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      Furious Carlo Ancelotti threatens to BOYCOTT LaLiga games before Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Arsenal

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      CARLO Ancelotti says Real Madrid will now BOYCOTT LaLiga games scheduled with less than 72 hours rest beforehand.Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday but the match kicked off 67 hours after his side’s penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.Carlo Ancelotti has threatened to boycott future LaLiga games after Real Madrid won 2-1 at VillarrealIt comes after the team claimed a victory in a challenging 120-minute game against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti said his players were exhausted without a 72-hour recoveryJude Bellingham was one of 11 players to play 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti claimed Madrid had contacted LaLiga twice to ask for the time of Saturday’s 5:30pm game to be changed.Madrid travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on April 8. The Italian manager then said it would be “the last time” such scheduling was arranged.He fumed: “The explanation (for the win in the circumstances) is that this team has something special, character, commitment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But they can’t always do it, sometimes I even get angry with them.”We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. Even more so today.“I think today is the last game we will play with less than 72 hours rest. We will never do it again. “We have asked LaLiga twice to change the time of the game and nothing has happened, but this is the last time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLaLiga sources indicated Madrid did not make a request regarding the Villarreal game before the schedule for this weekend’s match round was confirmed, according to The Athletic.The need for a 72-hour rest period between games has been raised to Fifa by player unions, but it’s not mandatory.Jamie Carragher exposes iShowSpeed’s ‘real name’ on live TV during Champions League coverage European mid-week competitors Barcelona, Atletico, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club all have league fixtures scheduled for Sunday.Madrid saw themselves 1-0 down after Juan Foyth’s seventh minute goal, before Kylian Mbappe’s quick-fire double secured the turnaround.Ancelotti could not rotate his team on Saturday, considering the league standings.Los Blancos are currently first in the LaLiga table with 60 points, while Barcelona sit three points behind and Atletico four.Meanwhile, Barca have another extra game following the postponement against Osasuna a week ago.Ancellotti added: “It was a trap game, because of everything that happened.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because of the hours of rest and because of the strength of the opponent, who are a good team, but we watered down physically.”The team ended up exhausted, it’s quite normal. It’s a victory that says a lot about this team and the resources of this squad.” More

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      ‘True legend’ – Boris Becker leads tributes as German football icon and winner of four Euros Doris Fitschen dies aged 56

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      BORIS BECKER has led the tributes to German football legend Doris Fitschen, who has tragically passed away aged 56.Fitschen, who is one of German sport’s most iconic figures, has sadly lost her battle with cancer. German football legend Doris Fitschen has tragically passed away aged 56Credit: GETTYFitschen passed away following a battle with cancerCredit: RETROCON SPORTS FOOTBALLTennis icon Boris Becker has led the tributes to the late FitschenCredit: GETTYThe midfielder’s passing has rocked the German sports world, with several prominent figures paying their respects on social media.Tennis icon Becker wrote on X: “A true legend in German sports has sadly passed away. “Rest in peace, Doris Fitschen.”Fitschen was one of the most successful players in the history of German football.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSShe won seven Bundesliga titles and six German Cups during her stints with TSV Siegen and Eintracht Frankfurt. And she won a whopping FOUR STRAIGHT Uefa Women’s Championships with Germany, lifting the trophy in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 2001.Fitschen made 114 appearances for her country from 1986 to 2001, scoring 16 goals in the process.Injury forced her to hang up her boots at the end of 2001, aged 32.Most read in FootballEintracht Frankfurt paid a touching tribute to the late Doris Fitschen on XBernd Neuendorf – the President of the German FA – also paid tribute to the late Fitschen, who was regarded by many to be one of Germany’s greatest-ever players.He said: “I am shocked and very sad about Doris’ death.”Our thoughts are with her family, all relatives, and her close friends.”Doris was one of the defining figures in football.”As a player, she was a leader, a strategist, and had a presence, dominance, and aura that others could look up to.”Fitschen’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, also put out a heartfelt statement upon learning of her death.It read: “We mourn the loss of a former FFC player and a key figure in German women’s football: Doris Fitschen died yesterday after a long and serious illness at the age of 56″Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBianca Rech – the director of Women’s Football at Bayern Munich – wrote: “It is with great sorrow that I bid farewell to a valued team-mate and an outstanding role model.”Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment on and off the field were always a source of inspiration to all of us.” More

