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      in Soccer

      Man Utd season ticket holders ‘want Old Trafford DESTROYED’ over redevelopment as new stadium support revealed

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      THE majority of Manchester United season ticket holders want to demolish Old Trafford in order to build a new stadium on the same site.United’s Ineos chiefs surveyed supporters in September as they look to finalise plans for their historic home.Man Utd surveyed fans regarding the future of Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Red Devils distributed the survey to season ticket holders and club members and received more than 50,000 responses.Man Utd have confirmed that 52 per cent of respondents are in favour of demolishing Old Trafford and building an entirely new stadium.While 31 per cent would rather redevelop the current ground, and 17 per cent are unsure.United’s season ticket holders were generally most in favour of building an entirely new ground.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe club’s older season ticket holders showed the strongest support for the plan, while younger supporters generally preferred the redevelopment idea.In addition to the survey, United chiefs have also consulted their Fans’ Advisory Board.The Red Devils had initially been expected to make a decision regarding their stadium by the end of this year.But the final decision has now been delayed until 2025.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited could build a new 100,000 seater stadiumCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enThe Red Devils could build the new stadium on the current siteCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enMan Utd are expected to make a decision by the springCredit: https://www.manutd.com/en”New Trafford” could be circular in shape with a 100,000-seat capacity and huge roof.It’s said that the Old Trafford regeneration project could generate 92,000 jobs and more than 17,000 homes – in addition to increasing tourism by 1.8million each year.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time Man Utd will fund the project themselves, although public money may be made available to cover related transport and infrastructure costs.In addition to the recent survey, the Red Devils are holding a series of focus group meetings with fans.Director of fan engagement Rick McGagh said: “We are delighted that this survey received the most responses in the club’s history.”It shows how important this work is, and to have this level of engagement at this stage is a really positive place to start.“We know how important our home is to fans, and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.“We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And if younger fans have different views to older fans. This insight is incredibly helpful and allows the project team to understand the differences as well as the commonality in our fanbase.”The final decision over the plans, which could cost as much as £2billion, may not be made until next spring.Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground More

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      in Motorsport

      Fernando Alonso issues health update after F1 star, 43, was helped from his car after Brazilian Grand Prix

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has given a health update after he was seen being helped from his car after the Brazilian Grand Prix.The Formula One veteran, 43, had a weekend to forget in the rain at the Sao Paulo circuit as he finished 18th and 14th in the sprint race and feature race respectively.Fernando Alonso issued a health update after a ‘painful’ Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: GettyAlonso said he only finished the race for the mechanics after they repaired his car during a qualifying crashCredit: ReutersAlonso had been forced to miss media day on Thursday with an intestinal infection, days after becoming the first driver to reach 400 F1 race starts at the Mexico Grand Prix.He recovered in time to compete in the full weekend’s double bill of sprint and feature events from Friday through to Sunday.However, during the latter stages of the Sunday race, Alonso was heard complaining about a bad back after experiencing a lot of bouncing in the car while out on the resurfaced track.After crashing out in qualifying and causing a red flag, the Aston Martin mechanics had worked tirelessly to repair the Spaniard’s car for the race.READ MORE IN F1Alonso was heard on the team radio saying he would finish the race for the mechanics following their hard work.He was heard saying: “I will finish the race for the mechanics. They did a very good job today. “But my back is hurting, man. This bouncing is not normal.”When back in the pit lane after the race was won by Max Verstappen, Alonso was seen clearly in pain as he was helped from his car by mechanics, and was seen hugging one before walking off.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlonso issued an update on his health when speaking to media after the race, while he also paid an emotional tribute to the victims of the Valencia flooding, where the death toll has reached well over 200.He said: “It’s the same day for everyone. We’ve done the work ourselves.Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hours”The car bounced a lot in the second part of the race and the truth is that in normal conditions it wouldn’t have finished.”But it had to be done for the mechanics, for me too, who suffered a bit before arriving here, for the people in Valencia, for the people who are in worse situations than the bounce I had today.”Alonso sits down in ninth in the driver standings with 62 points to his name.This is double the amount of the next driver outside of the top four teams – Nico Hulkenberg’s haul of 31 points for Haas.F1 is now on a three-week break before the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24.That will kick-start a triple-header to end the season, with Verstappen currently on course to win the drivers’ title ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Premier League star from a trailer park, if I hadn’t been a footballer I’d have grown weed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Rafael van der Vaart has revealed he would be growing weed if it was not for football.The former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder, 41, reflected on his career with fellow Dutchmen Wesley Sneijder and Marco van Basten.Rafael van der Vaart has claimed he would grow weed if he was not a footballerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe Dutch icon played for Tottenham, Real Madrid and AjaxCredit: GettyOn Ziggo Sport’s chat show, Van der Vaart was quizzed on what “normal job” he would be doing if he was not a famous face.And he hilariously replied: “I grew up in a trailer park, so I’d probably run a weed shed.”Sneijder and Van Basten were left in hysterics and exclaimed: “That’s a normal job.”Fans were also left in stitches, with one saying: “You can see he was shocked by their reaction, man was actually serious.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Gotta appreciate the honesty.”A third reacted: “Dutch legends are really different than the rest.”Van der Vaart grew up in the town of Heemskerk in the north of Holland and the trailer park he once called home belonged to a Dutch cultural minority called the Woonwagenbewoners.The name translates as “caravan dwellers” and they have ties to Irish travellers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan der Vaart joined Ajax at the age of ten after learning to play football on the street.On his upbringing, he said: “That was the way my family lived. My father was born there and it is a lifestyle. Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”Maybe it is not a normal lifestyle but I always liked it. “I always played football on the street. It was an easy life, then I was ten and went to Ajax and played there for almost 12 years.”Van de Vaart played over 500 times for clubs including Real, Spurs, Hamburg and Ajax – scoring 171 times.He was also capped a staggering 109 times by Holland, scoring 25 goals.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Motorsport

      Mick Schumacher’s model girlfriend sends clear message on engagement after being invited into ‘inner circle’

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      MICK SCHUMACHER’S model girlfriend Laila Hasonovich has spoken out about the pair’s rumoured engagement.Swirling rumours had suggested that the couple had taken the next step in their relationship by getting engaged.Fans have been convinced that Mick Schumacher and Laila Hasanovic are engagedCredit: GettyLaila has issued an update on the rumoursCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicThe model shared a snap of her had with a ring on her finger, clarifying what has been going onCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicA picture of Laila’s hand, with what appeared to be an engagement ring, sparked online buzz about the pair preparing to marry.But the Bosnian-born social media star and model has since rubbished the idea that Schumacher has dropped the knee.In a post on her Instagram showing off her jewellery, she wrote: “And no it’s not an engagement ring u guysss”.Her adoring followers were gutted, having rooted for her and her F1 superstar boyfriend to tie the knot.READ MORE ON F1In the comments section one wrote: “I’m sad that the ring is not a engagement ring”.While another added: “In my dreams is an announcement of engagement”.And a third commented: “Laila!!!! You can’t just post this without a caption!!! I literally thought you’re engaged!!”Laila may not be ready to walk down the aisle just yet, but she has been welcomed into the Schumacher family’s ‘inner circle’.Most read in MotorsportLaila has reportedly been let into the inner circle of people who are able to see Mick’s dad Michael SchumacherCredit: AFPThe 24-year-old was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumacher’s to see Mick’s F1 icon dad Michael, 55, earlier this year.Only a handful of people have been allowed to know the latest on the former Ferrari, Mercedes and Benetton legend since his tragic ski crash over a decade ago.Mick Schumacher’s stunning Wag Laila Hasanovic stuns in sexy black dress Michael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Very little has been made public on Michael’s health status since the accident with his loving wife Corinna choosing to keep his life private.Laila has been dating Mick Schumacher for well over a year with the pair clearly smitten.Laila works as a model and has amassed an impressive 341,000 followers on Instagram.While she was also a finalist in the 2019 Miss Universe Denmark pageant.Mick, 25, is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps and is currently Mercedes’ reserve driver.In 2021 and 2022 he competed for American team Haas.TAKE A PEEK INTO MICK AND LAILA’S GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE…Laila and Mick have been dating for well over a yearCredit: InstagramLaila is a successful model and former Miss Universe finalistCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicShe has amassed a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @lailahasanovicThe Bosinian-born social media star has over 341,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovicMick Schumacher is a reserve driver at MercedesCredit: GettyLaila is always supporting MickCredit: GettyDespite the rumours, Laila has confirmed the pair are not engagedCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovicHer adoring fans are hoping Mick drops the knee soonCredit: instagram @ lailahasanovic More

    • 188 Shares125 Views

      in Soccer

      Joshua Zirkzee ‘on track for swift Man Utd exit with Ruben Amorim unconvinced on striker’

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE is on course for the exit door at Manchester United just four months after arriving, according to reports.The 23-year-old arrived from Bologna in July in a deal worth £36.5million.Joshua Zirkzee could be heading for the Man Utd exit door just months after arrivingCredit: GettyReports say Ruben Amorim wants to bring his own players in fromCredit: RexZirkzee scored on his debut against Fulham, but has not found the back of the net in 14 games since. SunSport exclusively revealed that Erik ten Hag did not want to sign the former Bayern Munich striker and how he arrived at Old Trafford overweight, with it taking time to shift that extra weight.However, with the imminent arrival of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim following the sacking of Ten Hag, Zirkzee’s time in England may have already run its course.Italian outlet Calciomercato report that Amorim, who will take over as Red Devils head coach on November 11, is unconvinced by the forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, Amorim, 39, will look to bring in his own attacking options.The report suggests that a return to Italy could be on the table, with AC Milan and Juventus both potential destinations.But such a transfer will only happen if it is on loan, with Ineos wanting to back the attacker after they billed him as good value for money in the summer. If Zirkzee is allowed to leave the club, that could lead United transfer chiefs to try and poach some stars from Sporting. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEx-Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres is one star who could be targeted, given how he is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past two seasons.Similarities have been drawn between the Swede and United ace Rasmus Hojlund, who impressed against Chelsea last Sunday despite being largely starved of service in the final third.Joshua Zirkzee reveals he has ‘tried’ to lure Germany star to Man Utd Amorim’s first game in charge of United will be against Ipswich on November 24.Before that, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of games against PAOK on Thursday – as they look to win their first game in Europe for a year – and Leicester on Sunday.Since taking charge of the squad, Van Nistelrooy has overseen a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.It is understood the players would like to see the Dutchman retained within Amorim’s coaching staff once he arrives.Amorim himself remains in charge of Sporting, where he has won two league titles, and will take on Manchester City on Tuesday evening before facing Braga in his final game with the Eagles.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      in Boxing

      Gender row boxer Imane Khelif is ‘biological man’ leaked report claims after athlete won gold in Paris Olympics

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      CALLS for Olympics gender row boxer Imane Khelif to be stripped of her gold medal have been made following a leaked medical report.New documents have emerged allegedly proving that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, 25 is a “biological man”.According to leaked reports, gold medalist Imane Khelif is allegedly a “biological male”Credit: AlamyShe was one of two controversial female boxers to participate in the Paris OlympicsCredit: APThe leaked reports come from Khelif’s medical recordsCredit: ReutersAccording to French magazine Le Correspondant, Khelif’s medical records from 2023 showed she had neither ovaries or a uterus, The report was initially put together in 2023 via collaboration between French and Algerian expert endocrinologists working at the Kremlin-Bicetre hospital in Paris, and the Mohamed Lamine Debaghine hospital in Algiers, as reported by BiLD.Medical experts determined that Khelif allegedly has what is known as a “5a-reductase-2 deficiency.” This is a sexual development that is outside the norm and can only occur in biological men. Read more sports newsNewborns with the condition are often classified as girls as the testes are located inside.The two reports are part of Khelif’s medical records, which have been known to the International Olympics Committee since May 2023.It is not yet clear whether the IOC will now initiate a retrospective investigation and revoke the gold medalEarlier this year, the WBO were forced to deny “obviously false” reports that they had banned Khelif and stripped her of her Paris medal for failing gender eligibility tests.Most read in BoxingThe WBO’s legal counsel Gustavo Olivieri said in a statement the body had “not tested, nor had it banned,” Khelif and had had no communication with her.A year prior to the Olympics, Khelif was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for failing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility rules.But the Russian-led body was stripped of its governance by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over integrity and governance issues.The IBA’s tests result and credibility was also called into question.Khelif has previously insisted she is a biological female, stating: “As for whether I qualify or not, whether I am a woman or not, I have made many statements in the media.”I am fully qualified to take part in this competition. I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman, there’s no doubt about that.”The Olympic gold medalist made international headlines when Italian opponent Angela Carini quit just 46 seconds into their bout.Following the controversial victory, Khelif’s dad Amar came out swinging to defend his daughter.He said: “The attacks against her are immoral, it is not fair.”Imane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was six-years-old, she used to play football.”These critics and rumours aim to destabilize Imane, they don’t want her to be the champion of the world. “I tell her prove them wrong in the ring and I hope that she will honour Algeria and Arabic countries and win the gold medal. “She is our role model, and we want to be like her and honour Algeria and Tiaret.”‘Boxing was dedicated only to men’Explaining how she first got into the sport, Khelif said: “I have always loved football and I played it in my little village. My father always preferred football to boxing.”But I was very good at sports in my school and my teacher encouraged me to become a boxer since I had good physical qualities and he was right.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe also went on to add: “I come from a conservative region and family. Boxing was a sport dedicated only to men.”It was not a straightforward path into boxing as Khelif was forced to come up with the money to get her to the gym.Angela Carini of Italy sensationally quit after 46 seconds in the ring with KhelifCredit: GettyThe Italian boxer dropped to her knees in tearsCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Declan Rice does NOT travel with Arsenal squad for Champions League clash against Inter Milan

