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      Fan spots DEAD RAT in puddle under Old Trafford seat as Man Utd’s crumbling stadium hits new low

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      A DEAD rat was seen at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s clash with Bodo/Glimt last night, a fan on social media has claimed.The Red Devils hosted the Norwegian side in what was new boss Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge.A supporter posted this image from Old TraffordCredit: X / @Connor_LomasClub chiefs have recently received a backlash from fans after it was confirmed that ticket prices would be rising to a minimum of £66 for members, regardless of age.And during last night’s match, a social media user claimed that a “dead animal” had appeared beneath their seat.Man Utd have endured several instances of rain water getting through the Old Trafford roof during recent seasons.The social media user, named Connor Lomas, last night posted a picture that appeared to be taken of beneath his seat.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt showed a soaking wet floor, with what appeared to be a dead rat lying there.Tagging several fan accounts, Lomas posted: “#mufc will let anyone in Old Trafford for £66, including dead animals apparently. Block N3401.”The image has been viewed more than 300,000 times on social media.A Man Utd spokesman acknowledged the picture when SunSport went to the club for comment.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club stress they undergo regular pest control inspections but the stadium’s location next to a railway and canal, as well as the cold weather, can drive pests into buildings. A mouse was also seen on the pitch during last night’s game.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Since purchasing a minority stake in the club earlier this year, Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has begun the process of improving the Red Devils’ home.It is currently being explored whether the club would be better off upgrading Old Trafford at significant cost, or building a new stadium from scratch.Man Utd chiefs have polled supporters over which option they would prefer.Of the 50,000 polled, 52 per cent claimed to be open to a new build, with 31 per cent favouring an Old Trafford redevelopment and 17 per cent unsure.A decision over the project, which could cost up to £2billion, is expected to be made in early 2025.A mouse was seen on the pitch at Old Trafford last nightCredit: GettyOld Trafford has had several flooding incidents in recent yearsCredit: PAThe roof at Old Trafford has struggled with containing heavy rainfallCredit: Getty More

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      Maurizio Sarri on regret at quitting Chelsea, love for an unlikely star and why he can’t quit addiction to fags and Prem

