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      ‘Old Trafford holds so many special memories’ – Sir Alex Ferguson breaks silence on Man Utd’s £2bn 100,000-seat stadium

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has urged Manchester United to “seize the opportunity” to leave Old Trafford for a new stadium.On Tuesday, the Red Devils announced they would be moving to a brand-new, state of the art stadium near the Old Trafford side.Sir Alex Ferguson believes Man Utd should ‘seize the opportunity’ to move into a new stadiumCredit: GettyMan Utd are set to build a new £2bn stadiumCredit: AFPThe new state-of-the-art stadium is set to have a capacity of 100,000Credit: PAThe stadium, which could be completed in the next five years, is set to cost £2billion and hold 100,000 fans.Therefore, it will become the biggest stadium in the United Kingdom, surpassing Wembley.Although those affiliated with United will be sad to leave Old Trafford, the club’s home for the last 115 years, legendary manager Ferguson believes it will be hugely beneficial for the Red Devils.He said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch.Read More on Man Utd”And that includes the stadium we play in. Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally.”But we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build anew home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”Architects at Foster and Partners have said the stadium will feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza “twice the size” of Trafalgar Square.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up a sweeping canopy that will cover the stadium itself and the area around it.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe struggling Premier League side will fund the ground, while the UK government will support the wider park area around it.Under-fire co-owner Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of anincredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.” More

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      ‘How was this allowed?’ – PSG fan uses never-before-seen tactic to help team win penalty shootout against Liverpool

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      A PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fan appeared to use a never-before-seen tactic to help his side win their penalty shootout against Liverpool.The incident came as the Reds crashed out of the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night.A PSG fan used a never-seen-before tactic to help his side defeat Liverpool on penaltiesCredit: ReutersA fan in blue near the front to the left of the goal could be seen holding a megaphoneDarwin Nunez and Curtis Jones missed their spot kicksCredit: GettyPSG booked their place in the Champions League quartersCredit: GettyLiverpool took a 1-0 lead into the game but saw that disappear after 12 minutes thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s strike.Neither side could find a winner as the game went through extra time.And penalties were needed to split the teams.However, it was Liverpool who missed out on the quarters after Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones saw their efforts saved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPSG players and coaches stormed the pitch to celebrate at the final whistle.But they may have been better off thanking a smart-thinking fan in the away end at Anfield.The savvy supporter made sure to give his full backing to Luis Enrique’s team.And he did that with a never-before-seen tactic involving a MEGAPHONE.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe supporter held the device up behind the goal.And he continually played a siren noise from the megaphone to put off both goalie Alisson and Liverpool’s penalty takers.Daniel Sturridge shrieks as Wayne Rooney and Amazon Prime team soaked by SPRINKLERS during half time of Liverpool vs PSGSome stewards were seen wearing ear muffsIt’s unclear why they were wearing them as the siren blaredStewards wearing earmuffs did not appear to take any action, but it is unclear if they had them on just to protect themelves from that fan.Viewers at home were certainly left baffled by the approach.One said: “Kudos to the PSG fan with a megaphone behind the goal playing the siren noise.”Another declared: “How’s a PSG fan behind the goal with a megaphone playing a siren.”One noted: “Big hand to that fan, objectively hilarious.”Another boomed: “What on earth was the siren and loud hailer doing in the PSG fans?”One added: “How was that PSG fan allowed to use a siren right behind the goals.” More

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      Fans fear Arsenal legend Aaron Ramsey’s career may be over as he’s forced off with another injury in huge Cardiff clash

