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    Lewis Hamilton CRASHES in second test with Ferrari since £100m deal as incident causes ‘serious damage’ and long delay

    LEWIS HAMILTON has crashed during Ferrari testing in Barcelona.The seven-time Formula One world champion has been preparing for the new season by getting to grips with his new Ferrari hardware.Lewis Hamilton has crashed out of Ferrari testing in BarcelonaCredit: RexHamilton had been getting to grips with his new hardware ahead of the 2025 seasonCredit: RexAfter his initial introduction at Maranello last week, Hamilton got behind the wheel for the first time at the Scuderia’s facility at Fiorano, where he completed 30 laps.However, during his second test run at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Hamilton did not fare as well.It is understood the 40-year-old suffered a minor crash after he went off at the final part of the circuit – including two high-speed right-hand corners – while driving the 2023 Ferrari F1 car.The damage to the suspension of the car and some aerodynamic parts is said to be “significant”, but thankfully Hamilton is reported to have no injuries and is completely fine.Hamilton was driving the morning session for testing in the SF-23, while team-mate Charles Leclerc was set to gear up for the afternoon running, though the crash is set to delay the Monegasque’s session.The pair shared testing duties during testing on Tuesday.F1 teams are heavily restricted in how much testing they can do with older car models, with just four days per year permitted.Testing restrictions dictate that current race drivers can complete a maximum of 1,000km (621 miles) of what is known as TPC (testing of previous cars) running.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAccording to BBC Sport, Ferrari are giving no specific details of the crash but will reveal their 2025 challenger on February 19.Despite a crash never being a good thing, it may actually be a good omen for Hamilton’s title chances.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia Hamilton suffered testing crashes in his debut seasons with both McLaren in 2007 and Mercedes in 2013 before he would then go on to win the title in his second season in both cars.And if history repeats itself, Hamilton would be en route to win his eighth world title in 2026 – the season the new regulations hit the sport.Hamilton is just the 13th British driver to take the wheel at Ferrari and the second to do so permanently in the 21st century. The last Briton to drive for the Scuderia full-time was Eddie Irvine from 1999 to 2002.However, the last title won by a Brit in scarlet red came more than 60 years ago with John Surtees in 1964.After floundering form at Mercedes, Hamilton stunned the world this time last year by revealing he had agreed to quit Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari in a £100million deal.While Hamilton’s base salary is said to be worth £50m a season, his overall contract once sponsorships and bonuses are included is reported to be worth a staggering £363m.After being revealed in Ferrari colours last week, Hamilton said on Instagram: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red.”I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today. Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Enzo Fernandez ‘trying to fix romance with childhood sweetheart after discovering team-mate was trying to seduce her’

