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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe to cut Man Utd’s bloated wage bill with contracts overhaul in move that could wreck future transfers

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has declared war on the bloated wage bill at Manchester United.Co-owner Sir Jim vowed to slash players’ pay after years of decline on the pitch.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to revolutionise the way Man Utd dish out contractsCredit: PAKobbie Mainoo is among those seeking a new deal at Old TraffordCredit: GettySalaries for new signings and stars attempting to renegotiate their deals will be massively scaled back.And in another cost-cutting move designed to revive the glory days, huge bonuses will be offered instead – but only when results improve.A United source revealed: “The club is moving towards performance-based contracts. This has been discussed with agents going forward.“We will still pay competitively but we do need to manage our wage bill and ensure we are getting value for money.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe shake-up will see cash withheld from new signings until Ruben Amorim’s team start to challenge for honours.But it will also hit players keen to negotiate new long-term deals.That includes midfield ace Kobbie Mainoo, whose prolonged contract talks have stalled over his wage demands.The 19-year-old Mainoo – currently on £20,000-a-week – is said to want a new deal worth £150,000 a week.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut Ratcliffe is refusing to budge and is determined to change the culture at United following a disastrous season.They sit 14th in the table with just five wins in 17 Premier League games under Amorim.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ Their only hope of silverware this term is in the Europa League.Tonight, they host Real Sociedad in the last 16 with the score tied at 1-1 after last week’s first leg.Sir Jim’s latest penny-pinching measure is likely to dent United’s chances of luring new players this summer.But he reckons the club have rewarded failure for too long and in an interview this week, he revealed the squad was “not good enough”.He also said he culled 450 staff because the “bloated” club was set to go “bust at Christmas”.Legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson, 83, also stepped down from his role as an ambassador so the Red Devils could save £2million per year.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.This summer the club will spend around £100m on transfer fees for six players they already own. Billionaire Sir Jim, 72, blasted: “Some are not good enough and some are probably overpaid.”The numbers were fairly scary because they had sort of lost control.”The club’s been spending more money than it’s been earning for the last seven years and it ends in a very difficult place.”And for Manchester United, that place ended at the end of 2025, with the club running out of cash.”Ratcliffe said the club would have to “buy” Jadon Sancho, Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund this summer.Sir Jim added: “If we buy nobody else, we’re buying those players. We have inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17m to buy him.”Sir Jim bought a 28.94 per cent stake in the club 13 months ago in a £1.3billion deal which saw his Ineos group take control of football operations.But United are more than £1BILLION in debt – thanks to the way majority owners the Glazers have run the club – and lost more than £300m in the last three years.Protesting fans have turned on the co-owner, with some chanting: “Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***”.On Tuesday, Sir Jim unveiled plans for a stunning new £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium – with many questioning how it would be paid for.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe project – which he hopes to complete in just five years – promises a £7.3bn injection into the economy.It will see the area around the new ground redeveloped with 17,000 homes, hundreds of shops and restaurants and dozens of hotels. More

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      ‘There should be no way back’ – Ben White should be BLOCKED from ever playing for England again, slams Man Utd legend

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      BEN WHITE should never be picked for England again according to ex-Three Lions star Nicky Butt.New England boss Thomas Tuchel is tipped to name White tomorrow in the first squad of his reign after the Arsenal defender spent two years in self-imposed exile.Ben White could be set to return to the England setup after more than two years in exileCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is preparing to name his first Three Lions squadCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd star Nicky Butt has urged Tuchel not to select WhiteCredit: GettyBut Butt says White’s decision not to make himself available since a bust-up at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should end his international career.The former Manchester United midfielder said: “He is good enough to go in the squad, he’s a top player.“But he’s not that good to beg him to come back.“He’s not a Shearer in his day, he’s not a  Gascoigne in his day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“There’s been a few over the years who have said, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I want to get ready for next season’,”In other words, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I don’t want to be sub’.”Once you break that, I don’t think there should be any way back.”White, 27, flew home before the World Cup began in December 2022 amid reports that he was unhappy with a “barbed comment” made by boss Gareth Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsButt is also against the FA’s “sad” decision to appoint a German manager.Butt, 50, told talkSPORT: “He’s obviously an amazing coach. Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches “But I’m an Englishman who played for my country and is passionate about my country.“It doesn’t sit well with me. We’ve got enough good coaches in England to  give them a chance.”Tuchel is working off a massive 55-man list ahead of naming his first England squad.The new Three Lions manager will name his first squad next week for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024The 51-year-old succeeds Southgate and has signed an 18-month contract which will end after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.Tuchel’s first game against Albania on March 21 is already a Wembley sell-out.The game against Latvia three days later is expected to attract a crowd of at least 70,000. More

