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      Sir Dave Brailsford ‘steps back from Man Utd’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans major reshuffle after disastrous season

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      SIR DAVE BRAILSFORD is set to step back in his role at Manchester United.The move comes as part of a major reshuffle being planned by Ineos head honcho Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Sir Dave Brailsford is set to step back from his role at Man UtdCredit: GettyIt comes as part of a major reshuffle plan from Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PABrailsford had been working alongside Man Utd chiefs like Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyAccording to The Times, Brailsford will be reducing his commitment to United and returning to his role as director of sport for Ineos.Brailsford, famed for his so-called “marginal gains” ideology brought from cycling, stood down as team principal of Ineos Grenadiers when Ratcliffe purchased his minority stake in the Red Devils.He then took charge of football operations at Old Trafford and has been in that role for a year trying to implement change at the club.However, the season has been a disaster after United finished a record-low 15th in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey will also be without European football for the first time in a decade next season after losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham.Despite this, Brailsford, 61, has been credited by British billionaire Ratcliffe in overhauling the performance set-up at United.He was also heavily involved in the £50million redevelopment plan for United’s Carrington training ground and setting the goals outlined in Mission 21 to get the club’s men and women winning league titles.The report adds that Geraint Thomas will be taking a senior leadership role at Ineos’ professional cycling team when he retires as a rider at the end of this season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrailsford’s step back comes at a time when Ineos is reducing its sporting commitments.In the last few months alone, the petrochemicals giant has terminated its sponsorship deal with the All Blacks, cut an advertising deal with Spurs and ending the pursuit of sailing’s America’s Cup.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inThe Ineos Sport’s team unit led by Brailsford – in a reduced capacity since joining Man Utd – will once again be managing United’s sister club Nice after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.Nice had been placed in a so-called “blind trust” agreement by Uefa to ensure there was no breach of the organisation’s multi-club rules.United have had plenty of upheaval in the senior management since Ineos took over.Dan Ashworth was brought in to be the director of football but left after only five months in charge.In addition, around 450 staff have been axed as part of sweeping cuts.And this is not to mention the sacking of Erik ten Hag after initially backing him in their first summer running the club.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte fight CANCELLED just days before bout as Frank Warren releases statement

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      DILLIAN WHYTE has pulled out of his Saturday night UK comeback to secure a summer showdown with Lawrence Okolie.The Brixton Body Snatcher was scheduled for a Portman Road tune-up this weekend, against an unnamed opponent, on the undercard of his Ipswich protege Fabio Wardley’s clash with Justis Huni.Dillian Whyte’s latest fight has been cancelledCredit: GettyBut he has withdrawn himself from the card to focus on a grudge settler with his new nemesis.The 37-year-old was supposed to fight Joe Joyce in Manchester on April 5 but withdrew due to a finger injury.Juggernaut Joyce lost against stand-in opponent Filip Hrgovic, killing any chance of that rivalry being reignited.But Whyte has instead sparked up a war of words with Okolie, with sickening slurs being aimed at the 2016 Olympian.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOkolie labelled Whyte a coward for failing to face him. And Whyte fired back, labelling Okolie a “sub-human c***” and dared the former McDonald’s worker to repeat the insults to his face.Promoter Frank Warren – who has now lost two Whyte fights on the spin – explained: “He’s not going to be on the card now.”He’s had an opportunity for a big big fight in August and we’re looking to get that over the line.”That’s going to take priority.”Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhyte has not boxed in England since November 2022.He was supposed to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua in August 2023 but that O2 sell-out was scrapped when Whyte failed a doping test.Dillian Whyte shares gruesome picture of horror injury that forced cancellation of Joe Joyce fight Whyte has boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland since that big-money clash was binned, landing underwhelming wins.Whyte was previously adamant that his pencilled in June 7 bout would pave the way for a title fight, while also admitting that inactivity had “killed” his career.He told Ring Magazine: “Look, inactivity has basically killed my career in the last three years.”I am looking at having a big fight at the end of July or early August and I just thought I need some activity before heading into that.”I thought I need to get active as quickly as possible because I’m serious about having a last run at it again and possibly fighting for the world title. “So I want to put myself in the position that when it comes I’m not just there to take part but I’m going there with a high chance of winning because I will have some momentum behind me.”The only way to get that is by putting my pride to one side and saying, ‘You know what, I’ll take this opportunity.’ I’ve always done that in my career. “I fought Dereck Chisora as co-main event on a massive card and then in my next fight I boxed Malcolm Tann in an eight rounder at about 5pm.Read More on The Sun”So this is about staying busy to put myself in a better position to give the fans big fights.”Okolie, 32, lost his WBO cruiserweight world title to Chris Billam-Smith in May 2023 and is now looking for a marquee scalp in the heavyweight division. More

