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      Inside Alejandro Garnacho’s Man Utd axe as it’s revealed he was dropped by Ruben Amorim over touchline incident

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO was dropped by Ruben Amorim following a touchline incident – reports say. Garnacho was axed for the Manchester derby in December alongside Marcus Rashford – before being benched for the last four games.Alejandro Garnacho was allegedly dropped by Ruben Amorim following a touchline incidentCredit: GettyGarnacho has been benched by AmorimCredit: APAccording to the Daily Mail, trouble started during United’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen just three days before the trip to City. It is claimed Garnacho turned his back on Amorim and walked away while his manager was giving him instructions on the touchline. But sources close to the player apparently denied that he was being disrespectful – and put it down to a misunderstanding.Garnacho has come off the bench for United’s last three matches – all ending in defeat – having been overlooked in the starting XI.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJoshua Zirkzee started on the left against Newcastle – but was ruthlessly subbed off after just 33 minutes. Rather tellingly, despite being a natural replacement on the wing Garnacho remained on the bench with Kobbie Mainoo replacing Zirkzee. It has led to questions on whether the Argentine outcast fits into Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. Rashford meanwhile returned to the squad at Newcastle as an unused substitute following his four-match absence. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe England international has not played since his bombshell reveal that he is “ready for a new challenge”. And with the January transfer window now open, speculation is rife Rashford could leave his boyhood club. Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfBut he is said to have rejected approaches from Saudi Arabia – despite reports of being offered a £35MILLION-a-year contract. Rashford is also out of United’s squad travelling to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday due to illness. Amorim said: “It’s the same situation. At the moment, he’s ill and he’s not training so we’ll see in the future. “But he’s like a normal player, then I make a selection so it’s the same. I think he’s going to be out this week. “He’s not training. We’ll see but I think this week he’s out.” Marcus Rashford is out against Liverpool due to illnessCredit: Rex More

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      Vinicius Jr forced down tunnel by team-mate Rudiger in angry scenes after being sent off for pushing keeper in head

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR had to be forced down the tunnel by Antonio Rudiger after being sent off in angry scenes.The Real Madrid forward, 24, lost his head during tonight’s LaLiga clash away at Valencia.Vinicius Junior shoved Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the headCredit: EPAThe Brazilian was sent off and reacted angrilyCredit: GettyIn an action-packed game, Vinicius’s fury boiled over with little more than ten minutes left as Real trailed 1-0.Valencia’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski clearly said something to wind Vinicius up.And the Brazilian responded by getting up off the turf and shoving Dimitrievski in the head.The Valencia stopper tumbled to the floor and the referee took his time before brandishing the red card.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that prompted another furious reaction from Vinicius as he seemingly looked set to go at the official, gesticulating angrily.However, he was held back by team-mate Rudiger who clung on to the Ballon d’Or runner-up and ushered him down the tunnel to try and prevent him causing more trouble.That prompted a wave of comments from fans on social media.One said: “This is why Vinicius will never win a Ballon d’Or.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother wrote: “If not for Rudiger, Vinicius would have punched the referee. He behaves like that every game. People need to wake up, this guy is not a saint.”A third added: “A LaLiga referee has finally stood up to the disgusting and unprofessional Vinicius Jr actions and sent him off.” Watch Vinicius Jr ‘send Reece James back to England’ as Real Madrid star gives Chelsea defender nightmares in pre-seasonAnd a final user replied: “Vinicius dragged out of the pitch preventing him from potentially beating the referee to the ground.”The red card was only part of the drama at the Mestalla in what was Carlos Corberan’s first game in charge of Valencia.The former West Brom boss saw his new side take the lead on 27 minutes.Then after the break, Kylian Mbappe had an equaliser ruled out by VAR while Jude Bellingham hit the post with a penalty.The Englishman made amends, though.He teed up Luka Modric to tuck home an 85th-minute equaliser and then capitalised on a defensive mistake to slot in a dramatic injury-time winner to send Real top of LaLiga. The Real Madrid ace let his frustrations boil overCredit: ReutersDimitrievski collapsed to the floor after the flashpointCredit: GettyAntonio Rudiger had to hold his team-mate back and force him down the tunnelCredit: GettyJude Bellingham struck the post with his penaltyCredit: GettyBut the England man came up trumps with a winner in the 95th minuteCredit: ReutersThe dramatic goal sent Los Blancos top of the tableCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea handed huge injury blow as £70m man could be out for SEASON and not just five weeks as first thought