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      FANS fear Aaron Ramsey’s career may be over after the Arsenal legend was forced off with another injury.Ramsey, 34, limped off the field during Cardiff’s 2-1 home defeat to Luton on Tuesday.Aaron Ramsey limped off with another injury for CardiffCredit: GettyThe Welshman lasted just 49 minutes before he was replaced by Sivert Mannsverk.And it marks the latest long term injury he’s suffered playing for the Bluebirds.Gunners icon Ramsey rejoined boyhood club Cardiff in July 2023 but picked up a knee injury just months later.It saw him miss almost three months of football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut a year later Ramsey picked up an even bigger problem, tearing his hamstring in September before returning last month.It means he has featured just 22 times in his second spell at Cardiff.And fans reckon Ramsey’s latest setback could see his time with the Welsh club, and maybe in football itself, come to an end.One said: “Afraid that’s his last game for the club.”Most read in ChampionshipCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnother declared: “Wouldn’t be surprised if he retires.”One noted: “He’ll be injured for the rest of the season.”Aaron Ramsey says ‘he’s not going to be happy with me’ as he reveals he is gunning for Premier League icon’s manager job Another added: “This can’t keep happening.”Ramsey, who has also played for Juventus, Nice and Rangers, made his name during an 11-year stint at Arsenal.He played 369 times for the Gunners while winning three FA Cups.But his injury nightmare started while playing for Arsenal in 2010.Ramsey broke his leg following a tackle by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross, forcing him out for nine months.He ended up picking up multiple hamstring, thigh, groin and calf injuries during his time in London.And those problems continued to plague him abroad before Cardiff came calling again. More

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      Man Utd chief admits club risk FIVE-YEAR trophy drought as they commit £2BILLION to 100,000-seat ‘New Trafford’ stadium

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      MANCHESTER UNITED admit they “risk” a five-year trophy drought by committing £2BILLION to “New Trafford”.United yesterday unveiled their vision for a state-of-the-art, 100,000-seater home next to the Theatre of Dreams.Man Utd have unveiled ambitious plans for a new £2bn stadiumCredit: PACo-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed the club would have gone bust without his interventionCredit: GettyUnited chief executive Omar Berrada admits the £2bn outlat is a ‘risk’Credit: PABut it came less than 24 hours after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the club could have gone bust by Christmas without his savage cost-cutting measures.The “brave” stadium plans were backed by legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.While chief executive Omar Berrada hopes current under-fire boss Ruben Amorim will still be in charge when the stadium is completed in 2030. However, asked if the build could affect their competitiveness on the pitch, Berrada admitted: “That is a risk.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Clearly it’s something we want to avoid.”We don’t want to inhibit our ability to invest in the team, for us to continue being competitive while we are building a new stadium.”There are various ways around that. One of the things we are looking at is to shorten the construction timelines so we can have a new stadium within five years, that’s our ambition.”In the meantime, by getting our finances back in order and becoming profitable, we believe we can be very competitive.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsPrem rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have also moved homes in recent memory — and suffered on the field as a result. But Berrada added: “The big benefit that this club has is that it has the biggest fanbase in the world and therefore the ability to be the No 1 in terms of revenues it generates.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’United hope to start construction this year, but the aim is to be in their new home by the start of the 2030-31 season.The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said the images looked “stunning and exciting” but the project raises more questions than answers.Amorim’s men are currently 14th in the table and many regulars believe the squad needs a major rebuild.The MUST statement said: “Whilst investment is much needed and welcome, fans remain anxious about what it means and what the consequences will be.”Will it drive up ticket prices and force out local fans? Will it add to the debt burden which has held back the club for the last two decades?”Will it lead to reduced investment in the playing side at a time when it is so badly needed?”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.The stadium plans were backed by Fergie, who said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does.”Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home fit for the future, where history can be made.”United believe they can continue to play in the 74,000-capacity Old Trafford, which has been their home since 1910, right up until their new stadium is ready.The cost of the project left some fans scratching their heads — as it came just a few hours after Ratcliffe issued his chilling warning about the club’s finances.Berrada confirmed the stadium, along with club areas like fan zones and a megastore, will not be paid for by the general public.He added: “We won’t be asking for taxpayer money.”But, at the same time, the stadium, the new build in isolation does not make sense if there’s not an investment in the wider generation project.”United will also explore the possibility of raising some cash by selling the new stadium’s naming rights.Berrada admitted the hope in the boardroom is that Amorim will still be in charge come 2030.The Frenchman said: “We’d love it if he was still coach when we move.”United’s hopes of playing Champions League football next term are hanging on them winning the Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey host Real Sociedad in a last-16 second-leg clash on Thursday night with the score 1-1.Berrada said: “If we qualify to the Champions League, we will have more revenues and we’ll have more capacity to invest in the team.” More

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      Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister pelted with missiles from PSG end while taking corner in Champions League showdown

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      LIVERPOOL star Alexis Mac Allister was pelted with missiles from the away end while taking a corner in their Champions League penalty defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.Mac Allister’s Reds went into the second leg of the last-16 tie with a 1-0 lead but ended up crashing out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister was pelted with missiles by PSG fansCredit: PAIt occurred when the midfielder went to take a corner in the Champions League clashCredit: GettyLiverpool escaped the first leg in the Parc des Princes with victory thanks to Harvey Elliott’s 87th minute strike – their only shot on target in the game.And the Premier League leaders looked to make their advantage count at Anfield on Tuesday night as they pressed for a second.But it was PSG who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Ousmane Dembele took advantage of Ibrahim Konate’s error.The goal sent visiting fans into jubilant celebrations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the party continued throughout the game as both sides looked to take the lead.However, PSG fans also refused to relent when Liverpool won a corner.Argentine midfielder Mac Allister went over to the flag to take the set-piece.But he was greeted with a barrage of missiles and bottles in shocking scenes.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe behaviour of PSG fans certainly didn’t go down well with the Liverpool faithful.Taking to social media, they criticised the travelling supporters for their missile-throwing antics.Daniel Sturridge shrieks as Wayne Rooney and Amazon Prime team soaked by SPRINKLERS during half time of Liverpool vs PSGOne said: “Not very nice stuff.”Another declared: “Throwing bottles, classy.”One noted: “Stewards should throw them out.”Another added: “Clowns.”As the game progressed, neither side could break the deadlock.The match eventually went to a penalty shootout.And it was PSG who booked their place in the quarters after Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones had their spot-kicks saved. More

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      Liverpool 0 PSG 1 (agg 1-1, pens 1-4): Agony for teary Salah and Nunez as Reds KO’d from Champions League in shootout

