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      Mason Mount returns to Man Utd training after THREE MONTHS out but Ruben Amorim facing another selection crisis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Mason Mount has returned to training after three months out injured.The 26-year-old midfielder has not played since the 2-1 derby win over Manchester City on December 15 due to a hamstring tear.Mason Mountis back in training ahead of the Real Sociedad gameCredit: EPAIt was Mount’s first session back after a hamstring tearCredit: PAManuel Ugarte also returned after a brief period out injuredCredit: GettyRuben Amorim still has an injury crisis to deal withCredit: EPAMan Utd welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford on Thursday in the second leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.The fixture will reportedly come too soon for Mount, but he is nearing a return to fitness.In another boost for Ruben Amorim, there is hope Manuel Ugarte will be back after he was also spotted in training today.The midfielder missed the last two matches with a minor problem and the manager admitted he “thinks” he will be fit to face Real Sociedad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite the duo’s much-needed return, Amorim still has an injury crisis to contend with. In a major blow, centre-backs Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire were not pictured at Carrington today. They join Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo on the sidelines.Man Utd will also be without teenage striker Chido Obi as he is not eligible to play in the Europa League. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAmorim is “desperate” for Mount to avoid anymore injury problems as he views him as key to his plans.The boss did not hide his feelings on the former Chelsea man earlier this season, saying: “Mason Mount… I have to tell you I love that kid.How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat”You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. This is the most important thing.”He played in this system, so it’s perfect for him… I have two positions for Mason Mount, so he should be very happy.”He fits our style. He’s a very good player inside and also outside the pitch. The type of character we want in this team and the club want.”Mount’s Man Utd career has struggled to take off since his £55million move from Chelsea before the start of last season.He has got just one goal and one assist, missing 49 games through various injury problems.Mount is seen as a key player by AmorimCredit: PAUnited are 1-1 with Real Sociedad after the first legCredit: PAMan 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. More

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      Man Utd’s plans for Old Trafford revealed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveils £2billion new stadium project

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S iconic Old Trafford may be deconstructed a year after moving into their brand new stadium.United revealed images and graphics of the 100,000-seater super ground worth a staggering £2billion they are planning to build near their current home.Manchester United’s Old Trafford may be deconstructed a year after movingCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to make a final decision about Old TraffordCredit: PAThe Red Devils’ minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the 2030-31 season for the move to the “New Trafford” stadium.The plan is to continue playing at Old Trafford until the permanent switch.Foster + Partners, the firm hired to design the new stadium as well as the renovation of Carrington training complex, insist Man Utd would not spend a day away from Old Trafford during construction.According to Manchester Evening News, the architects also suggested that their legendary ground could be demolished within a year.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants explored the possibility of keeping Old Trafford as a mini stadium that would host women’s and academy matches, but that idea appears to have been scrapped.United chief executive Omar Berrada stated that a final decision regarding Old Trafford has yet to be taken but added it’s “unlikely” they will keep it in operation.Berrada said when asked if Old Trafford could be kept: “I’d say it’s unlikely.”We haven’t made a decision on it yet. It’s true that at some point there was some thinking either keeping it as it is or reducing the capacity to 25 or 30,000, as somewhere where the women’s team could play, the youth teams could play.Most read in Football”I think given our ambition to build what you saw today [Tuesday], maybe that needs to be re-visited. “Again, our ambition is for the women’s team to have a big enough fan base that they’re playing in the main stadium, not in a smaller capacity stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid'”It’s not off the table [to have a mini Old Trafford]. It’s feasible but we have to find the best ways to finance a new stadium and we’re thinking about this in the context of how can it benefit the wider regeneration project.”If we feel the space where Old Trafford currently is can be used in a different way whilst preserving the history of Old Trafford then we’ll explore it.” More

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      in Boxing

      I cried after announcing my MMA retirement and got job on railway tracks… now I’ve got a second chance through boxing