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      THERE ARE two habits that Maurizio Sarri cannot kick – cigarettes and his love of English football.The vastly experienced Italian manager deeply regrets the decision to walk away from Chelsea after just one season. And he wants to put things right.Maurizio Sarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Italian memorably enjoyed a smoke on the sidelinesCredit: AP:Associated PressHe also forged a reputation for his brand of ‘Sarri ball’ footballCredit: Alamy Live NewsDespite guiding the club to the Europa League title, a top four finish and a Wembley final, chain-smoker Sarri ‘panicked’ and headed home for safety’s sake.The gradual breakdown of former owner Roman Abamovich’s deteriorating relationship with the UK government was behind him asking to leave just when he should have been negotiating a new contract.Sarri is still puffing away as he talks exclusively to SunSport about his unfinished business with the Premier League. And more importantly, whether he would pack up fags because stadiums over here are no-smoking arenasIn answer to that question, he declared: “No.”READ MORE CHELSEAHe then goes into great depth detailing why he felt he had to leave Chelsea despite winning a European trophy in his one and only season.Russian Abramovich had his UK visa revoked. Technical director Michael Emenalo had quit the year before Sarri arrived.Transfer guru Marina Granovskaia was left juggling several roles – and it scared Sarri.He said: “I could have stayed at Chelsea.Most read in Football“I wanted to come back to Italy because the situation at Chelsea was not easy. In that period Abramovich was not allowed to go to England. I only saw him at games abroad. We had some telephone calls but not very often.“My point of reference was only Marina. There wasn’t a sporting director so the situation was not so clear. So I wanted to come back to Italy but it was a mistake.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errors“It would have been better to stay there. I was a little worried about the situation with Chelsea, the situation inside the club. It was not clear.“I asked Marina if it was possible to go back to Italy and Marina asked for some money from Juventus to set me free.“They said if I wanted to stay at Chelsea it was possible. But at the end of the season with Chelsea it was a good experience and good results.“We got third place in the Premier League table, reached the final of the Carabao Cup and won the Europa League. We played a lot of good matches.“Of course at times there were two or three disasters, like at Manchester against City, like at Bournemouth.“Now I am ready to start again. I don’t know where at the moment. But me and the staff are ready.”Sarri has a tricky relationship with Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: AP:Associated PressA year after leaving Chelsea, Sarri won the Serie A title with JuventusCredit: GettySarri faced an uphill battle to convince Chelsea fans that his possession-based philosophy, or ‘Sarriball’ as it has become known, suited the blood and thunder of the Premier League.His team was trounced 6-0 at Manchester City and 4-0 by lowly Bournemouth during his sole year in charge. But there is no arguing with the end result.Sarri left Chelsea and went on to win Serie A with Juventus the following season. Then a proud second-placed finish with Lazio in 2023.He said: “I managed at the top level. We won the Scudetta with Juve but it is not the same as the Premier League.“England is the top level for players, for teams, for clubs, for stadiums, for fans. For everything. So I’d like to come back.“If I had a team and had the opportunity to be the coach of a team at the same level I think that I could do even better.“If Chelsea were able to get into the top four then my football must have been suitable. Probably the disaster at Manchester and Bournemouth made the fans unhappy about my situation and my football. But I think it was a feeling for a couple of months, no more.”Sarri on his favourite Chelsea playerMAURIZIO SARRI was blessed with a galaxy of stars during his one year as Chelsea boss.Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cesc Fabregas, Olivier Giroud, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho among them.But the Italian has a special place in his heart for an unlikely lad in Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who came so close to making it big with The Blues but is now with AC Milan in Sarri’s homeland.Sarri said: “I loved them all; Luiz, Rudiger, Azpi. But for me one very important player in my season was Loftus. Very, very important. I think he could have done more.“But the injuries were a really big problem for him. He had to go 11, 12 months without playing.“Then it takes another season to reach the same level as before. It is a big thing for one but I think in time he will reach a great level.”Silky midfielder Loftus-Cheek came through the Chelsea ranks and over nine years managed just over 150 Premier League appearances.But nightmarish issues with his Achilles tendon in particular got in the way. He ruptured it playing in a Holocaust Memorial match for Chelsea in Boston.Sarri said: “I hope now there is a great future for him. He deserves it. Achilles was a big, big problem for him.”Sarri also believes current Chelsea boss and fellow countryman Enzo Maresca has settled the club down after several dramatic years off the pitch and in the transfer market with 43 registered first team players at one point.Sarri said: “The situation at the beginning of the season was difficult with so many players but for sure he is doing a good job.“My feeling now is that Chelsea are becoming a team again now- not 11 good players. My feeling is that the future for Chelsea could be good. A winning future I think.“Maresca is an Italian coach but is more an international coach. Maresca in Italy worked only for one or two seasons, no more. He has worked more in Italy than in England.“He is a very young coach. We have to wait I think but at the moment the work at Chelsea is going well. He has the possibility to become one of the best in Europe.”Two Premier League managers have already been sacked this season – Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Steve Cooper from Leicester.It is at this time of year that top flight clubs start getting twitchy.Julen Lopetegui at West Ham and Russell Martin at Southampton must be looking over their shoulders.At Chelsea, Sarri used a terrace next to his first floor office at the training ground for smoking.His only requirements from any new club are an outside space and potential.Sarri said: “It is very important to get 101 percent from your team. This is more important than winning a cup, a trophy, or the Premier League.“To get 101 percent from the players, the team as a whole. It is better than winning. Real Madrid can win with 98 per cent of the potential of the team. The real win is getting 101 per cent of the potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wanted to leave Chelsea – but only because of a particular situation. Not because of England. “I want to be a coach again.” More

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      Wladimir Klitschko’s bold plan to return to boxing at 48 revealed and why it could be scuppered by Mike Tyson