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      Matheus Cunha will be perfect for Man Utd and Bruno Fernandes – but only if Ruben Amorim makes crucial signing

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      IT is safe to say that Manchester United failed to live up to their supporters’ expectations last season.They finished in 15th place on just 42 points, lost the Europa League final to Tottenham to leave them trophy-less and without European football next term.Matheus Cunha could be the perfect addition to Man UtdCredit: GettyBut could depend on his relationship with Bruno FernandesCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim will also need another attacker to complete the jigsawCredit: Shutterstock EditorialUnited have backed new boss Ruben Amorim despite the historically bad results and that backing appears to have extended to the transfer market.Brazil star Matheus Cunha is already confirmed in a £62.5million arrival from Wolves.Meanwhile, club captain Bruno Fernandes has opted to stay at Old Trafford despite a mega £700,000-a-WEEK offer to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.How Cunha will be used by Man Utd still remains to be seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played as a striker at points for Wolves but he is not the type to make regular runs in behind, preferring to drop deeper in order to link play.He is arguably more effective in behind a main striker, which could create a clash of styles with Fernandes.Below, we break down the tactical fit of Cunha at Man Utd under Amorim.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIntelligent penalty area movement Towards the end of the season, Wolves typically played the same tactical shape as Man Utd did under Amorim.Most read in FootballTheir 3-4-2-1 shape saw Cunha used either as a No9 or as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the main striker.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inIn these positions, Cunha’s intelligence and movement in the final third and around the penalty area helped Wolves create a lo.He easily finds little pockets of space to drop into and attack around the opposition defence.The Brazilian is also difficult to deal with because often opposing defenders be concentrating on defending the space between the ball and the goal.Cunha takes advantage of this with sharp movements to outwit defenders and create shooting opportunities.Here we see Cunha positioned outside of the box before he then takes a clever touch and bends the ball into the goalWe believe Cunha would be able to play in a similar kind of role to Fernandes.This would mean that Man Utd would still need to add a new forward to play ahead of him, assuming they decide Rasmus Hojlund is not the long-term solution.This could be an issue solved in the near future with the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. The type of runs Mbeumo makes would be perfect to stretch the game and offer passing options or decoys for Cunha.Indeed, the Mbeumo’s movement is like Mohamed Salah’s at Liverpool and could benefit both Cunha and Fernandes.With Fernandes being more comfortable as a passer and creator from deeper areas, we should see Cunha acting as the link between the Portugal star and the main forward.Here Cunha is smart enough to check his run behind the back-pedalling defence before he gets the ball and is able to finishGiven Fernandes is well known as one of the most aggressive and creative passers in the league he will enjoy having a player like Cunha alongside him to find space in tight areas. While Cunha is not an out-and-out striker, his movement and intelligence of positioning around the area will create chances.Not just a finisherCunha finished with 15 league goals last season.But he has long been seen as more of a creative attacker than a true goalscorer, such as when he was at Hertha Berlin or Atletico Madrid.Cunha has always been great at spotting through balls.He is happy to drift the width of the penalty area in order to find pockets of space.Here Cunha has the ball in the left channel, drives at goal and then has the quality to slip the ball to a team-mate making a run beyond himIt will be interesting to see how Cunha interacts with Fernandes on the pitch.They could be hampered by the fact United don’t have many forwards looking to run beyond the ball. The issue United may have is they will essentially have two advanced midfielders without a proper striker.Here Cunha has the ball wide and has the quality to pick out the deep run from his team-mateIt is all very well for Amorim to add creativity – but he needs to also have players who take advantage of that vision.Decision making and intelligenceCunha is an hugely intelligent footballer.This is what makes him such a versatile attacker – so it would be wasteful to play him as the main striker.He is far better when allowed to play deeper behind a physical and aggressive No9.Cunha’s intelligent movement off the back of the opposition midfield gives a team-mate a passing options before another striker pins an opposition defenderEssentially, Man Utd should be looking to use a striker who can go in behind.This should force the opposition defensive line deeper and then we would see Cunha and Bruno with more space.The fact the Brazilian regularly picks the right option at the right time will help United unlock opponents.Here he drops off the highest line to come back in and occupy a pocket of space between defendersConclusionSigning a player like Cunha off the back of a terrible season will be a real boost for the Red Devils.It is vital Cunha is surrounded by more signings in key areas to make the most of his attacking and creative abilities.Read More on The SunGiven Man Utd are already looking to add Mbeumo to their ranks, it would suggest an awareness they need to add more attacking options. It will still be a long summer ahead for United’s recruitment team. More

