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      Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury

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      BUKAYO SAKA will be sidelined for “many weeks” after he was forced off through injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.Saka was subbed off in the 24th minute of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a muscle injury.Bukayo Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ after picking up a muscle injuryCredit: ReutersSaka was spotted on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunMikel Arteta has confirmed Saka will be out for some timeCredit: RexThe Arsenal ace, 23, was spotted walking on crutches following the game.And the Gunners have now been handed a nightmare update on his fitness going into the new year.Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “It’s not looking good. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s a huge blow, but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”Saka’s appearance against Palace saw him celebrate his 250th appearance for the North London club.Asked whether there was a fear the winger might not play again this season, Arteta answered with a definitive: “No.”He added: “I would be very optimistic that he will be well again well before the end of the season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta was also quizzed on Saka’s mentality in making his comeback following his injury, given how much he has played so far in his career.The Spaniard said: “Another part of player development is that at some stage at this level you’re going to get injured, unfortunately badly. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”He could have been much worse or [it could have] been something else.”It’s how you react to that and overcome that situation and it is a great learning process for him.”It is what it is, he is injured we cannot change it but we are going to use this time to help him for the following years in his career.”Saka has played an incredible 144 games for Arsenal and England since August 2022.Arteta has also revealed that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for “weeks” as well.He said: “Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.”Arsenal’s next game sees them host Ipswich on Friday evening.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      in Soccer

      Major broadcasting change as Carabao Cup semi-finals to be shown on free-to-air TV

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      THE Carabao Cup semi-finals will be shown on free-to-air TV this season.ITV have announced that they will be showing two of the four legs for the semi-final clashes live on ITV1 and ITVX in a major broadcasting change.The Carabao Cup semi-finals are set to shown on free-to-air TVCredit: GettyFans are used to the Carabao Cup being shown on Sky Sports with supporters needing to pay a subscription fee in order to watch their teams in action.But that’s changed this season with ITV agreeing a deal with Sky to be able to show the some of the semi-final games on free-to-air TV.The deal was announced back in May, but ITV have now revealed their selections for their two televised games.The broadcaster will show the first leg of Arsenal vs Newcastle and the second leg of Liverpool vs Tottenham.The other two legs will still remain on Sky Sports.The deal won’t just see fans get to watch the semi-finals for free, but also the final too.The agreement between the broadcasters also allows ITV to show 10 Championship matches each full season, and five matches in the second half of the current campaign.Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “This deal brings viewers free to air coverage of top level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular live matches to our highlights shows. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action and insight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”The deal will run until the end of the 2026/27 season.Fans will be able to watch the first leg of Arsenal vs Newcastle on ITVCredit: AlamyThe second leg of Liverpool vs Tottenham will also be free-to-airCredit: AlamyArsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus resurrects Gunners career with three fine finishes but Sterling still yet to shine More

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      in Soccer

      Glam model Laura Celia Valk bluntly shuts down talk of relationship with Jude Bellingham in three-word statement

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      MODEL Laura Celia Valk rubbished rumours suggesting she is in a relationship with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.Bellingham, 21, has shone bright ever since joining Real from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 following a staggering £115million deal.Laura Celia Valk was linked with a relationship with Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura, though, dismissed all those rumours with a blunt statementCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura was asked about the Bellingham rumours on InstagramCredit: InstagramLaura is a popular model on social mediaCredit: InstagramBellingham’s personal life has been largely out of the public eyeCredit: RexThe star midfielder has gone on to register a whopping 30 goals and 19 assists in 64 appearances with Los Blancos, with whom he’s already won LaLiga and the Champions League.As the England international’s image continues to grow so do rumours about his personal life.Recent speculation suggested that Bellingham is romantically involved with glam model Laura, 25.However, the internet personality, who shares a series of glam pics across her social media channels, dismissed all the talk during a Q&A with fans.Read Moe on FootballOne of her 567,000 followers asked her on Instagram: “Do you have a boyfriend?”And Laura issued the following blunt response: “No, I don’t.”Details of Bellingham’s private life have remained largely out of the public eye.The ex-Birmingham star spends a lot of his down time with family and mum, Denise, who supports him in Spain.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham had a slow start this season with Real after a dominant run last term.That was after the reigning Spanish champions signed Kylian Mbappe and manager Carlo Ancelotti struggled to find some chemistry between his star players.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleHowever, the versatile midfielder has recently turned things around with six goals and three assists in his last seven league matches.Laura has a huge Instagram followingCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe regularly shares glamorous snapsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura’s posts receive thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe often posts from exotic locationsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura has over half a million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd board won’t interfere in Marcus Rashford situation with Ruben Amorim under no pressure to pick him