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      WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO’s stunning plans to return to the ring have been scuppered by Mike Tyson, it’s been claimed.The former unified heavyweight champion retired from boxing in August 2017, four months after suffering an 11th-round KO loss in a classicWembley war with Anthony Joshua.Former unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko was reportedly set to return to the ring aged 48Credit: AP’Dr Steelhammer’ was said to have been in line to fight Brit champ Daniel DuboisCredit: REUTERSBut plans are said to have been shelved after Mike Tyson’s ring return against Jake PaulCredit: GETTYRumours of a shock ring return, however, have swirled over the last few years.And this week it was claimed the Ukrainian was plotting to lace up his gloves again next year at the ripe old age of 48.According to The Daily Mail, he recently entered negotiations to fight IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in a shock showdown.They claim Team Klitschko threw their hat into the ring to be Dubois’ next opponent following his September slaying of Joshua at Wembley.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut talks are said to have been scrapped in the wake of former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson’s display in his ring return against Jake Paul earlier this month.Tyson looked every bit his 58 years and landed very little in his eight-rounder with the YouTuber.And the beloved American, who hadn’t fought professionally in over 19 years, was at times seemingly carried by the crossover star.Tyson’s performance would have served as a stark warning to any ageing legend considering a comeback, Klitschko included.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWladimir Klitschko retired from boxing in August 2017 – a little over three months after losing his Wembley showdown with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Splash NewsDubois and his team are said to have rebuffed the possibility of welcoming Klitschko back to the ring.The Greenwich gladiator’s next fight looked set to be a rematch with former two-unified heavyweight champion Joshua, who he knocked out in the fifth round of their domestic dust-up.Tyson Fury fans chant ‘you big dosser’ at boxing legend Wladimir KlitschkoFebruary 22 was the targeted date for the proposed rematch before AJ was convinced by his team to rest and recover from niggling injuries.Dubois, however, is still being lined up to compete on that date.According to reports, his second defence of the IBF strap is set to come against the in-form Joseph Parker.Former WBO titleholder Parker has rattled off five straight wins since being brutally stopped by Joe Joyce in September 2022.The Kiwi killer has scored upset victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in his resurgence, the first of which scuppered a two-fight series between ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and Joshua. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal flop hints at return to English football after transfer collapsed as club ‘invented’ injury

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      Ex-Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has hinted he could return to English football – after a spell in the Chinese second division.The Frenchman, who won the FA Cup with the Gunners, has spent the season with Qingdao Red Lions.Former Arsenal star Yaya Sanogo could make a return to EnglandCredit: Getty – ContributorSanogo, 31, has also played for Crystal Palace, Charlton and Huddersfield as well as Ajax and Auxerre.The Paris-born player launched a renewed attack on Middlesbrough, insisting their false claim he had a shoulder injury hampered his bid to find a new club in 2020.Sanogo picked out Arsenal’s 3-2 FA Cup final win over Hull City as the highlight of his career.And the forward said he almost became a postman after a serious leg injury threatened to end his career aged just 17.Read More in FootballSanogo said: “I’m now out of contract, and I am open to anything.  I’ve enjoyed being in China, but let’s see what project I will go for.”I have had a number of phone calls, and the omens are good – especially from clubs in Europe.”I hope to get fixed up soon.  I’ve not set myself a definite target – I just want to enjoy myself and have fun.”With all the struggles I have had in my career, that is truly my aim now.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I was due to sign for Middlesbrough. I reached an agreement with them, but during my medical they invented a shoulder problem that I’d never had.”After that, everyone asked me if I was injured. They wrote in the media that I had failed my medical, so clubs were always a bit wary about me.”Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundMiddlesbrough have been approached for comment.Sanogo scored just one goal in 20 Arsenal games, but is still remembered for being an impact sub at Wembley in 2014.He told So Foot magazine: “My best memory is the FA Cup final.  I was decisive when I came on, and the players sang my song in the dressing-room afterwards.”We were losing, I came on as we went with two up front, and I made an impact.  I was young, and it is something I will never forget.”I returned to the Emirates Stadium for a game last year, and people came up to thank me for that final.”I come from Les Ulis in Paris, the same as Thierry Henry and Patrice Evra. It is an honour for us to see how far we have come in our careers.”I now want to pass on the benefit of my experience to the team I play for.”I had a bit of an iffy spell during the two years after I had a serious shin injury. The surgeon told me it would be virtually impossible for me to resume my playing career.”I asked myself what I could do instead. I was just 17, and in the depths of despair.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It crossed my mind to become a postman. But there was a five per cent chance I could play again, and even though it was minimal it was still a chance for me.”I had to wait for two years – but I made my return to football.” More

