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      Ruben Amorim warns Man Utd fans that winning Europa League would be ‘nothing more than a shortcut’ after horror season

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      RUBEN AMORIM has admitted Manchester United’s horror season can’t be saved – even if they lift the Europa League.But the under-fire Red Devils boss reckons Euro glory could spark a major shake-up at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim has struggled to have an instant impact in the leagueUnited scraped through against Lyon, sparking wild celebrations at Old TraffordCredit: GettyUnited sit at a disappointing 14th in the Premier League, with just 39 points from 34 games. But winning the Europa League would book them a golden ticket back to the Champions League.Speaking ahead of Thursday’s semi-final first leg away at Athletic Club, Amorim said: “Everybody knows it’s really important. “It won’t save our season, but it can be huge.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Sporting Lisbon boss pulled off a miracle comeback in the last round with United netting twice in the final minute of extra-time to knock out Lyon 7-6 on aggregate.But Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, is under no illusions that winning a trophy will fix their season. He added: “Lifting a trophy won’t fix our problems. “It gets us Champions League cash and games , but we need better decisions, better recruitment and to win the fans back with consistency.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“This is just a shortcut- nothing more.”Injury-hit United will again be without Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt, who are both back in training but not match-fit.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonAthletic are also missing top scorer Oihan Sancet.Elsewhere, Tottenham take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the other semi. Both English sides are languishing domestically with Spurs 16th, two points behind United.Critics say it’s unfair that teams with shocking league form could still land a Champions League place through Europe.But Amorim hit back: “Those are the rules. Maybe it’s not fair, but that’s football. We’ll fight for our chance.”The final takes place in Bilbao on May 21.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua sends Tyson Fury blunt Mike Tyson inspired message after Gypsy King’s X-rated retirement U-turn

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has seemingly responded to Tyson Fury’s retirement U-turn and jibes at Oleksandr Usyk.Fury stunned the boxing world by announcing his fifth retirement from the sport less than a month after his second-straight defeat to pound-for-pound king Usyk last December.Tyson Fury announced his fifth retirement from boxing less than a month after losing his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYFury, however, has continued to train and performed a public U-turn this weekCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURYLong-time rival Anthony Joshua seemingly sent Fury a Mike Tyson-inspired message after seeing the Gypsy King’s recent rant at UsykCredit: INSTAGRAM@ANTHONYJOSHUABut the Gypsy King performed a public U-turn this week by posting a video of himself with head coach Sugarhill Steward in the gym to his socials and saying: “You know what’s coming.”He followed that up with an explosive rant at Usyk on Instagram, insisting he won their bouts and that he’d fight him “any time, any place” in a trilogy.Fury’s rant at the Ukrainian has seemingly caught the attention of Joshua, who has appeared to remind the Wythenshawe warrior that he’ll fight him at the drop of a hat.Earlier this week, AJ shared an iconic post-fight interview from Mike Tyson, in which the boxing legend said: “You know me.READ ON FURY VS AJ”If things are right, I’ll fight anyone. In any place… in their backyard.”Joshua and Fury, 35 and 36 respectively, seemed dead certs to throw down in a long-overdue Battle of Britain this year after the latter’s consecutive losses to Usyk.Fury, however, seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the domestic dust-up with his latest hanging up of the gloves.Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua, however, hasn’t given up hope of sharing the ring with his long-time rival.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe recently told iFL TV: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].”But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.”People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.Tyson Fury training TWO TIMES a day as speculation ramps up over £300m comeback fight against Anthony Joshua”You could say it’s been years in the making. But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.”And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.”And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser and there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.”AJ hasn’t fought since his ill-fated bid to reclaim the IBF heavyweight title last September against Daniel Dubois, who knocked him out in the fifth round of their Wembley war.Anthony Joshua hasn’t given up hope of sharing the ring with Tyson FuryCredit: REUTERS More

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      Lucy Bronze wants WSL champions Chelsea ‘to stay unbeaten’ with Blues targeting invincible end to season