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE and Manchester United’s board will not interfere in Ruben Amorim’s handling of Marcus Rashford.The England star was left out of the United squad entirely for the third time in eight days in Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth.Ruben Amorim is free to deal with the Marcus Rashford situation as he pleasesCredit: GettyThe Manchester United board are not getting involvedCredit: GettyThat fuelled the belief that Rashford, 27, looks destined to leave when the transfer window opens next week, with former United skipper Gary Neville claiming he may have played his last game for the club.Rashford himself admitted, a day after being left out of the Manchester derby win last Sunday, that his future may lie elsewhere.But every passing game that Rashford is exiled from Amorim’s squad would appear to harm United’s chances of cashing in on the striker next month.United are open to letting the forward go out on loan but could cash in for at least £40million and Rashford is among the highest earners at Old Trafford.read more on footballIdeally, new minority owner Ratcliffe would want Rashford in the first team and showing glimpses of the talent that saw him score 30 times for United just two seasons ago.However, there is no pressure from Ratcliffe, or any of his Ineos executives, including new chief executive officer Omar Berrada.Amorim has insisted, ever since he left Rashford out of last weekend’s dramatic derby win at City, that the choice is his alone, repeating that position before the Bournemouth defeat.Amorim said: “It’s my decision and it always will be.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It is selection. I want to see the best of my players and I try different things with different players. That’s my focus.”The Rashford predicament has been heightened by the reaction of his Red Devils team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, who was axed, along with the striker, for the Etihad derby.Ruben Amorim defends Marcus Rashford omission after Man Utd exit against Tottenham The pair trained at United’s Carrington base on the morning of the 2-1 City win, and earned praise from Amorim for their efforts.Within four days, Garnacho was back in the squad for the EFL Cup trip to Tottenham and came off the bench in that loss and then against Bournemouth.But Rashford missed training immediately after the City game, due to illness, and did not travel with the team, either to the Etihad or Tottenham.He was seen at Old Trafford on Sunday, in a club tracksuit, and the Boxing Day visit to Wolves will be the next test of whether he has won his way back into Amorim’s favours.The new United manager has rotated heavily since taking over and would appear likely to continue with that policy given the heavy festive schedule.However, he would not be drawn on whether Rashford can expect a recall at Molineux when asked after the Bournemouth game.He said: “It depends. We will see.”Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

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      in Boxing

      What Tyson Fury’s trainer told him before final round in heavyweight rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

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      TYSON FURY should not be stunned by his unanimous decision loss as his corner told him he was losing to Oleksandr Usyk just before the final round.With overbearing head-butt aficionado and dad, John, exiled from the 36-year-old Gypsy King’s corner, head trainer SugarHill Steward was allowed to work properly.The final words to Tyson Fury from his trainer before the last round of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk have been revealedCredit: ReutersFury was beaten by Usyk in a unanimous points decision in their rematchCredit: GettyFury – who had beefed up to 20st – abandoned the showboating that cost him the early rounds in the original May clash and had a successful fifth session.But Usyk was a level above and rarely needed to venture out of third gear.And Fury’s corner told him as much before the final installment of their 24-round rivalry.“You’ve got to take it now,” the Detroit trainer said.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“There ain’t no tomorrow, you hear me? It’s now.“The fight is too f***ing close, you need to take this mother f***er.“You’ve got to keep your legs f***ng moving.“Keep your god-damn hands up and give it everything you’ve got Tyson, you hear that?Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You’ve got to take it, don’t get stupid, but you’ve got to take it”Fury’s assistant trainer and cousin Andy Lee knew the seriousness of the losing situation, when he added: “Don’t be desperate, be smart.”Tyson Fury reacts to Oleksandr Usyk loss with Gypsy King’s team left ‘dumbfounded’A decision on his future in boxing has been made as exclusively reported by SunSport.The Brit has vowed “it’s not over”, with a £250million Brit mega-fight with Anthony Joshua already being discussed.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on a absolute blockbuster night in Riyadh…Fury vs Usyk 2 round by round: How SunSport scored the controversial heavyweight thrillerOLEKSANDR USYK took another controversial decision over Tyson Fury to regain his heavyweight throne.Seven months on from their split-decision thriller, this time the scorecards were unanimous 116-112 all in Usyk’s favour.The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring as his promoter Frank Warren was left stunned by the cards.Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes scored the fight…Round 1The rules were ignored and Fury arrived at 11:15pm local time with a beard that would make Brian Blessed’s chops feel naked.If we thought his face fuzz looked overgrown, we were stunned to see the size of his belly when the cameras caught him topless in his dressing room.His red shorts were so high that you couldn’t even see much of his gut, an inch higher and the 20st beast would have had the option of tucking his nipples down there too.Fury tried to intimidate Usyk with the final face-off, widening his eyes like a monster but the champ remained ice cold.They swapped jabs and fenced with their lead hands. Usyk drove left hands into his wobbling belly and then clipped him with a head shot to snatch the opener. Usyk.Round 2Usyk lands a scoring one-two to the head as soon as the session starts but then returns to the body and lands lefts, one even makes Fury stumble.But the Gypsy King lands a treble-jab and then a meaty right hand to take the round.Still no signs of the body blows and uppercuts that won him the middle rounds of the May fight. FuryRound 3Three times Usyk scores with a jab to the body and left hand upstairs.Fury struggles to deal with the pressure. Fury lands a little check hook and even tries the southpaw stance.But all his threats to skin and cook the bog-eyed rat or ugly rabbit prove empty. Usyk.Round 4Fury makes a bright start with a chopped right hand.Bit Usyk almost whacks his whiskers off with two left hands that score well.But Fury pings back with a big right hand that forces Usyk back.Then that uppercut returns and cuts through Usyk’s guard. Draw.Round 5Fury takes control instantly when a right hand is the perfect start to the sessionThen the Brit gets warned for rabbit punches as he bids to bully the champ.Usyk is then walked into a lead left uppercut and then he starts shipping body blows. Usyk scuttles off and has to recover. Fury.Round 6Fury in trouble. The challenger’s bloated body starts to sweat and Usyk keeps targeting it with his power-punch left.Then he goes head hunting and clips Fury’s skull.The Morecambe giant is buzzed and worried, his head got rocked backwards. He hides the rest of the round. UsykRound 7A quiet round only really features a crisp Fury one-two and a single Usyk left. Draw.Round 8A one-two-hook works for Usyk as he pushes all of the pace an pressure and Fury tries to hide his 20st target.An accidental clash of heads thankfully leaves no cuts.Fury does launch a limp attack but Usyk smiles back and shakes his shaven head. Usyk.Round 9Fury starts to tire, he has so much timber to lug around and lumberjack Usyk loves chopping him down.He’s too big to dance and rub and counter.He is playing super-fit Usyk’s game. Usyk.Round 10Fury lands a rare uppercut and attacks Usyk’s body. He takes the centre of the ring but then eats a couple of shots.Fury tries to hold and lean and sap at Usyk’s engine. But he is punished with a left to the cheek.Big left from Uysk lands and scatters Fury sweat beads off his head.But Fury cracks back with an uppercut. But Usyk’s pressure and punches win in. Usyk.Round 11These could well be the deciding rounds. Usyk is busier, Fury throws an uppercut but it only grazes his guard.Fury walks onto a tippy-tappy combination but then two serious shots. The wind is coming out of his giant red sails.Usyk is relentless and bouncing and prodding and punching and Fury is 20st and flagging. UsykRound 12Fury starts like a man who knows he needs at least a lockdown but that helps Usyk counter him.A combo of three straight punches score for the Ukraine icon.But Fury keeps swinging and slashing and pulling up the shorts that slip down his back and love handles from all the sweat Usyk has drained out of him.With a section of the ungrateful crowd booing and whistling they slug it out for the final ten seconds finish. UsykSunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury. More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk predicts Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury winner after going 24 rounds with each Brit legend

