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      ‘I don’t talk bulls***’ – Nicky Butt tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe his Man Utd title masterplan ‘ain’t gonna happen’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Nicky Butt has slammed the club’s long-term plan for success, claiming the proposed masterplan “ain’t gonna happen”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos and the club as whole have outlined ambitious plans to bring success back to the red side of Manchester in the near future, claiming the club will be Premier League champions once again by 2028.Nicky Butt has slammed Man Utd’s long-term plan for successCredit: GettyThose plans, which have been labelled as ‘Project 150’, coincide with the club’s 150th anniversary and also include the ambition to be competing for a fourth European Cup by that point too.However, Butt has suggested that the idea of United becoming one of the top teams in Europe again in the space of three years is unrealistic and unachievable.Speaking at The Champions for Children Gala Dinner, according to The Times, he said: “If I’m being honest — and I don’t like to talk bulls***— that ain’t going to happen.“There’s a long way to go for that. What gets me is when people talk about getting to where they want to be — everyone expects other clubs to sit still but they’re going to go forward as well.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Newcastle, Liverpool will get better, [Manchester] City will definitely get better, Chelsea are getting better, Arsenal are getting better every year. And then obviously, there’s lots of smaller clubs as well.“The most important thing is starting on the right foot and hopefully get this season put to bed, because it’s been a disaster.”And hopefully we get some plans in place for the stadium, get some new recruitment in, and give Ruben Amorim the right tools to try and at least get a decent team on the pitch.”Man Utd have had an atrocious campaign this season and currently sit 13th in the Premier League, while they were already dumped from the FA Cup and League Cup.Most read in FootballManchester United have had a terrible season on the pitchCredit: PAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe abysmal form has come in the same season as huge budget cuts, backlash from fan groups, big name departures and now increased ticket prices.Man Utd announced a five per cent increase in the cost of adult season tickets, as well as turfing out a few hundred season ticket holders from their usual seats to make way for a new hospitality area behind the Old Trafford dugout in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Club legend Ryan Giggs, who also attended the Gala Dinner, has lambasted the United hierarchy for their decision to move fans on from those seats, claiming friends of his “don’t know where they’re going to go” after 25 years in the same spot.He slammed: “Man Utd is special because of what we’ve done on the pitch over a number of years, but the fans have always made the club.“My mates have been [behind] the dugout for 25 years and they’re getting turfed away. “They don’t know where they’re going to go. That’s the experience that I’ve had firsthand of friends just wondering where they’re going to be. It’s difficult.“They’ve got their names on their seats. They’ve been there 25 years and they’re having to move. It’s tough to see the club in this sort of situation.”Butt weighed in on the changes too, adding: “There are a lot of things I think they’re doing wrong, but we all know that and it’s sad to see.”Because I’ve loved Manchester United since I was six years of age and it’s not the Manchester United that I know and loved.“I find it bizarre how the ticket prices keep going up. They can’t keep going up. Something’s got to stop, something’s got to give. “They’ve not got the added fallback of winning loads of medals. I see where it’s coming from. They are trying to balance the books, but they’re punishing the wrong people, in my eyes.”Ryan Giggs has said his friends don’t know where to sit after season tickets were moved to make way for hospitality seatsCredit: GettyMan Utd confirmed plans to turn seats behind the dugout into a hospitality experience areaCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe has spearheaded huge cuts at Old Trafford since his arrivalCredit: PAMinority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed earlier this month that United were going to “run out of cash by the end of 2025”, had it not been for increased prices and huge cuts across the club.United announced that 200 staff members are set to be made redundant this year, after over 250 were let go in 2024.While other budget cuts have included ditching the annual Christmas party, taking away free lunches for staff and removing Sir Alex Ferguson from his paid role as an ambassador.Despite the huge cuts and concerns for finances at the club, United have still announced plans to build a brand new 100,000-seat stadium to replace Old Trafford.The project is thought to cost around £2BILLION, and designs have featured a circus tent-like design after architects were consulted to mock up some images of the new home of the Red Devils.But Giggs doesn’t even think the club will stick to their plans to keep the tent look for the stadium.He said: “I think everyone, if it was possible, would like to keep the stadium as it is. What they’ve done at the Nou Camp, what they’ve done at the Bernabeu. “If that isn’t possible, then the next best thing is a new stadium. Man United has always been at the forefront of technology, about having the best facilities, having the best stadium, having the best fan experience and we fell behind with that.”As well as on the pitch, off the pitch, we fell behind with a lot of things. The design is not going to look like that, I don’t think. “I think when you see buildings and it gets the headlines and it’s that sort of shock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But if it is going to be a new stadium, which it looks like, it needs to be the best. Hopefully we get the best players on the pitch as well.”Probed further on the circus designs, he said: “I don’t think it’s going to happen!”Man Utd revealed plans for a new 100,000-seat stadiumThe stadium features a circus tent-like designCredit: AFPThe project is expected to cost £2billion More

