit: PAUnited failed to hit the target at Old TraffordCredit: PAThe result leaves them 13th in the table, one point above Tottenham.But United are also four off 12th-place Brentford and seven from the top half.And any hopes of European football are now set to rest on their chances in the Europa League.So just who had a good game at the Theatre of Dreams today?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd did anyone have a game to forget?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence delivers his Man United player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 5There are always more questions than answers over the form of the Cameroonian ‘keeper but this was a calmer display from him.Erratic or not, he reacted well to flick away a Casemiro header from a City corner that looked bound for his own net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis shot–stopping, even if he didn’t have to deal with anything that challenging from a mainly tame City attack minus Erling Haaland, was tidy and decisive.But one save from Omar Marmoush was pure show-boating.Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’ in horror theft as man, 25, chargedNOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Dependable, flexible, not brilliant but certainly never bad and playing as a right–sided defender produced a great tackle to deny Phil Foden.Spent most of the game taking responsibility for guarding the dangerous Omar Marmoush and made a pretty good fist of it.His strengths – why he was bought – are still more as a wing back because he has a bit of pace as well as intelligence but got no chance to show those qualities.HARRY MAGUIRE – 5Sometimes looks like he turns slower than a supertanker but he does love a tackle – like the belter early on that denied Omar Marmoush.Perhaps his biggest problem is that he’s not a footballing central defender – his weight of passing can be as unpredictable as the intended direction and he had a lot of the ball in this one.Hooked in favour of Victor Lindelof early in the second half clearly suffering from a niggle and with eyes on Thursday’s Europa League visit to Lyon.LENY YORO – 6 Has begun to show that he could be an inspired buy after settling down following his £52.2M summer arrival from Lille.The French international, remember, is still only 19 but he’s learning fast in a far more furious and competitive environment than Ligue 1.Long–term Ruben Amorim is bound to envisage him as the central figure in his back three alongside Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.DIOGO DALOT – 6Loves the challenge Ruben Amorim sets as part of the 3-4-3 system that has seemed like a tactical foreign language to quite a few in the squadUp against a very tricky youngster in Nico O’Reilly, he had a tough time containing him at first but his far greater experience began to tell.Took up some really aggressive positions when United had the ball and his deliveries from wide right caused the City defence a good few problems.CASEMIRO – 4The 33-year-old has been looking more sprightly of late but once again he looked like a pensioner at times.His passing from deep was loose and often dropped those around him into brown stuff while his relationship with Manuel Ugarte alongside him was almost non-existent.Almost certainly on the way out at Old Trafford – certainly from the manager’s main picks – next season, although he still has two years of his £350,000 a week contract to run.MANUEL UGARTE – 4The last of ex-boss Erik ten Hag’s buys at £42.1million from Paris Saint-Germain and it’s still taking time for him to find his feet.In fact too often the Uruguayan’s feet just weren’t quick enough to cope with the fast transitions that his manager is demanding from his two central midfielders.Even in a deeply uninspiring encounter that was supposed to be a local derby  but lacked any fire he struggled to make any impact.PATRICK DORGU – 5 Hasn’t exactly been Danish dynamite since his £25M move from Lecce and the 20 year old still has plenty of learning to do.Yet the wing back certainly does give United a physical presence on the left, although he needs to calm down when his overlaps present him with shooting chances.One effort in particular mid-way through the first half was fourth division stuff. Young or not, inexperienced or not he has to up his gameBRUNO FERNANDES – 8 United’s Captain Marmite was named Prem Premier League Player of the Month for March just before kick–off.He was player of this match, too, where he never stopped working, even if he didn’t have much to beat in a dull, dull affairOften his vision is just too sophisticated for some team-mates who never will be able to lace the boots of a player who, as usual, covered every blade of grass.