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      ‘Not good enough’ Harry Maguire reveals Man Utd stars have ‘lost confidence’ when playing at home at Old Trafford

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      HARRY Maguire reckons Old Trafford is once again a stadium that strikes fear into players – just not the right ones.And the no-nonsense centre back has urged his Manchester United pals to shrug off their home sickness if they want to rescue a dismal season.Harry Maguire admitted that he and his team-mates have little confidence at Old TraffordOn Friday, Maguire ticked one off his personal bucket list with a last-gasp headed winner in front of the Stretford End to save their FA Cup skins.Yet United stumbled, rather than sparkled, to a 2-1 fourth round triumph over lowly Leicester, after trailing the relegation scrappers for much of the game.Maguire – like everyone bar the officials – also knew he was one of FOUR men in an offside position when he scored, and the goal would have been ruled out had VAR been in operation.And as a realist, he wasn’t about to get carried away by a place in the last 16…more concerned at getting his team-mates back on track in front of their own fans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe stadium which once struck fear into opponents throughout Europe in the glory years, now only causes those in United shirts to tremble.They have won just five of 13 Premier League games at Old Trafford – and Maguire knows the rot must stop to get anything from the season.He warned: “We can’t be starting games like that at Old Trafford. The run of results here has been so poor I think the boys have lost a little confidence of playing in front of the crowd.“It’s something we need to address because if we want to be a successful team we’ve got to make it hard for teams to come here and play – and the first half wasn’t good.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We’ve got to stop conceding that first goal. If you’re not playing free-flowing football and the performances aren’t great, you’ve just got to keep yourself at 0-0 for as long as you can.“We have talent in the team to change the momentum. But at the moment, whenever we come under a tiny bit of pressure we concede a goal and that’s not good enough.”Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winnerMaguire’s winner came was allowed to stand despite being at least a yard beyond the Leicester backline – yet at least it finally saw him realise a personal dream.He admitted: “Yes, it was a nice moment for myself because in six years at the club, I haven’t managed a last-minute winner at the Stretford End.“I’ve scored at the Stretford End but not in the last minute, so it’s something I’ll never forget. It’s an amazing feeling.“I can remember eight years ago I scored at the King Power for Leicester against Man United in the last minute, so it’s roles reversed now. I’m happy to be on the end of it.”Maguire scored the winner but Alejandro Garnacho’s second half cameo inspired the turnaroundCredit: AFPUnited’s comeback was inspired when Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench for the second half, teeing up Joshua Zirkzee’s equaliser before the dramatic finish.Maguire hailed the young Argentine winger’s impact and reckons it has to be a benchmark for the others to follow.He added: “It was a great mentality from him tonight because I’m sure he was frustrated not to start and wants to play every game.“But when he does come off the bench he always has a huge impact on the team. He did it in the Europa League last midweek with Amad, and changed the game there.“Now he’s come on and changed the game again…he had a huge impact. I’m sure he doesn’t want to be called an impact player and he wants to be playing from the start.“But credit to him, he was mentally right, mentally focused and came in with a great attitude. He definitely helped us to win the game.”United equalled a humiliating 132-year record with the defeat to Crystal Palace last Sunday.The result was the club’s SEVENTH Premier League home defeat of the season – from just 13 matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is their joint-worst record at this stage of the season in their entire history.In 1893-94, when still called Newton Heath, they went on to lose eight of their 15 home league games.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul hits back with leaked ‘fight contract’ and poster as Canelo Alvarez breaks silence on collapse of $200m bout