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      Newcastle Utd Wag beams as she parties with thousands of Geordies taking over London ahead of Carabao Cup final

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      THOUSANDS of Newcastle United fans took over Covent Garden on Saturday ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.And they were joined by a Toon star’s stunning WAG.Newcastle United fans descended on Covent Garden in the droves ahead of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GETTYThey were joined by the stunning Juliette PastoreCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREPastore is the girlfriend of Magpies midfielder Sandro TonaliCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREPastore, 24, runs her own clothing brandCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREPastore has nearly 125,000 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREJuliette Pastore – the fiancee of Toon midfielder Sandro Tonali – joined the hoards of Magpies supporters who descended on the central London hotspot.And she got in the spirit of things by draping herself in Newcastle flags.Pastore paid homage to Tonali with a flag featuring her other half’s face and a Birra Morreti-inspired design.Pastore wasn’t the only Wag caught up getting in the spirit of things.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThays Gondim De Lira – Joelinton’s other half – showed on her Instagram that she’s also relishing the potentially historic game for Eddie Howe’s side.The Brazilian posted a photo of the midfielder and their son to her Instagram story for her 314,000 followers to see.Joelinton beamed as he posed with his son, whose hair had been dyed to match his old man’sNewcastle will be hoping to end their 70-YEAR-LONG wait to win domestic honours against Premier League table toppers Liverpool.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuliette Pastore and Sandro Tonali got engaged last monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREManager Eddie Howe said: “I understand the finals record isn’t great.”But I take us qualifying for the Champions League, when we had to go deep into the season, as an example of us being really successful.How Newcastle can topple Liverpool with Isak’s brilliant ‘go-stop-go’ trick in cup final”Our destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word [curse]. It is not in our mindset.”It’s about us delivering a great performance. “Talking about the other outcome [winning], that is exciting.” More

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      ‘We should not see it’ – Como coach Fabregas fires brutal warning to Dele as ex-Spurs star breaks silence on red card

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      COMO boss Cesc Fabregas has hit out at Dele Alli’s “grave mistake” after the former Spurs star was sent off just TEN minutes into his club debut.Alli – making his first appearance in 748 days – was shown a red card during second-half stoppage time for a rash challenge on AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Dele Alli made his Como debut on Saturday night but was sent off within 10 minutesThe ex-England midfielder caught Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the back of the legSubstitute Alli’s yellow card was controversially upgraded to a red by the refereeComo head coach Cesc Fabregas took aim at Alli afterwardsThe former England midfielder signed for Italian club Como in January on a free transfer.Como were trailing 2-1 and desperately chasing a winner when Fabregas turned to Alli in the 81st minute to find a goal.But the cameo quickly turned into a nightmare for the ex-Tottenham ace.Alli was shown a yellow card for a late ankle tackle on Loftus-Cheek in the closing stages at the San Siro.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReferee Matteo Marchetti was called to the monitor after an intervention from VAR.After studying the tackle for several minutes, Marchetti decided to upgrade Alli’s yellow card to a red.But Fabregas had little sympathy Alli, describing the incident as a tackle that “hurts to watch” in his post-match press conference.Fabregas told DAZN: “Dele Alli is a player who can score goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He perhaps didn’t deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has a lot to improve.”It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports”It was a clear red card, there’s nothing to be said about that, he left the team down to ten men during a crucial moment when we were pushing for 2-2.”That is the most negative thing about this evening, but we keep going.”But Fabregas was also sent off for his reaction to the incident.Alli wrote on Instagram: “I was always going to announce my return in some way after these past two years.”But would rather it had been with a goal but feels good to be back.”Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reijnders scored in the second half for Milan, after Lucas da Cunha put the visitors ahead before the break.Milan’s Kyle Walker – a former England and Spurs team-mate of Alli – was seen begging with the ref not to send the 28-year-old off.One fan agreed on X: “That’s a yellow. The force is so little. Slow motion makes it look 10x harder.”Even Alli’s ex-Spurs and England team-mate Kyle Walker tried to talk the referee roundDele debut timeline81st minute – Alli comes on to make Como debut89th minute – Alli makes the challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and is yellow carded91st minute – His yellow card upgraded to a red after VAR review94th minute – Cesc Fabregas is also sent off for his reaction to the incidentAnother said: “Even Walker was saying to not give him a red for it. That’s actually heartbreaking.”Fabregas’ team ended the day in 13th, still seven points clear of the drop, while Milan sit seventh after their victory.Alli began training with Fabregas’ side over Christmas, although the former Arsenal ace was reluctant to claim whether it would lead to anything.But Fabregas elected to sign Alli on a permanent basis as the 37-cap England international penned a deal until 2026, with the option of a further 12 months.The former England star left Everton permanently in 2024 after being shipped out on a season-long loan to Besiktas 2023.His last game before Como’s clash in Milan was a 0-0 draw with Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on February 26, 2023.The midfielder was praised for a groundbreaking interview with Manchester United legend Gary Neville later that year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe midfielder opened up on his mental health struggles, opening up on childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs.He broke through as a teenager at MK Dons before earning a big-money move to Tottenham in 2015.Alli broke his silence on Instagram after Como’s defeat More