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      ‘You can’t go to Bluewater’ – Ex-Premier League boss begs stars to ‘sacrifice everything’ in another classic interview

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      NATHAN JONES has revealed an epic list of “sacrifices” he expects from his Charlton players AND their families.Famous for his oddball quotes, Jones has produced one of his best with a selection of do’s and don’ts for the promotion hunters during their run-in.Nathan Jones says Charlton players face eight weeks of sacrificesAnd it’s far worse than more typical demands imposed by some clubs, like avoiding fast-food, being in bed early or forgoing nightclubs.Because the Addicks manager has told his players not to go… shopping or bowling!The ex-Luton chief even claimed it’s time to stop “walking around high-fiving and going to Costa Coffee”.Perhaps Jones’ most notorious comment came when he explained why he took the Southampton job in 2022.READ MORE IN SPORTThe Welshman said: “I could have stayed in a mining community, been a PE teacher and had a nice life, married a nice Welsh girl. “I don’t. I want to test myself on every level and that’s nothing against Welsh women. I want to test myself.”And last year he produced a different type of eye-catching interview.Ecstatic following a 2-1 League One victory over Derby, Jones launched an X-rated boast – then backtracked when realising he was live on the BBC.Most read in EFLJones didn’t pull any punches on how his Addicks must behaveCredit: RexCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe said: “We over-ran them, we f*****g… Sorry – we were aggressive in what we did and I’m really proud of the second half performance.”  This time Jones was explaining to Charlton’s media team the tough time in store – or rather, not in stores – for his players – amid the season’s finale.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideFourth-placed Charlton want a top-two finish or at least to keep hold of a play-off spot.Jones, 51, said: “Going into eight weeks of your life now, where you sacrifice everything.”You’re not shopping tomorrow. Not bowling. Your diet’s good.”However, Jones also left himself open to accusations of stereotyping.He added: “If your wife or your girlfriend wants to go shopping, wants to do that, they have to make the sacrifices.”It’s a massive sacrifice for us – to achieve something – because you can’t now go to Bluewater, walking around high-fiving and going to Costa Coffee when you should be resting.” More

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      ‘There was blood everywhere’ – Inside Kenilworth Road riot, where ‘freelance’ hooligans turned Luton into war zone

