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      ‘I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief reveals where most expensive window ever went wrong

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      FORMER Manchester United chief Tom Keane has lifted the lid on the club’s record-breaking 2022 summer transfer window.Keane was their head of negotiations as they splurged a club high of £225million on six new signings.Tom Keane has lifted the lid on Man Utd’s summer 2022 transfer businessCredit: @WeAreTheOverlapAntony was bought in a mega £85m dealCasemiro cost a whopping £70mCredit: GettyIn Erik ten Hag’s first window at Old Trafford he bought Antony (£85m), Casemiro (£70m), Lisandro Martinez (£57m), Tyrell Malacia (£13m), Christian Eriksen (free) and Martin Dubravka (loan).Keane, who was only at United on a temporary basis for six months, played a huge role in talks and even flew to Spain to complete the Casemiro deal.Opening up about where it went wrong that summer, Keane told The Overlap: “There were a couple of challenges. One of the biggest was everyone was new.”I’d just walked through the door, the manager came in in May, John Murtough had been at the club a while but had just become football director, Richard Arnold had just become CEO and there was a new head of data.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The way it would normally work is the transfer window shuts and in September they start planning for the following summer.”What happened for us that summer, I think because of circumstances, the work started in May.”It felt like we did a year’s work in 12 to 16 weeks.”I literally lived at the training ground and I didn’t see my family, which was fine as I knew what I was getting myself into and it was part of the experience. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The budget side of it, the finance department had oversight of everything that was going on to ensure the club was remaining compliant with its PSR obligations.”In terms of negotiations, the process was really detailed and it had to be.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at club”Big sums of money, so the stakes are high and with football players you are signing humans.”You can’t guarantee anything and all the work is trying to minimise risk. You’re trying to improve the chances of the signing being a success.”All those involved in that transfer window including Ten Hag, Murtough and Arnold have since left the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has built his own team that involves CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      ‘Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal future

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      SOME Arsenal stars may start to consider their future if the club fails to win any silverware next season – including Declan Rice.That’s the view of Jamie Carragher whose comments are likely to leave Arsenal fans concerned.Jamie Carragher has claimed that some Arsenal stars may start considering their future in ‘another 12 months’Credit: Sky SportsArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League last week, putting an end to their trophy hopes for the seasonCredit: GettyCarragher claims that Declan Rice could start considering his future next year if Arsenal fail to win any trophiesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta and Co had their Champions League dream crushed by Paris Saint-Germain last week following a 3-1 aggreagate defeat in the semi-finals.As a result, they are no longer able to win a trophy this campaign.And former Premier League star Carragher has claimed that players could start doubting their future at the Emirates if Arsenal don’t turn things around.Asked if he thinks that Rice especially – the club’s most expensive player – could be doubting his time in North London during an appearance on Sky Sports, the 47-year-old said: “I don’t think right now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think for other players maybe in the team who have been there a little bit longer.”In terms of Declan, I think he’s been Arsenal’s best player this season. I’m not saying he’d give it another 12 months, but I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months.”It might be different for somebody like a [William] Saliba, who has been there a little bit longer and is desperate to get his hands on some silverware. “I don’t think there will be any thoughts like that right now, I think they all feel they’re really close.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”They are very close, but we all know as players the final step is the biggest one.”Rice currently has three years left on his contract, while the likes of William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes have just two.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackIt is understood that Arsenal are pushing to extend the contracts of all three players.The Gunners recently opened talks with Saliba over a new deal amid ongoing interest from Real Madrid.They are also set to begin negotiations with Saka and Gabriel. More

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      Gary Lineker’s last ever Match of the Day appearance set to end on sour note for BBC legend