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      LUCY BRONZE wants an invincible end to Chelsea’s season after they won a sixth consecutive WSL title following their Champions League exit. The full-back’s towering header sealed a 1-0 defeat of Manchester United with her side celebrating more domestic glory.Chelsea clinched a WSL title win away at Manchester United for the second year in a rowCredit: GettyLucy Bronze’s headed goal sealed the visitors’ victory with the Blues becoming Women’s Super League champions for the eighth timeCredit: GettyTheir sixth consecutive WSL title triumph was also their first under head coach Sonia Bompastor following her appointment last yearCredit: GettyBefore their match kicked off on Wednesday evening second-placed Arsenal were trounced by Aston Villa. Their hefty 5-2 loss at Villa Park meant the Blues required a draw to clinch the title against Man United who have never beaten them in the league. And Bronze’s match-winning moment saw the unbeaten champions maintain their iron grip on the WSL crown following a tense encounter at Leigh Sports Village.The gritty victory sealed the visitors’ domestic trophy double win ahead of their FA Cup final showdown with United on May 18.  Read More Football StoriesChelsea’s eighth top-flight title win led to them becoming champions for the second successive year at the Red Devils home. And it came three days after their bow out of the Champions League following an 8-2 aggregate semi-final loss to Barcelona. It also capped the first top tier triumph of the Sonia Bompastor era, with the champions an cup final win away from a domestic trophy treble.   Bronze said: “We knew that a draw was good enough as well. We wanted to be unbeaten and keep a clean sheet. Most read in Football”But it’s really nice to have scored a goal and got the win as well. “It makes it feel better to celebrate being champions when you win a game. “The fortunate thing for us  this season is we’ve been unbeaten and there were two things to go for. “We knew before the game that Arsenal got beaten so we knew we needed to come in and get from this game. “But we wanted to win and we want to be unbeaten this season, so although we’ve won we’ve got two games left. “We want to win those games and be unbeaten this season.”United went close to scoring in the first half with efforts from Melvine Malard, Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet.Malard nearly gave the hosts a 16th-minute lead with Hannah Hampton parrying her shot away before Naomi Girma’s superb block on Clinton’s follow-up strike. Chelsea and Manchester United will go to battle in the Women’s FA Cup final on May 18Credit: GettyChelsea were forced to make a change later on in the half with Mayra Ramirez going off with a knee issue. And Leah Galton had a shot blocked shortly before Bizet headed wide close to halftime. Read More on The SunThe second half saw Tullis-Joyce pull off a stunning triple save including parrying Aggie Beever-Jones’ 57th-minute shot from distance away from danger. But the USA keeper was unable to stop Bronze’s 74th-minute winner with her flicked header finding the back of the net.  More

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      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia says his one-year-old son is already a champion in the making… and has his famous left hook

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      RYAN GARCIA says his one-year-old son is already a boxing champion in the making – having inherited his famous left hook. The father-of-three has two daughters, sharing Rylie with ex-girlfriend Catherine Gamez and Bela with his former wife Andrea Celina. Ryan Garcia with his son HenryCredit: InstagramGarcia, famed for his left hook, says his son is a naturalCredit: GettyAnd in December 2023, he welcomed his son Henry into the world with Andrea, who he remains close with as they parent together.The American superstar named his youngest after his dad – who introduced Garcia and brother Sean to boxing aged just seven.Henry still helps train and corner his sons – and Garcia will be there for his boy should he choose to enter the family business. He told SunSport: “If I see him really wanting it, I’ll have no other choice but to support him like my dad supported me, so I can’t take that away from him.READ MORE IN BOXING”If that’s in his heart, like it was in my heart, I gotta be like what my dad did for me. “I have a great example of what it means to believe in your son, so I think that I’m gonna just carry that forward to my son.”If he believes in himself, truly, I believe in him and I know all the ins and outs of of the game now, so it could be that much easier for him.”Despite baby Henry not turning two for another six months, he is already practising his boxing skills with his famous fighting father.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGarcia revealed: “He already has the left hook though, which is crazy.”I’m not kidding. I do mitts and I didn’t even teach him that, I guess it’s in his blood.”Ryan Garcia opens up on failed drug test after having Devin Haney win stripped away from himGarcia, 26, returns to the ring on Friday night against former sparring rival Rolando Romero, 29, to headline an historic card in Times Square.It comes having served a 12-month ban for testing positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth – after fighting Devin Haney. Garcia had dropped Haney three times before winning a shock decision – only to have the victory overturned to a no-contest. He had returned clean tests with VADA in the build-up to the bout and his team blamed contemplated supplements for the positive result.But the positive tests were taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.Garcia, who was also fined nearly £1million, said: “At the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.Ryan Garcia Garcia suffered a public mental health breakdown both before and after his fight with Haney.He was even arrested last June and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism after causing £11,000 worth of damage in an LA hotel room.But thankfully, Garcia turned it around and has got back on track both mentally and physically after fearing he could lose his children. He said: “I mean, as a father you’ve always got to be thinking about what examples you’re giving to your children.”And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about.”And I think that’s important. I love my kids and I love my family and making sure that I’m a great example for them is a huge priority for me.”So, I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.”Garcia tops the stunning three-fight card outside New York’s famous Times Square. Rival Haney, 26, also returns after a year lay-off to face Jose Ramriez, 32, with a rematch against Garcia planned for later this year. Both have to first win and rejuvenated Garcia added: “I’m feeling good. I mean, I’m just ready to go.Read More on The Sun”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling good physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically.”So, you know, I’ve done this before. I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Garcia’s son Henry was born in December 2023Credit: INSTAGRAMGarcia shares daughter Bela and son Henry with ex Andrea CelinaCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      ‘The girls don’t like it’ – Kate Abdo tells Micah Richards off on live TV for using WRONG toilets at CBS studios