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      IT WAS one of English football’s bleakest nights and one of its most significant occasions.The Kenilworth Road riot — before, during and after an FA Cup quarter- final between Luton Town and Millwall on March 13, 1985 — was a hideous orgy of disorder which had profound ramifications for the English game.The 1985 Luton riot occurred before, during and after a 1984–85 FA Cup gameCredit: PAFans stormed the pitch after Luton beat Millwall 1-0Credit: GettyIt was halted by Millwall fans for 25 minutes and ended with a frightening riotCredit: AlamySeats in Kenilworth Road were destroyedCredit: GettyFormer Luton gaffer David Pleat spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: RexForty years ago today, Millwall’s infamous Bushwackers firm were joined by a band of ‘freelance hooligans’ from Chelsea and West Ham.Luton’s home ground became dangerously overcrowded, sparking a series of violent pitch invasions as an entire town was turned into a war zone.Eighty-one people were injured, including a policeman who had to be resuscitated after being knocked out by a concrete slab.A knife was thrown at Luton keeper Les Sealey. Hundreds of seats were ripped out and used as missiles. Billiard balls were hurled into the directors’ box, before a pitched battle raged between hooligans and police.David Pleat, who managed Luton that night and for 12 years over two spells, told me: “The victims of the violence — many of them either very young or old — were treated in the players’ tunnel. There was blood everywhere. The scenes were horrific.”“Outside, homes, pubs and shops were vandalised. Carriages on a train carrying travelling fans had ceilings torn out and, according to police, were left “looking as if a bomb had gone off”.In that spring of 1985, English football was entering its lowest depths.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Luton riot would be swiftly followed by the Bradford City fire, in which 56 supporters perished, and the Heysel disaster at the European Cup final in Brussels, when rioting by Liverpool fans and a crumbling stadium caused the deaths of 39 people — mainly supporters of Juventus.As a result, English clubs would be banned from all European competitions for five years.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permissionPoliceman and dogs were deployed onto the pitchCredit: AlamyPolice with batons out tackled fans invading the turf in 1985Credit: AlamyThen manager Pleat has included details in his new autobiographyCredit: GettyFor many years before, football supporters had been treated like animals and far too many acted accordingly.Pleat recalls that Margaret Thatcher’s government was already “waging war” against the battered national sport, scapegoating football for society’s ills.And after the Kenilworth Road riot, Thatcher found a willing ally in Luton chairman David Evans. The soon-to-be Tory MP introduced a ban on away fans from his club’s stadium, as well as an ID card scheme which the prime minister sought to have introduced for supporters nationwide.It was only after the horrors of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster — and the subsequent Taylor Report which deemed the scheme unworkable — that the national ID card project was abandoned.Anyone who watched football from behind fences in the 1980s would have experienced dangerous overcrowding and been in little doubt that the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters at Hillsborough could have happened to fans of any club.After Lord Chief Justice Taylor’s intervention, all-seater stadia were made compulsory in the top two tiers of English football.Along with the advent of the Premier League, the game and its venues would be transformed.Police and fans battled during Luton vs MillwallCredit: GettyThe aftermath of the riots brought huge changes in English footballCredit: AlamyLuton’s away-fan ban ran from 1987 until 1991. Many clubs banned Hatters supporters in a tit-for-tat.And Luton were thrown out of the League Cup for one season after refusing to back down.Football supporters were societal pariahs in the 80s. And Luton — the riot’s victims — would become hated inside the sport.Pleat damningly describes the late Evans as “a visionary in his own mind” and “a lapdog for Mrs Thatcher”. He added: “Evans was not a good person and Luton became widely hated because of his actions.”On the 40th anniversary of the riot, the details sound difficult to comprehend.The match was not all-ticket, although matches very rarely were.The trouble was premeditated and organised, yet police were unprepared — despite the sight of thousands of known hooligans congregating at London’s St Pancras Station four hours before kick-off.Bedfordshire’s force had no horses, with reinforcements arriving from Cambridgeshire only after serious disorder had flared.Soon-to-be Tory MP David Evans was the chairman of Luton Town at the timeCredit: RexAway fans were banned from Kenilworth Road from 1987 until 1991Credit: GettyStadium overcrowding was a huge problem in the 80sCredit: RexThe overcrowding was dangerous and, in Pleat’s words, the arrangements were “completely chaotic”.But the English domestic game, now the envy of the world, was unrecognisable four decades ago.Conditions at most stadiums were appalling, violence was rife, overcrowded terraces endangered lives, fans were herded like sheep, barked at by police dogs, and watched matches from behind barbed-wire fences or within cages.David Brown, a 59-year-old Hatters supporter who attended the Millwall match as a teenager, said: “You would go to away matches in those days and be terrified.