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      Why is Manchester United vs Everton kicking-off at an unusual time?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday – but fans must factor in the unusual kick-off time.Ruben Amorim quickly learnt the level of competition in England, drawing 1-1 with Ipswich Town in his debut leaving his side in twelfth place.Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyThe Red Devils then scraped a 3-2 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, having fallen 2-1 down in the first half.The Portuguese manager is desperate for a comfortable victory heading into their clash with the Toffees, and could face serious questioning if his side fail to deliver a strong performance.On Merseyside, Sean Dyche is also struggling to get his side going and looks set to be in a relegation battle if things don’t improve.Currently in 15th place, the Everton hierarchy are already looking at replacements with former boss David Moyes in the running.Read more Man United newsEverton have won one of their last five Premier League fixturesCredit: ReutersA win on Sunday would be a great result for both teams, but fans should be aware of the schedule change.Why is Manchester United vs Everton kicking off at a unique time?Two fixtures are kicking off with rescheduled start times on Sunday as Liverpool vs Manchester City has also been moved. This is not the first time different kick-off times have been put in place for Premier League fixtures with Liverpool and Man City fixtures also being moved in November 2023. Police have requested the scheduling changes as a method of controlling fan movement and preventing confrontation. Most read in FootballWith four big teams and huge rivals crossing paths on the same day, police want to avoid conflict and harm.In 2022, the City team bus was damaged by fans as it left Anfield.And, Liverpool fans were faced with chants concerning the club’s tragedies. As a result, Manchester United vs Everton will kick-off at 1.30pm GMT on Sunday, December 1 – half an hour earlier than the usual 2pm kick off slot. More

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      Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing – but plans dream 50TH fight first

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      DEREK CHISORA has revealed plans for a shocking new career after he hangs up his gloves.The Brit boxing legend is approaching the end of his bruising career, with his last fight on these shores set to take place on February 8.Derek Chisora is nearing the end of his brutal careerCredit: PAThe fan favourite is already thinking about what he’ll do once he retiresCredit: GETTYDel Boy, 40, is eyeing a career in politicsCredit: GETTYChisora is already turning his attention to what he’ll do after he finally brings the curtain down on his fighting days.And Del Boy has sensational plans to run for political office after his retirement.During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “When I retire, do you know what I want to do?”I want to run for London Mayor.”REA MORE ON CHISORAThe 40-year-old first revealed his desire to replace Sadiq Khan as London’s governor after scoring a shock win in his July joust with Joe Joyce.Chisora’s February fisticuffs with former Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury opponent Otto Wallin will be the 49th fight of his 17-year-long career.But if things go his way, he’ll have a 50th bout against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDerek Chisora is eyeing a showdown with ex-UFC heavyweight champ Francis NgannouCredit: INSTAGRAM@DEREKWARCHISORAAfter revealing his openess to have a trilogy bout with rival Dillian Whyte: “Another push I’m trying to get through is a fight with Ngannou – in Africa.”Most read in BoxingThe Zimbabwean-born Brit said: “I want to push [for] that [fight].Derek Chisora meets former Anthony Joshua opponent at Man Utd clash after calling him out for last ever fight “If I can get Francis Ngannou in Africa for our own African people to see us perform, instead of us performing in European countries and Saudi [Arabia].”It will give just a little bit of a taste to our young and upcoming talent in Africa to see African warriors go at it.”But if there’s not much money raised there, I might just do a 50/50 fight with Dillian at Royal Albert Hall.”Where I will invite some Prime Ministers, Presidents, Nigel [Farage], he’s my boy.” More