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      IS this the week when Arne Slot’s Liverpool lose two legs of a potential Treble.Because this was the worst of all worlds for the Reds as they suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shoot-out – after a shattering two hours of football to leave them with weary legs before Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle. Paris Saint-Germain celebrate their Champions League triumphCredit: PADarwin Nunez is denied by Gianluigi DinnarummaCredit: GettyNunez is comforted by his team-matesCredit: RexSalah fought back tears after the gameCredit: GettyParis St Germain keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma – the man who thwarted England in the Euros final shoot-out of 2021 – saved from Anfield fall-guy Darwin Nunez and sub Curtis Jones to send his side into a likely Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa next month.Liverpool have won seven major finals on penalty shoot-outs, including two European Cups – but this was the night when their luck ended from 12 yards to leave Mo Salah fighting back tears.Over two legs, PSG deserved to progress – they battered Liverpool in an unlikely first-leg defeat then became only the second side this season to win at Anfield.After a classic European tie between the champions-elect of England and the permanent kings of France, Slot’s side face an uphill struggle to regain energy for a Wembley showpiece at the weekend. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOusmane Dembele prodded home the early goal which levelled the tie on aggregate and after several swings of the pendulum, Paris kept their nerve in the shoot-out.  Liverpool had taken a plastering from Paris in the first leg, only spared from a heavy defeat by their keeper Alisson playing like a cross between Lev Yashin and Jesus Christ. It had been as good a performance any team could have produced without scoring from Luis Enrique’s men – only for sub Harvey Elliott to deck them with a late sucker blow. Slot selected the same starting line-up that withstood that pummelling at the Parc des Princes and the visitors were unchanged too.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSalah had been shackled by Nuno Mendes last week and he was denied an opener by the same player within five minutes – Alexis Mac Allister squared to the Egyptian whose shot was blocked over the bar by the PSG left-back.Soon Salah was darting forward, exchanging passes with Diogo Jota and curling a shot narrowly wide.Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his team were ‘lucky’ to beat PSG Yet having created more in 11 minutes than they had in 90 last week, Liverpool conceded. A Mendes pass found Dembele in space and he released Bradley Barcola, whose low ball to the near post caused chaos, Ibrahima Konate sliding in but wrong-footing Alisson, allowing Dembele to hurdle the prone keeper and tap in the loose ball. It was Dembele’s 21st goal of this year – not this season. He is hotter even than Salah. Konate, who ought to have been sent off early on in Paris, almost made amends for his defensive error by drilling a long-range shot which Gianluigi Donnarumma turned wide. It was wild end-to-end stuff, Alisson off his line to pull off a decent save from Barcola.  Dembele ought to have given Paris the aggregate lead when Khvichka Kvaratskhelia – the winger who tormented Liverpool in France – released him with a sweet through-ball only for a poor touch to allow Alisson to smother. Then it was Kvaratskhelia’s chance to spurn a golden opportunity, latching on to Barcola’s cut-back but blazing over.Next, Dembele had a curling shot deflected wide and Liverpool were rocking. Ousmane Dembele levels the tie early on at AnfieldCredit: PADembele celebrates his early openerCredit: EPARef Istvan Kovacs was consistently refusing to bend to the howling of The Kop and he turned down a penalty shout just before half-time when Fabian Ruiz had a kick at Dominik Szoboszlai on the edge of the box.Still, Liverpool are renowned for upping their game in the second half and, straight after the restart, Marquinhos was booked for hauling down Luis Diaz as the hosts seized some momentum. The Reds thought they had regained the lead when Trent Alexander-Arnold struck the inside of the post and Szoboszlai found the net, only for the linesman to stick up a flag and rule Diaz to have been offside earlier in the move.This was far better from Slot’s side and Szoboszlai was soon thwarted again, his deflected wide by an excellent block from Pacho From the resulting corner, Donnarumma used his vast wing-span to make a sprawling save from a Diaz header. For the first time in the entire tie, PSG were seriously under the cosh, with Liverpool attacking in waves. There was another decent penalty shout soon after – Alexander-Arnold’s pass releasing  Salah, who pushed over on the edge of the box by Nunes – Kovacs unmoved again. Slot sent on Darwin Nunez for Jota and Jarell Quansah slotted in at right-back after Alexander-Arnold was forced off through injury. From an Andy Robertson free-kick, Quansah headed against the inside of the post.Nunez was adding a chaos factor up front and Diaz forced another decent save from Donnarumma before Kvaratskhelia went close on a rare PSG break.In extra-time, the momentum swung back to Paris – subs Beraldo and Desire Doue both went close early on, then Alisson made a fine save to turn a Dembele shot wide.   READ MORE SUN STORIESBut when it came to spot-kicks, Paris produced a perfect four from four as Donnarumma made the difference with two of his trademark swooping saves. Liverpool may have to content themselves with the Premier League title this season – unless they can revitalise themselves for Sunday.Donnarumma denies Curtis Jones from 12 yardsCredit: GettyPSG advance to the quarter-finalsCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Man Utd’s £2billion ‘New Trafford’ to be England’s Eiffel Tower and attract one billion tourists