    CHELSEA star Enzo Fernandez is trying to repair his romance with Valentina Cervantes after discovering an Argentina team-mate was trying to seduce her, it was sensationally claimed today.The pair sparked reunion rumours last week after reportedly being spotted kissing and holding hands in London.Enzo Fernandez is ‘trying again with Valentina Cervantes after an Argentina team-mate tried to make moves on her’Credit: InstagramValentina was seen in a photo on Instagram with two coffee cups in a hotel roomCredit: InstagramFernandez sparked rumours of them being together again after liking this Instagram postCredit: Instagram @valucervantesFernandez announced a split from long-term partner in OctoberThey have two children together, born in 2020 and 2023Fernandez is said to have told her he wants to ‘live alone’She has 1.4 million followers on InstagramIt emerged the pretty brunette was still in London and had yet to return to Argentina with their two children nearly a month after flying to the UK to “stay a few days.”Eagle-eyed fans of Valentina, 24, welcomed the apparent reconciliation overnight after spotting two coffee cups in a photo the influencer posted on Instagram showing her having breakfast in a dressing gown on a hotel balcony opposite Rome’s Colosseum.The footballer gave no clues about his whereabouts on his social media ahead of his club’s upcoming match next Monday against West Ham following their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.But one of Valentina’s 2.4 million Instagram followers, hinting at the identity of her travel companion, said: “There are two coffees.. tell me Enzo is there as well.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn an explosive claim about the midfielder’s apparent decision to backtrack on his decision, journalist Daniel Fava revealed yesterday it was linked to a move by another member of Argentina’s winning World Cup squad on Enzo’s long-time partner.Fava said on TV show A la tarde: “In the last few hours there’s been a reconciliation with his ex-partner Valentina Cervantes. They’re giving things another go.”He added: “The information I have is that Enzo Fernandez is desperately trying to win her back because he’s heard that a fellow world champion is sniffing around her.”The Argentine journalist offered no further clues about the identity of the mystery player he was pointing the finger at, or whether he even knew his name.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter a colleague interrupted to say: “What you’re saying is that he prefers to get back with her than see another man jumping in,” he said of Valentina: “Today she’s prettier than ever. “Since the separation she has gained a new sex appeal and energy” before making a second bombshell claim “more than one footballer” had contacted her over social media since the shock split.Transfer guru David Ornstein breaks down Marcus Rashford situation at Man Utd and gives prediction on futureChildhood sweetheart Valentina revealed late last month she would be jetting to London with their two children Olivia, four, and Benjamin, one, to see in the New Year with her ex after he told her he wanted to live alone and she returned to their homeland.Fernandez first fuelled rumours of a possible reconciliation by liking photos she posted last week showing off her curvaceous body in a pair of tight-fitting white leggings and crop top.Argentine journalists began to claim the couple had decided to give love a second chance after they were “spotted” being affectionate with each other during a visit to Selfridges.Argentine journalist Pepe Ochoa told TV programme LAM: “The reconciliation was in London. They are giving love a second chance.”Speaking of their affectionate public display during a recent shopping trip, he said: “They were in Selfridges and went to buy things in Prada.“A friend of mine saw them. They were holding hands and there was a kiss.“He was with his dad and his youngest child. When people started to recognise them, she went one way and he stayed inside.”Shock splitFormer law student Valentina announced the end of their relationship in late October by writing on Instagram: “With Enzo, today we decided to put space between us.“But we will always be family and we will support each other in everything because there are two children in the middle who need a lot of our love for them.“I know the person and the excellent father that Enzo is, and the heart he has and with that, I’m satisfied.“Don’t try to create wars where there are none.”In an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nacion last month where she revealed the New Year family reunion, Valentina admitted she and Enzo lived and slept together for another 10 days after he left her shell-shocked by telling her “from one day to the next” he didn’t want to be with her anymore.Speaking of his decision to call time on their relationship, she added: “I think it was a combination of things on his part. He made the decision and I respected it. We have two children together.“To this day, we try to have a good relationship, we try to share, so that the kids can continue living together.“If you ask me what happened, I have nothing specific to tell you.“I just think that he decided to focus 100 per cent on his career, on performing, on finding himself.“He might not have been at his best as a player and tried to find it. Today, fortunately, things are going well for him. That’s why I’m also happy.”Neither Enzo or Valentina have yet commented publicly on the reports they have decided to get back together.But her Rome hotel breakfast snaps have left her Instagram followers in no doubt about their veracity.One wrote: “If it works for you Valentina we support you. Rely on us always.”Another said: “You’re beautiful and I’m happy you’re back with Enzo.”Fernandez, who cost Chelsea £106million, has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January 2023 from Benfica.READ MORE SUN STORIESSouth American outlet Sports has reported Real Madrid are planning on “going all out” to sign him from Chelsea.It said the Spanish giants are keen on the midfielder and are willing to swap their own player Aurelien Tchouameni with the Blues to get their man. More

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    F1 icon Johnny Herbert AXED from role he’s held for 15 years just months after Max Verstappen row