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Took him 21 games to collect his eighth goal of the season for United, swiftly followed by one for Denmark, but in last week’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest looked as lost as ever again.As he once more did here although his turn and flick to send Alejandro Garnacho through right at the start showed real centre forward awareness.But the story, mainly, remains the same for the £72M striker who may not have set that price but will probably never live up to it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7 At some stage, surely, he’ll gain more composure – when to shoot and when to pass to team mates better–placed.As maddening as the 20 year old can be he does have pace and aggression and just after 30 seconds was brought down by Ruben Dias’s desperate challenge on the edge of the City box.Ran at the opposition defence all the way through and whistled one superb strike just wide – a constant threat who may frustrate at times but still gets Stretford End bums off seats.SUBS :VICTOR LINDELOF (for Maguire 58) – 6Understood to be on his way this summer but looked decent.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Hojlund 71) – 5Pulled out a great save from Ederson and still has fans’ backing.Read More on The SunMASON MOUNT (for Ugarte 71 ) – 5 Gaining fitness now and could figure as a starter in Lyon on Thursday. 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    Footballer rushed to hospital after being shot as he got into firefight with bungling robbers who killed man at bar

    A FORMER Colombian top-fight footballer has been rushed to hospital after being shot by bungling robbers who killed another man in an attack on a bar.Elkin Blanco was identified in CCTV footage of the horror incident as the man who resisted the armed robbery by picking up a gun and getting into a firefight with one of the assailants as his accomplice wrestled with the victim who lost his life.Elkin Blanco has been rushed to hospital after being shot in a firefightCredit: GettyElkin had two spells at Colombian First Division side MillionariosCredit: GettyCCTV footage showed an armed gunman firing shots at the sceneCredit: https://x.com/BLUAntioquiaFootage showed the two people chasing after the assailantsCredit: https://x.com/BLUAntioquiaThe footage showed the 35-year-old, who had two spells at Colombian First Division side Millionarios, risking his life by chasing the robber away after the gunmen announced the hold-up while they were still wearing their motorbike helmets to disguise their identity.Federico Gutierrez, mayor of Medellin where the incident occurred last night, thanked fans for their support in an Instagram message and confirmed Elkin, who is currently without a club, was out of danger.The midfielder, a youth player with Brazilian side Gremio before he returned to his homeland, is said to have been shot four times during the attack although none of his injuries have been described as life-threatening.The man who died after reaching hospital has been named as Duván Alejandro Mosquera Vargas, 25.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA spokesman for local police said: “The man who died lunged at one of the assailants who shot him with a firearm.“The injured 35-year-old, Elkin Blanco, reached with a weapon, generating an exchange of gunfire with the other criminal.”Mayor Mr Gutierrez, promising arrests would be made and justice done, said on X: “Yesterday evening, an unfortunate incident occurred. “Two criminals entered a commercial establishment in the Rosales area of Medellin, with the intention of robbing it.Most read in Football“They murdered a person identified as Duvan Alejandro Mosquera and injured the former footballer Elkin Blanco who is out of danger.“The instruction to our police officers is clear, catch these criminals.“We already have the images with their faces and we have also identified the motorbike on which they were travelling. “We also know in which sector of the city these cowards were hiding.  The police have been operating in the area since last night. These bandits will fall.”I regret the death of Duvan. Solidarity with his family and friends We will get justice.”Elkin has been identified locally as the owner of the unnamed nightspot that was targeted.Customers could be seen seeking refuge under terrace tables as the gunfight occurred.Fans took to social media today to wish the ex-Millionarios star, who also played for Colombian sides Atletico Nacional and America de Cali, to wish him a speedy recovery.One said: “God bless you. Thanks God you weren’t seriously injured.”Elkin said in his first comments about the incident late this afternoon, on his Instagram profile where he has 100,000 followers and describes himself as a ‘partner of God’: “Thanks to all of you for your messages.“I am okay health-wise and thanks to God I am now back at home and recovering.”Read More on The SunDescribing the man shot dead as a “great friend” he referenced by his nickname Alejo which is a short form of Alejandro, he added: “I’m very sad about the departure of a great friend. “I will always remember you Alejo.” More