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      ENZO MARESCA has given a worrying update on injured star Wesley Fofana. The Blues defender has been out since picking up a hamstring issue against Aston Villa on December 1.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has given an update on Wesley FofanaCredit: PAThe French defender limped out of the Blues win over Aston Villa last monthCredit: PAFofana, who signed for Chelsea in 2022, was originally ruled out for around five weeks. But scans have revealed more damage than first anticipated.And during his pre-match press conference for Saturday’s visit to Crystal Palace, Maresca revealed it was not a good prognosis. The Blues boss said: “Unfortunately, there’s a risk Wesley Fofana could be out for the entire season. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”The initial feeling was [he would be out] 5 weeks but then more tests gave us bad news. “We don’t know exactly yet, but it’s a huge loss.”Fofana, a £70million signing from Leicester, had started 12 of Chelsea’s 13 Premier League games up until a tangle with Ollie Watkins in the Villa game.The Frenchman does not currently require surgery on the issue. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Maresca confirmed it wasn’t linked to the anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept Fofana sidelined throughout last season. He continued: “I don’t think this kind of injury can be compared to the rest. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall “This one is muscle and previously he hasn’t had any muscle problems, so it’s completely different.”It’s a bit unlucky but he will be back and he will be good in the way he was before he was injured.”Chelsea head to Palace on Saturday looking to bounce back from a shock defeat to Ipswich on Monday. The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind Nottingham Forest. Chelsea ratings vs Ipswich as Blues defenders have a shocker and only ONE star can hold his head highCHELSEA made it back-to-back losses as they slumped to an awful 2-0 defeat at Ipswich.Enzo Maresca’s side went into the match hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.But instead saw their title hopes take another massive dent after goals from Liam Delap and old-boy Omari Hutchinson.On a night to forget for the Blues, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates each performer…FILIP JORGENSEN – 6His first bit of action was a clumsy trailing leg to catch Delap and give away a needless penalty.Followed it up with a few decent stops to deny the forward anything else, but the damage was already done.AXEL DISASI – 4Offered very little until a fine pass early in the second half to put Madueke through.But that was then overshadowed by a woeful piece of defending to give the hosts a second goal, first with a stray pass to Delap and then giving Hutchinson the freedom of Ipswich to slot home.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Struggled to deal with Delap, physically and for pace. Looked terrified to press him. Lumbered about for most of the game.LEVI COLWILL – 6Looks so much better with a proper defensive partner, unlike here.Not his best game, but not his worst.MARC CUCURELLA – 5Nervy clearance off Hutchinson almost gave Delap a second inside 15 minutes and caught out of position plenty when Ipswich countered.Poor in attacking areas.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6A real mixed bag.Picked up some good pockets of space but out-muscled on occasion.MOISES CAICEDO – 6Blazed over a glorious chance from the edge of the box off his left peg.Controlled the game well from deep at times.NONI MADUEKE – 7Involved in everything good with Chelsea, taking on defenders and unlucky not to grab a first half goal.Linked up well with Palmer and Enzo.COLE PALMER – 8A joy to watch. His cleverly-disguised free-kick smacked the post and his cross for Joao Felix at the far post to score from was delightful, only to be called back for offside.He was then denied a curling beauty by a worldie save. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. Best player on the pitch by a mile.JOAO FELIX – 6Perhaps a harsh one but should have stayed onside before tapping in Palmer’s brilliant cross to level the scores.Had a header cleared off the line just after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5An anonymous first half was followed up by more anonymity in the second before being hauled off just after the hour mark.Feels like he has wasted a huge chance given to him by Maresca to prove he can be the difference maker.SUBSNICOLAS JACKSON (for Felix, 55) – 6Missed a blatant one v one, spared blushes by a delayed offside flag.JADON SANCHO – (for Nkunku, 65) – 6Did very little, but the game was pretty much done by the time he came on.MALO GUSTO (for Disasi, 77) – 6Came on just so Disasi could make way, it seems. Made his presence known by getting into a late scrap with Davis.PEDRO NETO (for Madueke, 77) – 5Brought some zip, but let himself down by going down soft holding his face from a Kalvin Phillips ‘challenge’. More

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      Property tycoon who once tried to buy Chelsea planning rescue mission for EFL crisis club

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      READING are in exclusive talks about selling the club to a mysterious property tycoon.SunSport has learned that Paul Taylor – a bricklayer turned banker and financier from South London – has been in secret negotiations to buy Reading for several months.Reading’s mysterious new buyer once tried to buy ChelseaCredit: GettyTaylor once tried to buy Chelsea and came close to pulling off a £10.5billion takeover of supermarket Sainsbury’s for the Qatar royal family.Initial Reading talks involved asset management firm Blue Horizon, but Taylor has now secured funding from elsewhere.The Reading sale has been shrouded in mystery since Chinese owner Dai Yongge scrapped a £30million deal with former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig in September.The club announced they had entered “exclusive negotiations” with another buyer the following month. RAED MORE ON FOOTBALLThis week Reading claimed “negotiations with the prospective buyer remain ongoing,” whilst insisting “confidentiality must remain in place”.SunSport has been told by multiple sources that Taylor is the mystery buyer.His wife is understood to be a Reading fan, while the land owned by the club makes it an attractive investment.As well as a hotel at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, 120 acres of land at the club’s Bearwood Park training ground also offers development potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe secretive Taylor has enjoyed periods of spectacular success during a colourful property investment career.After starting out as a bank cashier, he ran NatWest’s structured-finance business before joining Robbie and Vincent Tchenguiz at their Rotch property group in 2000.  Reading fans are angry as owner sells training ground to EFL rivals Wycombe There he led talks on behalf of the brothers with Ken Bates about buying Chelsea – before the sale to Roman Abramovich.At one stage Rotch’s empire reportedly owned one per cent of all residential property in Britain, before it collapsed after the 2008 financial crisis.By that point he had launched a joint investment venture with the Qatari government called Three Delta, worth several billion pounds at its peak.Chinese owner Dai Yongge took a majority stake with Reading in May 2017Credit: RexIn 2007, Taylor led a £10.5bn takeover bid for Sainsbury on behalf of the Qatar Investment Authority, but the collapse of that deal saw him dismissed by the Qatari government.QIA bought Taylor’s 50 per cent Delta fund stake the following year as he retreated from public view.But he made headlines five years later by buying a trading jacket purportedly worn by Nick Leeson, the rogue trader who brought down Barings Bank, at an auction. Taylor’s plans for Reading remain unclear.But Reading’s large real estate portfolio make it an attractive deal, particularly as the issue of Yongge’s debts to a Chinese bank seem to be resolved.READ MORE SUN STORIESChinese bank Haitong effectively blocked the sale to Couhig by obtaining a stop notice in the British  Virgin Islands, where their stadium is registered.Taylor and Reading did not comment. More

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      ‘Pressures imposed on a hometown player can be extreme… that could make Alexander-Arnold’s mind up’, says Deeney

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      THERE are several reasons why Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to leave Liverpool this summer.Firstly, he has achieved pretty much everything he can at Anfield — and if he signs off with a Treble this season, then it will absolutely be a case of ‘job done’.Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool to Real Madrid to escape the added pressure of being a hometown heroCredit: GettyTroy Deeney experienced it when he joined boyhood club BirminghamCredit: GettySecondly, the lure of Real Madrid is a temptation that few players can ever resist. They are the greatest and most famous club in the world.But there’s another reason that may play a part in his decision-making — and that is the pressures imposed on a hometown player which can be extreme.I experienced that in a very different way when I joined Birmingham City, the club I had always supported.I was 33 then, towards the end of my career and the club was a shambles at that point, so that’s very different to Trent on both levels.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut in an age in which the ‘local hero’ has become a rarity, the added pressures can be really trying.When you play for your local club, everyone in the fanbase thinks they know you. Everyone thinks you should care more than the rest of the players — and, in a way, you do.Many supporters will have played Sunday league football against you as a kid, or gone to school with you, or they know someone in your family.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOr they see you in Asda and want to give you advice, or want to know what’s going on.When I was at Birmingham, my mum went to work and every day someone said to her, ‘Tell Troy, Blues should do this or that’ and she would reply, ‘I haven’t told him what to do since he was 15!’’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly And heaven help you if you went out locally on the Saturday night after a defeat, even to a low-key family do, without any alcohol.That is sacrilege when you are playing for your own club.For Trent, at a club the size of Liverpool, those issues will be amplified further.Don’t get me wrong, playing for — and especially skippering — the club I support was one of the absolute highlights of my career.It was right up there with reaching an FA Cup final and spending five years as a Premier League captain.Leading the Blues out at St Andrew’s was the thing that most made the little boy inside my head say, ‘Wow, how did we get here? This is epic’.It was an enormous privilege — but being the local lad does take a toll.The best thing for Trent would be to parade the Premier League trophy at Anfield and then head off into the Spanish sunTroy DeeneyThat will be another factor for Trent, who has spent nine years as a first-teamer at Anfield and has been the highest-profile Scouser at the club for almost all of that time.Weirdly, if or when, he signs for Real, he will have less pressure because he won’t be a megastar like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr or Jude Bellingham.And he won’t be the local boy. He can just focus on being an excellent right-back.Trent, who is out of contract this summer, has already been getting stick from supporters because he hasn’t signed a new deal — at a level which would not exist if he was not a Liverpool boy.This is unfair to me — and as a player I struggled to fully understand it — but it’s a phenomenon that certainly exists.Alexander-Arnold would not be the star man at Real MadridCredit: GettySteven Gerrard felt the pressure as the local hero of LiverpoolCredit: GettySteve McManaman is regarded as a hero at both Anfield and Real MadridCredit: AFPI don’t think the idea of achieving complete legendary status at a club is a factor among modern players, as it may have been in the past.While Steven Gerrard achieved that at Anfield, he did once hand in a transfer request, wanting to join Chelsea, before signing a new deal with the Reds.And Steve McManaman is a Liverpool lad who made the move to the Bernabeu and that didn’t damage his legacy on Merseyside, as he is considered a great at both clubs — having won two European Cups with the Spanish side.I don’t think Trent’s move will be done this month, despite Real making an approach, as that wouldn’t really suit any of the parties.Liverpool need him as they fight on four fronts, while Trent can go on a free at the end of the season, earning him a bigger signing-on fee.’DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD’Real are making a move now to protect against any other big-money interest from Saudi Arabia. Trent will stay fully committed to the club for the rest of the season, even if he is effectively working his notice at Anfield.Every other player in that dressing room will understand that Trent — like Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk — is either keeping his options open or preferring another challenge elsewhere.But being a hometown hero can be a double-edged sword.The best thing for Trent would be to parade the Premier League trophy at Anfield — perhaps along with two or three more pieces of silverware — and then head off into the Spanish sun.RUBEN TIME TO LOOK ‘N’ LEARNIF Manchester United can avoid a six-goal defeat at Anfield on Sunday, that would be a decent effort.That’s how bad things are at Old Trafford — and how good things are for runaway Prem leaders Liverpool right now.Ruben Amorim faces his latest tough assignment as Manchester United boss when they face LiverpoolCredit: GettyI think it’s a blessing in disguise for Ruben Amorim that United are having such a bad run early in his reign.He will learn so much about his players’ characters and their abilities and will be able to make proper judgments about who he wants going forward.Had United got a few more decent results after winning the Manchester derby, it would have only papered over the cracks and made it more difficult for Amorim to make those decisions.He is being very honest about the situation and I feel the club need to hit rock-bottom — which they are close to but haven’t yet. READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited should flog Casemiro to Saudi Arabia and end the Marcus Rashford saga by letting him go this month, while bringing in two or three players to add the energy and desire Amorim needs.But only after a full pre-season and a busy summer of ins and outs can we properly judge Amorim.United have endured their fair share of hammerings by Liverpool recentlyCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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      Tottenham crisis worsens as illness hits camp before Newcastle clash with at least seven stars still missing

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      TOTTENHAM’S fitness crisis has suffered another blow after manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed illness in the camp ahead of their clash with Newcastle.Spurs have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and are languishing down in 11th place.Tottenham’s squad has been hit by illness in the campCredit: RexAnge Postecoglou is under pressure due to a dismal run of resultsCredit: PAThey are already without a host of players due to injury including Richarlison, Mikey Moore, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.And Rodrigo Bentancur is the seventh player unavailable after being handed a one-match suspension for picking up a fifth yellow card against Wolves on Sunday.Now even more of Postecoglou’s men could be sidelined due to a sickness bug in the camp – though he has not specified which players have been affected.Speaking at his press conference on Friday, the Australian coach said: “None of the injured ones are back yet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’ve had a bit of an illness bug around the squad so a few were missing from training but we’ll be alright.”One boost for Tottenham is the return of Djed Spence for their home game against Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.Postecoglou has been criticised during his side’s poor run of form.And he admitted the disappointing results have had a negative impact on him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollowing the 2-2 draw with Wolves, he said: “It hurts me because I’m responsible ultimately. I’m the person in charge. So of course, it hurts.”When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool loss”I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts. So of course, it hurts. It hurts immensely.”At the same time, it’s my responsibility for where we’re at right now and it’s my responsibility to try to get us out of it.”Newcastle are in superb form heading to North London having won their last five games in all competitions.They sit fifth in the Premier League table, eight points clear of Tottenham. More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in see-through fishnet outfit as she pulls suggestive pose

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      MADELENE WRIGHT swapped OnlyFans for OnlyFins as she wore fishnets to prove the 10th day of Christmas isn’t too late for a stocking thriller.And while Santa is enjoying downtime after all his sleighing, the footballer is still busy slaying – with fans loving her latest pictorial gift.Madelene Wright set fans a cheeky poser to go with her cheeky pose as she asked them a huge questionCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Christmas might be behind us but Wright’s followers reckon there’s no harm in looking back as she wore an elf outfit for the festive periodCredit: X @WrightMadelene_She keens fans guessing with her outfitsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_This dress drew gasps from her followersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_The Chesham United player also popped a big question alongside the snap of her in a see-through outfit with only her hands protecting her modesty.She asked her social media followers: “Do you find natural women attractive?”That query sparked a wide variety of responses but with one thing in common – because Wright’s admirers all raved over her photo.But one fan appeared more interested in horticulture than haute couture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpotting a large green protuberance directly behind Wright, he enquired: “What’s that plant called in the background?”It certainly wasn’t a Christmas tree – suggesting the former Charlton and Orient ace has put the festive period behind her, having earlier posed in rather minimalist elf garb.Wright shared an array of festive snaps in stockings and suspenders.That helped boost her Instagram following beyond 321,000. Most read in FootballShe played for Charlton and Orient before joining CheshamCredit: InstagramBut it was joining OnlyFans in 2021 that transformed her financial fortunes.She’d just been sacked by Charlton after being seen inhaling nitrous oxide at a party and drinking behind the wheel of her car.Glamorous footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in corset and short black dress as they brand her ‘unbelievable’But that notoriety boosted her profile when she set up an account on the adult subscription website.Madelene now claims she earns more than £500,000 a year from OnlyFans.Maybe it shows a “natural” approach to life is good for your elf…A glimpse into the life of the OnlyFans star…Wright regularly posts colourful snapsShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe footballer also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      Wayne Rooney and Gareth Southgate had a Christmas they won’t forget in a hurry… but will either return to management?

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      ONE of England’s best-known football men gets a posh title while another loses his job.So a happy new year then for Sir Gareth Southgate, but less so for Wayne Rooney.Gareth Southgate has been made a Knight of the RealmCredit: GettyBut it’s not been such a happy Christmas period for Wayne RooneyCredit: PAThe former England striker was axed by Plymouth earlier this weekCredit: PAFormer centre-back Southgate, 54, became the fourth former England manager to be knighted, although such an appointment does not necessarily qualify for a gong  – just ask Sam Allardyce!For anyone with short-term memory loss, Rooney is one of our all-time greats as a player, with his 53 goals for England putting him on top of the pile until Harry Kane went past him in 2023.But as a manager, Wayne was sacked by Plymouth a few days ago after taking them to the foot of the Championship.It was his fourth management failure and he might well conclude he needs a fresh line of work.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis career and Sir Gareth’s crossed a couple of times at least, once or twice in 2003 on the playing field when Rooney was a teenage wizard, scissor-kicks a speciality and our best forward since Alan Shearer.In 2016, he was still around at the start of Southgate’s eight-year tenure as England boss.Rooney, 39, might not be a great manager but how his shining talent brightened the lives of Everton fans for a short time and Manchester United’s for a generation.Wide in the shoulders, strong and quick, he could go either side of a defenders, motor at fair speed and even occasionally score with his left foot.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe learned early on that he had to handle himself, remaining unflinching – and sometimes more.His outlook is perhaps mirrored by his wife, Coleen, who was sued in the Wagatha Christie court case by Rebekah Vardy, whose husband Jamie was also an England striker.From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursNo matter the costs of going to court – for a case lost by Vardy – or of a family of four children, the Rooneys have made a mint from football celebrity, said to be about £200million. Good for them.Rooney’s sacking might well have been his last throw at management but there were no angry noises.To his credit, he left Home Park without a murmur against the club.I admire that and I admire his persistence in pursuing a career as a football manager.That takes a special type of character and he clearly loves football.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Southgate brought to his England management a touch of style.His honesty and integrity are not always expected virtues in football and a lot of international players must have found it refreshing, along with being part of a well-run, decently-coached and amenable set-up.He succeeded in many ways – two European finals and a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final is a good record – but was not as solid an achievement as a cup or two.Neither were some critics happy with the way his team played, claiming it was stolid, with little flair from attacking players who were capable of so much more.Rooney was good enough to have made a difference but time was against them both and so we can only dream of the possibilities.The sole Knight of the Realm to have won a major trophy for England was Sir Alf Ramsey 59 years ago. Rooney leaves the Pilgrims with the side bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: RexThe others – Walter Winterbottom and Bobby Robson – tried and failed.Managers, especially international ones, always need more time to  connect with their players and it is perhaps surprising that Thomas Tuchel was appointed for only an 18-month term, starting this week.The end of his contract coincides with the World Cup next year, should we qualify.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.If we don’t, heaven save anyone within firing distance.England have an abundance of fine attacking players, several of whom will have to wait to meet their international boss whose first game is nearly three months away — a qualifier against Albania.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhatever happens, I am sure 2025 will bring new opportunities to both Sir Gareth and Wayne.Good luck to them both. More