“I remember going to Newcastle in the 80s and being scared to open my mouth for fear of being beaten up.“Last season I went to St James’ Park for a 4-4 draw and Newcastle fans couldn’t have been friendlier.“When you think of the conditions you’d watch football in back then, you wonder why we bothered going.“I’d seen other serious outbreaks of hooliganism — but nothing like the Millwall riot.”Stewards were asked to clean up Luton’s ground the day after the riotCredit: GettyThose who complain about the ‘sanitisation’ of the modern match-going experience tend to conveniently forget how bad things were in the ‘good old days’ of the 70s and 80s.English football was a powder keg. The Luton riot was the night it truly exploded.The Kenilworth Road End, which was supposed to house travelling Millwall fans, became overcrowded as their numbers had been seriously swelled by supporters of rival London clubs.Kick it upfield, I’ll blow the final whistle, then run for your life.Referee told goalkeeper SealeyBrown later worked with a Chelsea fan who had been at the Kenilworth Road riot and admitted to becoming a ‘freelance hooligan’ because “we all wanted to have a go at Luton”, whose own hooligan fringe had been involved in violence at grounds in the capital.By 7pm — 45 minutes before kick-off — a gate had been forced open, leading to crushing, with hundreds of fans invading the pitch and goading Luton supporters in the opposite Oak Road End of the ground.Remarkably, the game kicked off on time but after 14 minutes there was a further pitch invasion, which led to a 35-minute delay.Soon after, forward Brian Stein scored the only goal of the tie for top-flight strugglers Luton against Millwall’s Third Division promotion chasers, with Pleat admitting “we all feared the worst”.Luton Town executives John Smith and Millwall chief executive Tony Shaw met with Sports Minister Neil MacFarlane to discuss the violent clashes in 1985Credit: PABut referee David Hutchinson, a policeman himself, was determined to finish the match. Just before the end, with Sealey about to take a goal-kick, Hutchinson told Sealey: “Kick it upfield, I’ll blow the final whistle, then run for your life.”And all 22 players sprinted for the relative safety of the dressing rooms.For Pleat, reaching an FA Cup semi-final should have been a career highlight.Instead, that achievement was utterly tarnished.The next day he was dragged into an emergency meeting in Parliament — with Luton’s bosses, as well as FA chiefs, grilled and urged to get their house in order.Yet Millwall would be fined a measly £7,500 — a punishment overturned on appeal.Kenilworth Road had been trashed and Evans used the opportunity to ban away fans, to build several executive boxes on the site of the vandalised Bobbers Stand, to install a controversial plastic pitch, as well as introducing the away-fan ban and ID card scheme.Millwall boss George Graham led his players off and later told Pleat he wanted to leave the South London clubCredit: PABrown said: “Evans used the trouble for his own political means. He gave a rabble-rousing speech at the next Tory party conference and, at the next election, he was elected an MP.“The away-fan ban made Luton very unpopular — but the hypocrisy of Evans was that wealthy away fans who could afford the executive boxes were still welcome.”Millwall’s manager that night was George Graham, a friend of Pleat’s ever since they had faced each other in an England v Scotland schoolboy international in 1960, through to their time as rival managers of Tottenham and Arsenal, to the current day, with both men now aged 80.Pleat said: “Before kick-off, George used the stadium’s loudspeaker to urge the Millwall fans to get off the pitch. “We were the last two people inside Kenilworth Road that night and George then told me he wanted to leave Millwall. “They won promotion that season but the following year he was off to Arsenal.”Pleat claimed: “A third of Luton season-ticket holders stopped going to matches after the riot, never to come back.”Thirty-one people were arrested for the violence, appearing at Luton Magistrates Court the next morning.But with Hatters fans waiting outside, at least one Millwall supporter — who had been fined, then freed, for his part in the riot — lost his bravado and refused to leave the courthouse for fear of reprisals.Pleat said: “People forget how dark a place English football was in back then.“The Bradford and Heysel disasters would come soon after.“Now supporters can enjoy matches in decent conditions — but back then, it was a very different game.” Just One More Goal — The Autobiography of David Pleat is available from Biteback Publishing. More