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      Marcus Rashford STARTS for England in Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever XI with Dan Burn also named against Albania

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever Engand starting 11. Rashford – on loan to Aston Villa from Manchester United – was recalled to the squad for the first time since March of last year. Marcus Rashford has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever Engand starting 11Credit: GettyAnd Tuchel has started the winger on the left of a front three including Phil Foden and Harry Kane against Albania at Wembley. There was also a first England cap for Newcastle defender Dan Burn. Burn scored in Newcastle’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool – handing the club their first piece of silverware since 1955. He partnered Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa and Myles Lewis-Skelly in England’s backline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeclan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Curtis Jones made up Tuchel’s midfield for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. Rashford and Jordan Henderson both missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad that reached the final but lost to Spain last summer. But the Villa star was rewarded for his recent run of form. Tuchel said: “I had the feeling that we need to reward him now, we need to feel him, he needs to be close to me, that he does not fall back into old routines. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He stepped up his game impressively [at Villa] against the ball. This is the most important point for him – the intensity after ball loss. “The tracking back on the side. The sprinting. The hunting down. Making sure you’re in position.“That he can bully defenders, we know all that … we forgot a little bit about it but we know it. He is a ­complete package. “But at the same time, we want to make sure that he stays on track.”Tuchel watched on as Lewis-Skelly became England youngest-ever debut scorer while Kane wrapped up a 2-0 win. England star Miles Lewis-Skelly hilariously reveals he mistook Uber Eats driver for Thomas Tuchel in awkward phone call More

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      Stuart Pearce, 62, returns to talkSPORT for first time since health scare for England vs Albania

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      STUART PEARCE has welcomed his return to talkSPORT after a health scare – and couldn’t have chosen a bigger game!The ex-England defender, 62, looked delighted to say he was “back on commentary” for the Three Lions’ opening World Cup qualifier against Albania – Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge.Stuart Pearce looked excited to be at England vs AlbaniaThomas Tuchel arrived to oversee his first England gameCredit: GettyEarlier this month, Pearce had a medical emergency on a flight back from Las Vegas.The pundit described having chest pains, with doctors needing to “stick a tube” down his throat and “reboot” his heart”.TalkSPORT posted a clip of Pearce at Wembley as he explained he was “really looking forward to the game”.The former West Ham star added: “New manager in post, hopefully a high-octane performance by England, a victory to get us off and running in this campaign.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe father of two spent five days in hospital following his health issue on a Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow.After his hospital stay, he told talkSPORT duo Jim White and Simon Jordan that he “felt brilliant in myself”. Pearce was put on a monitor on the transatlantic plane after sweating profusely and suffering acute pain.First aiders treated him as his partner watched on.Most read in FootballPearce went on talkSPORT earlier this month to say he was feeling betterPearce will be giving his verdict on an England team with debutants Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly plus Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford starting.Fans of Manchester City and Nottingham Forest had come together with an emotional message of support for their former left-back two weeks ago.They stood for a round of applause in the third minute of their Prem match before displaying a banner.Meanwhile, “Get well soon Stuart” was displayed on the City Ground big screen. More

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      in Boxing

      Dillon Danis gives scathing five-word response after KSI pulls out of Misfits fight just eight days before bout