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      WITH his eyes full of tears and admittedly harbouring regret, Darren Stewart announced his retirement from MMA. And after getting a job on the railway tracks to support his family – the father-of-two might have thought his fighting days were over. Darren Stewart retired from MMACredit: GettyBut an opportunity Stewart had been waiting for finally arised – offering his career a second chance. Stewart had fought professionally in MMA since 2014 – spending five years in the UFC until a losing streak saw him demoted to the domestic scene. And after six Cage Warriors bouts – the Londoner’s fight offers had dried up – prompting him to announce a heartbreaking retirement. Stewart, 34, told SunSport: “That day I was asking like, ‘What’s happening any more fights?’ READ MORE IN BOXING”And I was getting told that there might not be no more fights until the end of the year.”And I fought at the beginning of the year, so how am I gonna survive? “Remember, I got no job, how am I gonna survive from the beginning of the year to end of the year? No sponsorships, I mean, nothing”And then when I got that message, I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”My missus came and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘I’m gonna call it a day.’ I think she said something like, ‘Yeah, but you always say this.’ “I was like, ‘I’m done now.’ That’s a hard thing to do and I had to do it.” Chris Eubank Jr reveals relationship with dad has broken down completely Stewart was fighting full-time, relying only on his purses to get by and the cost of his fight camp expenses also piled up. He said: “I was getting loads of messages and saying, why, why, why? “I said, ‘What do you mean why?’ I’m not getting no help as a fighter, people just see us fight – it’s more than that.”What happens after the fight? What happens after three, five minutes (rounds). You gotta pay this, you pay that.”I didn’t have no sponsorship either, so you gotta pay this and pay that. It’s just too much, man.”And then what you’re left with that’s gotta cover your rent until so and so and when’s the next fight? You don’t know.” Stewart got a job working on a railway tracks and clocked in every evening as a retired fighter. I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Darren Stewart on retiring But everything changed when he got the call from Misfits Boxing – an avenue he had his eyes on for a while. Misfits – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI – homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts. And Stewart will fight ex-UFC star Darren Till, 32, in Manchester on March 29 having never lost faith in a getting another break. He said: “It was a struggle, man.”I started working on the railway, so going to work every night when everyone’s sleeping. Working on the tracks, lifting heavy stuff. It’s not me.”I mean, my body wasn’t recovering, it was a big struggle, I just kept praying and saying, ‘You know what, something will come around, something will come around.'”I had good people around me and my coach I was still training with, not only do I box with him, I do rehab with him. ‘It’s sad that I’m saying it'”So I do my rehab, get my mobility back for all the years and trauma that my body took from MMA.” Stewart admits to regretting putting all his chips into the MMA basket without having a back-up plan to turn to. And he would advise his eldest so Tyler – who has just started judo – against doing the same. Stewart said in rare honesty: “I will support him, but I’ll say to him, ‘Do something else, just learn it for self defence.'”And depending what he goes into as well. If he’s really good at it, I can’t say nothing I’ve gotta support him, but if you’re just doing it for fun, no, it’s not a fun game.”Fighting’s a real thing, just do it for self defence and go do something else. It’s sad that I’m saying it. “I know people don’t wanna hear this, but I’m the only guy I tell you the truth.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I should write a book after this, honestly. A lot of people ain’t telling you this. When I speak to people, they’re like, ‘Wow, really?’ Yeah, really.”I’ll tell my son, ‘You know what, if you really want to, I’ll support you, but honestly, just learn their self defence and just keep it moving’.”Stewart with his eldest son TylerCredit: @darren_mma More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘interested in signing Leroy Sane’ in free transfer with ex-Man City yet to be offered new contract

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      ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.Arsenal are interested in Leroy SaneCredit: GettyThe club’s recent injury crisis has highlighted the lack of squad depth at the Emirates, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and on-loan winger Raheem Sterling the only available options in attack.Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad when the summer transfer window opens.And German outlet Bild has claimed that Sane could be a top pick.The 29-year-old’s Bayern Munich contract is set to expire at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is yet to agree terms for a new deal so could become available on a free transfer come July.Arteta is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing Sane.The German winger joined Bayern from Manchester City for around £55million in July 2020 and has since managed 106 goal contributions in 209 appearances.Prior to his time in Munich, Sane spent four years with Man City and won two Premier League titles.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsArsenal are also interested in signing Joshua Kimmich in a free transfer from Bayern.The German side allegedly withdrew his contract offer last month.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer Leverkusen More

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      Man City ‘hero’ and former coach who ‘gave so much to help footballers’ dies aged 87 as emotional tributes pour in

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      TRIBUTES have been paid to ex-Manchester City player and coach Steve Fleet who’s died aged 87.The goalkeeper was recently diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.Former club Stockport County confirmed on social media he recently passed away.Fleet, from Salford, Greater Manchester, played for Bolton Wanderers as a schoolboy, before joining City as an amateur in 1953.After retirement he began coaching at County in 1970, which included a brief stint as caretaker manager, before returning to City and coaching its young stars for 25 years.County said in a tribute: “Everyone at Stockport County was saddened to learn about the death of our former goalkeeper, Football League champion and coach Steve Fleet, who passed away at the age of 87. “Everyone at Edgeley Park sends their condolences to Steve’s loved ones at this difficult time.”Fleet had also played for Wrexham for three years from 1963 before joining County as a player and winning the Fourth Division championship in 1966-67.He returned to City and then finished his career on the pitch at Altrincham.In a post shared on X earlier this month, the Once a Blue Man City Former Players Club wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have to tell you about the passing of yet another former City player, Steve Fleet.Most read in Football”Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends. He was truly committed to our football club. God bless Steve x.”Steve Fleet played for Manchester City before becoming a coach More

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      in Boxing

      Daniel Dubois in talks for undisputed heavyweight rematch with Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley after controversial first fight