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE wants Manchester United’s new £2billion home to be the north of England’s answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.And the club’s co-owner claims ONE BILLION United followers will want to visit the ‘New Trafford’ tourist attraction — despite some fans branding it a “CIRCUS TENT”.Manchester United have announced plans to build a new 100,000 seater stadiumThe ground will be built on land adjacent to Old TraffordThe new home of the Red Devils will be the second biggest stadium in EuropeThe Old Trafford faithful might be sceptical — given the Red Devils also sit 14th in the Prem table.What’s more, Ratcliffe claimed on Monday afternoon the club would have gone bust by Christmas had they not brutally slashed costs.Yet here he was, a few hours later, unveiling the plans for a 100,000-seater stadium — which they hope can become reality by the start of the 2030/31 season.The Ineos owner said: “It’s obvious that the more iconic or more extraordinary that the stadium is, the more successful the regeneration scheme will be.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“A really good example is the Eiffel Tower. Everybody around the world knows the Eiffel Tower.“I’m sure many people here who have visited Paris, you stay in a hotel, you go to the Eiffel Tower.“We have one billion people around the world who follow Manchester United. They will all want to visit this stadium.”The Manchester-born Ineos magnate does not feel the region he hails from has a stadium it merits — but he aims to put that right.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsManchester United are hoping to complete their new ground by 2030The stadium be situated under a large umbrella, which will harvest energy and rainwaterThat is why he asked architect Norman Foster — another who grew up in the city — to come up with the plans.Ratcliffe added: “The north of England has won ten Champions League medals and London has won two but London has Wembley, and Twickenham, and Wimbledon and the Olympic Village.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “The North deserves to have a stadium where England can play football, where we can hold the Champions League and a stadium befitting of Manchester United’s stature.”He feels the same way about the English top flight, too, adding: “The Premier League is indisputably the best football league in the world — maybe the best sport’s league in the world.“It must have a stadium that is at least the equal of the best in Europe.“Today it has some great stadiums but it doesn’t have a Bernabeu or a Nou Camp.“They are bigger and more interesting than the stadiums we have in the Premier League.”United have studied those two Spanish venues while working out their own plans — as well as the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the Olympic Stadium in Munich.But they wanted something unique to United — and the three big-top style tents, to signify the ‘trident’ on their badge will make sure of that.Not to mention the enormous umbrella that will cover a huge area of the complex — surely a nod to the famous Manchester weather.With 170,000 on their waiting list for season tickets, United are convinced they can sell the extra 25,000-plus tickets that would be added to their current capacity.They need to make sure they have a team worthy of performing on such a grand stage, though — and chief exec Omar Berrada says they will not lose sight of that.He said: “It is clear that our ambition is to have the best team in the world with the best and most iconic stadium in the world.“We want to have some of the best players playing at Old Trafford in front of our fans.Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United’s new stadium to a must-visit attractionCredit: PA“Our fans deserve to see a team that they can be proud of and can connect with — and to be able to do that in an amazing venue like the one we have shown.“We obviously want the stadium to give us additional revenues for us to be able to invest into the team, and I think that’s going to help.“One of the biggest upsides is to give the best experience to our fans, to be able to accommodate more fans into the stadium.“But it is true that the additional revenues will help finance the talent that the fans will see on the pitch.”He also played down concerns over how a club that was apparently heading for the wall can finance such an enormous project.Berrada added: “The way the club was tracking, with all the losses that have been accumulated — more than £300million in the last five years — was not sustainable.”So all the plans we’ve been putting in place over the last months really address the short-term issue, which is that the club was losing money.“Once we stop losing money, we then put ourselves in the best financial position to continue investing in our team and also to allow us to be able to have the ambition to build a new stadium.”United have yet to decide what will happen to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ — their home since 1910 and the setting for countless iconic moments.But yesterday was a clear sign that its days are numbered.READ MORE SUN STORIESBerrada said: “We want a stadium that’s befitting of the stature and history of this club.“Old Trafford is 115 years old, so we want to build a stadium that is going to last for another 100 years.” More

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      ‘We’re just so used to it’ say fans as Burnley admin makes bizarre blunder after West Brom draw

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      BURNLEY fans claimed “we’re just so used to it” after their team’s X account erroneously reported that they’d drawn 0-0 with West Brom.Scott Parker’s side hosted Tony Mowbray’s men at Turf Moor, hoping to overtake Leeds at the top of the Championship table.Burnley battled West Brom this eveningCredit: PAThe Clarets have become known for their frugal defence this season.They went into tonight’s match having only conceded 10 goals in 36 league games under Parker.Burnley did go behind, however, via John Swift’s stunning 20th minute free kick.But the promotion chasers weren’t down for long, Zian Flemming equalising in the 23rd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match went on to finish 1-1… not that you’d have known from their initial social media post.The tweet read: “It ends goalless in Burnley.”Responding to the mistake, one fan joked: “We’re so used to 0-0 hahahahaaha.”While a second cheekily wrote: “we saw what you did there.”Most read in ChampionshipCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Clarets quickly updated the post to read: “It ends level in Burnley.”Incredibly, Parker’s side have drawn 0-0 eleven times this season.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubThey have scored 50 goals, the lowest tally among the Championship’s top four.Prior to their 2-1 win at Cardiff earlier this month, Burnley had gone 12 league matches in a row without conceding.Following tonight’s Championship action the Clarets remain third in the table.They are just one point behind previous leaders Leeds United, and two off new table-toppers Sheffield United.James Trafford has kept several clean sheets this seasonCredit: Rex More