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      DILLON DANIS gave a scathing five-word response after KSI pulled out of their Misfits Boxing fight with just eight days to go. KSI released a statement on social media to confirm he was withdrawing from the bout due to illness. KSI pulled out of fighting Dillon Danis due to illnessDanis was quick to mock KSICredit: PAHe said: “Hey everyone, I’m gonna try make this quick. Me versus Danis is just not going to happen March 29th, man.”I’ve tried my hardest but my body has legit just given up. I’m currently in bed taking antibiotics just trying to recover. “But I’m struggling, I’m coughing up greenish, yellow s*** all the time. My sinuses are hurting to the point where I need ibuprofen every day.”The tensions headaches right here that I’m getting are more painful than you can imagine. I’m using Sudafed daily. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’ve tried sparring and training and my body just feel weak my stamina has fallen off a cliff. “I can’t even taste right now or smell. Basically, I’m f***ed. I’ve been ill for almost three weeks and it’s just not got better. “I’ve had doctors come around to try and decipher what is going on. Honestly, I’ve never been this ill for this long in my life and I hate it. “I feel useless and it’s depressing. I feel like I’ve let so may people down. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I haven’t been able to post any YouTube videos to help promote the fight because I’ve just been feeling so s***. “I’m just sick of being sick, man. And yeah, I’m sorry.” KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happenDanis was quick to hit back online, posting: “Hahahahahahahahaha p***y.”Replying to KSI’s video, he said: “I remember my first cold.”KSI, 31, was due to make his return next Saturday in Manchester against MMA star Danis, 31, after more than a year out. He has not fought since October 2023 when he suffered defeat for the first time in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25.KSI was set to fight Anthony Taylor, 35, and YouTuber Slim Albaher, 30, last August but he pulled out with a hand injury.Danis himself withdrew from facing KSI in January 2023 due to personal reasons. He instead made his boxing debut the night Fury beat KSI – losing by disqualification against Logan Paul, 29. KSI – coughing down the phone – confirmed he plans to reschedule the bout with Danis. He said: “I wanna move the fight to another day because I still wanna knock out Dillon Danis. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Yeah, I didn’t train this hard for nothing. Either way, I want to say sorry to everyone at Misfits, everyone at DAZN. “I wanna say sorry to Sidemen for not being in as many videos as I’d like to be and most importantly I’d like to say sorry to all the fans.”KSI facing off with DanisCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s brother’s fight CANCELLED just eight days before bout as heartbroken opponent issues apology

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      ROMAN FURY’S grudge fight against Chase DeMoor has been CANCELLED with eight days beforehand.The pair were due to meet in a Misfits Boxing bout on the undercard of KSI’s return against Dillon Danis.Roman Fury’s boxing return has been postponedCredit: GettyChase DeMoor was meant to fight RomanCredit: GettyBut KSI has been forced to pull out due to illness – with the event set to be postponed till a later date.It means the fight faces just a rescheduling but still American DeMoor apologised to his fans online. He posted: “I’m so sorry guys…. I’m so f***ing sorry. “I never missed a day…. I’ve trained until my hands bled. I missed birthdays, funerals…I traveled across the world. READ MORE IN BOXING”I spent so much money time and effort and I’m not even sad for me, I’m sad for my team. “My coaches, my friends, my family who went through this with me. Most of all I’m sorry to the fans… “I did my absolute best to promote this for you guys. Truly from the bottom of my heart, I am so f***ing sorry.”DeMoor, 28, has starred in reality TV in the States including Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle and as a boxer, he has four wins, four losses and one draw.Most read in BoxingRoman is the brother of former heavyweight world champion Tyson, 36, and Tommy, 25, and has a 4-0 record himself.KSI, 31, was due to make his return against MMA star Danis, 31.Roman Fury gives update on brother Tommy’s boxing return and reveals who he could fightHe has not fought since October 2023 when he suffered defeat for the first time in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Roman’s brother Tommy, 25.KSI was set to fight Anthony Taylor, 35, and YouTuber Slim Albaher, 30, last August but he pulled out with a hand injury.And he confirmed his latest setback was due to illness as he spoke out on social media. KSI said: “Hey everyone, I’m gonna try make this quick. Me versus Danis is just not going to happen March 29th, man.”I’ve tried my hardest but my body has legit just given up. I’m currently in bed taking antibiotics just trying to recover. “But I’m struggling, I’m coughing up greenish, yellow s*** all the time. My sinuses are hurting to the point where I need ibuprofen every day.”The tensions headaches right here that I’m getting are more painful than you can imagine. I’m using Sudafed daily.Me versus Danis is just not going to happen March 29th, man. I’ve tried my hardest but my body has legit just given up.KSI “I’ve tried sparring and training and my body just feel weak my stamina has fallen off a cliff. “I can’t even taste right now or smell. Basically, I’m f***ed. I’ve been ill for almost three weeks and it’s just not got better. “I’ve had doctors come around to try and decipher what is going on. Honestly, I’ve never been this ill for this long in my life and I hate it. “I feel useless and it’s depressing. I feel like I’ve let so may people down.”I haven’t been able to post any YouTube videos to help promote the fight because I’ve just been feeling so s***.”I’m just sick of being sick, man. And yeah, I’m sorry. I wanna move the fight to another day because I still wanna knock out Dillon Danis.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Yeah, I didn’t train this hard for nothing. Either way, I want to say sorry to everyone at Misfits, everyone at DAZN. “I wanna say sorry to Sidemen for not being in as many videos as I’d like to be and most importantly I’d like to say sorry to all the fans.”KSI has been forced to pull out of his fight with Dillon Danis due to illnessCredit: X / MisfitsBoxingKSI facing off with DanisCredit: PA More