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      DANIEL DUBOIS is in talks to rematch Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Dubois was beaten by Usyk in nine rounds in August 2023 – but only after controversy struck following a low-blow. Daniel Dubois’ infamous low-blowCredit: TNT SportThe British star has since become IBF champion while Usyk owns the other three WBC, WBA and WBO versions of the gold. And the Ukrainian’s promoter Alex Krassyuk revealed talks are underway for all four belts to go on the line in the capital. Krassyuk told Sky Sports:  “We are now working on this fight, Wembley as one of the options.”Usyk, 38, went down in round five after Dubois, 27, landed a shot below the belt line. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut it caused huge uproar as Dubois and his team insisted the punch was legal and even launched an appeal with the WBA. The result stood and Usyk retained his titles and unbeaten record – setting up two fights in 2024 with Tyson Fury. He won the first via split-decision in May to be crowned the first four-belt heavyweight undisputed champion. But to proceed with the December 21 rematch, Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF title, which Dubois inherited after being elevated from interim champ. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDubois knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in his first defence in September while Usyk beat Fury, 36, on points once more. In the ring afterwards in Riyadh, Dubois stormed in and called out Usyk as part of his plot for redemption. Joseph Parker has theory about Daniel Dubois’ last-minute fight withdrawalHe roared: “Usyk I want my revenge! I want my revenge. I want my revenge for last time. Let’s go. Where is Frank [Warren], let it happen?”Dubois was scheduled to return on February 22 in Saudi against Joseph Parker in a defence of his title. But with just two days to go, he fell ill and Martin Bakole flew in from Congo to replace Dubois on just over 24 hours notice. Parker, 33, knocked out Bakole, 31, in round one and called out both Dubois and Usyk in the aftermath. Usyk and Dubois are in talks for a rematchCredit: Getty More

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      Virgil van Dijk hints Liverpool career could be over in 10 GAMES with no breakthrough in talks over new contract

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has added to the misery of Liverpool’s Champions League exit by insisting he has “no idea” whether he will be at the club next season.The Reds skipper is out of contract this summer, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the Dutchman claims that anybody who claims to know where he will be playing next term is “lying to your face”.Virgil van Dijk has ‘no idea’ whether he will be at Liverpool next seasonCredit: RexLiverpool boss Arne Slot could lose Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: RexArne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders were knocked out of the Champions League in the last-16 in a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night – having been outplayed by the French champions for the most of the tie.And when asked if he will be back for another crack at winning a second European Cup with Liverpool next season, Van Dijk said: “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely.“It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go [in the season] and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself.“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year.Read More on Football“If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold have all attracted significant interest from abroad, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both keen to sign the Dutch centre-half.But Van Dijk, 33, is adamant that he is focused on winning Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle, then securing a second Premier League title – with the Reds 15 points clear of Arsenal.He said: “There are 10 games left, not many, and there are two big prizes we can still get.Most read in Football“We are going to give it everything. We have to feel the disappointment of this [PSG] loss but now it is about recovery. Be ready for a good one.“If we bring this intensity to Wembley with our fans, then I am positive. I am always positive. But I am really looking forward to being back out there.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen red“We don’t need any added motivation. We have 10 games, the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday, if you need any added motivation you are in the wrong business.” More

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      Man Utd set for mass squad cull this summer with EIGHT stars set for axe and ‘practically all players for sale’

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      SEVERAL Manchester United players are at risk of being axed this summer as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots a complete rebuild.The British billionaire name-dropped five senior stars when giving a damning assessment on the state of Man Utd this week, admitting they are “not good enough” to represent the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to listen to offers for every Man Utd playerCredit: PAThe Red Devils want to offload Casemiro but the midfielder is determined to stayCredit: GettyAntony’s future is still yet to be resolvedCredit: GettyDuring an interview with the BBC, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying [Jadon] Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve 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 £17million to buy him in the summer.”Read More in FootballThe only player that received any praise from the club chief was captain Bruno Fernandes.However, even he could be put up for sale at the end of the season.The Daily Mail has claimed that United will consider offers for “practically every player” when the transfer window opens.Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in June.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the Red Devils may find it hard to offload some players – especially without taking a huge loss.Casemiro – who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ The Brazilian is also the club’s highest earner and pockets £375,000-a-week.Meanwhile, £85.5m man Antony has struggled at Old Trafford since completing his move from Ajax three years ago.With just 12 Man Utd goals to his name, the winger was loaned out to Real Betis in January and has since managed six goal contributions in nine games.Ratcliffe and Co will be hoping that his impressive La Liga form bumps up his value ahead of the summer window.Hojlund is another player who has failed to match expectations following a big-money move.While he showcased some positive glimpses in his debut campaign, the striker has not lived up to his £72m price tag this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Mail has also reported that Sancho could return to Man Utd from Chelsea this summer – despite the Blues having an obligation to buy.Should Enzo Maresca decide against keeping the England forward, Chelsea will have to pay a “significant penalty” to withdraw from the agreement.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. More