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has predicted a winner between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – having beaten both TWICE. Usyk first became heavyweight champion by dethroning AJ in September 2021 before winning the rematch a year later. Oleksandr Usyk twice beat Tyson FuryCredit: GettyHe also has two wins over Anthony JoshuaCredit: AFPIt set him up for a historic undisputed title showdown with Fury in May – which he won on a split-decision. And seven months later he inflicted defeat on the Gypsy King again – this time via controversial unanimous decision. So Usyk is in the perfect position to pick a winner should Joshua, 35, and Fury, 36, finally fight. And he told Boxing King Media: “Maybe it is Anthony Joshua.” READ MORE IN boxing Asked how AJ would win, Usyk, 37, replied: “I don’t know, maybe it is points. I don’t know.”Joshua is coming off a fifth round knockout against Daniel Dubois in September and turned down the chance to rematch. Instead Dubois, 27, defends his IBF title against Joseph Parker, 32, on February 22 in Saudi Arabia. And promoter Eddie Hearn will now urged Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh to set up a two-fight deal for Joshua and Fury. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHearn said: “The reality is there’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that is Anthony Joshua. “It’s the biggest fight in the history of British boxing and everyone will want to see it. That wasn’t a Tyson Fury who looked finished.Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematch“It wasn’t a flat performance, it wasn’t a poor performance. He didn’t look gun shy or like his punch resistance was in question.“Tyson Fury is still potentially at the peak of his powers, just not good enough to beat Oleksandr Usyk.“For me AJ against Fury is the one. One at Wembley and then back out here for Riyadh Season.”Eddie Hearn wants Joshua and Fury to fight nextCredit: PA More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Michael Schumacher’s wild parties as former F1 mechanic lifts lid on mad bash with Lewis Hamilton and glam Wag

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER was a Formula One party kingpin during his racing days, while Lewis Hamilton once took over a nightclub on a night out.Former F1 mechanic Marc Priestly has lifted the lid on some of the wild antics which happened when the stars hit the bars and clubs.Michael Schumacher was an F1 party supremoCredit: GettyFormer mechanic Marc Priestley lifted the lid on some of the wild parties hosted by the racing iconCredit: ReutersPriestley also revealed how Lewis Hamilton and then-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger stole the show at the 2008 McLaren partyCredit: AFPPriestley, right, is an ex-mechanic turned broadcasterCredit: AlamyPriestly, who was a McLaren mechanic from 2000 to 2009, told Casino Uden Rofus how one of his favourite memories came when he threw a Bacardi and coke into Schumacher’s face.He said: “Throwing a Barcardi and coke in Michael Schumacher’s face at his birthday party was definitely one of my favourite ever memories of him, purely because he burst out laughing after I did it. “I wasn’t the only one who threw a drink, by the way!”There were loads of moments when Schumacher was in the car that the whole world remembers, but there were plenty of memories outside of the car of him being a fun, nice guy. READ MORE IN F1″Schumacher got very serious when it was time to work, in the car or with the engineers, but outside of that he always knew how to relax and I was always impressed with that.”Schumacher always threw great parties, there were many occasions of doing karaoke in Japan after the final race of the season in Suzuka.”Dancing with his shirt off in nightclubs, he was just a great, fun guy at the end of a season or race weekend. “That’s how F1 should be, because it’s such a high-pressure job, you have to let your hair down sometimes.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNews broke this morning that the German racer, 55, was set to become a grandad for the first time after his daughter Gina announced she was pregnant – three months after she got married.Reports had emerged suggesting Schumacher had attended the wedding, but this was not confirmed.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’The legendary driver has been kept away from the public eye by his family since his skiing accident in December 2013.Priestley believes Max Verstappen would have got on well with the seven-time World Champion, but saved special praise for ex-McLaren and Ferrari driver, Kimi Raikkonen.He added: “I can imagine Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher would had some good fun but I don’t think it would have been anything like the Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen parties, which I went to a few of.”Raikkonen was a great guy, he took his racing and partying to extreme levels. “He would drive his car amazingly with record lap times, but he would party like crazy. “Raikkonen was like a 22-year-old kid but also, a millionaire. It was the way to be and it was a good time.”Priestley also recalled the 2008 McLaren team party following Hamilton’s first World Drivers Championship title and how his then-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger helping to show off a different side of him.He explained: “Lewis Hamilton can be great at the parties. I remember when he won his first world championship in 2008, he brought his girlfriend at the time, Nicole Scherzinger. “Hamilton took over the decks at a nightclub we were at and was DJing most of the night. “Scherzinger got onto the mic and started singing, with Hamilton joining in, I’ve seen all sides of him!”However, Priestley believes modern F1 drivers are too conscious about their partying antics potentially being filmed and put onto social media.He continued: “These parties were pre-social media and phones, so it was a close group of friends where you can have fun and not worry about the consequences. “Drivers nowadays would worry if they’re being recorded…”Lots of these drivers coming through now are still very young, like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, but they need to have a bit of fun.”But, awareness of being recorded will always be in the back of their minds, and the old drivers never really had to worry about it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If a photographer took a picture of something a driver wasn’t supposed to do, they’d ask if the photographer could give them the picture or film and it would never go any further. “Now, if someone takes a picture on their phone, it’s online forever.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd warned Marcus Rashford decision could come back to haunt them if he joins Premier League rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hero Lee Sharpe has warned his former club a potential exit by Marcus Rashford could come back to haunt them.Rashford, 27, made headlines last week when he strongly suggested he wants to leave United by stating he is “ready for a new challenge”.Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford strongly suggested he wants to leaveCredit: RexLee Sharpe claims a Rashford exit could come back and haunt Man UtdCredit: GettyThis comes amid two poor seasons with Man Utd in which the star forward has registered a mere 15 goals across both campaigns, which saw him getting cut from the team’s last three matches.That is a far cry from the England international’s staggering 30 goals and nine assists in 56 appearances in the 2022-23 season.Sharpe, 53, would hate to see Rashford leave after nearly two decades with the club but insists he needs to improve after a series of “moody” displays.The ex-United ace believes efforts should be made by both the club and manager Ruben Amorim to keep the winger and try to introduce him to the new 3-4-3 formation.Read Morwe on Man UtdThat is because the ex-England international claims Rashford could still go somewhere else – potentially a Premier League rival – and thrive there like he used to at Old Trafford.And that’s something that could have disastrous results for the Red Devils down the line.Sharpe told SunSport on behalf of William Hill: “I think after we saw Marcus Rashford a few seasons ago, I think the thing with it is, he is not playing great. “I don’t want him to leave [but he’s] not playing great, not on a high with the team struggling, with the new manager coming in with what could potentially be a whole new frontier for Manchester United. You know, this whole new system. Most read in Football”Maybe Marcus Rashford could fit into the system really well, and he could thrive in it, but manager’s only been there a few weeks. So it’s a bit difficult to say. “I would love Marcus Rashford to get back to what he was a couple of years ago, scoring 30-40 goals a season, absolutely destroying defenders and putting a shift in. Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope”But at the moment he seems to be, I have to say, a little bit moody when he’s playing. “He’s not really working hard for the team, and he’s not really performing well. “So I would not like to let him leave now and then go somewhere else and thrive and come back and haunt the team.”Man Utd ratings vs Bournemouth as Malacia is hooked after horror first halfRUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries. SunSport’s Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad…Andre Onana – 5Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters.Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.Harry Maguire – 4All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.Lisandro Martinez – 5Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.Diogo Dalot – 6Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.Manuel UgarteBooked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.Kobbie Mainoo 6Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.Tyrell Malacia 3Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.Amad Diallo 7The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.Bruno Fernandes 8Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee 5Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.SubstitutesLeny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony. 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