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      in Soccer

      Steve Cooper targeted for shock return to management eight months after being sacked by Leicester

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      STEVE COOPER tops the list of managerial targets Middlesbrough want to replace Michael Carrick.The Championship side announced on Wednesday that the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder had been axed.Steve Cooper has been linked with a shock return to management with MiddlesbroughMichael Carrick was sacked by Boro this weekCarrick, 43, and his assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick – his younger brother – have also departed the club.That decision was made by chairman Steve Gibson following a four-week end-of-season review by the club’s hierarchy after their dismal second half of the campaign.Carrick, who was the division’s longest-serving manager, led Boro from the 21st in the table in October 2022 to the play-offs.That was followed by an eighth-placed finish and a run to the League Cup semi-finals but, despite a positive first half of this season, they eventually ended a disappointing tenth.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat has been enough to convince the club to look elsewhere.SunSport understands that Cooper, out of work since he was sacked following a brief and ill-fated stint at Leicester in November, is among the top candidates Boro want to speak with.He shone in the Championship at Swansea City by leading them to consecutive play-off finishes.And he surpassed that at Nottingham Forest, achieving legendary status by guiding them back to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCooper was axed in December 2023 and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.Ex-Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, who spent four years as a player at the Riverside, is another name among the favourites along with former Luton man Rob Edwards.Middlesbrough fans will agree with Carrick sacking and there’s a perfect man ready to replace him Expert’s viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper. More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish set to be snubbed from Man City’s Club World Cup squad in clearest hint yet he has no future at Etihad

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      JACK GREALISH is set to be left out of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup, reports suggest.It comes with the England international’s future up in the air.Jack Grealish is set to be left out of Man City’s Club World Cup squadCredit: GettyHe has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola and is expected to leave the clubCredit: AlamyGrealish, 29, was signed from Aston Villa for £100million in 2021.However, after being a core member of Pep Guardiola’s title and Treble winning sides, Grealish has fallen down the pecking order. Last season he played 32 games in all competitions, but only half of these were starts.Consequently it is expected he will leave the club this summer, with Napoli said to be among the interested parties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, in the clearest indication of the £100m flops future, he will be left out of his club’s squad selection for the new-look Club World Cup in the United States, according to The Telegraph.The report says City are happy to let Grealish leave the club to pursue regular football.Grealish has designs to be back in the plans of England manager Thomas Tuchel for next years World Cup.The playmaker was named by the German in his first two matches but then failed to make the cut for the ex-Chelsea bosses latest squad for a World Cup qualifier against Andorra and friendly against Senegal.Most read in SportTHIS 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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      in Soccer

      Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournament

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      ERLING HAALAND, Harry Kane and Luis Suarez are set to square off at the Club World Cup.And Dazn’s latest trailer for the reformatted event brings that beef to life.Dazn revealed a stunning trailer for the Club World CupCredit: DAZNHarry Kane and Haaland were seen in red and sky blue boxing capesCredit: DAZNLuis Suarez was seen in a pink cape and wearing a mouthguardCredit: DAZNFormer Man Utd star Edinson Cavani was stylish in a blue and yellow capeCredit: DAZNIconic boxing announcer Michael Buffer starred in the boxing-themed trailerCredit: DAZNThe advert takes inspiration from Dazn’s other major sporting partnership in boxing by having the stars lace up their gloves ready for battle.Manchester City’s resident “Hitman” Haaland is seen having his gloves taped up at the start of the video.He is followed by former Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani.The Uruguayan is seen with a cape draped over his shoulders in the colours of his current team, Boca Juniors, with “El Matador” on the back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich and England captain Kane, nicknamed the “Hurrikane” for the trailer, is also seen getting his gloves done up ahead of a “ring walk”.The iconic voice of boxing announcer Michael Buffer is then heard echoing over the video, set to the tune of Eric B. & Rakim’s track “Don’t Sweat the Technique”. Inter Miami bad boy Luis Suarez is then seen with a pink hood over his head.The music then kicks into overdrive as Haaland is seen using skipping ropes, Cavani sheds his cape and Suarez shows off a mouth guard protecting his infamous teeth, with Buffer then announcing the World Cup to a stadium of fans.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKane is seen walking into the raucous ground in a red hoodie, with Haaland seen in a sky blue matching outfit.The trailer also teases Dazn’s lead presenter for the tournament as Diletta Leotta is seen standing in front of an advertising board.The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest We then cut away to a helicopter hovering over a stadium filled to the brim with fans as the lights on it.Kane and Co then enter the stadium to the roar of an expecting crowd as Haaland is seen signing a ball for a fan.The remarkable Club World Cup trophy is briefly shown, before Suarez is seen roaring and Cavani pointing up to the sky.The video ends with Kane and Haaland facing off in a ring, which then abruptly cuts to the kick-off of a football match.This year the Club World Cup will begin on June 14 and run through to Sunday July 13.The 32-team tournament will be played out across 12 venues in 11 cities across the United States.Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, said: “We’re excited to partner with FIFA for this historical event, where throughout June and July and across the globe, fans will tune in on DAZN for the first time in history to see one club crowned the undisputed champion of the world.”Read More on The SunAll 63 games of the competition will be available to watch on Dazn.Club World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWSDownload the DAZN App here: and watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for free.Haaland was dubbed the ‘Hitman’ for the videoCredit: DAZN’El Matador’ looked the business in the videoCredit: DAZNSuarez was seen roaring ahead of the tournamentCredit: DAZN More

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      Every leaked Premier League kit for next season including throwback Liverpool shirt and slick Man Utd away strip

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      IT’S that time of year again.With the 2024-25 season done and dusted, preparations are underway for next term.Arsenal are among the clubs to have launched their new home kit alreadyCredit: GettyAnd one thing on every Premier League club’s agenda is the roll out of their new kits.Some have already been released, while others have been leaked on social media.SunSport has looked at some of the strips we can expect to see during the 2025-26 campaign.ARSENALThe Gunners have already unveiled their home kit for next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe traditional red strip has white detailing with a gothic A print blended into the body of the shirt.Arsenal have already unveiled their home kit for next seasonCredit: GettyUnlike the Arsenal home kits of recent years, the new shirt, shorts and socks only include red and white elements, with no blue or gold.Although the club’s second and third kits are yet to be officially released, some fans have leaked them online.Arsenal’s rumoured away shirt bears similarities to the club’s 2021-22 third strip.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith a dark and light blue lightning-like pattern, the top has the Gunners’ alternative cannon badge in white.There is also some red detailing down the sides and on the sleeves and neckline.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Finally, the club’s alleged new third shirt is a combination of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 third strips.The white shirt has maroon cannon and Adidas badge with gold detailing on the collar and sleeves.The iconic Adidas stripes along the shoulders are also maroon.Arsenal’s leaked 2025-26 away kitArsenal’s leaked 2025-26 third kitCHELSEAThe new Chelsea shirt is fairly similar to the 2024-25 edition.It is the traditional Blue colour synonymous with the club and includes a subtle print inspired by the architecture of London.The away kit also bears similarities to this season’s.Chelsea’s new away strip is the same off-white colour but features eight thin blue and red stripes down the centre.It also includes red and black detailing on the sleeve cuffs.The club have ditched their shiny badge.Chelsea’s new home shirt includes a subtle print inspired by the architecture of LondonThe 2025-26 Chelsea away kitLIVERPOOLFrom the 2025-26 season, Adidas will become Liverpool’s kit provider, taking over from Nike.Adidas previously partnered with the Reds from 1985 to 1996 and 2006 to 2012.The new Liverpool home kit is nearly identical to the 2010-11 strip with a classic red and white design.With three iconic Adidas stripes on the shoulders and a thin white line down each side, the shirt has a simple style that will likely be loved by the Premier League champions.The club’s new away shirt, meanwhile, is white with red detailing.In contrast to the home strip, the club badge is placed within a red crest.There is also a significant difference in the Liverpool badge on the third shirt.In a throwback to the 1980s, the third kit uses a retro club badge that was introduced 38 years ago.The shield crest was implemented in 1987 and was used for five years until 1992, the year of Liverpool’s 100th anniversary.It is now being used on the club’s third shirt for the 2025-26 season.The new shirt is green with faint stripes down the front.It also uses the Adidas Originals logo.The new Liverpool home shirtLiverpool’s 2025-26 away shirtLiverpool’s new third shirt has a retro lookMANCHESTER CITYManchester City have kept it simple with their 2025-26 home kit. The Sky Blue shirt has elements of white – including a sash-like diagonal strip along the front.However, the alleged away and third kits are very unique.The white away shirt has outlines of City supporters doing the poznan, with a black and red diagonal strip covering the front.Etihad Airways, the club’s sponsor, is positioned underneath the club badge as opposed to in the middle of the shirt.Two proposed third shirts have also been leaked, the first being a bright orange with a black and gold strip.The other, however, is completely different to any shirt used in the Premier League before.The grey strip includes a rain drop pattern with the City badge central above the Puma logo.It also has bright green detailing.Fans have been left less than impressed with the proposed new shirt, with one person writing: “It was bad without the rain drops. Then they added the rain drops.”While another joked: “Good punishment for the players, over this past season.”Man City’s 2025-26 home shirtMan City’s 2025-26 away kitA rumoured 2025-26 Man City third shirtA second rumoured 2025-26 Man City third shirtMANCHESTER UNITEDManchester United are yet to unveil their home shirt for the 2025-26 season.However, a leak of it has emerged online.The alleged new United home shirt is very similar to the 2023-24 edition with black Adidas stripes on the shoulders.The red strip also appears to have a pattern running down the sleeves.A photo of the Man Utd goalkeeper kit also emerged online in recent weeks.The green strip includes white detailing with the Adidas Originals logo.The United badge has also been placed inside a shield – which is not the case on the home shirt.Man Utd’s rumoured away shirt is white with hints of lilac.The traditional crest is replaced by the devil and trident synonymous with the club.And the third shirt is dark blue with yellow writing and detailingMan Utd’s leaked 2025-26 home shirtUnited’s alleged goalkeeper shirt 2025-26Man Utd’s rumoured away kitMan Utd’s rumoured 2025-26 third kitNEWCASTLENewcastle have kept it traditional with their 2025-26 home shirt. As always, the shirt has black and white alternating stripes running vertically down the front.But in a subtle change, there is a touch of blue included on the new edition.The light blue lines run around the neckline, down the sides and on the sleeve cuffs.Newcastle’s new home kit has been unveiledCredit: Instagram @nufcNOTTINGHAM FORESTThe leaked Nottingham Forest home shirt bears a retro look with thin white stripes running vertically down the front.It also has a collar, which has not featured on a Forest shirt since 2012.In addition, the club badge has also been placed in a shield, much like many of the other Adidas kits this season.Meanwhile, the alleged away shirt is white with grey Adidas stripes on the shoulders.It also has a pattern blended into the body of the top.Nottingham Forest’s leaked home shirt 2025-26Nottingham Forest’s leaked away shirt 2025-26TOTTENHAMEuropa League winners Tottenham unveiled their 2025-26 home shirt this week.The new strip is fairly different to the style adopted by Spurs in recent years.With navy on the shoulders, the Lilywhite shirt also has elements of grey running down the sides.The Spurs badge is also positioned in the middle of the shirt, above the Nike logo.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Tottenham’s away kit has been leaked.The all-black strip has faint lines running horizontally and vertically along the front and the shorts, creating a box pattern.Tottenham’s home kit has been releasedSpurs’ rumoured away kit is black More

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      in Soccer

      Tijjani Reijnders is £46million Man City signing who worked in ALDI and is named after legendary winger

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      TIJJANI REIJNDERS is perfectly placed to lead Manchester City’s £130million supermarket sweep.The versatile midfielder used to stack shelves in Aldi but is now the first signing of a huge summer for Pep Guardiola.Tijjani Reijnders is joining Manchester City from AC Milan for £45mCredit: GettyReijnders used to work in AldiCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThe Dutchman is a midfielder who can do a bit of everythingCredit: GettyReijnders, 26, idolises Kevin De Bruyne and will now be tasked with filling the gaping void left by the Belgian superstar.When the Holland international joined Milan he was asked about his rise to the top and said: “I recently noticed an article ‘from amateur to AC Milan’.”But when I think about it, I like ‘from Aldi to AC Milan’ even better!”Aldi to Manchester City will have an even better ring to it for Guardiola’s new midfield general.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is quite the challenge for the midfielder, though he arrives with some stellar references.Milan and Netherlands great Frank Rijkaard is convinced Reijnders is destined for the top.Speaking earlier this season, he said: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world… I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path.”I really like his style of play. He can cover all roles in the midfield and shows his generosity: he never holds back from a run for the team and always gives his best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With the quality he has, he’s excellent at creating dangerous chances for his team-mates and setting up the play well.”Reijnders can bring a bit of everything to a Manchester City midfield in need of a shot in the arm. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions LeagueThe former AZ Alkmaar man made more interceptions than any other midfielder in Serie A this season as well as creating the most chances from open play.He may not have the craft of De Bruyne when it comes to creating chances – there are few, if any, who do – but Reijnders can also find the back of the net.Milan’s maestro bagged 15 goals from midfield this term – two more than any other midfielder in the Italian top flight.Reijnders’ path to the top has been carefully plotted, aided by his father and agent, Martin – a former player himself who was a team-mate of Jaap Stam at Dutch side Zwolle.The family clearly planned a footballing career for their son from day one, naming him Tijjani after former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida.Younger brother Eliano also plays for his father’s former side, Zwolle.Martin revealed after sealing Tijjani’s move to Milan that the pair had decided to turn down Barcelona in order to join the Rossoneri.Barca were on the lookout for an heir to Sergio Busquets and Reijnders’ father made the brave and bold decision to tell his son that he was not quite up to the task.Reijnders’ parents named their son after former Ajax and Nigeria winger Tijani BabangidaCredit: GettyHis brother Eliano plays for ZwolleCredit: AlamyReijnders is hoping to fill the void left behind by Kevin De BruyneCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersHe told Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad: “I immediately told Tijjani, ‘You are not that type of player. Before you know it, you’ll end up on the bench. And you’d become yet another player who fails abroad.'”There was Premier League interest two years ago, but Reijnders has rapidly developed in Milan and now feels prepared to take his biggest step yet.As well as carefully planning his progression, Reijnders has studied fellow players to add as much to his game as possible.Speaking to The Athletic, Reijnders said: “When I got older, I looked a lot at Kevin De Bruyne. I watched his games, YouTube clips.“Especially the way he was scanning the pitch before he gets the ball so he always knows where the space is.”I try to do the same.”Before looking to add elements of De Bruyne to his game, City’s new man carefully studied another Guardiola stalwart in Andres Iniesta.Read More on The SunThere are few deals which can be a sure thing, not every signing is as obvious as Erling Haaland.But in Reijnders, Manchester City look to have identified a player capable of grabbing hold of a game who is primed to slot straight into a Guardiola side.Reijnders has an eye for goalCredit: GettyHe is married to MarinaCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThey welcomed baby son Xavien in February 2024Credit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThe family regularly post snaps on social mediaCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersReijnders will provide a welcome boost for Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty More