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      Ex-Champions League finalists release new video as work restarts on 70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ after 16 years

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      VALENCIA have released a video as work finally restarted on their Nou Mestalla stadium after a 16-YEAR hiatus.The club were initially supposed to move into the ground all the way back in 2009.President Kiat Lim has visited Valencia’s Nou Mestalla stadiumCredit: X @valenciacfWork has restarted on the ground after 16 yearsCredit: X @valenciacfThe construction site had become a white elephant in the cityCredit: GettyIt is now expected to become one of the best in the worldCredit: X @valenciacfBut work was halted due to crippling debts of more than £350million.New president Kiat Lim has again given the go-ahead for work to resume on the 70,044 capacity stadium.He visited the construction site for the stadium on Tuesday afternoon.The aim is for the new ground to open in 2027 and become the future home of Valencia – and host games at the 2030 World Cup.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it is hoped the stadium will help massively increase revenue for the club in the future.Lim was joined by general director Javer Solis and outgoing president Lay Hoon Chan during the tour.The club released a video of the group being shown around the building site that would become the new ground.But it shows that there is still much work to be done.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe shell of the stadium had been left to rot since 2009, with the structure now needing to be secured.There are still no sign of any seats of even a pitch.Work restarts on ‘world’s greatest football stadium’ that had been abandoned for 16 years as £250m revamp is agreedThe capacity will be 70,044Credit: X @valenciacfValencia has taken out a £270m loan to complete its constructionCredit: X @valenciacfThe stadium that was expected to be the “best in the world” will have a new design to the existing Mestalla Stadium.Putgoing Chan boldly proclaimed: “We’re not just building a stadium, we’re building a monument.”The Singaporean, 60, also added that the stadium will act as a “beacon of hope” for the city.The 2001 Champions League finalists are working with the same contractor as they agreed a deal with in 2007.They hope for the new stadium to be ready in time for the 2027-28 season.Around 3,000 VIP seats will be included, and the stadium will be able to host top events by meeting Uefa’s highest criteria.Valencia is said to be taking out a new £270m loan from Goldman Sachs in order to help finance the project.They plan to begin paying back their loan in 2027, across a period of 20-25 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESValencia has so far missed out on being one of 11 host cities for the 2030 World Cup.But tournament chiefs could slip them in at the last minute, should Nou Mestalla be built according to plan this time.The stadium will also be used for events outside of footballCredit: X @valenciacfThere will be 3,000 VIP seatsCredit: X @valenciacf More

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      ‘The man of my life has come in’ – DAZN host Diletta Leotta opens up on first time she met husband Loris Karius

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      DILETTA LEOTTA has lifted the lid on the first time she met her husband Loris Karius.It was “love at first sight” for the TV presenter, who has since married the goalkeeper and birthed a child with him.It was love at first sight for Diletta Leotta when she saw Loris KariusCredit: GettyThe couple have had a whirlwind romance and wed last yearCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThey have a one-year-old daughterCredit: AFPThe couple met at Paris Fashion Week in 2022Credit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta was smitten right awayCredit: instagram @dilettaleottaThe couple met in late 2022 and have enjoyed a whirlwind romance since.Leotta knew Karius was the one after first laying eyes on him at Paris Fashion Week, although he made the opening move.She told Bild: “Loris comes in and I said, ‘Girls, the man of my life has come in.'”That was absolutely amazing.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeotta fell pregnant a few months into their relationship and their daughter Aria, 1, was born in August 2023.A year later they married in Sicily in a star-studded ceremony that involved 160 guests.The pair previously had to spend time apart when Karius was still a Newcastle player, but it is now easier for Leotta to attend his matches for Schalke.The Italian watched on as Karius returned to his position between the sticks after a lengthy absence, helping his side to a 1-0 win over Munster with a string of saves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKarius’ wages are understood to be dwarfed by his wife’s.Bild say he will pocket around £125,000 for his half-season deal – compared to the estimated £840k-a-year that Leotta earns as a star DAZN broadcaster covering Italy’s Serie A.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast And she has a growing army of social media fans, including 9.1million followers, partly due to sharing snaps in incredible outfits from the Italian top flight. More

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      What is Baller League? UK start date, format and rules, plus line-ups for John Terry and KSI’s huge football tournament

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      BALLER LEAGUE football is coming to the UK very soon after a blockbuster announcement included KSI and an array of football legends.The six-a-side spectacular has been a major success in Germany – where it was set up by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski – and will now be making its way to these shores.Baller League is coming to the UK at the end of MarchGary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will be managing a team in the new Baller LeagueCredit: Baller LeagueYouTuber-turned-boxer KSI has been unveiled as the president of the UK version, with streaming sensation iShowSpeed guiding the US.A stunning advert – which mimics the famous Nike Brazil ad from the 1998 World Cup – revealed football legends such as John Terry and Luis Figo will act as managers of teams.Match of the Day alumni Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will also take charge of a team, as will Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires.It will be Lineker’s first new role since announcing he is leaving MOTD at the end of the season.Sidemen stars Miniminter and Tobi, plus YouTuber AngryGinge will also be involved.KSI will be the Baller League UK presidentCredit: Baller LeagueOnly Ronaldinho and Speed have been announced for the US version so far.Brit Award winner and platinum-selling superstar Dave will take charge of a team, Santan FC, while fashion icon Clint 419 will manage FC Rules the World.Trials have been taking place in London and Manchester for the players, who can be recently retired pros, futsal players, free agents or released academy players.Most read in FootballBaller League CEO, Felix Starck said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”John Terry has been announced for the UK versionCredit: Baller LeagueWhile Ronaldinho will take part in the USCredit: Baller LeagueWhat is Baller League?Baller League is a weekly indoor football tournament – consisting of legendary footballers and YouTube stars managing the teams.Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four teams of the league advancing to the final play-off in May to be crowned the champion.The entertaining format will be similar to Gerard Pique’s Kings League from Spain and the German version of the Baller League.Matches will be live streamed on Monday nights with Chunkz set to host on YouTube and Twitch.When is Baller League coming to UK?Baller League is set to begin at the end of March 2025.The first night of matches – Matchday One – will take place on March 24.Matches then run every Monday night until May.However, before a ball is kicked there will be a massive draft night, where managers will assemble their squads LIVE.That takes place on Monday, March 10 at 6.30pm.The Baller League draft will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four playoff in May to crown the winner.Who is playing in the Baller League?The Baller League YouTube channel has a series – ‘Becoming a Baller’ – that has chronicled which players have made it into the draft pool.Trials took place in London and Manchester at the start of the year.The open trials included futsal stars and former academy players, as well as pro players who are currently free agents.Adrian Mariappa, who played in the Premier League with Reading Crystal Palace and Watford, and former Aston Villa and Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark are among the ex-pros in the draft pool.Hashtag United’s Percy Kiangebeni (AKA PK Humble) and Love Island’s Montel McKenzie will also be up for selection.Football legends such as John Terry and Gary Lineker will manage teams, as will YouTube stars.Dave and Clint 419 have also been confirmed on the sidelines.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not yet clear if any of the football legends or YouTubers will play in the matches.What teams are in the Baller League?Trebol FC – Luis FigoVZN FC – TBJZLDeportrio FC – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah RichardsSDS FC – Sharky26ers FC – John TerryYanited FC – AngryGingeN5 FC – Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Freddie LjungbergM7 FC – MiniminterSantan FC – DaveFC Rules the World – Clint 419 More

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      ‘We’ve broken the poor man, he must hate us’ – Ruben Amorim bizarrely stands on different pitch as Man Utd flops train

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      RUBEN AMORIM bizarrely stood by himself on a different pitch to the Manchester United team.The club’s struggling stars were partaking in an open training session ahead of the Europa League clash against Real Sociedad.Ruben Amorim cut a lonely figure during Manchester United trainingCredit: PAHe wandered onto a different pitch to the one the players trained onCredit: AlamyThe players continued to train without Amorim presentCredit: AlamyThey are next in action against Real Sociedad in the Europa LeagueCredit: PACameras caught Amorim, 40, wandering off by himself with a ball at his feet while the team trained on a different pitch.The Man United manager cut a lonely figure as he was left alone with his thoughts.He could be seen walking and tapping a ball with his feet before kicking it at an empty goal.The players continued to perform their drill out of sight from the former Sporting Lisbon coach.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans have been left stunned by the moment as it was shared on social media.One posted: “We’ve broken the poor man. He must hate us. He has to be missing Sporting Lisbon.”A second commented: “The gap is getting larger for each loss.”A third wrote: “Doesn’t want to be anywhere near this shower of s***.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “We finished the poor man, what a shame.”Another added: “No wonder he’s struggling to get his ideas across, he’s taking training from another postcode.”‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueHe did eventually come and oversee some of the players trainCredit: GettyMan United’s travelling squadHere is a look at the 18-man travelling squad for Manchester United to take on Real Sociedad…Goalkeepers:Andre OnanaDermot MeeElyh Harrison Defenders:Harry AmassDiogo DalotMatthijs de LigtPatrick DorguAyden HeavenVictor LindelofNoussair MazraouiLeny YoroMidfielders:CasemiroToby CollyerChristian EriksenBruno FernandesForwards:Alejandro GarnachoRasmus HojlundJoshua ZirkzeeSome fans claimed that he was not present with he team as they were warming up and he was not needed.He was later pictured closer to the team and watched on as they practiced.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford as the replacement for Erik ten Hag in November.He has struggled to instantly turn the fortunes around at the club as they currently linger in 14th place in the Premier League table.The club has been dumped out of both of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.The Red Devils’ last chance of silverware this season is in the Europa League.Amorim helped guide the team through the League Phase and into the knockout rounds.The club now face Real Sociedad on Thrusday evening in the first leg of the round of 16.However, the manager will have to rely on out-of-form striker Rasmus Hojlund as he can not pick promising youngster Chido Obi.The teenage striker was not eligible to be picked for the tournament.A statement read: “Chido Obi is ineligible for the competition, as he cannot be added to the B list due to only signing for the Academy last year.”Obi has made three appearances for the club this season and has already had fans set up social media pages impersonating him.The club has acted quickly to tackle the issue and has had the fake accounts removed.Man Utd confirmed to SunSport it is something done “routinely” to help all players.Amorim will be without Manuel Ugarte and Harry Maguire for the match after picking up injuries in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is some good news for Man United though as Toby Collyer has returned to training.The midfielder has been out of action since mid-February after picking up a knock.Toby Collyer will be back for the match against Real SociedadCredit: AlamyHarry Maguire will miss the gameCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte has also been ruled out with a knockCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Is the problem really the players?’ – Antony’s agent slams Ruben Amorim as Man Utd flop thrives at Real Betis

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      ANTONY’S agent has fired back at Ruben Amorim’s suggestion that the winger lacks the physicality to thrive in the Prem.The 25-year-old winger, who joined Real Betis from United in January on a six-month loan, has made an instant impression for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, notching three goals and two assists in seven games.Man Utd loanee Antony’s agent has fired back at Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAntony has notched three goals and two assists in seven games for BetisAntony’s significant upturn in form has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.When quizzed on it, Amorim gave his take on why the Brazilian has flourished at Betis. Amorim said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot. “Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s because of a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd now, Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, has hit back at those comments, with data to suggest Amorim’s comments were off the mark.He appeared to suggest United are to blame for Antony failing in Manchester, not the player himself.Pedroso said: “Many players who do not prosper at United find success at other clubs, which leads us to wonder if the problem really lies with the players.”We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim, but we completely disagree with his analysis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”To attribute Antony’s lack of success at Manchester United solely to the question of physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality.”The truth is that Antony has not had enough prominence or the confidence necessary to play his best football. Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates”Of the 15 games in which Amorim managed United, he only used Antony in nine, with a total of 252 minutes played. “This represents only 18.6% of the total possible minutes (1,350 minutes). “How can you judge an athlete without a minimum sequence to prove his worth?”Since joining Betis on loan, Antony has rediscovered his form, which has seen him win Man of the Match in three games.He even scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box against Real Sociedad last month – who United face in the Europa League on Thursday.United fans have been left scratching their heads, as he equalled last season’s goal tally in just four games last month. Pedroso added: “The manager’s statement, although perhaps it was not his intention, ends up devaluing LaLiga and the Spanish competitions.”The reality is that Antony, since he arrived at Real Betis, has become one of the best players in the team.”This makes it clear that the problem was not his physicality, but rather the context and the way he was coached in Manchester.”Antony has told Betis he would be open to extending his loan from United by a further 12 months.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”Antony, who joined United from Ajax in September 2022 for a reported £86 million, has notched just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances. More

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      Inside Jermaine Jenas’ split with wife of 13 years Ellie, from sexting scandal to hope of reconciliation and Xmas snub

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      JERMAINE JENAS and his wife of 13 years Ellie have separated, following his sexting scandal and axing from the BBC.The former One Show host and Match of the Day pundit was sacked from his £190,000-per-year job with the broadcaster, after he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and Ellie Penfold have separatedCredit: GettyJenas revealed all to The Sun about his sexting scandalCredit: Andrew StyczynskiJenas, Ellie and their children pose for a family holiday snapCredit: Instagram @jjenasThe ex-footballer vowed to save his marriage.However Ellie has released a statement on Instagram revealing they have parted ways.It read: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways.Read more on Jermaine Jenas”We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time.”Thank you, Ellie.”The decision will be a blow to Jenas, who has returned to work at talkSPORT, after he publicly apologised to Ellie “for all the BS” caused by the fallout.SunSport looks inside their sad split.Most read in FootballThe aftermathJenas and Ellie were on a family holiday in Spain when he was quizzed by BBC bosses about his explicit text messages to the female workers.He admitted sneaking off to talk to his bosses in a secret video call about the allegations.Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie breaks silence on sexting scandal & tells The Sun: ‘It’s been tough’When they returned, the Beeb made the decision to cut ties with Jenas.The ex-Tottenham midfielder, 42, insisted he hadn’t done anything illegal and the messages were exchanged by two consenting adults.However, Ellie was left raging.She kicked him out of their £1million Hertfordshire mansion In an interview with The Sun, he said: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Trying to repair thingsJenas and Ellie tied the knot in 2011.They share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Privately, Jenas had hoped to save his marriage.Jenas told us he hoped to save the marriage to EllieCredit: Andrew StyczynskiAfter the sexting scandal, Ellie kicked Jenas out of their £1m homeCredit: Instagram @elliejenasAn incredibly sorry Jenas apologised to his wife for his inappropriate text messagesCredit: Instagram @jjenasread more sport featuresHe said back in August: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.”They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He added: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.”I don’t know what to say about that, to be honest with you.”It’s just hard at home for the kids right now. My wife’s a real one.”My wife is solid and she’s amazing. She is kind. She just needs some time.”In that time, Ellie launched her personal care brand Preppy in November at an event she was seen without her wedding ring.While she shared photos on Instagram of girls’ nights out with her friends.Ellie told The Sun: “It has been an incredibly hard and difficult time for myself and my family.”My only focus has been on our children and building my brand Preppy.Ellie seen on a girls’ night out in DecemberCredit: InstagramWhen the scandal broke, Ellie pushed herself towards her work with her brand PreppyCredit: INSTAGRAMJenas shared a gushing tribute to congratulate his wife for her brand launchCredit: Instagram”Now I just want to move forward.”Naturally this has been hard for me but my only concern has been our children and that will not change.”Jenas also posted his own gushing praise for his wife on social media, following her launch.He wrote on Instagram: “Couldn’t be more proud of this woman, 3 years ago you had a great idea and this week you got to make that idea a reality. “Starting a brand is hard enough, but working hard and being committed to getting it done even with all the B******T I’ve dragged you through recently should be enough evidence that you’ll make it a success.”Xmas snubBut, by the time Christmas came, Ellie hadn’t thawed.On Christmas Day, Jermaine was absent from any photos she shared on Instagram.However, the kids were all beaming in matching pyjamas in one she posted of them standing in front of a tree.Intriguingly, they both shared a journey on The Santa Steam Express with the kids.Jenas, who was seen wearing his wedding ring, captioned the snaps: “Some Christmas fun with the family.”While Ellie posted the same pictures separately with emojis including a Christmas tree, dog, snowflake, snowman, and a heart.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnfortunately, it didn’t work out for the pair.But, as their social media suggests, they will be putting their kids first, despite their personal woes.Ellie shared a snap of the children on Christmas Day togetherCredit: Instagram @elliejenasThe family united for the children for a trip on The Santa ExpressJenas poses with one his children on the family ventureEllie wasn’t able to forgive Jenas and confirmed their split on Instagram More

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      Man Utd unable to name full squad for Real Sociedad clash with THREE goalkeepers in tiny travelling cohort

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      RUBEN AMORIM has been forced to name a depleted 18-man squad for Manchester United’s Europa League crunch clash against Real Sociedad.A tiny travelling cohort – made of THREE goalkeepers – will make the trip to Spain to face Sociedad in the first-leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday.Man Utd have been forced to name a depleted 18-man squad for Manchester United’s Europa League crunch clashCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim held his last training session in Manchester before Thursday’s Europa League tieCredit: AlamyAccording to Uefa, teams can name up to 23 players to a matchday squad for Europa League games.But United’s injury crisis has forced just 18 players to make the trip to Sociedad.With three keepers included: Andre Onana, Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison, Amorim can only call on 15 outfield stars.It means a first European squad call up for Mee, 22, who was included on the bench in the Prem for the first time against Everton last month.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHarry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte are the latest stars to have been ruled out of Thursday night’s clash.The club has described them as both having picked up “minor knocks” in their FA Cup penalty shootout defeat against Fulham on Sunday.Eyebrows were raised when Maguire – who normally takes a penalty in shootouts – was replaced by winter signing Ayden Heaven at the end of normal time against the Cottagers at Old Trafford.Likewise, Ugarte was subbed off for Alejandro Garnacho in the 53rd minute, but that was likely a tactical decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith nine first-team regulars already unavailable, the Red Devils are now without as many as 12 players against Sociedad. Amorim can’t call on 17-year-old striker Chido Obi, who has came off the bench on multiple occasions in recent weeks.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inUnited’s travelling squad vs SociedadGoalkeepers: Andre Onana Dermot Mee, Elyh HarrisonDefenders: Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny YoroMidfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno FernandesForwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua ZirkzeeHarry Maguire missed training after picking up a minor knock against FulhamCredit: AFPManuel Ugarte also missed training on WednesdayCredit: RexObi was not registered when the club submitted the squad because he was not considered part of the first-team. The talented teenager has not been with the club long enough to be eligible for the B-list, having arrived from Arsenal in the summer.Fellow January signings Heaven and wing-back Patrick Dorgu were submitted in time, though.Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo are all out injured.For Sociedad, they too will be without some key players when they welcome the Reds on Thursday. Alvaro Odriozola, Arsen Zakharyan, Jon Pacheco and Luka Sucic all missed their 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday.Amorim can’t call on 17-year-old striker Chido ObiCredit: AlamyThe news that Maguire and Ugarte are unavailable has fans fearing the worst. One said: “Casemiro against Sociedad and we’re cooked.”One fumed: “No Maguire and Ugarte on Thursday. That will be another loss sadly.”Another raged: “Seriously! This is getting ridiculous.”A fourth added: “That does mean Heaven or Victor Lindelof will start at the back? 😮”There was also some positive news for Amorim however. Young midfielder Toby Collyer is back, though, and flies to Spain with the rest of the party.Collyer has been absent since January, when United last played in the Europa League as they progressed past FCSB.The Europa League is United’s final chance for silverware this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite their worst-ever run in the Prem, the Red Devils were the only side across the Champions League and Europa League to go unbeaten in the league phase.With Amorim’s side 14th in the Prem, the club will need to win it in order to qualify for next season’s competition.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. 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      Abbi Pulling on course to be first woman driver in F1 for 50 years and recalls bizarre first meeting with Lewis Hamilton

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      ABBI PULLING is the 21-year-old racing sensation who could one day become the first woman to drive in F1 since 1976.What you see is what you get with the Lincolnshire-born driver, who is keeping it real in what she calls F1’s “billionaire boy’s club”.Pulling was crowned the 2024 F1 Academy championCredit: RexPulling has caught the attention of big brands like makeup company Charlotte TilburyCredit: Instagram @abbipullingPulling is now rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Zinedine ZidaneCredit: GettyPulling won nine race victories out of 14 and a championship-winning margin of 121 pointsCredit: GettyAbbi Pulling was born in the village of Gosberton in LincolnshireCredit: Instagram @abbipullingPulling grew up watching her dad competing in motorcycle endurance events around the UK, but to his relief she opted for four wheels instead of two. She has always been a huge fan of MOTOGP icon Valentino Rossi who is one of the greatest riders in history and a nine-time world champion. Like Rossi, who has competed in rallies and started racing go-karts, Pulling has never been interested in the glitz and glamour of motorsport. She told SunSport: “I’ve watched him throughout my whole life since I was a baby with my dad and I just think his mantra of enjoying the sport is really important.read more in F1″You drive your best when you’re having fun. He plays up to the fans and has done it all from dirt bikes, MOTOGP, a go kart, rallies – he has an appreciation for motorsport. “I’ve taken that and if I could I’d just love to try it all!”Italy’s Lella Lombardi was the last woman to compete in an F1 race, in 1976.Pulling is following in her footsteps, as the first woman to win a race in British F4 at Brands Hatch last May. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe is also reigning champ of F1 Academy, an all-female Formula 4 level single-seater racing championship, funded by the F1 Group.Her prize is now a fully funded 2025 seat in the British-based GB3 Championship, a step below Formula 3.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Pulling says the Academy saved her career, having prematurely ended her 2021 British F4 campaign as she couldn’t afford to continue. When asked about when she thinks F1 will see a woman on the grid, she said: “I don’t think it’s something you can put a number on, I don’t think we should.”We should let it happen and whoever gets there if it’s not me, make sure it isn’t for a box-ticking exercise it’s because they deserve it.”Allow a woman to have the space to keep performing. The media will take over so she needs the right people around her so that doesn’t get in the way.”I’d like to think it will be me but I’ve still got ways to go. “I’m focused on this year and have done a good enough job to get racing in 2026. I’ve got to take it year by year.”Pulling has credited Haas driver Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton for their being allies of the F1 Academy.Women F1 driversOnly five female drivers have ever competed in a F1 Grand Prix.The first was Italian Maria Teresa de Filippis, who drove in five races and finished in tenth place in the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix.Lella Lombardi, pictured, is the only woman who scored points in Formula 1, competing in F1 from 1974 to 1976.Lombardi participated in 17 races and started 12. Her best result came in the 1975 Spanish GP, where she finished sixth.In 1976, British driver Divina Galica tried but failed to qualify for the British GP.South African Desiré Wilson also tried and failed to qualify for the British GP four years later.The last woman to have driven in F1 was Giovanna Amati wo was signed to Brahbham in 1992.She failed to qualify for three races and was replaced by Damon Hill.Seven-time world champion Hamilton was often seen showing support on the Academy grid last season, albeit mostly for Pulling’s competitor Doriane Pin, with both of them at Mercedes at the time.Pulling recalls a bizarre first encounter with Hamilton at the Texas Grand Prix in October 2023.She said: “The first time I met Lewis really plays in my head, I’m like why did I do that?”It was after COTA and he congratulated me and I finished second. “It was the first time he came to F1 academy and I was adamant someone else had jumped their start. “I basically said to him ‘mate she definitely jumped the start’. I shook his hand and everything but didn’t really acknowledge that I was meeting him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was like ‘we need to put in an appeal for this jump start.’ It’s actually embarrassing, I wish I made a better first impression.”But he knows all the emotions, he is someone I have a lot of respect for.”Abbi Pulling with SunSport’s Isabelle BarkerPulling follows a strict strength and conditioning programmeCredit: Instagram @abbipullingPulling pictured with her F1 Academy trophyCredit: Instagram @abbipulling More