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      GARY LINEKER’S beloved Leicester City have inadvertently soured the BBC legend’s Match of the Day swansong. The former England striker is leaving his presenting role on the iconic BBC show after 26 years.Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day after presenting the show since 1999Credit: BBCOne of his final jobs on set will be reviewing his team Leicester’s relegationCredit: GettyLineker will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and the 64-year-old will also front coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.But he will be making his final appearance on the iconic highlights show on May 25 to wrap up the season’s final round of games. A Match of the Day tradition will see him end his final broadcast on a sour note.At the end of each season, the pundits conduct a final review of the Premier League table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Lineker, a boyhood Foxes fans who spent the first seven years of his career at Filbert Street, will be forced to acknowledge Leicester’s immediate return to the Championship.The Foxes were relegated on April 20 and currently sit 19th in the table, with only Southampton behind.Lineker might have had plenty of time to process the relegation – but one of his final acts on MOTD will be announcing his side’s return to the Championship. Lineker has already presented his final Saturday night MOTD, with the Premier League’s final fixtures falling on a Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing a drab set of results, he quipped: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingThe Beeb announced in January that a new three-person presenting team would replace Lineker. Kelly Cates, 49, will be joined by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker said it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day for more than two decades.He added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time [to leave].”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Lineker also confirmed he will not be heading to a rival broadcaster now he has left the BBC.Read More on The SunLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.” More

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      Michael Owen reveals he was in ‘floods of tears’ after getting same treatment as Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      MICHAEL OWEN was in “floods of tears” after being booed by Liverpool fans as he sympathised with Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Anfield right-back was jeered by his own supporters as he came off the bench in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.Michael Owen has sympathised with Trent Alexander-Arnold after the ace was booed by Liverpool fansCredit: AlamyOwen was left in ‘floods of tears’ after previously being in the same boatAlexander-Arnold had previously announced he will leave Liverpool on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.The defender is widely expected to pen a lucrative deal with Spanish giants Real Madrid.But his exit has not gone down well with Reds fans.And they made their feelings known with boos and jeers at yesterday’s game on Merseyside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, former Liverpool striker Owen has opened up after also receiving stick from supporters.He scored 158 goals in 297 games during an eight-season spell at Anfield before joining Real Madrid in 2004.Owen then returned to the Premier League a year later with Liverpool’s rivals Newcastle.And just like Alexander-Arnold yesterday, Owen was subjected to boos – leaving him in tears at the final whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe told Premier League productions: “For his own people to boo him, it’s a big lump in your throat. I remember sitting in the players’ lounge after playing against Liverpool for Newcastle. Parents, myself, all in floods of tears because I’d just been booed by my own people.“And I struggle to comprehend it nowadays and I’m probably the closest person on the planet who knows what it feels like to be in Trent’s shoes. He’ll be mortified. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fans“Trent will leave now, it’s his second to last game, maybe his last game, there were people that booed him and you can’t get that out of your head. Despite what’s happened for the last 20 years of his life of pure adulation.“The one thing I remember now is I forget a lot but think they booed me at the end and it just makes you feel absolutely sick for what you did for the club.”Owen became a cult hero during his time at LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe ace ended up being jeered by Reds fans when he returned to Anfield with NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Boxing

      ‘He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fight

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      FOOTBALL hardman James McClean has been backed by former manager Tony Pulis to beat Jake Paul in a boxing match.McClean – coached by Pulis at West Brom – has a reputation for his toughness on the field and trains in boxing as a hobby. James McClean has been backed to beat Jake Paul in a boxing matchCredit: RexTony Pulis coached McClean at West BromCredit: Times Newspapers LtdAnd ex-gaffer Pulis revealed Pulis was the most feared player he worked under and reckons he has the beating of Paul. He told OLBG: “Nobody, nobody would want to fight James McClean in the boxing ring. I’ve seen him at West Brom. “He has got the fastest hands of any professional footballer I’ve seen. He was on the bag and on the gloves. James, without question. “Like I say, I’ve got a lot of time for James. He mishandles himself at times in respect of what he says and what he does. READ MORE IN boxing “But he’s a great, great, great kid. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I’ve seen him with the gloves on.”You wouldn’t want to go in a ring against him. Against Jake Paul? McClean all day long.”McClean, now 36, made 111 Stoke appearances after joining from West Brom following prior stints at Wigan and Sunderland. He returned to Wigan in 2021 but moved to Wrexham two years later – recently celebrating promotion to the Championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast season, the left winger scored four goals to help Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney take Wrexham from non-league to England’s second tier. McClean – who has 103 Ireland caps with 11 goals – regularly shows off his boxing training under former pro fighter Derry Matthews. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champYouTuber-turned-boxer Paul meanwhile is 11-1 in the ring. His only defeat came on points to Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023 and he most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November. Paul, 28, now returns on June 28 in a cruiserweight bout against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in California. The American knocked out former NBA star Nate Robinson in 2020 and has been called out by the likes of darts player Gerwyn Price, 40, before. Jake Paul is 11-1 in the ringCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I love him… he’ll be missed’ – Robertson sends heartfelt message to Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool fans’ boos