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      The Secret Footballer is back exclusively on SunSport – and he’s going in two-footed

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      THE Secret Footballer is back – and he’s going in two-footed.The former Premier League star is teaming up with The Sun to reveal the shocking, scandalous or just plain silly stories that football doesn’t want you to know – and that made him a publishing phenomenon.The Secret Footballer will wear a mask in order to protect his identityBut instead of written columns and books, TSF will be delivering his trademark exclusives, insights and strong opinions face to face on video.His actual face and voice will be disguised by state-of-the-art prosthetics and technology, in order to preserve his anonymity and allow him to go on lifting the lid on what’s really going on behind the scenes.Apart from the mask, though, there will be no filter – just an unmissable, unique take on the game that his fans, old and new, will love.Resurrected and revamped for the digital world, TSF will be the voice of reason in a sport driven mad by egos, money and its own self-importance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Sun will publish three new videos a day from The Secret Footballer across our Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube accounts.And we will have one groundbreaking exclusive a week on the website.In addition to incredible daily videos posted across social media, fans will also be able to tune in to all the best bits every single week in our YouTube round-up.TSF told SunSport: “I’m an ex-Premier League player. I’m the inside man. I’m the game’s voice of reason and its voice of truth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I won’t be afraid to speak out.”I am The Secret Footballer. Accept no substitutes. Follow me on The Sun Sport.”How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press football More

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      Liverpool star Andy Robertson gives own team-mate death stare before X-rated rant in feisty clash

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      ANDY ROBERTSON clashed with Liverpool team-mate Kostas Tsimikas when the pair faced off in a Nations League tie between Greece and Scotland on Thursday night.The Reds left-backs showed that they have no club loyalties when they don their national shirts as they locked horns in a feisty exchange on the pitch in Greece.Andy Robertson shot a death stare at a Liverpool teammate during Scotland’s clash with Greece on Thursday nightRobertson clashed with fellow Red left-back Kostas TsimikasTempers seemed to flare in the second half when VAR overturned a Greece penalty that would have levelled the scores in the 86th minute of the Nations League play-off tie.During the lengthy wait for VAR to make their decision, Robertson was seen discussing the incident with referee Tobias Stieler – something that Tsimikas appeared to take issue with.Seemingly saying something to Robertson off camera, the Scot appeared to snap back in what fans think was an X-rated rant. Robertson, who was wearing the captain’s armband for Scotland, shot a death stare at his counterpart before launching the fierce words.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans online reckon he was referring to his role as captain during the rant.With one writing: “No love lost between Robertson and fellow Liverpool left-back Tsimikas. ‘Because I’m the f*****g captain, Kostas, outside.’”And another adding: “I canny be sure exactly what Robertson is shouting at Tsimikas, but it includes “…because am the f*****g captain'”.It was Robertson’s Scotland that wound up victorious in the first leg, taking a 1-0 advantage into the second leg at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon.Most read in FootballTsimikas and Robertson have only played together five timesCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt appears there will be no grudges between Robertson and Tsimikas back in Liverpool after the international break either, as the pair shared a hug at full-time.Despite both being on the books at Liverpool together for almost five years, the pair have actually only shared the pitch as teammates five times.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadySharing the same position means they often spend more time jostling for a place in the lineup than they do playing alongside one and other.And their time at Anfield together could be coming to an end too, with Liverpool reportedly keen to sign a new left-back in the summer.Even Robertson has opened up on a potential replacement at the end of the season.He said recently: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world.“That comes with playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.“Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.“I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that’s I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. “It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.”Robertson has opened up about his future with LiverpoolCredit: Reuters More