    JOHNNY HERBERT has been axed from his F1 driver steward role after 15 years of service, the FIA have confirmed.The FIA said Herbert’s panel job was “incompatible” with his media work after the Englishman clashed with Max Verstappen last year.Johnny Herbert will no longer serve as an F1 driver steward from the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHerbert said Max Verstappen had a ‘horrible mindset’ after his performance in MexicoCredit: GettyHerbert found himself in hot water with Verstappen’s camp in OctoberCredit: GettyA statement from the FIA on Wednesday read: “It is with regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward.“Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role.“However, after discussion, it was mutually agreed that his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible. “We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTThe former driver provided his opinions on F1 in the media via various outlets during the 2024 season.But Herbert found himself in hot water with Verstappen’s camp for his comments about the Red Bull driver’s performance at the Mexican Grand Prix in October.He accused the 27-year-old of having a “horrible mindset” and urged him to tone down his aggressive style in a column for a betting website.The 60-year-old had been on the four-person stewards’ panel who handed Verstappen two 10-second time penalties in Mexico for clashes with title rival Lando Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVerstappen’s dad Jos openly questioned whether it is a good idea for stewards who apply the rules in races to also have a platform to share such strong opinions in public.He told Dutch media: “The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest.”Red Bull announce 22-year-old will be Max Verstappen’s new team-mate hours after Sergio Perez exit Herbert defended his right to express his views publicly and stated his opinions were separate from his professional work.He said: “Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the racetrack? “The racetrack has been my world for 50 years. If I do not quite agree with what I see on the racetrack I will say so. “It is not just Max – I will criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted. Is there any bias? No, of course not.”Clearly, after assessing the situation, the FIA does not agree that the two roles can be performed without a conflict of interest.Keen to avoid perceptions of bias from their stewards, the governing body has decided to avoid further rows of the same nature.A new driver steward is now needed for the Melbourne race on March 16, following Herbert’s exit.READ MORE SUN STORIESHerbert worked as a pundit for Sky Sports F1 while he acted as an FIA steward.But he dropped from Sky’s F1 presenting team after 11 years at the end of his contract before the 2023 F1 season.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Neymar takes whopping 99 PER CENT pay cut to rejoin Santos on same base salary as Chelsea’s third-choice keeper

    NEYMAR has taken a whopping 99 per cent pay cut to rejoin boyhood club Santos.The Brazilian is back at his old side after axing his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.Neymar has taken a 99 per cent pay cut after joining Santos from Al-HilalCredit: AFPThey paid £78million to sign him from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago.And Neymar hit the jackpot when he penned a two-year contract worth nearly £260million BEFORE any commercial deals.Upon leaving Al-Hilal, his salary worked out to a staggering £2.5m per week.But he is now getting significantly less at new club Santos.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Brazilian side have handed Neymar a six-month contract.And his base weekly salary is now just £32,500 — 99 per cent less than what he was on in Saudi.That means he is earning around the same as Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who has played just once for the Blues in almost four years.However, Neymar will later be able to claim 90 per cent of his image rights, with Santos expecting a huge boost in revenue following his return to the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt still pales in comparison with his Al-Hilal cash though.Neymar’s 18 months in Saudi saw him pocket £193.8m in total.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starNeymar now earns the same as Chelsea back-up goalie Marcus BettinelliCredit: GettyHe will still get a further £51.9m in wages from the Middle Eastern side after agreeing to give up £8m.On top of that, Neymar also raked in £136m of commercial income during his time with Al-Hilal.It’s a lot of money for someone who scored just once in seven games, with Neymar hit by two long-term injuries during his time there.Combining his salary, both already paid and owed, and transfer fee, his single goal effectively cost a mind-blowing £322m.While each of his appearances set Al-Hilal back £46m.And those amazing figures have enabled Santos to be able to pay Neymar a basic wage while also giving him the platform to rebuild his stagnant football career. More

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    Marcus Rashford laughs and jokes in Man Utd training days after Amorim said he’d rather start goalkeeping coach, 63

    MARCUS RASHFORD was all smiles in Manchester United training this morning.It comes after Ruben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in his matchday squad.Marcus Rashford joined Ruben Amorim’s training at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: GettyRashford was all smiles as he was pictured as part of the main groupCredit: PARashford was spotted next to Harry MaguireCredit: PARuben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in the matchday squadCredit: PADespite that, Rashford was pictured joking and laughing with his team-matesCredit: ReutersRashford is ready to be called upon ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clashCredit: ReutersDespite that, the 27-year-old was included in Amorim’s final practice ahead of United’s Europa League trip to Romania to face FCSB on Thursday.Amorim first questioned Rashford’s effort on the training ground after leaving him out of the Manchester Derby win on December 15.And the Portuguese boss has continued to reiterate his problem with the England international’s work-rate at Carrington.Amorim, who turned 40 years old on Monday, doubled down on his Rashford stance after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “It’s always the same reason. The reasons is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. “In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.”The United forward has not played for Amorim since the club’s 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.The Red Devils have played 11 matches across all competitions since then with Rashford being named as an unused sub once against Newcastle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe relationship between the manager and player is now reportedly at an all-time low.It comes days after the Guardian reported that Amorim and Rashford are allegedly no longer on direct speaking terms.Paul Scholes says Marcus Rashford should be ‘banished’ from Man Utd dressing room Amorim and his coaching staff had some fun tooCredit: PAAmorim and Fletcher received a birthday treat from the squadCredit: ReutersChelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also pictured looking gleeful in trainingCredit: PAThe report claims that the only time Amorim will address Rashford is when he is speaking to the squad as a whole.Despite that, the £325,000-per-week winger has stayed training with his team-mates and was pictured in practice for the first time last week.But Amorim hasn’t let the controversy get to him this week after he was filmed running the gauntlet alongside Darren Fletcher this morning.The gaffer celebrated his milestone on Monday, while Fletcher is set to mark his 41st birthday on Saturday 1 February.However club legend Paul Scholes has called for Rashford to be banished from the dressing room altogether.Scholes believes his on going transfer saga amid allegations of poor effort in training is “setting a bad example for the young players at the club”.United have lost five of the 11 games Rashford has been absent for.But he has posted messages of support for his team-mates on Instagram after their recent wins over Rangers and Fulham.Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window – which closes in five days time.It came after the winger admitted he is ready for a “new challenge” in December.Amorim has repeatedly questioned Rashford’s effort in trainingCredit: PAMeanwhile Luke Shaw returned for the first time since early DecemberCredit: PABut SunSport exclusively reported that he is now open to staying and fighting for his place.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to play if selected.But Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard reportedly still met with Barcelona executives in Lisbon last Wednesday.Rashford reportedly has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.The home-grown player was initially linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.But Kyle Walker’s loan move to Milan is set to end the Serie A side’s long-running interest in Rashford and Dortmund cannot afford his wages.Cash-strapped Barca are finding it difficult to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor permanently, so a move to Spain seems off the cards too.Meanwhile, Luke Shaw returned to training for the first time since suffering a “devastating” muscle injury against Everton on December 1.Shaw had only just returned to the previous matchday squad against Ipswich before being ruled out again.Chelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also spotted laughing and joking with his team-mates at Carrington this morning.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited are on course to finish among the top eight of the Europa League standings and therefore secure an automatic spot in the round of 16.The Red Devils sit fourth in the Europa table with one game remaining.United’s next game comes against FCSB on ThursdayCredit: PAAmorim hasn’t let the controversy get to him this weekCredit: PAMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Jim Ratcliffe brings legendary American athletics coach to Man Utd to make flops ‘run like mad dogs’ for Ruben Amorim

    MANCHESTER UNITED have brought in one of the world’s leading athletics coaches in a bid to boost their season, according to reports.Ruben Amorim’s side have flopped to 12th in the table following a run of dodgy form.Harry Marra is working as a consultant at Man UtdCredit: GettyMarra is a coaching legend and is led Ashton Eaton to two Olympic gold medalsCredit: GettyBut in an effort to boost the second half of the season, Amorim has brought in legendary track and field coach, Harry Marra.Marra, 78, was named the World Athletic’s coach of the year in 2016 after helping fellow American, Ashton Eaton to Olympic decathlon gold in 2016, which was a follow-up of a win in 2012.He has also served as the speed and fitness consultant for the Major League Baseball team San Francisco Giants.Now, according to The Times, Marra is sharing his expertise with fitness and coaching staff at Carrington after Amorim reportedly had issues with body-fat levels on his stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis arrangement sees him in direct contact with Man Utd’s interim performance director, Sam Erith, and is set to last for a few weeks.New-York-born Marra’s insight will mainly lend itself to speed and endurance training, two things which are vital in Amorim’s high-octane system.Amorim famously said he wants his players to run like “mad dogs”.In December, the Man Utd manager said: “It’s very clear. If you want to win the Premier League, you have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to do it, that is clear.”Most read in FootballThe Athletic claims several stars have considered the use of personal trainers to provide guidance on running given the major demands put on them by Amorim’s style of play.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMarra’s world-renowned techniques include breaking down movements into mechanisms that follow specific principles.Under Marra’s tutelage, Eaton twice broke the world decathlon record and became only the third man to defend his Olympic crown in the event.Man Utd flops ‘hammered’ by Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in legends’ WhatsApp group – and current star is in chat tooHe has also worked with Brianne Theisen, a world and Olympic medalist in the heptathlon, who is also married to Eaton. Marra officiated the couple’s wedding.Marra also coached Lalu Muhammad Zohri when he became the first Indonesian to win any kind of medal at the World Junior Championships when he took gold in the 100m in 2018.Speaking about his methods, he told the Santa Barbara Independent: “You have to listen to the athlete.”Who is Harry Marra?Harry Marra is a legendary track and field coach with unrivalled success that has earned him guru-like statusBorn in New York, Marra started out as a pole vaulter at Christian Brothers Academy before studying a B.S. Degree at Mount Saint Mary’s University and his master’s degree from Syracuse University.He got his first head coaching job at Springfield College before coaching at San Francisco State University from 1981 to 1993 while also serving as a speed and fitness consultant with the San Francisco Giants.From 1990 to 2000 he was the All-American National Decathlon Coach.He would eventually become Ashton Eaton’s fitness coach, who would go on to become a double Olympic and world decathlon champion, becoming only the third man to defend the Olympic title.Eaton also twice broke the decathlon world record.Marra also worked with  Brianne Theisen, Paul Terek, Sheldon Blockburger and four other 8,000-point decathletes; Brian Brophy, Paul Foxon, Bart Goodell and Chris Wilcox.His exploits in helping Eaton win the decathlon at the Rio Games in 2016 saw him voted World Athletic’s coach of the year.In 2018 he guided Lalu Muhammad Zohri to become the first Indonesian to medal at the World Junior Championships when he took gold in the 100m.Marra was ranked No.1 in a ranking of the top 10 Track and Field coaches of all time by Sportsfoundation.org.And now he is lending his expertise to staff at Man Utd.Marra later added in an interview with Chasing the Standard on YouTube: “It all starts with the initial movement of the part of the skill, so that if the initial movement is correct, then at least you have a chance to complete the skill correctly.”So I put a focus on teaching the skills, understanding what the demands of the skills are, and then showing how to start and carry on the runway.”He has already been seen visiting Old Trafford, having been seen sitting in front of Sir Alex Ferguson while wearing a United tracksuit.Man Utd often industry-leading practitioners to share their insights to enhance the knowledge of those at the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis season the club have hosted several expert-led events covering issues such as medical and injury management, movement mechanics, nutrition and strength training.Man Utd’s next game is against FCSB in the Europa League.Marra has already been seen at Old Trafford, sitting in front of Sir Alex Ferguson wearing a club tracksuitCredit: AFPMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

    LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.Lionel Messi is determined to complete a return to BarcelonaCredit: APMessi left Barcelona as a free agent in 2021Credit: GettyAfter two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to the future.Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.”Read More in FootballThe Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: “No, my place is there.”A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham has admitted that Messi intends to go back to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters”There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.”You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.Mas said: “I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.” More

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    Non league club offer fans free pie and hot drink for making 530-mile round trip… but only NINE show up

    SOUTHEND offered travelling Fylde fans a free pie and hot drink at their match but only nine supporters showed up.The Shrimpers climbed to 11th in the National League table with a 2-0 win that leaves Fylde in the relegation zone.Only nine Fylde fans made the trip to the seasideThe Lancashire club have struggled this season and few were willing to travel the 530-mile round trip to watch their side in action.The nine that did were treated to a complimentary pie and hot drink.Southend said the gesture was a “token of appreciation for their dedication on a cold Tuesday night in January”.Fans praised the offer and those who travelled south to support their team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “I just love this. Doesn’t matter whether your club is big or small passion is passion regardless of the distance.”Another added: “To watch non league football absolutely outstanding effort 👍”A third wrote: “Proper fans 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”And another commented: “Give em all lifelong season tickets.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSouthend are now just three points off the play-offs as they bid to win promotion back to the EFL.They were relegated from League Two in 2021 and have finished eighth and ninth in their two seasons in the National League.Kaka bursts out laughing as he tells brilliant story about Ronaldo’s cheeky comment to Ancelotti More