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      ‘He lives it’ – Craig Bellamy reveals shock at Arne Slot impact and doubts over replacing ‘personality of Jurgen Klopp’

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      CRAIG BELLAMY has hailed “incredible” Arne Slot for matching the high-energy personality of Jurgen Klopp.The Liverpool boss bids to breathe new life into a stunning debut season with his first silverware for the club after the midweek Champions League penalty shootout exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Slot has had an impressive first season with Liverpool; 15 points clear in the Prem and a League Cup final appearance at WembleyThe ex-Feyenoord boss replaced high-energy Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside last summerCredit: GETTYSlot, 46, leads his impressive Reds in today’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.And the Dutchman already has one hand firmly on the Premier League title as his runaway leaders are a mammoth 15 points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal.Bellamy, who played for both of today’s finalists, says he never thought anyone could rival giant-like figure Klopp.But the Wales manager has admired ex-Feyenoord chief Slot for his sheer enthusiasm since replacing the German on Merseyside last summer.read more footballBellamy said: “I’ve been impressed with Arne. All day. First season at the biggest club in the world, he’s been incredible.”I just didn’t know if anyone could replace the personality of Klopp. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”They are not coming from two different worlds in terms of coaching. It’s quite similar in how they play.”Of course, Slot has his own influences but it was more the personality. How do you replace that type of profile and person of Klopp?Most read in Football”He was 100-mile an hour. Managers like that live it with you.”I feel that it’s quite important that someone breathes it with you.Liverpool boss Arne Slot looks ahead to Carabao Cup final against Newcastle Bellamy, now the manager of Wales, played in the Premier League for both Liverpool and NewcastleCredit: Alamy”Klopp would grip you with a bear hug after a match – he’s living it with you. And you could see the affection that they had for him.”Slot is different. He shows it in a different way but to have the season he’s had has been incredible. Nothing short of that.”So what attribute has really stood-out for boyhood Liverpool fan Bellamy?Bellamy, who had two one-season stints at Anfield in 2006 and 2011 – and then won the League Cup with Liverpool against hometown club Cardiff in 2012, replied: “Energy. He lives it. How do you find that? To be able to find that twice a week – I find that really impressive.”Student of the game Bellamy has tracked Slot’s path before his arrival in the Premier League.The 45-year-old is a big fan of Dutch football having spent a week in the Netherlands as a kid when he was just a budding footballer.Bellamy added: “I was impressed with Slot before when he was at Feyenoord. I have a soft spot for them.”It’s mad. I love the De Kuip. It’s one of my favourite stadiums. I scored there for Newcastle in the Champions League.”It seemed every European tournament that I watched as a kid had the final at that ground. It always felt like an amazing stadium.”I spent a week there as a kid. We went to Feyenoord and Ajax as well. Ajax were such an amazing team at the time.”But there’s something about Feyenoord, Rotterdam and De Kuip.”So it was really nice watching Slot with them over the last few seasons and then to watch him take Liverpool.”Bellamy will watch his old teams do battle in the first domestic final of the season at Wales’ Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff.The Dragons boss will be preparing for his nation’s opening World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan next Saturday night.Then Wales follow that up with a trip to North Macedonia three days later.But, before his Welsh players start arriving late on Sunday, Bellamy, who had a four-year spell at Newcastle between 2001-05, is excited to tune in.When asked how he saw the final panning out, he joked: “I couldn’t care. No Welsh players. I hope football is the winner.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Bellamy then raised a smile and added: “It’s a good game. I really like them both. I love the intensity that they go at.”It will be nice to watch. I’m not going to give you a prediction but it doesn’t interfere with my game so I’ll watch it. I’m actually quite excited for the game.” More

