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      Bruno Fernandes hits out at Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘not nice’ comments about ‘overpaid and not good enough’ Man Utd stars

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the Manchester United part-owner’s brutal comments about the squad.On Monday, the penny-pinching Ineos chief let rip as he called some of the players “not good enough” and “overpaid”.Bruno Fernandes has bitten back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his brutal squad commentsCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe called some of the Man Utd squad ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’Credit: Youtube @TheOverlapRatcliffe even name-checked Antony, Casemiro, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho in his clearly-frustrated rant.He told the BBC: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”READ MORE SPORT STORIESRatcliffe reserved special praise for United captain Fernandes. adding: “There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.”Despite the nice comments, the Portugal star, 30, was quick to defend his troops.Fernandes said: “We need to prove ourselves every day in training, every day that we have a game. We can’t relax at this club.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”You know that there’s a big standard, a big attention that you get from the media, from everywhere.”You need to realise that sometimes you need to put your focus on your game, trying to improve yourself.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim hails ‘perfect captain’ Bruno Fernandes after hat-trick heroics against Real Sociedad Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Man Utd reached the Europa League quarter finalsCredit: Getty”It’s not nice to hear certain things, obviously. I don’t think that any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.”Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract or whatever.”It’s about yourself proving that you can be important for the club.”Fernandes played a starring role in Man Utd’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Sociedad, scoring two penalties to reach the quarter finals.United next face Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday evening as they aim to improve on their woeful season, currently 14th in the standings.But Ruben Amorim has every faith in Fernandes. After the Sociedad match, the Red Devils boss said: “When we need it, (Fernandes) is always there.”Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      How England could line up in Thomas Tuchel’s first game as Three Lions boss with host of big names left out

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has made some big calls in his first England squad. Earlier today, the German tactician’s first squad to face Albania and Latvia was announced, featuring some surprise omissions and major recalls.Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squadCredit: GettyJordan Henderson was a surprise recall to the England teamCredit: GettyDan Burn was selected by England for the first time alongside Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: PAThe likes of Reece James, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were brought back into the fold by Tuchel.Meanwhile, stars like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eliott Anderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish missed the cut.There were debut call ups for Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.While there are of course the usual suspects like captain Harry Kane, midfielder Jude Bellingham and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now Tuchel has selected his cards, how will he play them?Tuchel was known at Chelsea for playing a back three, but when he moved to Bayern Munich he preferred a back four shape.This England squad has stars who are very capable in both shapes.However, we expect the 51-year-old to deploy his England team in a back four shape to start with.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsTuchel said the call ups for Burn and Henderson were down to them bringing leadership qualities and character to the squad. For that reason both could be named in his first starting XI to face Albania on March 21 in England’s first World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches Tuchel is likely to keep his spine a tried and trusted formula, with Jordan Pickford in goal, Harry Kane up front and Declan Rice in midfield.Guehi, who has arguably established himself as the Three Lions best centre-back in the last 12 months, may partner debutant Burn in central defence, with veteran Kyle Walker selected at right-back and Lewis-Skelly filling in at left-back.Rice could provide the legs for Henderson in midfield which would also allow the Arsenal midfielder the license to bomb forward and join the attack.Ahead of them, Jarrod Bowen’s pace and directness off the left will partner well with Cole Palmer’s creativity on the right wing and Bellingham’s dynamism behind Kane.Alternatively, Tuchel could go to his famous 3-4-3 shape and go with a very experimental XI to help him get to know his squad.A change between in the sticks with Dean Henderson in for Pickford could come about, while Guehi’s anchor a back three alongside Chelsea pair Levi Colwill and James, who are both familiar with a back three system.An aggressive set of wing-backs may see Newcastle duo Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon selected on either wing, while Rice and Bellingham pair in midfield able to shuffle back and forth.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Aston Villa duo Rashford and Morgan Rogers could start behind Dominic Solanke, which may give Tuchel a real idea about the true depth of his attacking options. More

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      England’s oldest ever debutants revealed with Dan Burn on track to break 15-year record if Newcastle star plays

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S latest England squad included a handful of fresh faces, with 32-year-old Dan Burn set to become one of England’s oldest debutants.Up-and-comers Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, and Jarrell Quansah, 22, will both hope to make their senior England debuts in World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Geordie defender Dan Burn is a fan favourite on TynesideCredit: PA MediaDavies made his debut at 33Credit: GettyBurn, though, is Quansah’s senior by a decade, and is set to become the oldest England debutant since Kevin Davies in October 2010.Davies made his England bow at 33 against Montenegro, replacing Peter Crouch to play 21 minutes of the goalless draw.It would prove to be the only England appearance of the Bolton Wanderers star’s career.Burn will hope to prove his worth to Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Read more footballWhile Burn could become the oldest debutant for almost 15 years, he is far from the oldest ever.He will fail even to crack the top 20 oldest debutants.In the early days of international football, managers were far more patient with older players than they are now.Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alec Morten captained the Three Lions on debut in their second ever match – a 4-2 win over Scotland – aged 41 or 42 years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis birthdate is disputed, listed by various sources as either 1831 or 1832.The oldest debutant with a confirmed birthday is Arsenal defender Leslie Compton, who also played professional cricket for Middlesex.Watch incredible tunnel bust-up as Newcastle ace Dan Burn grabs Jan Bednarek by the shirt during fiery Southampton gameHis debut came in a 4-2 win over Wales in 1950, at 38 years and 64 days old.Among the goalscorers on the day was Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn, who scored 201 goals in 399 appearances for the Magpies over a 12-year career.Should he play during the March international break, Burn will rank 21st among the oldest debutants, sandwiched between Portsmouth’s Jack Smith (32y354d) and Manchester City goalkeeper Frank Swift (32y276d).Burn will be older than more recent debutants in Leon Osman (31y181d), Rickie Lambert (31y179d), and Tom Heaton (30y42d).The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