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      ANDY ROBERTSON has put up an impassioned defence of “best friend” Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool star was jeered at Anfield. A section of the Reds’ support booed the departing full-back during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.Andy Robertson has spoken out in support of Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: BSkyBThe Liverpool fullback was booed by some home fans during Sunday’s draw with ArsenalCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold looks set to join Real Madrid when his deal with the Reds expires this summer. The 26-year-old was met with jeers when coming on as a substitute against the Gunners. And his teammate Robertson – who has played alongside the England full-back since 2017 – admitted the reaction “wasn’t nice”.Robertson told Sky Sports: “It’s not nice to see a friend get booed and it wasn’t nice, but we can’t tell people how to act. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I can tell you how I feel about it – I’m extremely proud of what he’s done for this club.”I love him as a friend, I love him as a player and he’ll be missed as one of my best friends in the game.”Alexander-Arnold has been on Liverpool’s books since the age of six.He has played over 350 times for the Reds, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut a section of Liverpool’s support are frustrated at the way he’s handled his departure from the club. Robertson continued: “There’s a lot of emotion around it. Slot sends message to Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold but vows to keep playing him”It’s crucial in these moments that I don’t tell you how to feel and you don’t tell me how to feel about it.”All I can tell you is how I feel about it. First of all, I’m disappointed to lose my best mate, and we’ve done it all together. “He’s an amazing player and an amazing person.”He’s made me a better player, that’s from the bottom of my heart. “He’s took me to levels I never knew existed. He kept pushing me through the good years and he’s made a choice.”His legacy at this club is there for everyone to see, the trophies he’s won and the moments he’s had in history will always be there. “It is an emotional decision and Trent… it’s not been an easy one. But he’s made the decision.”Slot’s viewLiverpool boss Arne Slot also defended the full-back following Arsenal’s fightback on Sunday.Slot said: “In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that’s the same here in Liverpool.”There were people that were not so happy with him.Read More on The Sun”There were a lot of people who were happy with him, they clapped for him.”A few of them booed. I think everybody is allowed to have their opinion.” More

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      ‘Control freak’ Arteta is ‘confusing the hell’ out of his Arsenal stars and making them ‘worse’, slams Schmeichel

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      PETER SCHMEICHEL has slammed Mikel Arteta as a “control freak” who is making Arsenal players “worse”.The Manchester United icon ripped into the Gunners boss before yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Mikel Arteta has been labelled a ‘control freak’Credit: APThe Arsenal boss has been accused of making his players ‘worse’ and ‘confusing them’Credit: GettyPeter Schmeichel blamed Arteta for Arsenal’s trophy droughtCredit: AlamySchmeichel, who was on punditry duty for ViaPlay at Anfield, blamed Arteta for Arsenal once again falling short of winning something this season.The legendary goalkeeper argued that failures on the pitch and in the transfer market are down to the manager.And despite spending £650million on transfers, Arteta’s only piece of silverware is the 2020 FA Cup that he won with his predecessor Unai Emery’s squad.Schmeichel said: “It’s all on Arteta, all. What I’m saying is that he was employed as head coach. He inherited the team and that team is the only team that he has won a trophy with.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Then it’s his own team now and in the process he’s changed job description so he’s now the manager. “Everything is on him. It’s not recruitment, it’s not the board.”I would urge the viewer whenever they get the opportunity to watch him in the technical area. Arteta is a control freak, he wants his players to play the ball that he wants. He’s directing everything.“You look across to Arne Slot who is so calm. He’s instructed his players in training, instructed the players in the team talk. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Arteta is still playing the game for the players and that would confuse the hell out of me as a football player that you had a coach that wants to direct me for everything I do. “It would confuse me and make me a worse player.”’Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal futureArteta cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines yesterday and was seen booting the air in anger while his side trailed 2-0.He then launched a rant after the game when asked what things upset him about Arsenal’s performance.Arteta raged: “A lot of parts, especially defending, the standards that we have and the errors after we gave the ball away.”Very far off it. Really upset, yeah we had a reaction. I hate reaction I like action. I was really, really upset.”What I saw in the first 25 minutes, 35 minutes. Some of the actions… I was killing myself.” More

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      Jose Mourinho is shock favourite to become next Man Utd manager with Southgate and Rodgers also in frame if Amorim quits

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      JOSE MOURINHO is the shock favourite to replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager.Amorim, 40, has endured a nightmare spell since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November. Ruben Amorim threatened to quit as Manchester United managerCredit: ReutersJose Mourinho is the shock early favourite to take over should his compatriot leaveCredit: GettyBut following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford – an all-time record-equalling ninth home loss of the season – Amorim dropped a major bombshell.The Portuguese boss threatened to QUIT if he is unable to turn the horror show around at United, who sit 16th in the Premier League table on 39 points with two games to go. And should Amorim walk away, Mourinho is top of the bookies’ odds to come in.According to Betfair, the Special One is a staggering 4-1 favourite to make a stunning return to Old Trafford and take over from his compatriot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMourinho, 62, was United boss from May 2016 until December 2018, winning the League Cup and Europa League in 2017 before things turned sour.United did not win another trophy for six years until the 2023 League Cup under Ten Hag, while Mourinho’s only silverware since has been the Conference League with Roma in 2022. The likelihood of Sir Jim Ratcliffe bringing in the current Fenerbahce boss seems slim, especially given his past history with the club. Second on the list is Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna at 7-1.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Northern Irishman – who was a coach under Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United – is still held in high regard despite being unable to avoid relegation with the Tractor Boys. And third with Betfair is 8-1 Gareth Southgate.The former England boss has been out of management since leaving his role with the Three Lions after the Euro 2024 final.In October, he ruled himself out of any dugout jobs for at least 12 months – but may have turned his back on football for good.Southgate – who is writing a book, been a technical observer for Uefa and gave the BBC’s Richard Dimbleby Lecture – said: “I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”[Could I return to) club football? Depending on what role that is. I have been fortunate to have worked with fantastic players. You got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.”Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford…Thomas Frank was linked with the United job when they looked to find Ten Hag’s successor and the sterling job he has done at Brentford means he remains in contention at 9-1. Ex-Barca boss Xavi (10-1), Marco Silva (11-1), Brendan Rodgers (12-1), Mauricio Pochettino (12-1) and Unai Emery (12-1) are all on the list.And currently at 14-1 is Carlo Ancelotti.The Real Madrid boss looks destined to leave the Bernabeu this summer after the early Champions League exit and Barcelona set to win LaLiga. And if the iconic veteran does not take the Brazil gig, he could bring some much-needed trophy-winning experience and aura to the Old Trafford dugout. Betfair Spokesperson Sam Rosbottom: “Manchester United’s season all rests on next week’s Europa League final, for Ruben Amorim defeat must be unthinkable given how disastrous this season has been, especially since he took charge.”If Spurs win, there could be some questions about his future at Old Trafford, especially after he admitted over the weekend he may walk if things don’t improve early next season. “Looking at who could take over, a return for Jose Mourinho could be on the cards, with the special and experienced one leading the betting at 4-1.Read More on The Sun”Former United first-team coach and current Ipswich manager, Kieran McKenna is also popular in the betting and is the second favourite at 7-1. “While there’s also interest in the likes of Gareth Southgate at 8-1 and Brentford boss Thomas Frank at 9/1, two managers they have been linked heavily with before.”Mourinho won the Europa League with United in 2017Credit: AFP or licensorsGareth Southgate could be in line to return to management with United a year after leaving the England jobCredit: PAKieran McKenna is second favourite with the bookiesCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti looks set to be available in the summerCredit: EPA More