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      JAKE PAUL leaked an alleged contract and poster after Canelo Alvarez broke his silence over the collapse of their fight. The YouTuber-turned-boxer and Mexican great had a deal in place for a May 3 bout in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena to be streamed on Netflix.Jake Paul hitting back at Canelo AlvarezCanelo broke his silence after the fight collapsedJake Paul shared the fight posterThis is the alleged fight agreementAnd rival promoter Eddie Hearn admitted the fight could have banked the pair a stunning $100MILLION each.But with an announcement imminent – Canelo cancelled the bout at the 11th hour to instead sign a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh. And in a video message to The Ring Magazine – now owned by Saudi boxing boss Alalshikh – Canelo hit out at Paul. He said: “Hey guys, don’t pay attention to anything [from] this f***ing YouTuber. READ MORE IN BOXING”I just fight real fighters, no f***ing around with Canelo. Come on – Let’s go!”But Paul was quick to hit back and leak what appeared to be a contractual fight agreement with Canelo and an official poster. He said: “Time to expose him. So we had a signed contract to fight. Here you can see Canelo’s signature and my signature to the right.“Claiming he’s not fighting YouTubers, bulls***, look at the poster. We were announcing Tuesday, February 11th. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Claiming he fights “real fighters” but he’s fighting [Terence] Crawford, a 135lb fighter, and running from a real fighter like David Benavidez, you b****.” Canelo, 34, has been negotiating a September super-fight against unbeaten Terence Crawford, 37, for his super-middleweight belts.Canelo Alvarez to fight Terence Crawford in battle of P4P greats and make history at $2BILLION, 65,000-capacity stadium But he still needed an opponent to face for his regular Cinco de Mayo weekend fight in May.That is when talks with Paul accelerated – to the anger Alalshikh – who then called off talks for Canelo and Crawford.Alalshikh believed fighting the 11-1 celebrity would have diminished the size of his blockbuster against Crawford.He also claimed Canelo had no intention of actually fighting Paul – instead just needing an opponent for May.So Alalshikh offered Alvarez a four-fight deal, starting with a warm-up on May 4 in Riyadh before the title bout with Crawford four months later.And Canelo will also have two more fights in 2026 – potentially in Saudi – after agreeing the late U-turn.Remember you told my team your daughter came home and asked if you were fighting Jake Paul. She was all excited. You said that was the first time your daughter ever asked you about a fight.Jake Paul on Canelo AlvarezNow the four-division champ will proceed with his bout against Crawford – while Paul is left to find a new opponent.The American, 28, is is coming off a points win over Mike Tyson, 58, in November with over 100MILLION tuning in to watch on Netflix.That was despite the controversy surrounding Tyson’s age and the fact it was his first professionally-sanctioned bout in 20 YEARS.And Paul claimed his fight with Canelo was heading to Netflix too – with even his Mexican rival’s daughter looking forward to it. Paul said: “You were begging to do this fight on pay-per-view, but I have loyalty. Loyalty to Netflix doing the biggest numbers. “And you call me a “YouTuber” but you’ve never had a boxing match as big as mine. “Remember you told my team your daughter came home and asked if you were fighting Jake Paul. She was all excited. “You said that was the first time your daughter ever asked you about a fight. “And you’re screwing over all your Mexican fans by doing your fights in Saudi. It just shows what type of person you are. “And I can promise you one thing, Canelo. Any fight that you do this year, mine will be bigger.” Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian also revealed details on the would-be 200lb fight. He posted: “Jake vs Canelo was planned as a Cruiserweight fight. “Team Canelo approached us to do the fight at 190 lbs (Canelo’s walk around weight). “We said it made no sense to take away the one advantage the public would see for Jake – his size. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So the agreement was a standard Cruiserweight fight, 12 rounds, 3 minute rounds.” Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: GettyCanelo is the super-middleweight world championCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Leyton Orient star Jamie Donley scores from halfway line v Man City in FA Cup – but it’s harshly ruled an own goal

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      LEYTON ORIENT were in FA Cup dreamland after taking a shock lead against Manchester City. Jamie Donley stunned the Premier League champions by taking aim from 40 yards out at Brisbane Road. Jamie Donley spotted Ortega off his line in Leyton Orient’s FA Cup game with Man CityCredit: BBCThe 20-year-old saw his brilliant effort cruelly hit the crossbarCredit: BBCBut Ortega would only divert the ball back into his own netCredit: BBCDonley – who is on loan from Tottenham – celebrated wildly with the OrientCredit: BBCPep Guardiola named a strong starting XI for the trip to East London.Jack Grealish, Omar Marmoush, Ilkay Gungogan and Savinho all started for the seven-time FA Cup winners. While Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, John Stones and Bernard were all named on the bench. But City were made to pay for a slow start when Orient took the lead on 15 minutes. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDonley came out best following a 50/50 in the middle of the park and spotted keeper Stefan Ortega off his line. The 20-year-old hit a brilliant strike from just inside City’s half, which Ortega could only watch fly over his head. Donley was denied a stunning goal only by the crossbar.But the ball instead smashed back off the woodwork, hitting Ortega and rolling into the net. Most read in FootballDonley, on loan from Tottenham, has netted six times in 22 games since joining the O’s in the summer.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrient have enjoyed a super season in League One and are well in the hunt for the playoffs. They have beaten Boreham Wood, Oldham Atheltic, and Championship side Derby so far in their run to the fourth round. Man goes football crazy after renting flat next to Leyton Orient’s stadium City were dealt a blow later in the first half as new signing Nico Gonzalez limped off injured on debut.Marmoush, Grealish and Savinho all had chances to level before the break but were kept out by Orient keeper Josh Keeley. More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Kane breaks silence on his transfer release clause from Bayern Munich which could see him return to Premier League

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      HARRY KANE refused to deny he has a release clause in his Bayern Munich deal that could signal a sensational Premier League return.The England captain joined the Bundesliga giants from Tottenham in August 2023 for £104million.Harry Kane reportedly has a release clause in his Bayern contractCredit: GettyReports in Germany claim there is a buy-out option of £54million in the striker’s contract that he can activate in January 2026.The clause could have allegedly been met during the recent winter transfer window for the higher fee of £67million.Asked about the situation, Kane, 31, said: “What I can say is that I’m very happy at FC Bayern. No comment on the clause.”Deadly from 12 yards, Kane scored two penalties on Friday night at the Allianz Arena in a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored 21 goals in this season’s German top-flight and converted 20 of his 20 penalties for the club.His last spot-kick failure dates back to December 2022 in an England shirt in the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in Qatar.Kane said: “I’m on a good run. Misses can happen. It has happened in the past, too.“It was another nice game. There will always be tight games throughout the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I want to take responsibility and open the game up. It’s happened a few times this season which is good.“I’m enjoying being out here with the boys.How much Mathys Tel will cost Tottenham for four months revealed… with no guarantee Spurs can activate buy option“There’s always room for improvement for myself personally, like the one I missed with the left foot. But it’s always nice to score.”Bayern president Herbert Hainer gushed: “That’s a quality Harry has. I don’t know anyone who converts penalties quite like he does.“It’s crazy that the goalkeeper always flies into the wrong corner.”Vincent Kompany’s side will be in good form and confidence ahead of a key week in two competitions.They play Celtic away on Wednesday in the Champions League playoffs first leg and then it is a visit to league rivals and reigning champions Bayern Leverkusen on Saturday.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer set for shock position change as Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hints a new tactic for FA Cup tie at Brighton

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      ENZO MARESCA warned Cole Palmer could be forced into a change of position to help solve Chelsea’s injury crisis. The Blues travel to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round tonight – but do so with attackers sidelined. Enzo Maresca warned Cole Palmer could be forced into a change of positionCredit: ReutersStrike pair Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu were both forced off in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge against West Ham on Monday. It leaves Christopher Nkunku and Palmer – who played through the middle for Maresca at Manchester City’s academy – as options to lead the line. Maresca said: “We have players. Christo has played already as a nine. I had Cole playing as a nine in the past. We can find some different solutions. “At the moment, we didn’t decide anything because we are still waiting for Nico and from there, we will see different options.”READ MORE IN footballPalmer is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 – playing almost all of his football in the No10 role. He started on the right in the 2-0 opening day defeat against Premier League champions City – before remaning in the middle. Nkunku is behind Palmer with 13 goals this season but only two of those have come in the league. He has provided back up to Jackson – on nine goals – but Maresca says the Frenchman is best in the No10. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNkunku – who came on against West Ham on the left – was linked with a move to Bayern Munich the January transfer window. But he stayed in West London and Maresca hinted at giving the former RB Leipzig star more minutes. Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training He said: “I spoke last week already about Christo. “Probably against West Ham, he played more or less half an hour and hopefully from now on he can get more minutes and help us.” The Blues boss named Nkunku as one of the players who can help ease pressure off Palmer’s scoring shoulders.He said: “We have just 14 [league] games to go. It’s just 14 games, not a big number.“Since we started, Cole plays always, so I don’t think it is something that is going to make a difference for Cole. “Also we have Christo in that position. We can have different players who play there.”Christopher Nkunku is set for more game time at ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Beth Merrick says Wolves will not be counting themselves out in Women’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United

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      BETH MERRICK loves juggling her passion for education with playing for Wolves Women’s Championship promotion chasers. Tonight, the lifelong Wolves fan and secondary school PE teacher, 29, hopes to inspire the next generation in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round. Beth Merrick and her Wolverhampton team-mates are set for a huge test in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round against Man UnitedCredit: GettyPE teacher Merrick says pupils at the Staffordshire secondary school she works at are relishing seeing her in action against United’s starsCredit: GettyLifelong Wolves fan Merrick hopes to see a record turnout for their FA Cup game at SEAH Stadium in TelfordAnd that is by knocking out holders Manchester United in what would be a huge giant-killing. Merrick and her hungry third-tier Wolves pals will go for the jugular when they face a United side, whose stars include England Euros winner Ella Toone. Meanwhile her students are relishing the prospect of watching their teacher take on the Red Devils. Midfielder Merrick, who works in the Staffordshire city of Lichfield, said:Read More Football Stories”I’ve got girls who will be going to a match for the first time “Students that have never been really interested in football that are just excited to come and watch me share a pitch with people who they’ve heard are good at football. “I’ve had so much excitement (from my pupils) and Ella Toone has been the big one in terms (of the players) on everyone’s minds. “There are going to be some really happy children from my school who will be watching their football heroes and watching their teacher share a pitch with these heroes.”Most read in FootballLast year’s FA Cup final decider between United and Tottenham at Wembley, which ended as a 4-0 triumph for the Red Devils attracted a crowd of 76,082. This was just 1,302 shy of the record-breaking number of spectators that watched Chelsea beat the holders 1-0 in the final the year before. And Wolves, who are coached by RAF aircraft technician Dan McNamara, hope to see a record turnout at their 6,300-capacity SEAH Stadium in Telford at 5:15pm this evening. Merrick adds: “Our club has grown so much and women’s football has been growing anyway. “It’s an emerging sport in its own right compared to men’s football.”The way that it’s gone and the way that it’s been has changed dramatically. “At the school I work at I’ve been hearing comments in the last couple of weeks where girls are mentioning the fact of, ‘oh my God, you’ll be playing against Ella Toone!’ “Just that in itself and the fact they can name a Man United Women’s player is a really big opportunity to showcase that.”Merrick’s journey as a footballer began at the age of seven when she entered Wolves’ Centre of Excellence. After six years in their youth system she would spend a decade at Aston Villa before spells with Sheffield United and Coventry before returning to Wolverhampton. The former England Under-23 international had a chance to become a full-time player during her Villa days. She was also part of the side that competed in the Women’s Championship in 2015. But for Merrick being able to balance her teaching career with her job on the pitch is important. Man United boss Marc Skinner hopes to guide his side to back-to-back Women’s FA Cup trophy winsCredit: PAShe said: “At Villa the opportunity was there to be full-time, but I turned it down so that I could do bothREAD MORE SUN STORIES”Having students that I’ve managed to inspire and the comments I have had (from them) over the last few weeks on this game alone has been amazing. “That’s all from the growth of women’s football and the hard work that people have put in and others that have paved the way for us.” More

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      in Boxing

      Saudi boxing chiefs plan fights at outrageous venues including Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and inside infamous prison

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      TURKI ALALSHIKH has revealed stunning plans to host fights at venues including the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and inside an infamous prison. Alalshikh helped spearhead the recent boom in the sport by offering up huge sums to finally make the best fights happen. Turki Alalshikh has revealed stunning plans to host fights at outrageous venuesCredit: GettyBut his Riyadh Season and personal promotion have also started staging events outside of Saudi – including in London and Los Angeles. Now Alalshikh has plans to take the sport to outrageous venues across Europe and America. He told ESPN: “What do you think if there is [an] event, fight in Alcatraz jail one day?“It is like a museum now. You know, sometimes I get in my mind I want different places to do [fights]. READ MORE IN BOXING”Sometimes in mountains, maybe someday in the Pyramids in Mexico, someday in Eiffel Tower in France, Coliseum in Italy. You understand this concept?”AlcatrazThe correctional facility in San Jose has imprisoned some of the world’s most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone. It closed in 1963 because it became too expensive to maintain and operate – since turning into a museum and touring spot. No sports event has ever been held on the island – but inmates were known to play baseball and softball while locked up. Most read in BoxingAlcatraz prison closed and is now a tourist attractionCredit: GettyEiffel TowerThe 1,000-foot tower cost £1.2billion to construct in 1889 – which equates to £30BILLION in the current day. In 2024, the Eiffel Tower stadium was built for the Paris Olympics with the landmark attraction standing over the pitch. Beach volleyball and blind football were played there – but the temporary stadium was dismantled after the Games ended. The Eiffel Tower stadium was built for the 2024 OlympicsCredit: GettyThe ColosseumThe ancient amphitheatre – in Italy’s capital of Rome – was constructed nearly 2,000 years ago in AD 70–80. It hosted several Roman sports events, including gladiator games and wild animal hunts but was NOT used in the 1960 Olympics. But in 2023, UFC boss Dana White tried to get a sensational MMA fight between tech moguls Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk staged at the Colosseum. The Colosseum in Rome was built nearly 2,000 years agoCredit: GettyMexican PyramidsMexico has several historic pyramids, including the Mayan and Aztec. There have been live music events staged by the pyramids but not sports events like pro wrestling. Instead, boxing matches are usually held in arenas or stadiums – including the 80,000-seat Azteca. The Pyramid of Kukulkan in the archaeological zone of Chichen Itza in MexicoCredit: AlamyAlalshikh also named Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, The Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York and the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as other options. National Memorial sculpture Mount Rushmore has the carved heads of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.Mount Rushmore once had an an amateur baseball team but no games were ever played on site. The Intrepid is a military and maritime history museum in New York City – located at Pier 86 at 46th Street. And in 2001, a boxing card was televised from the flight deck of The USS Intrepid. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Chinese Theatre – in LA – is a movie palace on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame.No sports events have been staged inside or outside the theatre, but ceremonies have including for the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. National Memorial sculpture Mount Rushmore in South DakotaCredit: GettyThe Intrepid aircraft carrier in New YorkCredit: GettyThe Chinese Theatre in HollywoodCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winner

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      LUKE LITTLER and pal AngryGinge incredibly predicted Manchester United’s last-gasp winner over Leicester.The Red Devils beat the Foxes 2-1 last night to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.AngryGine and Luke Littler correctly predicted a Harry Maguire winnerCredit: @GingeUpdatesThey belted out a chant in celebrationCredit: @GingeUpdatesMaguire’s header came in the 93rd minuteCredit: AFPThe goal stood with VAR not in useCredit: RexMaguire appeared to be offside when he headed into the back of net in the 93rd minute.But the linesman did not flag and with VAR not used in this round of the FA Cup, the goal was controversially given.United supporters Littler and AngryGinge were doing a watch-along stream with fellow fans last night.The darts world champion and the internet star both predicted a Maguire goal as Bruno Fernandes stood over the set-piece.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAngryGinge, wearing a rare United away shirt from the 1994/95 season, said: “A Maguire header off this and it is on. It could be. You said Maguire winner as well.”The pair then celebrated jubilantly, with the streamer shouting: “F***ing get in. Get in Maguire.”Littler hilariously screamed: “Show me the money.”They then begun singing the chant: “We’ve seen it all, we’ve won the lot, we’re Man Utd and we’re never going to stop, ole ole, ole ola, ole ole ole ole ola.”Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEarlier in their live stream, Littler and AngryGinge played a game of darts.They went into a deciding leg at 2-2 and the YouTuber with 746,000 subscribers had a match dart to win it.Man Utd player ratings vs LeicesterBut his throw was centimetres away from the double 18 he was aiming for.Littler then stepped up to the oche and checked out on tops.AngryGinge lived up to his nickname, reacting: “I can’t believe it. Oh my God. F***. F***ing cheating b******. F*** sake.Maguire looked clearly offside but the linesman did not spot itCredit: ITV More