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      Jermaine Pennant’s ex bombarded with thousands of messages by deluded stalker who spent £30k on her OnlyFans account

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      JERMAINE Pennant’s OnlyFans model ex was bombarded with messages by a deluded stalker who believed they were in a relationship.Married Mark Inkster spent £30,000 on Alice Goodwin’s account and sent flowers and Valentine’s cards to her home.Alice Goodwin was hounded for two years by a deluded stalkerCredit: InstagramThe model was married to ex-Liverpool star Jermaine PennantCredit: Getty Images – GettyMark Inkster was handed a suspended sentenceThe besotted 43-year-old also sent more than 11,000 declaring his love during the two year stalking campaign.Alice, who was married to former Liverpool and Arsenal star Pennant, was forced to take three months off work and install extra security.Inkster avoided jail and was instead handed a 12 month sentence suspended for two years after he pleaded guilty to stalking.Judge Philip Head said: “Over a two-and-a-half-year period you became obsessed with your victim over two platforms – OnlyFans and Babestation. You subscribed and you exchanged messages. These messages were highly sexual and flirtatious. Read more news”It is clear what you did had a massive impact on her health and her work. She had to take three months off work and suffered untold anxiety.”Nottingham Crown Court was told Inkster became obsessed with Alice, who appeared in Celebs Go Dating, after paying to subscribe to her OnlyFans.He then forked out extra cash to have private one-to-one messages and videos with her – spending £30,000 in total between August 2021 and January 2022.Inkster would contact Alice daily and ask details about her private life and buy tickets for events she was attending.Most read in FootballHe sent Birthday and Christmas cards to her home and religiously watched the model when she appeared on TV show Babestation.The deluded stalker messaged Alice, telling her: “Like I told you, Alice, there is nothing you can do to stop me loving you because you are my twin flame.”He also contacted her daughter on social media and told Alice: “I could just imagine your face if (I) turned up at your doorstep.”When Inkster was arrested, he gave a prepared statement saying there were “no threats” in his messages.But in a victim impact statement, Alice said: “This has had a huge impact on me and I feel incredibly unsafe. “I am considering moving away due to the trauma. He sent me 50 messages a day professing his undying love.”As well as a suspended jail term, Inkster was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and attend 40 rehabilitation sessions.He was also slapped with a five-year restraining order and ordered him to pay £1,000 costs.Alice married Pennant in May 2014 after he split with the mother of his one-year-old son.The pair broke up in 2020 after appearing together on The Jeremy Kyle Show.Pennant began his career at Notts County before being signed by Arsenal in 1999 when he was 15.He stayed at the club for six years – with stints at Watford – before moving to Birmingham.The winger signed for Liverpool in 2006 for £6.7million and played in the team’s 2007 Champions League final against Milan.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite winning Man of the Match, Pennant never received a first time call-up for England.After leaving Liverpool in 2009, he played for a number of teams including Stoke City and Wigan before hanging up his boots.Alice was forced to ramp up security at her homeCredit: InstagramShe was sent Valentine’s cards and flowers to her home addressCredit: InstagramInkster spent £30,000 on Alice’s OnlyFansCredit: InstagramShe told how how the stalking campaign had a ‘huge impact’ on herCredit: InstagramShe also considered moving home due to the ‘trauma’Credit: Refer to CaptionAlice was married to Pennant for six yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor More