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      in Boxing

      ‘We’ve always come out victorious’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s cousin goads Conor Benn ahead of ‘family feud’ fight

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      HARLEM EUBANK warned cousin Chris’ fight against Conor Benn is a sizeable mismatch – and wants to scrap with the Destroyer himself.The unbeaten Brighton welterweight was due on the undercard when the mega-bout was first announced for October 2022. Chris Eubank Jr stares down Conor BennCredit: GettyBut the scrap was dramatically scrapped with just days to go after it was revealed Benn had failed two drug tests. Now, three years on, it has been rescheduled for April 26 at Tottenham’s stadium with the fight bigger than ever.Benn has had two comeback wins up at the 154lb light-middleweight limit – but Harlem insists nothing can prepare him for what is to come.He told SunSport: “I think it’s a no brainer. Conor hasn’t been in with anyone near that level, let alone that weight class.READ MORE IN BOXING”I mean, you see at 154, you can talk about knocking people out but in a fight it’s different and I think that’s kind of already become clear.”So it’s clearly a mismatch, it’s a fantasy fight because of the names but the weight, and the standard doesn’t align.” Benn tested positive for banned substance clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone. But he won his drug case and recently had a UK Anti-Doping ban lifted, freeing him to fight on home soil again.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlthough Harlem – robbed of his bout on the undercard three years ago – will believe it when he sees it. He said: “There’s a lot surrounding the fight that’s been controversial over the last three years. “I was there obviously on the undercard on the first fight. It was a very long kind of ordeal even media-wise all the topics around it, you know, the cloudiness around it.”I still can’t see it – like obviously it’s done now – but until they’re in the ring I still can’t see it. “I still won’t believe it until they’re actually in the ring because last time it was already fight week, it was three days out and he failed his drug test.”So yeah, I’ll believe it when they’re in the ring and the bell rings.”Harlem is now 20-0 and returns on Friday against Northern Irishman Tyrone McKenna in Brighton. And his legendary uncle Chris Sr – who sadly lost son Sebastian in 2021 – is actively helping guide his nephew as a mentor. Harlem, 31, said: “He’s on great form at the minute and he’s constantly sending me across snippets of wisdom and I’m gonna use it all as I build and grow as a fighter.It’s gonna be huge and I think I’ll feel that pride and that rivalry on the night as well. And, we’ve always come out victorious so it will be no different.Harlem Eubank”He’s steered me a lot in the sport and been a great role model for me as well. “So I’m looking forward to continuing to shine through the the wisdoms that he’s implanted in me.”I hope to do him proud when I go out there on fight night and put in a performance.”Harlem was only a few months old when uncle Chris drew with Benn in 1993 – three years after his brutal win. And Eubank Jr has been open and candid about losing touch with his dad in recent times – despite always voicing his love and admiration for Sr. It remains to be seen whether the British boxing great will be in his son’s corner against Benn – but Harlem will be. He said: “It’s gonna be historic. Benn against Eubank it’s always been one of those fights that people refer to 20 years later.”It’s gonna be huge and I think I’ll feel that pride and that rivalry on the night as well. And, we’ve always come out victorious so it will be no different.”Benn – unbeaten in 23 bouts – bullishly claims he will KO Eubank before heading back down to welterweight for a world title shot. READ MORE SUN STORIESHarlem – campaigning also at the weight – will be waiting for Benn and fancies a crack at Nigel’s son himself. He grinned: “He says he’s still 147. So if he wants to fight a competitor – which I’m not sure he’s looking to do – I’m 147 and I’m ready to give it to him.”Harlem Eubank faces off with Tyrone McKennaCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Fans can’t believe state of Premier League away dressing room that is ‘worse than Sunday League’

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      FANS were left astonished after getting a glimpse of the away dressing room at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.Brighton dumped the Toon out of the FA Cup yesterday courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s dramatic winner late in extra time.Brighton celebrated in the St James’ Park away dressing roomFans were surprised to see how small the facility isFollowing the match, Seagulls’ social media channels posted a video of their players celebrating their triumph.In the short clip, Brighton stars can be seen jumping up and down in the dressing room.The low-ceilinged, cramped space barely seemed to fit them all as they bounced around.Upon seeing Brighton’s video, one fan wrote on social media: “Surely that’s not the away dressing room at St James? You see better facilities in Sunday league, seriously.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second commented: “Jesus Christ that’s woeful.”Although a third countered: “Basically no away dressing room is particularly nice.”Another added: “Why would you want your away dressing room to be elite? Surely you’d want it as uncomfortable as possible.”Newcastle chiefs have been mulling over potentially building a new stadium to replace their iconic home.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBrighton dumped Newcastle out of the FA CupCredit: GettyA final decision is expected soon on the £1.2bn project.Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone said: “We’re at that point where we’re deciding ‘Is it best to renovate and re-invigorate St James’ Park?’Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international break”Which is renowned as one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the country.”Or build a new stadium as these projects have shown and other clubs in the Premier League have done.“That is a decision which will be made relatively soon. What’s clear is we need to satisfy that demand.”Every week we have a very intense fanbase which is determined to come and watch Newcastle but can’t.“So you start with the fans and how we can service most of them and then look into what’s the best option from that.”Newcastle could build a new stadium adjacent to their current homeThe Toon could instead opt to expand their current home More

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      in Soccer

      Ousmane Dembele is outscoring Mo Salah as Liverpool face PSG at worst time with Frenchman finally coming into his own

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE is one of the most expensive footballers of all time.The Paris Saint-Germain star has won four league titles, lifted domestic cups in three countries and played in a World Cup final.Ousmane Dembele is at last living up to lofty predictionsCredit: GettyMo Salah has been tipped for the Ballon d’Or amid a brilliant seasonCredit: AlamyYet the France forward has never made much of an impression on English football.But that could be about to change as Dembele heads into a Champions League clash with Liverpool in the form of his life.The 27-year-old has outscored even Kop hero Mo Salah in the past three months as he and PSG grow in confidence that they can finally end their long wait for European glory.Dembele scored yet another goal as PSG warmed up for Wednesday’s Liverpool clash in the French capital with a 4-1 demolition of Lille on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he is stepping out of the shadow of fellow France forward Kylian Mbappe, who left Paris for Real Madrid in the summer.When Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, the deal — worth up to £138million — was the second biggest in football history, behind only the £200m that PSG had just spent on Neymar.Yet despite winning three LaLiga titles in six seasons with Barca, Dembele struggled to live up to expectations at the Camp Nou, partly because of injuries and the club’s financial crisis.It is only now, after returning to France in 2023 to replace Neymar again — this time at PSG — that he seems to be fulfilling the potential he showed as a precocious teenager.Most read in Champions LeagueDembele outstrips Salah with his goal ratio but not for assistsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMasour Ousmane Dembele was 13 when he was spotted by Stade Rennais and made his senior debut for them in November 2015 when aged 18.Mikael Silvestre — the former Manchester United, Arsenal and France defender — was an adviser to the club’s president. France stars stroke Ousmane Dembele’s face and go wild as he collects award after win over PortugalAnd after Dembele scored a hat-trick against Nantes in March 2016, Silvestre compared him to “a young Cristiano Ronaldo”, having watched the Portugal maestro emerge at Old Trafford.Barcelona and a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, were tracking Dembele.But it was Dortmund who snapped him up in the summer of 2016 in a deal worth about £30m.Dembele rewarded Dortmund’s faith, on and off the pitch.In a stellar campaign he was the Bundesliga rookie of the year and scored crucial goals in the semi-final and final of the German cup as the club claimed their first trophy for five years.Dembele earned his first senior caps for France and claimed a first international goal in a 3-2 friendly win over England.Barcelona had seen enough to follow up their earlier interest and sign the 20-year-old in that deal worth up to £138m — the same fee they would spend on Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho later in the season.That sort of spending would come back to haunt both club and player.And Dembele, handed the No 11 shirt just vacated by Neymar, had a sticky start.He picked up a hamstring injury early in the season that kept him out for more than three months. And that was to be the story of his six seasons in Catalonia.Dembele was tipped for greatness while with Lionel Messi at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – GettyDembele is now a genuine rival to Kylian Mbappe in the striking stakesCredit: RexFor each of his three LaLiga titles, there was at least one serious hamstring complaint and overall he missed 784 days with 14 different injuriesBarca boss Xavi once claimed that Dembele could be “the best player in the world”.But that sounded like wishful thinking.Then the club were forced to let Lionel Messi leave in 2021 because of their growing financial problems. In 2022, Dembele renewed his contract but on terms that reportedly cut his salary by 40 per cent.And despite him playing his part in the title win of 2022-3, Barcelona ended up selling the forward to PSG for £43.5m.It was deja vu all over again for Dembele. Days after he joined the Paris side he inherited Neymar’s No 10 shirt when the Brazilian joined the talent exodus to Saudi Arabia.Dembele scored in the French cup final win over Lyon that sealed a domestic Double and made key contributions to PSG’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.But his six goals in 42 appearances were eclipsed, on and off the pitch, by club and international team-mate Mbappe.France captain Mbappe scored 44 goals in 48 games but even that achievement was overshadowed by the constant speculation about his future. That ended with confirmation that he would be joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.So at the start of this season, Dembele once more faced the challenge of replacing an acknowledged superstar.“The best thing I’ve done was not letting Ousmane play in London [at Arsenal]. That day everyone criticised me. PSG boss Luis EnriqueAnd this time he is delivering, thanks in part to a bit of tough love from Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique.Dembele was dropped for the Champions League trip to Arsenal in early October because, in Enrique’s words, he had “not respected nor complied with the obligations and requirements of the team”.It did not immediately look like a masterstroke of man-management from the former Barcelona and Spain boss.Dembele struggled for both goals and assists before being sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Bayern Munich that left PSG facing elimination from the Champions League before the knockout stage.But since the start of December, no one in Europe’s big five leagues — not even Egyptian king Salah — has scored more goals than Dembele.His haul of 18 in 13 appearances includes back-to-back hat-tricks, in the 4-1 win over Stuttgart that earned progress in the Champions League and the 5-2 Ligue 1 victory over Brest.Enrique said: “You’d have to ask him what he ate for Christmas!“The best thing I’ve done was not letting Ousmane play in London [at Arsenal]. “That day everyone criticised me. It was, by far, the best decision I’ve taken this year, but Dembele did the rest of the work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo more Dembele goals against Brest again in the first leg of the Champions League play-off set PSG well on their way to Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool and Salah.And the club where Messi, Neymar and Mbappe all failed to deliver that longed-for European title has new hope with their new hero.PSG want Dembele to surpass the achievements of three iconsCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd staring at £100m black hole after season of hell as they face selling off best stars and being stuck with flops

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      MANCHESTER United are staring at a £100million-plus black hole as the cost of their season of Hell is laid bare.Boss Ruben Amorim was left powerless as his side crashed out of the FA Cup in Sunday’s penalty shoot-out defeat by Fulham.Ruben Amorim faces a make-or-break tie with Real Sociedad later this weekCredit: PAThe form of Rasmus Hojlund is a huge concern to the Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersAmorim could be forced into selling his young stars in the summer to meet PSR rulesCredit: AlamyWith United currently on course for their all-time worst PL finish, their only chance of salvation is from the Europa League.United travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the last 16 on Thursday, aiming to give Amorim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos and the increasingly unhappy fans something positive to work with.But failure to emerge through three knock-out rounds and lift the trophy in Bilbao on May 21 will have a dramatic effect on Amorim’s summer funds and potential spending plans.Qualification for the Champions League would be worth around £50m for United without kicking a ball, with a further £30m in bonus and prize money for reaching the last 16.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat does not take into account around £25m in gate receipts from four home games in the league phase and one knock-out tie.United’s new kit sponsorship deal with Adidas includes a £10m penalty clause for each season they are not in the Champions League.And with United currently 14th, they are on course to drop another £31m from the amount they would have earned from the Prem by making the top four.It all adds up to a huge headache for Amorim and the club – which has already announced that ticket price increases and a major cost-cutting programme is required as the Old Trafford hierarchy conjure with looming Profitability and Sustainability Rules issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe confirmation from Prem chiefs that PSR will still apply next season, with clubs only allowed to make “permitted losses” of £105m over three years, will plunge United into further financial concerns.But PSR requirements and the impact of this season’s failures on the club’s income stream may now force Amorim to sell the family silver in this summer’s transfer market – and prevent him getting rid of some of the under-achieving players.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missDanish striker Rasmus Hojlund endured another horror outing against Fulham, having just nine touches and completing a mere two passes in his 68 minutes on the pitch.Hojlund has scored just twice in the Prem this season and has only five top-flight goals in 32 appearances over the past 12 months.United paid Atalanta an up-front £64m – potentially rising to £72m – two years ago, with the striker signing a five-year deal.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.That means he has an “amortisation” cost of £38.4m – the transfer sale value below which it would NEGATIVELY impact United’s finances – at the end of the season. United also need to get in £34.4m for Brazilian flop Antony – currently on loan at Real Betis – or £29.2m for struggling Joshua Zirkzee to start to “make” money on a sale. By contrast, any funds raised by selling on-loan Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho or skipper Bruno Fernandes could be calculated at the full value of the deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that financial reality is one that could lead to big decisions being made if Ratcliffe and Ineos are prepared to build a squad designed to play in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.It all adds up to a major nightmare off the pitch in addition to the clear problems facing United on it. More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘That was my idea’ – Lewis Hamilton takes credit for major F1 rule change he’s been ‘mentioning for years’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has claimed that he told Formula One chiefs to change the Monaco Grand Prix to a two-stop race years ago.Last week, the FIA announced a significant rule change for one of F1’s most prestigious races.Lewis Hamilton appealed to F1 chiefs ‘years’ ago about making the Monaco GP a two-stop raceCredit: GettyFrom this year, it will become mandatory for drivers to make two pit stops as opposed to just one.The change has been made to “improving the sporting spectacle” of the Monaco Grand Prix.Both fans and drivers have complained about the lack of action at Circuit de Monaco in recent years.For that reason, Hamilton believes a change should have been introduced a long time ago.Read More in F1After pre-season testing last week, he said: “I’m pretty sure that was my idea anyways.”But if you go back and look at some of the transcripts of previous years, I’ve been mentioning the two stop for years.”I think Monaco has to be at least a two-stop [race]. I think the one-stop was never really great.”I think that [the Monaco] Grand Prix is a great Grand Prix, but the race… there’s more to offer in the race maybe with more than one pit stop.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Hamilton believes the change will largely improve the Monaco race, he insists it will not fix every issue.He continued: “That won’t fix it all. We’ll still see some of the issues of not overtaking and stuff, but I think it will make it more exciting. So yeah, I’m all for it.”Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleThe 40-year-old, who officially joined Ferrari in January, was seen driving the team’s new SF-25 car for the first time in testing last week.Hamilton was thrilled with his first taste of action in the car and said: “I’ve learned that you really can’t judge too much from the first outlook.”I definitely think in past years, particularly in the previous generation of car, it was much easier to know where you stood quite early on.”But I would say this is the most positive feeling that I’ve had in a long time.” More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Fulham’s wild dressing room celebrations as rowdy stars launch bottles and dive around after win over Man Utd

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      FULHAM players got the party started in the Old Trafford dressing rooms after knocking out FA Cup holders Man Utd. Marco Silva’s men battled past United following a tense penalty shootout at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero as the Cottagers knocked out FA Cup holders Man UtdCredit: GettyThere was carnage in the Fulham dressing room as the celebrations continuedCredit: XLeno was mobbed by his teammates after Fulham reached the FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: XGoalkeeper Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero, saving the decisive penalty from Joshua Zirkzee at the Stretford End. It sent Fulham through to just their second FA Cup quarter-final since 2009. And their delighted players cranked up the volume before even reaching the team bus. Footage on social media showed the team wildly celebrating amongst carnage in the away dressing room.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSilva’s assistant Goncalo Pedro roars into the camera as players chant and cheer following the 4-3 shootout win. Defender Calvin Bassey is seen diving headlong onto a changing table, with other players celebrating by throwing drinks onto the floor.Penalty hero Leno enters to an eruption of cheers from his teammates, who join the German for a dance. One fan responded to the wild footage on X: “Celebrating like they won the FA Cup, we’ll see them crying next round.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Huge W for Fulham. An incredible night that these players will remember forever.”While a third laughed: “Imagine they’d beaten a decent team.”Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missAnd a fourth added: “Man United is heading for rock bottom.”United boss Ruben Amorim cut a dejected figure after the loss.But he attempted to strike a positive tone in his post-match press conference – suggesting his overall goal was to win the Premier League.Amorim said: “In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn’t our way.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.”We know that we are losing games, but the goal is to win the Premier League again. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal, and we continue forward no matter what.”It’s impossible to know, but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We’ll see in the future.” More

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      in Boxing

      Gervonta Davis controversy as hairstylist speaks out after claims too much GREASE caused him to take knee vs Roach

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      GERVONTA DAVIS’ hairstylist has hit back after the boxing champion claimed too much GREASE caused him to take a knee against Lamont Roach. Davis kept hold of his WBA lightweight title and unbeaten record after a controversial draw against Lamont Roach in New York. Gervonta Davis’ hairstylist hits back after the boxing legend said grease caused his eyes to burnCredit: instagram @leebthebrandDavis drew against Lamont RoachCredit: AlamyIn round nine, Davis bizarrely took a knee after a delayed reaction to a Roach jab.But referee Steve Willis did not administer a count despite rules stating an official must if the glove or knee touches the canvas. Davis later faced boos from the Barclays Center crowd after blaming too much hair grease in his eyes for the reason he touched down. He said: “I just got my hair done two days ago and she put grease in my s***.READ MORE IN BOXING”So the s*** was like sweating and things like that and the grease coming in my my face.”It burned my eyes type s***, yeah. Damn, why y’all booing like I’m saying bulls***?”Like, this is real facts. Come on, man. Look at my hair, I just got my s*** done.”But it’s all cool, man. You know how it get. They love you, then they hate you. Turn around then they love you again.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavis’ hairstylist – Lee The Brand – has since spoken out to defend herself. She wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post: “I did his hair WEDNESDAY, It’s SATURDAY! He did press, gym and weigh in. Huge controversy as Paddy Donovan DISQUALIFIED vs Lewis Crocker on wild night of boxing in Belfast”That’s no excuse, how much grease did I use damn.”She then posted a Conditioning Shine product which reads “no grease” on the label. One judge scored the bout 115-113 in favour of Davis with the other two 114-114 a draw – meaning Roach would have won if the knockdown counted. Roach, 29, said: “If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref start counting, it should be a knockdown.”If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight. So, I mean, it is what it is. I’m not banking on that knockdown to win. I just thought I pulled it out.”S***, I hope we can run it back. I want to run it back for sure.”Davis, 30, also opened the door to a rematch and defended his decision to take a knee on social media. He posted: “They took the fight from me and made it a draw becuz I did that bulls*** knee..READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I landed the most punches in the fight..he didn’t even hit me with a punch when I took the knee. “I get it though, I shouldn’t have done that but that hair grease was burning my eyes!”Davis took a knee but a knockdown was not scoredCredit: GettyDavis had his face wiped by his coachesCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘They had problems’ – Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in

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      GARY LINEKER believes Manchester United’s current struggles can be traced back to Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday following a penalty shootout defeat to Fulham.Gary Lineker has given his thoughts on the current stage of Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersThe FA Cup holders crashed out following a penalty shootout loss to FulhamCredit: PALineker believes Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in a “state” when he quit in 2013Credit: ReutersCurrent boss Ruben Amorim has been backed by ex-United striker Wayne RooneyCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim’s men are enduring a disastrous season, currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League. Off the field, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been criticised for a swathe of redundancies and cost-cutting measures.Following Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford, BBC pundit and ex-England striker Lineker discussed United’s plight. And he believes the structure left in place when Ferguson left the club in 2013 was not adequate. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “If you look at Liverpool now, they’ve got a new manager in Arne Slot, and it’s testament to how Jurgen Klopp left the club in a really good state.”So the structure is really good. That probably wasn’t the case at the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s [time at Old Trafford].”Ferguson won the Prem a record 13 times with United, including in 2012/13 despite an ageing squad. Lineker continued: “I know they won the league that season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But it wasn’t their best side, and a lot of their great players were coming to the end of their careers. “I think from there they had problems. The academy wasn’t delivering the players that they were before.”Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs FulhamLineker was joined on the panel at Old Trafford by Wayne Rooney, Danny Murphy and Micah Richards.And former United striker Rooney admitted the club no longer have the pulling power that tempted him from Everton as a teenager in 2004.The 39-year-old said: “You need to be in a stable position to bring the best players in.”If I’m a player playing in a different country or a different club, Man United come to me, and I’m looking thinking, ‘You know, I’m not sure’. “The top players want Champions League football. And unfortunately, that’s not where the club is.”Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.Despite United’s turmoil, Roo believes Amorim can be the man to turn things around – but admits challenging for a title is a long way off.He added: I do think [Amorim] will get [time]. “It’s not a free hit because I think you’d expect a bit more from Manchester United than what we’re seeing since he’s been in.”It’s very difficult to come in during the season and not have the pre-season to implement his plans with the team. “He has to look to the future moving forward.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He says [he wants to] win the Premier League but how can they compete to get a bit further up the table, I think that’s the next step for them.”I think it’s a little bit naive to say ‘We’re looking to win the Premier League’ because, from where they are now, they’re a long way off that.” More