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      ‘We would have had a chance’ – Nikos Dabizas still haunted by ‘bitter taste’ of sliding doors Wembley miss for Newcastle

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      NEWCASTLE legend Nikos Dabizas still has a “bitter taste” over his sliding doors Wembley moment.The former Greek defender, famed for scoring the winner at Sunderland in 2002, nearly achieved an even greater feat four years earlier.Newcastle legend Nikolas Dabizas is still haunted by a Wembley momentCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender will be at Wembley today to watch his beloved old clubCredit: GettyHe was part of Kenny Dalglish’s Toon side that lost 2-0 to double winners Arsenal in the FA Cup Final.No Newcastle player has managed a goal in a Wembley showpiece since Alan Gowling’s strike in the 1976 League Cup Final defeat.However, Dabizas almost ended that against the Gunners only to be denied an equaliser by the woodwork and has been left wondering what could have been ever since.He told Sun Sport: “If we would have equalised at that stage we would have had a chance. But we didn’t and in these kind of games you need these type of details to come with you.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s one of two moments in my career I think about. The other was with the national team and a header when we played Denmark, with Peter Schmeichel, in goal. That left a bitter taste and I have that same feeling with the Arsenal one.”I had the privilege of scoring against Sunderland and that stays forever but to have scored at Wembley or win an FA cup with Newcastle would have been an absolute dream come true. “But football is like this. That’s why it makes it so special. It seems just centimetres between success and from defeat. “You need a little bit of luck and it can go with or against you. And history tells us that it wasn’t to be that day.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”The momentum was with us. When you score a goal and you’re on top, that can change easily. So of course it will be a completely different story if it would have gone in.”Dabizas, who spent five years at St James’ Park before moving to Leicester in 2003, would suffer two more Wembley disappointments in black and white.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe lost in both the following season’s FA Cup Final to the treble-winning Manchester United side and then 2-1 to Chelsea in the semi-final of the same competition in 2000.The 51-year-old is now one of the top commentators on Greek TV and will be at Wembley to watch Eddie Howe’s team try and conquer the trophy drought.Although he feels his presence could be a bad omen having also watched Toon lose two years ago against Manchester United from the gantry.He half-joked: “I was thinking about keeping away to be honest. I don’t have the best memories.”If anyone is to end the alleged curse on the club and fire Newcastle back to glory then surely it is Alexander Isak.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go?Dabizas played with the greatest striker in Toon’s history in Alan Shearer, whose statue now stands outside their stadium.Fan favourite Dabizas believes Isak still has work to do to be compared with Shearer – but admits the Swede could get a statue himself if he bags the Wembley winner.He said: “I think Alan is a different story because we have to judge them equally over longevity.“Alexander probably is one of the best strikers in the world and would fit in the first 11 of maybe Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich even if they already have top strikers.“They are completely different types of players with different styles and Alan scored so many goals in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the end of the day, if Alexander scores on Sunday then everything goes out of the window. He will be a hero.“Combine that with if he can lift the trophy or get the winning goal then yeah [statue].”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      ‘Saw him and screamed’ – Fans stunned after spotting under-fire Man Utd boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘hiding’ at Australian GP

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE stunned viewers after popping up on TV screens at Formula One’s season opener in Australia.The Ineos chief was at the Albert Park race over the weekend with the Mercedes F1 team, which Ratcliffe owns a third of.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at the F1 Australia Grand Prix this weekendCredit: GettyThe Ineos chief owns a third share in MercedesCredit: GettyMercedes celebrated a podium with George Russell while rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli finished P4Credit: RexBut Ratcliffe has had a nightmare week dealing with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe chaotic race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris while Lewis Hamilton was left fuming at his new Ferrari team. But there was delight for Mercedes as George Russell scored a podium by finishing third and rookie Kimi Antonelli produced a strong recovery drive to go from P16 to finish P4 on his debut.While Ratcliffe would have been celebrating the success of the team, who now sit joint top in the F1 constructors’ championship, it was a far cry from the week he has had dealing with another of his teams. The British billionaire, 70, has had a nightmare week following a series of interviews he gave on Monday regarding his investment in Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe took a 27.7 per cent share last February, but his first year of managing the Red Devils has been overshadowed by controversial decisions and poor performances on the pitch.Man Utd sit 14th in the Premier League table and have only one realistic chance of playing in Europe next season via victory in the Europa League.Off the pitch, the club are £1billion in debt, including £300millon in transfer fees owed for players.Unpopular decisions have been made by the new club hierarchy brought in by Ratcliffe, ranging from the removal of a £40,000 donation to the Former Players Association, the sacking of 250 staff last summer, with up to another 200 set to follow, and the removal of concessionary pricing for tickets.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe also blasted the squad as “not good enough” and addressed mistakes he and the management team have made, including the sackings of Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.That set of interviews came the day before Man Utd announced plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixAnd yesterday another Ratcliffe interview was released in which he planted the blame for the club’s demise at the feet of Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold rather than the much-maligned majority owners, the Glazers.Ratcliffe admitted if he got the same level of abuse the American owners got he would consider quitting his role, while he insisted the Glazers were “decent people”.Reacting to his appearance in the Melbourne F1 paddock, one social media user said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hiding in Australia with the F1.”A second said: “Jim Ratcliffe in the Mercedes garage instead of building Zippos circus for Utd.”A third said: “Saw Jim Ratcliffe appear on the screen on the f1 and screamed.”Man Utd take on Leicester this evening, and Ratcliffe will be hoping another one of his sporting investments can have a good day.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Sadio Mane, 32, welcomes first child with wife Aisha, 19, after wedding last year – and dedicates goal to baby daughter

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      SADIO MANE dedicated his goal to his newborn daughter after welcoming his first child with wife Aisha Tamba.Mane, 32, tied the knot with Tamba, 19, last year in Keur Massar, an area in Senegal’s capital city of Dakar.Sadio Mane dedicated his Al-Nassr goal to his newborn daughter on FridayMane celebrated by rocking his arms as Al-Nassr came out 3-1 winnersMane and teenage wife Aisha Tamba have welcomed their first child in RiyadhThe ceremony was just six days before the start of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.The couple have now welcomed their first child, 14 months after their shock wedding, which was confirmed by Mane’s Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.And in dedication to his baby girl, Mane celebrated by rocking his arms while beaming with pride.The former Liverpool star’s goal doubled Al-Nassr’s lead in the club’s 3-1 win over Al Kholood on Friday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFellow ex-Prem stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran also scored, before Al-Nassr went down to ten men as Nawaf Boushal was sent off.Al-Nassr were at the heart of Mane’s public reveal of his new baby.The club posted a video of the footballer reciting a verse from the Quran while walking through the club’s training facility.Mane recited: “Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in hope.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Al-NassrThe video was captioned: “A new blessing for Sadio Mane! Wishing him and his family endless joy.”Allah provided them with its righteousness, and made her one of His righteous servants.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starAl-Nassr need to have a flawless final nine games if they are to close the 10-point gap on leaders Al-Ittihad.Mane, 31, won the Premier League and Champions League during his spell with Liverpool.He now reportedly earns £650,000 per week with Al-Nassr. The former Anfield star met Tamba through his agent, who was friends with her construction boss dad.A source told MailOnline: “Sadio and Aissata’s romance blossomed after his agent met her father.”Madou Tamba is a respected construction manager in Senegal and was tasked by Sadio’s agent to oversee the footballer’s various building projects in the country.”The two men developed a trusting working relationship and through that relationship Sadio was introduced to his daughter.”Everyone in the village of Bambali is delighted for them.”Sadio is a good man. He has given lots of money to the people of Bambali and he deserves to be happy.”Mane was playing for Bayern Munich at the time of their marriage, when Aisha was 18 years old.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey kept their relationship a secret until pictures of their wedding were revealed. Tamba was still a student when they met, but Mane reportedly vowed to marry her as soon as they started dating.Mane, 32, tied the knot with Tamba, 19, last year in Keur Massar, a suburb in Senegal’s capital More