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      ARSENAL will be without Declan Rice for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.The England midfielder, 25, did not travel to Italy with his Gunners team-mates.Declan Rice featured against Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: GettyRice played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Newcastle on Saturday.But he did not take part in training on Tuesday morning.It is not yet clear why Rice was absent.But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will have to do without the £100million man as his side take on the Italian champions.READ MORE ON ARSENALRice has missed just one game across the Premier League and Champions League so far this season.That was September’s clash at Tottenham, following his red card against Brighton in the previous match.While Arteta is set to be without Rice, he has received a fitness boost elsewhere among his squad.Captain Martin Odegaard took part in training and has travelled to Italy.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMartin Odegaard trained with his team-mates this morningCredit: GettyOdegaard, 25, has not played since suffering an ankle injury on Norway duty in September.But he could feature against Inter.Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Arteta, 42, is without a trio of defenders for the match.Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be absent due to knee injuries, while Kieran Tierney has not yet returned to full training following a thigh issue. More

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      in Soccer

      Man City’s title bid is being derailed by the loss of Pep Guardiola’s secret weapon he feared it was a ‘mistake’ to sell

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      MANCHESTER City’s title bid is being derailed by the absence of a key player from last season.And we’re not talking about injured midfield lynchpin and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.Julian Alvarez was a key figure in Manchester City winning their fourth title in a rowCredit: GettyBecause although the Spain midfielder was undeniably crucial to the triumphs of his club and country, Julian Alvarez was front and centre (and sometimes wide) in Pep Guardiola’s side in 2023/4.And selling Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a massive profit in the summer is no longer looking like quite as good a deal for City.It was not only the Argentinian World Cup winner’s 11 goals and nine assists in 36 PL appearances that was important to City.Nor was Alvarez just a useful replacement for Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne when they were injured.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe versatile star also gave Guardiola the freedom to rotate his attacking options during or between games, keeping them out of the “red” zone and giving them the chance to perform at their peak more often.But Alvarez wanted to be the main man, playing regularly in a No 10 or No 9 role. That was not going to happen any time soon, so when Atletico offered him the chance to swap Manchester, where he had never really settled, for Madrid, he wanted the move.And City regarded as good business a fee of up to £81.5m for a wantaway player who cost an initial £14m in 2022.Yet Guardiola knew at the time that the sale of Alvarez could come back to bite his team, admitting “if we have many, many injuries it will be a problem”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola added: “Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know, but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time. Pep Guardiola admits Man City were ‘hungover’ for FA Cup final defeat against Man Utd following Premier League title bash “When everyone is involved with a chance to play, the performance of the teams is always better.”Unfortunately for City, they have a lot of players without a chance to play at the moment.On the flipside, title rivals Arsenal are also feeling the effects of losing key players.And the Gunners are more dependent on their starting 11 than City and so less equipped to cope with injuries.Last season, four of Mikel Arteta’s squad played more than 3,000 minutes in the Premier League – William Saliba, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes.Not a single City player did the same, with Rodri’s 2,937 league minutes putting him top of their workload charts but also behind Ben White (2,995) and only just ahead of Bukayo Saka (2,933).Phil Foden, second in the City rankings with 2,865, would have been eighth in the Arsenal list.The Gunners are undoubtedly suffering from the loss of injured captain Odegaard, whose skillset would be difficult for anyone to replace.But a slight drop-off in form from 2023/4 ever-present Saliba and partner Gabriel is also being felt, because of injuries and a lack of match sharpness among the defensive cover.Last weekend both Arsenal and City learned once more what can happen even to them if their best players are not fit and/or firing.Josko Gvardiol gave City hope at Bournemouth but the champions slipped to a 2-1 defeatCredit: AlamyFor most of the defeat against Bournemouth, Guardiola’s men looked pretty toothless, with Haaland struggling to make an impact and a lack of options on the bench to replace him.Andoni Iraola’s men were good value for their win.And Arsenal gave one of their flattest performances of the last two and a bit seasons at St James’ Park, as hosts Newcastle deservedly completed back-to-back home victories over the Gunners.At one point on Saturday, all three favourites for the title were losing.But although Liverpool came back to beat Brighton and return to the top of the league, no one at Anfield will be complacent.So far the Reds are coping well with the absence of the injured Diogo Jota, such is the array of attacking options that Arne Slot has.Yet how would they perform if player of the season so far Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister were to be unavailable for an extended period, despite the good form of Curtis Jones?And what if captain Virgil Van Dijk was out? When the Dutchman, like Rodri, suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for much of the 2020/1 season, Liverpool’s title defence collapsed.While Van Dijk and fellow centre back Joel Matip spent months on the sidelines, then Kop boss Jurgen Klopp desperately tried to plug the gap by moving central midfielders Jordan Henderson and/or Fabinho into the back four.The entire balance of the team was thrown off and the Reds only just scraped into the top four.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity’s overall strength in depth and potential spending power in the January transfer window mean they should still be well capable of maintaining a title challenge. But in a battle that could come down to a handful of points, the sale of Alvarez, as much as Rodri’s injury, may prove crucial. More