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      Newcastle make classy gesture to Amanda Staveley after claims she was forced out of club

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      NEWCASTLE have offered an olive branch to former directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.The Toon invited their former chiefs to Wembley on Sunday.Newcastle have invited former directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi to their Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyStaveley and hubby Ghodoussi left St James’ Park last summerCredit: GettyStaveley is still highly regarded for her work in brokering the £305million takeoverCredit: PAThe pair left St James’ Park last summer after three years in the boardroom, amid claims they were forced out.Staveley and hubby Ghodoussi also sold their six per cent stake in Newcastle to majority owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Reuben family.Jamie Reuben is understood to have invited the couple to the Carabao Cup final as his guests in a sign they remain on good terms with the Toon hierarchy.The club have also secured tickets for other members of the family.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBusinesswoman Staveley, 51, described her departure from Newcastle last summer as “painful”.But club sources emphasised she is still highly regarded there for her work in brokering the £305million takeover from hated owner Mike Ashley in late 2021.The couple were also there when Newcastle made the Carabao Cup final in 2023, before losing 2-0 to Manchester United. Since leaving Newcastle, Staveley has been working with Qatari investors looking at buying a stake in Tottenham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShe also helped broker the £210m sale of Manchester City in 2008 to Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour.Newcastle are looking to win their first piece of silverware in 70 years against Arne Slot’s side on Sunday.Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Eddie Howe’s side head Wembley with six days rest after edging West Ham 1-0 in the Prem on Monday.Meanwhile, their hopes might be boosted by Liverpool’s Champions League exit on Tuesday. Liverpool were forced to play 120 minutes of intense football before losing 4-1 on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain, following a 1-1 aggregate draw. More

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      Arsenal 2 PSV 2 (agg 9-3): Much-changed Gunners cruise into Champions League quarters despite playing SIX left-backs

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      ARSENAL are back amongst the European big boys – and so is Raheem Sterling.After knocking nine goals past a hapless PSV over two legs, the Gunners have secured back-to-back Champions League quarter finals for the first time in 15 years.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling had a blinding game for the GunnersCredit: GettyTheir Prem title hopes may be dashed and injuries continue to cripple them this term, but boss Mikel Arteta has the North Londoners back where they feel they belong on the grandest stage in football.The last time that was the case was under Arsene Wenger, reaching the last eight in 2008 and 2010 – with a semi-final appearance wedged in between in 2009.And there is a growing belief they can go one better than their quarter final defeat to Bayern Munich last term, meeting Real Madrid this time around.Miracles can happen – just look at Sterling.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old has spent the majority of this campaign sat on the bench, withering away, crying out for minutes and momentum after failing to make an impression on loan from Chelsea.With accusations his legs had gone, he finally got his chance here – and took it. In just his THIRD 90-minute outing of the season, two first-half assists teed up Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice.He now has 45 goal involvements in the Champions League (27 goals and 18 assists). Only England legends David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47) have more.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe irony is that, after picking up a booking in second half injury time, Sterling will now miss their quarter final first leg. Most read in Champions LeagueBoy do they need Bukayo Saka back from injury sooner rather than later.Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling illArsenal were never in any danger of failing to progress last night after a record-breaking 7-1 score line out in Eindhoven last week.The visitors earned a second leg draw at the Emirates through goals from Ivan Perisic and Couhaib Driouech, but this was a rare game without any sort of jeopardy or tension.With PSV making five changes, it is why Arteta also opted to experiment with his line-up.A front three of Sterling, Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino starting a Champions League last 16 clash will be giving Arsenal fans nightmares for weeks.Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe ace refused to celebrate after spending time on loan at PSV earlier in his careerCredit: ReutersHow many Championship clubs would swap their attacking trio for that? It is certainly a world away from first-choice starters Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.Tierney was one of THREE left-backs starting, alongside Zinchenko and Myles Lewis-Skelly.There was method to the madness. Martinelli has only just returned from injury and, alongside right back Jurrien Timber, is a booking away from missing next month’s quarter final.There was good news at the back. A first start for Ben White since November 10 after his knee operation to complete a muddled-looking outfield that had shades of Hackney Marshes about it.PSV pulled one back to stun the EmiratesCredit: ReutersThe goal came from ex-Tottenham winger Ivan PerisicCredit: PAThe Emirates atmosphere was being fuelled solely by the away end, packed and bouncing over an hour before kick-off dreaming of one of the most improbable comebacks in football history.That lasted all of six minutes. Sterling won the ball and a nice pivot pass sent Zinchenko driving goal wards, darting left and curling a beauty into the far corner.The Ukrainian refused to celebrate, holding his hands up apologetically, paying homage to the 17 appearances he made on loan at PSV back in 2016/17.His teammates barely jumped with joy either – another unnecessary nail in the already-sealed coffin.Declan Rice restored Arsenal’s lead before half timeCredit: ReutersThe ace fired home with a fine headerCredit: GettyYet the visitors were still keen to play a minor role in this North London exhibition, and who else but an old Tottenham foe in Ivan Perisic – the man whose taunts before last week’s first leg backfired spectacularly.Gabriel switched off as Guus Til slipped Perisic in behind before a cute chipped finish over David Raya in the 19th minute. The Dutch travellers erupted ironically in the corner.The Arsenal No.1 was called into more action, tipping a shot from winger Couhaib Driouech around his post. Arteta was irritable, demanding more than the six-goal advantage his team already had.Merino’s back-heeled flick sent Lewis-Skelly through with a jabbed effort that bobbled onto the post.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Raheem Sterling shines with more confidence but rusty Ben White makes mistakesRAHEEM STERLING provided two assists as Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV in the second- leg of their 9-2 aggregate Champions League last-16 win.The Gunners set up a Champions League quarter-final showdown with 15-time European champions Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties.Mikel Arteta took the chance to rotate following last week’s 7-1 first-leg win, naming a much-changed side which included Kieran Tierney on the left wing and Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield.Sterling was also handed a rare start and set up both Arsenal goals in an eye-catching display, first for Zinchenko, and then for Declan Rice before half-time.Ben White struggled during his first start since November after minor undergoing surgery, while Jorginho took over captaincy duties from Martin Odegaard who was named on the bench.Here SunSport’s Dan King delivers his Arsenal player ratings against PSV from the Emirates. There was still time for PSV to find another goalCredit: RexCouhaib Driouech celebrated with passion despite knowing PSV were heading outCredit: GettyAnd then, Sterling rolled back the years with another assist, doubling his entire tally for the season, dinking a 37th minute delivery onto the head of an onrushing Rice.Remarkable what a bit of confidence does, even if he later fluffed two chances to find the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal continued to cruise after the break – perhaps why PSV were gifted another goal as Driouech lobbing Raya in the 70th minute.Not that the home crowd cared one jot. They have the Madrid sunshine on their minds.Mikel Arteta was delighted with his side’s performanceCredit: ReutersArsenal will be heading to Spain in the quartersCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa 3 Club Brugge 0 (agg 6-1): Super sub Marco Asensio sets up mouthwatering PSG clash with brilliant double