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      MICHAH RICHARDS got a reprimand live on air after using the wrong toilets at the CBS studios.Golazo host Kate Abdo called out the pundit for his use of the women’s toilets.Micah Richards got a telling off live on airCredit: CBSKate Abdo called out Richards’ use of the women’s toiletsThierry Henry was left stunned by the exchangeJamie Carragher was left in stitches over Richards’ retortAbdo first poked fun at Richards over the short length of his suit sleeves, before calling him out for using the toilets while his microphone was still on.She then said: “We know where you’ve been because you didn’t have your microphone turned down.”Richards hit back quickly, saying: “Good job I didn’t go for a No2 innit!”Abdo continued: “On that subject, the ladies of the building would like me to request that you kindly stop using the ladies’ toilets.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I saw you sneaking in there before.”Their colleague Thierry Henry was left stunned by the scolding, with his mouth left agape.Jamie Carragher also shot Richards a shocked look, with the former Manchester City star quickly defending himself.Richards replied to Abdo: “Oh did you?..because the mens’ were occupied. Let’s not turn this into something it’s not Jamie.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”You know why, because the boys’ ones are disgusting.”Henry, still in shock, pretending to start reading a piece of paper on his desk, as Abdo labelled Richards’ behaviour a problem.Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGCarragher then quickly interjected before Richards could continue the exchange.He said: “I think we’d better move on. If I think you need to move on, you should move on.”The CBS Sports team was in the studio providing coverage of the Champions League semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Inter Milan, which ended 3-3.Inter opened up an early 2-0 lead before Lamine Yamal sparked Barca’s comeback, scoring a brilliant solo effort.It was the 17-year-old’s 100th appearance for the club and his 22nd goal – he also has 33 assists for the Spanish giants.By comparison, Lionel Messi made just nine appearances before his 18th birthday, while Cristiano Ronaldo played 19 games, scoring five goals and getting four assists. More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr seen for first time since epic Conor Benn win to reveal he underwent surgery in live TV interview