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      ‘I love that kid’ – Ruben Amorim backs Mason Mount to become key player for Man Utd and says ‘he wants it really bad’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has backed Mason Mount to prove why he became a European Champion.The new Manchester United boss says the midfielder “wants it really bad” too.Mason Mount was in action against Bodo/Glimt last nightCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim is a big fan of the former Chelsea starCredit: XMount has had an unhappy time with injury since he moved to Man Utd from Chelsea with whom he won the Champions League in 2021.He cost United £55million in July of last year but there has been little in the way of returns with just seven league starts in that time.But on Thursday night the 25-year-old returned to the Red Devils first team in his first start for 90 days playing 59 minutes of their 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.Amorim saw enough in that time and in the short time he has had with him at the club’s Carrington Training base to convince him the forgotten can become a main man at Man United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “The first thing is he is working really hard. And then you have to understand the human also. He wants this really badly. That is the most important thing.“I have to tell you I love that kid.“You can see in his eyes that he wants this so bad.“He has proven to all of you that he is a talented player. He was European champion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“So we believe a lot in him.”Of course, the main obstacle is steering clear of those injuries that ruined his first season.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’Indeed, injury problems throughout the squad that plagued Erik ten Hag’s second season as boss.Mount was confidently talking of putting that all behind him at the start of this campaign when his hamstring went in only the second league game at Brighton.Now he goes again but Amorim says it is not just about fitness but belief that will help take him back to the top.Amorim said: “I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he’s trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he’s shown, for example, in Chelsea.“He has to stay fit. And like all the guys in the team, they are quality players, they have to improve and believe in themselves.”He certainly saw that belief in Mount against Bodo on Thursday.It was his superb flick that helped to set up the winning goal as he found Bruno Fernandes to square for Rasmus Hojlund.’A PROPER FOOTBALLER’Amorim said: “He did a great job, and you see in some moments and details that Mason Mount is a proper footballer. So we believe a lot in him.”Having played in a 3-4-3 at Chelsea in the past Amorim believes the adjustment to the style he is trying to bring to Old Trafford will not be a problem for the midfielder.The Portuguese said: “He played in this system, so it’s perfect for him.”After an opening draw away to Ipswich, Thursday night was a confidence boosting victory for Amorim in his first game in charge of United at Old Trafford.He was blown away by the reception he got and is now aiming to take the momentum built from the comeback victory over the Norwegians into Sunday’s visit of Sean Dyche’s Everton.He said: “It’s going to be a different match with a lot of fighting, long balls, second balls. They have a quality coach that understands the league, that understands the moment of the opponent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I hope for a win and I hope to see different things and to see my team improve.“I expect to see different things and better things.”Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Why is Liverpool vs Man City kicking off at 4pm on Sunday?

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      MAN CITY face league leaders Liverpool this weekend having lost three Premier League games on the bounce.Pep Guardiola is enduring the toughest period of his career – losing five fixtures in a row for the first time – having recently signed a new contract.Manchester City’s nightmare continued in Europe this weekCredit: GettyTwo losses to Tottenham Hotspur, and losses to Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon and Brighton have spoiled City’s Christmas run-in.Form is going from bad to worse for the Spaniard’s side, who threw away a 3-0 lead in the Champions League against Feyenoord to draw 3-3 with Arne Slot’s former team.Guardiola was then pictured with scratches across his head and face. Pep Guardiola’s scratched headIn the opposing dugout, Slot will be licking his lips at the chance to round off a dominant run of form for the Reds and extend their eight point lead at the top of the table.More Premier League newsLiverpool collected a 2-0 victory midweek, putting in a dominant performance against long-running European rivals Real Madrid.Alexis Mac Allister combined with Conor Bradley to work the ball into the Madrid penalty area before finishing neatly into the bottom left.Substitute Cody Gakpo headed home from a trademark Andy Robertson’s cross to seal the victory. The Reds will be hoping to finish a packed run of fixtures with a win over title rivals Man City.Most read in FootballConor Bradley egged on the Kop with a crunching challenge on Kylian MbappeCredit: GettyWhy is Liverpool vs Man City kicking off at an unusual time?This is not the first time the title clash has been given a unique kick-off time.In March, the 1-1 draw between the two kicked off at 3.45pm GMT. Back in November 2023, the fixture was moved from 5.30pm to 12.30pm GMT.On Sunday, the match is due to kick off at 4pm GMT – 30 minutes earlier than the regular 4.30pm schedule.Police concerns have caused the change which is put in place to try and avoid confrontations between fans.Clashes in 2022 led to the City team bus being damaged by fans when leaving Anfield.While Liverpool supporters were subjected to chants relating to the club’s tragedies. More