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      LUIS ENRIQUE could be in for a few sleepless nights as the PSG boss faces up to his worst nightmare.Aston Villa are heading to Paris for a Champions League showdown and Marco Asensio – the man he allowed to leave on loan – is in the form of his life!Marco Asensio celebrates with Marcus Rashford after making it 3-0Credit: PAAsensio cracks the first of his quickfire doubleCredit: GettyBoss Unai Emery’s smile says it all after victoryCredit: GettyThe 29-year-old Spaniard will head back to his old club next month with a point to prove.And he warmed up with a deadly double here to put 10-man Club Brugge to the sword, like a Matador slaying a bull.The three-times Champions League winner has been an absolute steal after joining in the January window.Last night he took this game by the scruff of the neck and delivered his sixth and seventh goals to ease Villa’s nerves – six of which have come in front of an adoring Holte End.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThrow in the fact Unai Emery will also have a grudge to bear against the club who binned him after he delivered a domestic quadruple in 2018, and Enrique might discover beating Liverpool was the easy part!Yet until Asensio came on, with Leon Bailey in a double substitution at half-time Villa looked listless.In truth they did most of the heavy lifting when they won 3-1 in Bruges last week.That left Emery and his side with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – his task here was to firmly plant his remaining foot there.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut there were a few early stumbles along the way as Villa made a nervous start.Brugge knew they had nothing to lose and dominated the first half.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG Kyriani Sabbe fired a first-time shot over after Matty Cash gifted him the ball with a sloppy pass.Then skipper Jan Vanaken flashed a flashing header inches wide after he burst in front of Tyrone Mings.When Raphael Onyedika blasted in a shot which Ezri Konsa did well to head clear, the Villa fans started to grumble and Emery called for calm on the touchline.But suddenly the pressure valve was eased as Brugge were reduced to 10-men.Emi Martinez deserves credit for doing what none of his teammates could – pierce Brugge’s defence – with a raking 60-yard delivery which picked out Marcus Rashford on the run.The winger sprinted off like a greyhound chasing a hare and although poor Sabbe did his best to halt him, he could only grapple with Rashford before sending him toppling with a clip of his heels.German ref Daniel Siebert reached for his red card and suddenly Villa’s task looked a whole lot simpler with Brugge reduced to 10 men.Youri Tielemans beat the wall from the resultant free kick but Simon Mignolet got down low to push the ball out.Then Ollie Watkins spotted Mignolet off his line but his audacious attempt from 45 yards lacked the height to clear the keeper.Ian Maatsen rejoices after doubling Villa’s lead on the nightCredit: AFPMaatsen helped put Villa in command as they cruised throughCredit: GettyAnd Villa ended the half looking more likely as Rashford slammed a shot into the side netting.But it was Asensio’s arrival at half-time which made all the difference.He finally broke Brugge with a move he started and finished, five minutes after his arrival.His positive burst saw Morgan Rogers feed John McGinn who played in Bailey.The Jamaican’s clever flicked pass was pounced on by Asensio who took the ball off the bounce and fired beyond Mignolet.He almost added a second when he broke clear onto a Tielemans chip, only to hit the post with Mignolet beaten.And Villa doubled their lead before the hour when Rashford’s sublime touch set up Rogers who cut back for Ian Maatsen to score with a deflection off Brandon Mechele.But Asensio wasn’t finished and he made it 3-0 with his second four minutes later.Rashford played a 1-2 with Rogers and cut back for Asensio to beat Mignolet with a simple finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext stop – Paris in springtime.I’ll bet Asensio and Emery can’t wait! More

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      F1 star Ollie Bearman, 19, looking to turn Australian GP debut into romantic holiday with girlfriend

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      TEEN Brit Oliver Bearman has vowed to be a smash hit in Formula One after breaking into the sport’s  top 20.The 19-year-old from Essex lines up for Haas at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix here in Melbourne  after a breakthrough F1 season that saw him impress in three races as a late stand-in.Oliver Bearman is looking to turn his Australian GP debut into a romantic holiday with his girlfriendCredit: RexThe rookie will be turning out for Haas this weekendCredit: INSTAGRAM @olliebearmanBearman can’t wait for some fun in the sun Down UnderCredit: INSTAGRAM @olliebearmanBearman’s big break came in March last year when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was rushed to hospital for appendicitis  surgery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.He stepped into the breach and finished seventh, overshadowing both seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and fellow Brit Lando Norris.Bearman continued to impress for Haas in Azerbaijan and Brazil — and after winning a full-time seat for 2025 he is determined to enjoy every minute.He said: “I’ve thought about this a lot but a lot of people are reminding me that I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in.READ MORE IN F1“There’s 20 of us in the world. It’s not a given that we stay here, so I don’t take it for granted. It’s really important to remember why I’m here — it’s a passion for the sport.“We are all here in this paddock because we love motorsport. I really want to make the most of it and smile.”Bearman, who started his career in karting in 2013, has racing in his blood with his  grandfather, dad and uncle all competing in motorsport.Now he is on a mission to build on last season’s success and make a real impact.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe added:  “I’ve been really lucky to have my experiences last year.“All of those last-minute races I had eyes on me because that was the story of the weekend, so I felt pressure.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant“I know how to deal with that now and have experience. Luckily,  there’s five other rookies on the grid with me so hopefully that will make it a bit easier for me.”Australia was always likely to be his big F 1 debut as a senior driver so he has been gearing up for  the trip Down Under.He revealed: “My whole family will be coming. It was meant to be my first race but, of course, it wasn’t in the end!  However, it’s still a special moment for everyone involved.“I am really excited to be in Australia. They have amazing brunches by the beach in Melbourne.“I know a few places, my girlfriend is coming and I really want to take her to some of those — I have my little  itinerary planned!“She’s staying until Tuesday, we have a few days to enjoy it after the race and that’s the benefit of the job, travelling to these amazing places.”For the first time since 2010, six rookies are on the grid with Bearman joined by Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson.Arguably the most pressure is on Antonelli, 18, who has massive boots to fill after replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.Brazil’s Sauber star Bortoleto, 20, has  back-to-back F 3 and F 2 titles under his belt and is one  of just four drivers to accomplish that, along with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri. More