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has been seen for the first time since his epic win over Conor Benn – and immediately proved he did NOT suffer a broken jaw.Eubank Jr won the thrilling second generation grudge match in front of 67,000 fans at Tottenham’s stadium. Chris Eubank Jr has been seen for the first time since his epic win over Conor BennCredit: Sky SportsBut after a gruelling weight cut and rehydration clause, the heroic victor went to hospital straight after the win.His dad, Chris Eubank Sr, has now claimed that his son was “touch and go” in the aftermath of the gruelling 12-rounder.Benn too joined Eubank Jr in hospital after claiming he had given his born rival a broken jaw.But Eubank Jr – sporting a bruised face – denied the injury in his first TV interview but did reveal a post-fight surgery. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe told Sky Sports: “When you get into a fight for 12 rounds there are injuries that are sustained.”I got headbutted above my eye, right in the middle of the fight it opened up and I had to go and have surgery on that, I had to sew it up.”Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn ran away with the story that a broken jaw – there was no broken jaw here.”We are strong, our bones are dense, I’m feeling good. I’m feeling grateful that the fight was so well received. I’m in a great place.”Most read in BoxingHis comments came after he posted a message on Instagram addressing his wounds.He wrote: “As a fighter we sign up to walk through the fire. “Once you make it through, the burns and scars are what you have to show the world for the rest of your life. Present them with pride.”The grudge match followed three decades on from Eubank Sr’s win and draw against Benn’s dad Nigel.Chris Eubank Jr almost died and was ‘touch and go’ in hospital after Conor Benn fight, claims father Chris SrEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the British boxing legend threatened to boycott his son’s fight amid fears over his safety.Eubank Sr warned his boy’s best days at middleweight were over and blasted the 10lb rehydration cap in the contract. Meanwhile Eubank Jr did fail to hit the contracted 160lb limit – by an agonising 0.05lb – costing him a £375,000 penalty. And he was preparing to go into the bout of his life without his dad – amid their public falling out.But, in a scene straight out of a WWE script, Eubank Sr arrived on fight night by his son’s side and helped spur on his huge win. Eubank Jr said: “Father and son story, it can’t be surpassed by anything. “That is the dream, that is the fantasy. A good and perfect father and son relationship. “So for fight fans to see two men going through tough times and eventually put that to one side to unite, that isn’t boxing that’s life.”Eubank Sr has now opened up on the terrifying aftermath of the fight.Sr – whose 1991 win over Michael Watson left him with life-changing brain injuries – revealed on his Call Chris YouTube show: “It just brought me back all those years ago to think about what Michael went through, and I was feeling and seeing and hearing all of that.“And I’m saying to myself, people don’t know, but my son is touch and go.“And the only way we’re going to know whether he’s going to be okay is after the CT scans.“He suffered mostly in the hospital because of dehydration, even though the beating was severe.”Eubank Jr, 35, and Benn, 28, are already contracted to a rematch under the same terms with Spurs’ stadium booked for September.Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn ran away with the story that a broken jaw – there was no broken jaw here.Chris Eubank Jr That is despite Eubank Jr’s struggles to make the weight, which he had boxed at for the last six years and eight bouts. Benn is also considering a return make to welterweight to challenge WBC champion Mario Barrios, 29. But, Eubank Jr teased: “Watch this space, boxing is a very beautiful industry where anything can happen. “The possibilities are endless, if a rematch is meant to be it will be.”Eubank Jr has also opened the door to fighting Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, 34, who faces William Scull, 32, over the weekend. He said: “That is another stadium filler, absolutely. “Wembley, Tottenham, any one of the large football stadiums in the UK would be filled for a fight like that. Read More on The Sun”He is an opponent that I have been looking at for many years now and the fans would love to see that. “So, 100 per cent that is a name in my line of sight and we will be doing whatever we can to secure that fight in the future.” Eubank beat Benn via unanimous decisionCredit: GettyA rematch is already contractedCredit: GettyCanelo Alvarez has been called out by Eubank JrCredit: Reuters More

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      Chris Eubank Jr releases powerful statement after almost dying in Conor Benn fight

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR wrote a powerful statement on social media after he nearly died following his bout with Conor Benn.Eubank won the second generation grudge match on Saturday night, 35 years after their fathers first fought.Chris Eubank Jr wrote a powerful statement on Instagram after being discharged from hospitalCredit: GettyEubank beat Conor Benn in a thrilling fight on Saturday nightCredit: ReutersJunior won via unanimous decision following 12 brutal rounds – but there were concerns for him once he got out of the ring.Eubank had to be rushed to hospital as he was suffering with severe dehydration after cutting his weight down to 11st 6lb.He supposedly had so little water inside him he could barely sweat and his dad claims his condition was life-threatening.Junior was discharged on Monday after two nights in hospital and he wrote on Instagram yesterday: “As a fighter we sign up to walk through the fire. READ MORE IN BOXING”Once you make it through, the burns and scars are what you have to show the world for the rest of your life. Present them with pride.”It comes after Eubank Sr said on his Call Chris YouTube show: “People don’t know, but my son was touch-and-go.“And the only way we’re going to know whether he’s going to be okay is after the CT scans.“He suffered mostly in the hospital because of dehydration, even though the beating was severe.Most read in Boxing”My son was in a touch-and-go situation. Life or death.“He doesn’t respect that because he is a warrior and a warrior goes out on his shield, which he proved.Chris Eubank Jr seen for first time since epic Conor Benn win to reveal he underwent surgery in live TV interview“He’s not going to listen to the rules. If he can evade and sidestep the rules, he will, because he is a warrior.”A rematch between Eubank and Benn is on the cards for later this year, but his dad has urged him to retire.He said: “It would be an extraordinary blessing for him, if he was wise enough to walk off into the sunset, there is nothing cooler than that, you cannot buy that.”There are billionaires who would give everything they have, to have what he has. It cannot be bought, it has to be earned.”But speaking for the first time since the fight, Eubank said he is “feeling good” and revealed he underwent surgery in hospital for the cut that opened up above his eye.He told Sky Sports: “When you get into a fight for 12 rounds there are injuries that are sustained.”I got headbutted above my eye, right in the middle of the fight it opened up and I had to go and have surgery on that, I had to sow it up.Read More on The Sun”Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn ran away with the story that a broken jaw – there was no broken jaw here.”We are strong our bones are dense, I’m feeling good. I’m feeling grateful that the fight was so well received. I’m in a great place.”Eubank said he was ‘feeling good’ as he spoke to the media for the first time since the boutCredit: Sky SportsEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed. More

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      How Athletic Bilbao built squad for less than the price of Man Utd’s Andre Onana with unique transfer policy

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO will be hoping their unique transfer policy will pay dividends when they face Manchester United.The LaLiga side take on the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-finals with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.Athletic Bilbao have a unique transfer policyCredit: GettyBasque-born Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFP
      The team cost less than Andre Onana’s potential feeCredit: PABilbao are unlike most clubs in world football with a self-imposed transfer limitation.The current team has been assembled for less than the £47.2million that Man United could end up paying for Andre Onana.Ernesto Valverde’s squad only has five players who have been paid for in transfer deals totalling just £46.1m.They are Yuri Berchiche (£21m), Oscar de Marcos (£255,000), Alex Berenguer (£9.5m), Alvaro Djalo (£12.8m) and Maroan Sannadi (£2.55m).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe remainder of the squad came through the youth academy or have been free transfers.With the likes of Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico in the mix, they have assembled a top squad.The Basque Country where Bilbao is located has a population of 2.2million – a quarter of the size of London – and has a low number of immigrants.Despite this relatively small pool and limited transfer strategy, the club has enjoyed success.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBilbao have won EIGHT LaLiga titles – which is only less than Real Madrid (36), Barcelona (27) and Atletico Madrid (11).They also have six more league titles than Basque rivals Real Sociedad.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Oihan Sancet is one of the stars at BilbaoCredit: RexYuri Berchiche cost the club £21m in 2018Credit: GettyThe club have also won TWENTY-FOUR Copa del Rey titles with their last success coming in 2024.They have never won a European honour and will be hoping to achieve that this season by getting past Manchester United.What is Athletic Bilbao’s transfer policy?The club has instilled a “Basque-only” policy, which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”Why do Athletic Bilbao only sign players from the Basque region?The rule was introduced in 1911 after a dispute between Bilbao and fellow Basque-based side Real Sociedad.Bilbao had fielded ineligible players from England as well as some non-Basque players in a Copa del Rey match.The Spanish FA ruled that players must be Spanish citizens to appear in the competition from the following season.Bilbao opted to maintain the approach even when regulations were later relaxed. A statement on the club website reads: “During the Copa tournament held at Jolaseta in April 1911, several of the participating teams denounced Athletic for improperly fielding foreigners.”From then on, Athletic Club would compete only with home-grown players, thus giving birth to the philosophy that today distinguishes it from any other team in elite football.”The policy makes the club prioritise the signings of players who were born in the Basque Country.The region is in the north of Spain and borders France on the western coast.The policy was implemented in order to preserve the unique culture and identity of the region.Have Athletic Bilbao ever signed non-Basque players?The club states that every player since the start of the rule has been born in the Basque Country or raised there.However, some players who have turned out for the club have sparked debate.Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte became the first Frenchman to graduate from the club’s youth system in 2012.He was only connected to the Basque Country via his great-grandparents.France star Antoine Griezmann has been a controversial one as he was developed by Basque-based Real Sociedad.He arrived at the club at the age of 14 with the likes of Bilbao’s academy director, Jose Maria Amorrortu, believing that he would qualify.However, some argue that he is ineligible, like adults who have been transferred in by Sociedad.Do Athletic Bilbao managers have to be Basque and have they had non-Basque managers?There are some exceptions to the rule as the club’s coaching staff does not need to be Basque.The club has had managers from England, Germany, France, Argentina and Hungary.Read More on The SunEnglish managers of Bilbao have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.The most recent manager who was not even Spanish was Argentine Eduardo Berizzo for 15 matches in 2018.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More