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      Coleen Rooney joins Annie Kilner for girls’ lunch days after she was spotted in estranged husband Kyle Walker’s car

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      KYLE Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner and Coleen Rooney were spotted meeting up for lunch with pals today.The mum-of-four, 31, enjoyed herself with fellow wags at a restaurant this afternoon just days after being seen in the footballer’s car.Annie Kilner was seen laughing Coleen Rooney at lunch todayCredit: ZenpixThe model dressed down in casual gym gearCredit: ZenpixColeen appeared animated during their chatsCredit: ZenpixAnnie sported casual black gym gear paired with white trainers and black sunglasses. She stepped out with her hair swept up in an effortless ponytail to show off sophisticated gold hooped earrings. Coleen appeared animated during their informal catch up today.This comes after the friends were also spotted rallying around each other earlier this month as England right-back Walker was seen partying with two women.The 34-year-old took them to Tocqueville 13 in Milan, one of the city’s most popular nightclubs.The former Prem ace enjoyed a £5,300 Super VIP extravagance with the pair at the star-studded establishment.Sources at the nightclub say the group partied into the early hours.It all happened just one day after his wife and their children flew back to the UK.Most read in FootballBut it a fresh twist earlier this week Annie, who shares four sons with the AC Milan player, was seen in the back seat of his car.Walker, who is on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, looked in good spirits on his return to Cheshire.Inside Kyle Walker’s night with 2 party girls in Milan day after wife Annie flew home – & his whopping bar bill revealedCasually clad for the outing, Kyle donned a plain white T-shirt with jeans and a black Celine baseball cap. He was seen smiling and giving a thumbs up as he walked around the front of his car with Annie in tow.Kyle has been dividing his time between Italy and the UK after his transfer move, heading home regularly to see his wife and their four children. This came after we revealed with the couple were said to be “working through their issues.”A source said: “Annie was far from happy and made her feelings clear. Kyle denies anything went on and says he was asked to give the girls a lift.”He’s clearly put himself in a difficult situation given his reputation.”It’s the lack of thought for Annie and how it might look that has caused the upset.”Annie also used her married name for the first time professionally this month, despite her marital woes.The model referred to herself as Annie Walker to plug her jewellery range. READ MORE SUN STORIESTaking to her Stories, Annie modelled a dazzling diamond bracelet with a caption which read: “Demure. Founded by Annie Walker & Sophie Haynes”.And despite not wearing a wedding ring, the couple have called off their divorce.Kyle previously hit the town with two party girls — 24 hours after wife Annie flew home to EnglandCredit: BackGridLove-rat Walker was spotted with the ladies at a hotel bar and club until around 2amCredit: BackGridColeen Rooney went out for lunch with Annie earlier this monthCredit: SplashAnnie was recently spotted in Kyle’s car in CheshireCredit: Zenpix More

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      Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed that Ben White wants to play for England again.The Arsenal star snubbed a spot in the Three Lions squad under Gareth Southgate after an alleged bust-up with former assistant Steve Holland.Ben White wants to return to the England foldCredit: AlamyThomas Tuchel confirmed that the Arsenal man was not selected for fitness reasons and did not refuse a call-upCredit: PAWhite last made an appearance for his country in March 2022 before leaving England’s World Cup camp mid-tournament for “personal reasons” eight months later.Three years on, the four-time capped defender is ready to end his self-imposed exile.New boss Tuchel revealed in his press conference after naming his first England squad that White is in his thinking but was not chosen due to fitness concerns.Asked if he refused another call-up, Tuchel replied: “Absolutely not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He loves to be back in the squad but it is too early now for him given the seriousness of the injury. “I am delighted that he is back in back-to-back trainings. We are monitoring the process. “Huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA and thanks to everyone at Arsenal to let us monitor him closely.”We are speaking to Ben, we are delighted he is back on the bench and he has had a Champions League match now.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Now it is a question of getting more minutes and he has every chance and he wants to be back.”White made his first start for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with PSV on Wednesday after three months out due to knee surgery.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches Tuchel named his England squad for the first two games of his reign against Albania on March 21 and Latvia on March 24 earlier today.The ex-Chelsea boss has opted to recall Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.Three uncapped stars have been selected in Myles Lewis-Skelly, Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah. The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

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      Who is in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and when are the games?

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      THOMAS Tuchel has named his first squad as England manager.He is the England manager and announced his first Three Lions squad on March 14, 2025.Thomas Tuchel is the new England football managerCredit: Getty ImagesThomas has managed some of the world’s biggest teams, including ChelseaCredit: AFP – GettuBecoming the England managerTuchel was announced as the head coach of the England national team on October 16, 2024.He brought some of his former staff with him, including his Chelsea assistant coach Anthony Barry and his Chelsea goalkeeping coach Hilario. It is hoped that Thomas’ distinctive training style – renowned for its innovative and analytical methods – will help push the England team further, after they came second at the Euros in 2024. Tuchel’s first England squadTuchel announced his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup with a double-header at Wembley against Albania and Latvia on Friday, 21 and Monday, 24 March (both 7.45pm GMT kick-offs).Read More on Thomas TuchelMarcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson returned to the Three Lions set-up for the matches.Rashford earned an England recall after a year out following his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.He has not scored for his new side yet but has started four games since his January switch.Tuchel also made a bold move in bringing 34-year-old Jordan Henderson back into the fold.Most read in FootballThe former Liverpool captain, now with Dutch side Ajax, has not played for the Three Lions since November 2023.Uncapped Arsenal 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly earned his first call-up.Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur) More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘It’s madness’ – Red Bull advisor demands rule change hours before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix

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      RED BULL advisor Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be SCRAPPED hours before 2025 campaign kicks off.The new campaign gets underway in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice starting on Friday.Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be scrappedCredit: GettyFlexible wings are always a point of contention during an F1 seasonCredit: RexMarko is incensed over the governing body’s plan to introduce stricter stress tests for F1 car front wings in the MIDDLE of the season.Aerodynamic regulations have always been a battleground where teams push the boundaries of what is legal and find creative ways to squeeze more performance out of their cars. One such area of innovation has been flexible wings – parts that remain rigid enough to pass static FIA tests, but bend during high-speed racing.Teams argue that the flexibility reduces drag on straights, improving top speed, while maintaining high downforce in corners.READ MORE ON F1The FIA have introduced stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, in answer to the technical debate. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Marko raged: “It’s madness.”Either the new rule applies from the start of the season or not at all.”It’s insane. It’s virtually impossible to do a comprehensive inspection of the bend. The teams have much more manpower than the FIA.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Now everyone except the smaller teams have built a wing that bends. “It’s crazy that they can throw them away in the middle of the season.”Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision But the Red Bull advisor did find one silver lining for his team as everybody on the grid will be affected by the change.He added: “No one else handles a shaky car as well as Max Verstappen.”Most teams have already built their 2024 cars with some degree of front wing flexibility within the previous FIA guidelines.The mid-season change will upset strategies as they will have already designed their cars to meet the existing rules.Meanwhile, this comes after Red Bull themselves complained about rear wings ahead of the start of the season.As a result, rear wing tests will be tightened immediately – starting in Melbourne on Sunday. And Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari faces a thorough FIA investigation, as does Lando Norris’ McLaren.Elsewhere, the minimum driver weight allowance has been increased from 80kg to 82kg and a driver cooling kit has been introduced.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe technical regulations remain the same, so most teams will have an evolution in car design from 2024.Meanwhile, everybody will have half an eye on 2026 when the cars and engines will change completely.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘How much you paid the ref’ – Man Utd star writes on Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick ball after Europa League hat-trick

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED star left a cheeky message on Bruno Fernandes’ match ball after he scored a Europa League hat-trick on Thursday night.Fernandes dragged United to victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, scoring two penalties on his way to a match-winning trio of goals.Fernandes shows off his match ball with the cheeky message alongside GarnachoCredit: INSTAGRAMIt was a vintage performance from the United captainCredit: GettyDorgu collides with Aritz to win United’s second spot kick of the nightCredit: PAHe scored his third from open play in the 87th minute before Rasmus Hojlund teed up Diogo Dalot to put the final nail in the coffin.As Fernandes posed with the match ball signed by the United squad at full-time, eagle-eyed fans spotted the message “How much did you pay the ref?”The jab comes as United were awarded three controversial penalties on the night.The first came as Hojlund was tackled after getting his shot away, leading some fans to argue that the foul was irrelevant.Read more footballThe second was more an accidental coming together than a foul, as Patrick Dorgu clattered into a stationary Aritz Elustondo.The third penalty of the night came in the second half when Dorgu was taken out again, this time by Hamari Traore, but it was overruled after the United player admitted his marker won the ball.It is not known which United player wrote the message on the ball.Fans were also quick to criticise the referee for his trigger-happy card policy, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu just seven minutes after he was introduced.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFernandes’ brace of penalties were the 58th and 59th of his career. Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant He has missed just six, making his career conversion rate a healthy 91 per cent.They take his penalty tally for the season to five, also scoring from the spot in a loss to Brighton, win at rivals Manchester City and draw to Chelsea.United’s captain has gone from strength to strength since signing in 2020, scoring 94 goals in 276 appearances.The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals after the French side eased past FCSB in the round of 16.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More