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      ‘Grateful I still have my thumb’ – Ex-Man Utd hero and Ipswich star gives update on freak injury before Chelsea clash

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      IT WILL be thumbs up for Axel Tuanzebe this season even if Ipswich go down.The Tractor Boys go to Chelsea today knowing a shock win will still not boost their survival hopes. Axel Tuanzebe came close to losing his thumb in a freak accidentCredit: RexBut Town defender Tuanzebe, 27, just wants to perform and put a freak injury behind him.He sustained a cut hand while washing up in September and it almost saw him lose a thumb.Tuanzebe said: “It’s something I just want to put behind me, move forward and focus on the football.“It cost me a few games this season and I want to make up for it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It wasn’t a minor issue, it was quite serious. The club have been very  supportive, the medical staff in particular.” I’m just grateful that I still have my thumb intact.“It’s OK now thanks to a good doctor and now it is time to crack on and knuckle down for the season.”Town boss Kieran McKenna revealed at the time that Tuanzebe had to have surgery to repair the tendons in the thumb.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe injury did not just sideline him for months – it also prevented him from having a go at bettering his Hungry Hippos world record.He cleared the game in the fastest ever time of 17.36 seconds back in 2018.Football stars’ weird phobiasBut back on the field, the ex-Manchester United youth star is out of contract at the end of the season.Tuanzebe added: “This club has always been good in sorting things out in good time. I’m sure they’ll do that come the summer.” More

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      Ruben Amorim hands Man Utd starlet, 18, full debut in huge reshuffle after dropping Andre Onana for Newcastle clash

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      HARRY AMASS will make his first Manchester United start against Newcastle.The left-back, 18, made his debut against Leicester last month after coming off the bench.Harry Amass is set to make his first Manchester United startCredit: GettyHe will now make his first Red Devils start in the trip to Newcastle, with Ruben Amorim shuffling things up.Andre Onana has been dropped for the first time in the Premier League after his errors cost his side two goals against Lyon on Thursday.Patrick Dorgu has made way for Amass, who was called up to first-team training for the first time in February 2024.Amass had to remain patient for his debut after being named on the bench on several occasions under Erik ten Hag and Amorim.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVictor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen also start for United, with Casemiro and Harry Maguire on the bench.Rasmus Hojlund makes way for Joshua Zirkzee up front.The Red Devils boss hinted at making changes with next Thursday’s Europa League second-leg clash at Lyon in mind.He said: “We don’t have a team that is really big and then we have players that I know cannot make 90 minutes in this moment. We have to be really careful.Most read in Football”So we will try to address all these subjects in the game against Newcastle. But we have a great responsibility when we play any games. “I will try to look at that, that is for sure. We have to face Newcastle with a team that we can be competitive to win the game.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Sometimes winning games is the best way of preparing for the next one. Of course, I am going to be careful with some players but again we need to be competitive.”When you are playing for Manchester United you cannot go to the game thinking about the next one.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spat”So we are going to face this one and then we have three days. “We are going to prepare for the next one (against Lyon) without a lot of running and a lot of training. It’s just recovering and then we will be fine on Thursday with our fans. “But we need to face Newcastle in a way that we can win.” More

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      Crystal Palace line up bold Marcus Rashford transfer but face two hurdles to get Man Utd outcast if Villa don’t want him

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are plotting a sensational swoop for Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa don’t sign him at the end of the season.Eagles executives are monitoring the striker’s performances at Villa Park after he signed a loan deal from United in the January transfer window.Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Manchester United loanee Marcus RashfordCrystal Palace are facing two major hurdles to lure RashfordPalace will face competition from Aston Villa, where Rashford is playing on loanRashford has bagged five goals and three assists in 22 games for Villa and his improved form saw him recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel for his first World Cup 2026 qualifiers squad.Villa have an option to buy the striker for around £40million from United at the end of the loan deal in June.A source told The Sun on Sunday that Palace are closely monitoring the situation and are interested in talking to the player in the summer.Palace, who lost 5-2 to Man City on Saturday, are 12th in the Premier League and have reached the FA Cup semi-final against Villa under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner.Read More on Man UtdHe has built an exciting squad around Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell.The source said: “Palace are keeping a very close eye on Rashford and what happens with Villa and United.“There is a good buzz around the club at the moment and someone like Marcus is exactly the kind of player they would love to attract.“They know they would have to keep onto their better players to try and persuade Marcus to move to South London.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEarlier this week SunSport revealed how Paris Saint-Germain are interested in the player.A return to Old Trafford has also not been ruled out given United’s goalscoring problems – but only if Rashford heals his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelAmorim is planning a major summer clearout as Man Utd look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.Reports suggest the Portuguese tactician will be handed a £200m transfer war chest, but only if he first flogs a few players.Rashford poses as a candidate as his contract would free up a lot of space on the wage bill.The same goes for Antony and Jadon Sancho, who are also out on loan at Real Betis and Chelsea respectively.Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Andre Onana and Tyrell Malacia have also been linked with an exit.One of the Red Devils’ young guns Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho may also leave. More

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      in Motorsport

      The insanely lavish worlds of F1 tycoons…from Red Bull boss’s private island to £30million Bond villain-style mansion

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      AS things heat up ahead of this Sunday’s Bahrain GP, the Gulf State will soon be crowded with the jets and supercars of the rich and famous.It’s fair to say there’s a lot of money in the world of F1 – and drivers and team staff alike certainly get paid handsomely.The late Eddie Jordan certainly knew how to enjoy his £85million fortuneCredit: AlamyEddie was among the most flamboyant of the F1 tycoonsCredit: GETTYRed Bull owner Mark Mateschitz inherited an entire tropical island from his fatherCredit: jason busch/LHW.comBut at the very top of the motor sport pyramid are the people who don’t just run the teams, but own them. And when you combine a net worth of millions – or in many cases billions – with a love of fast cars, you can be sure you’re dealing with a flashy spender.After all, if you can afford an F1 team, you might as well own a yacht on the side – or a Pacific island getaway when you need a break.It’s a sport that attracts some pretty big characters, just like the late Eddie Jordan, who went from flogging salmon on the streets to amassing a fortune of £85million.Read More FeaturesBut his riches are small fry to what others in the business are worth – such as Mercedes’s Toto Wolff, worth a whopping $1.6billion.And even Toto’s wealth is dwarfed by Red Bull owner Mark Mateschitz, who has a net worth of over £30billion. So what have they been spending it all on?Join us as we dive into the lavish lives of the biggest F1 tycoons.Most read in MotorsportBrave Eddie Jordan’s final public appearance just weeks before his deathToto WolffAfter trying his hand as a racing driver before moving into the boardroom, Toto Wolff bought a 30 per cent stake in Mercedes in 2013 for an estimated $50million.And as Mercedes moved up the rankings, so did his wealth increase – making the Austrian worth around a whopping $1.6billion today, according to Forbes. It’s no wonder Toto Wolff takes such an active role in ensuring his teams success – because he owns a third of itCredit: GettyThe Mercedes part-owner enjoys diving off his 49 metre-long superyacht off the coast of MonacoCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalA video Toto posted to his Instagram shows he isn’t afraid to take his cars – in this case the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL from 1954 – for a spinCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalOnce living near the team’s base in the UK, Wolff and his family have now moved to Monaco, close to where many of the drivers live.He’s also reported to own an 18,000 square foot mansion in Switzerland, which was reportedly bought for $62million.Unsurprisingly, the 53-year old owns a stunning car collection which features plenty of rare Mercedes. Wolff has frequently been spotted driving round Monaco in his Mercedez-Benz SL from 1954, worth around £1million, as well as the more modern Mercedec-AMG GT R, which sells for around £150,000-190,000.But brand loyalty hasn’t stopped him from also reportedly owning a Bugatti Veyron, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and also an iconic Ferrari F40  which he allegedly sold for some £1.2million. And when road travel doesn’t cut it, he can be spotted relaxing on the 49-metre-long superyacht UU, which he is thought to own – though he is thinking of designing one himself. Eddie JordanThe late Eddie Jordan owned properties around the globeCredit: AlamyEddie Jordan bought the spectacular yacht Blush for £32millionCredit: BLUEI PRODUCTIONSFrom trading on the streets of Dublin to securing iconic sponsorship deals – once convincing delivery firm DHL to repaint all their vans with his famous “Jordan yellow” – the late Eddie Jordan certainly reaped the rewards of his hard graft.Among his lavish assets was Sunseeker’s biggest ever yacht, which he bought for a cool £32million back in 2014, named Blush.Also under his ownership was a stunning 45-metre sailing yacht that let him enjoy times spent near the coast.Over the years, he amassed a massive – and very valuable – collection of F1 memorabilia, including the very car Michael Schumacher made his debut in.And like other team owners, he had multiple properties around the world including a palatial manor in Surrey, a house in Ireland, and a pad in Monaco.He also owned a £750,000 flat in Tooting, London, which he raffled off in 2017 to the lucky winner of the £10-to-enter competition. Lawrence StrollHaving made a fortune in the luxury fashion industry selling shares in brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the Canadian businessman is thought to be worth over £2billion.The 65-year-old tycoon is also part-owner of the Aston Martin racing team – and is the dad of their star driver, 26-year-old Lance. Lawrence Stroll, owner of the Aston Martin team, made his fortune selling shares in luxury fashion brandsCredit: The TimesThe Canadian billionaire hosted his 60th birthday party on board his massive yacht Faith, which was attended by the likes of Sarah Ferguson and Catherine Zeta-JonesCredit: PAHe is the proud owner of the Ferrari 250 GTO, which is thought to be worth over £50millionCredit: RexThough based in Geneva, Stroll also owns homes in London, Quebec, and also a £70million pad on the Caribbean island on Mustique where he wed Brazilian stunner Raquel Diniz, 35.When it’s race weekend in Monaco, you can find him on board Faith – a 96-meter superyacht which Toto Wolff has said is the nicest boat he’s ever been on, worth around £200million.Featuring a glass-bottomed swimming pool, beach club, and wet bar, it hosted stars such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas for Stroll’s Great Gatsby-themed 60th birthday bash.Recent reports, however, suggest he’s sold the vessel on – downsizing to a 78-metre-long yacht instead.But it’s cars he really loves, amassing a collection reportedly worth over £140million.This includes a Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most valuable cars in the world with a price tag north of £50million. Also in his garage are multiple LaFerraris, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB he snapped up for a cool £20million, as well as McLarens and a Ford GT. Ron DennisSir Ron Dennis made a handsome penny from selling his McLaren sharesCredit: GettyWork started last week on his new £30million Berkshire mansionThe enormous property includes underground Roman-style baths, and a private tunnel to the River ThamesAlthough his split from McLaren was far from amicable, Sir Ron still walked away with £275million after selling his shares back in 2017.And what better way to enjoy retirement than to build yourself a £30million ‘Bond villain’ mega-mansion that’s set to be one of the most lavish homes in the country.Work began last week on the 77-year-old’s new Berkshire home for the, which will feature a Roman baths-style underground swimming pool and even a secret tunnel to the Thames to access his boat.There’s also extensive staff quarters, a room just for glassware and crockery, and a hair salon for when you don’t have time to nip down the massive drive to the local barbers. I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?Sir Ron DennisIt goes without saying that the tycoon – who started life as a mechanic – is a massive car nut, once owning four go-karts built by McLaren for his own personal use.And planned for the new mansion is an underground garage complete with turntable to house his fleet of vehicles, including a McLaren worth £5million.“I love my McLarens,” he once told MailOnline.“I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?”, he added.Aerial pictures taken of the plot near Henley-on-Thames last week show that diggers have moved in to start excavating the site. Mark MateschitzMark Mateschitz is one of the world’s youngest multi-billionairesCredit: GettyThanks to the Red Bull fortune, Mateschitz owns a private island in the South PacificCredit: http://www.laucala.comThe Austrian had enough spare cash to snap up Bernie Ecclestone’s extraordinary collection of motorsCredit: Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireIt’s hard to avoid being rich when you’re Mark Mateschitz – son of Dietrich, co-founder of the Red Bull beverage and sporting empire who passed away three years ago.Dubbed Europe’s richest millennial, Forbes estimates the 32-year-old’s net worth to be north of £30.8billion, making him the 31st richest person on the planet.And Mateschitz has proved keen to carry on his father’s connection to F1, as evidenced by an enormous purchase he made just this month.The young billionaire is the new owner of Bernie Ecclestone’s private car collection – featuring 69 Grand Prix cars estimated to be together worth £500million.The Red Bull owner is thought to own multiple castles and villas across his native Austria, and his rumoured to have a £43.5million pad in swanky Knightsbridge.Also inherited from his dad is the island of Laucala, Fiji, a billionaire’s playground with a luxurious private resort – which even has its own airline to ferry visitors to and from the tropical paradise. And as if the Red Bull billions weren’t enough already, Mateschitz is currently dating heiress to the Swarovski crystal fortune, Victoria. Together, they’re working on a brand new getaway – a multi-million pound villa Marbella, close to where Victoria’s mother lives. Bernie EcclestoneBernie Ecclestone celebrating his 90th birthday with wife Fabiana FlosiCredit: Instagram @fabianaecclestoneEcclestone named his £30million superyacht after his daughter, PetraCredit: RexBernie Ecclestone’s daughter, Petra, is thought to be the owner of this giant 57,000 square ft. Beverly Hills home which was reportedly bought for $150millionCredit: Splash NewsHe enjoys lavish holidays with wife FabianaCredit: fabianaecclestone/InstagramThe F1 supremo himself has amassed billions of the decades, and the 94-year-old certainly knows how to spend it.As we revealed, he was once the owner of a car collection worth around £500millionAmong his property empire was a London home overlooking Kensington Palace, which sold for £57million, and he bought his daughter Tamara a £70million London mansion complete with gold bathtub and 50 staff. He’s now living in Switzerland in a £23million chalet called Le Lion, located in the resort town of Gstaad, along with his wife Fabiana Flosi.Ecclestone – who has an estimated net worth of £1.85billion – also owns not one, but two massive yachts.Read More on The SunThe £30million Petara, named after his daughter, can accommodate up to 12 guests and boasts a spacious interior.Then in 2022, he snapped up the 63 metre-long Force Blue for the bargain price of £6.6million, which features a spa, cinema, and nightclub onboard. More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle preparing £35m swoop for Greek wonderkid but will have to beat Man Utd, Liverpool and Bayern to transfer

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      NEWCASTLE are weighing up a swoop for Greek wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas.Genk’s 17-year-old attacker announced himself on the world stage by becoming Greece’s youngest starter and goalscorer against Scotland last month.Newcastle are weighing up a swoop for Genk wonderkid Konstantinos KaretsasGreek star Karetsas is also being eyed by Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern MunichHis exploits for club and country have attracted the attention of Europe’s top guns and Toon’s scouts were there to watch that in person at Hampden.Now Newcastle are readying for a fight with Bayern Munich to sign him.The winger, comfortable on either flank or as No10, has a £35million release clause in his contract at the Belgian club.Karetsas, born in Belgium to Greek parents, fits the player profile that Toon are chasing and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has a proven track record of nurturing young talents.Read More on FootballEven though he already has fellow left-footers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes in his squad, the versatile ace is just at home on the right.And providing competition for in-form Jacob Murphy, 30, on that flank is a key priority for Howe.Following three-consecutive windows without any major big-money buys and battling PSR issues, Newcastle do have cash to spend this summer.And the transfer kitty provided by their Saudi owners could also be bolstered if the Carabao Cup winners go on to finish in the top five and seal Champions League qualification.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKarestas, who grew up idolising Brazilians Neymar and Ronaldinho, penned a new contract until 2027 in November but his release clause makes him an attractive and affordable proposition.Bayern are believed to be huge admirers and have already decided to make their move.Why Jacob Murphy and Bruno Fernandes will decide Newcastle vs Manchester Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerAnd it may turn into a transfer slugfest with Italians Napoli getting involved in a bidding war.Reports from Italy and Greece also claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both been impressed with what they’ve seen from their own scouting missions.Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also said to have sent scouts for Greece’s 3-0 victory in the Nations League at Hampden Park. More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher signs charity helmet with help from wife Corinna in one of his only public acts since ski crash

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      MICHAEL Schumacher has made a rare and moving gesture as he signed a crash helmet with the help of his wife Corinna.It marks one of the stricken F1 legend’s only public acts since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps 12 years ago.Michael Schumacher has signed a helmet with the help of his wife Corinna in a rare gesture since his horror ski crashCredit: AlamySchuey’s intials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom part of the helmetCredit: Matt Wardle and Bell RacingMark Stewart, the son of former British racing driver Jackie Stewart, holds his father’s old helmet as he talks to Lewis HamiltonCredit: AFPThe helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Jackie Stewart’s dementia charityCredit: ReutersThe seven-time world champion, who has not been seen in public since, added his initials “M.S” to a helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.“It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause – a disease for which there is no cure,” Stewart told The Daily Mail.“His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us.”Read more on SchumacherThe gesture is all the more moving given Schumacher’s long and silent absence from the public eye.After suffering a life-threatening head injury during a skiing trip in Méribel, he was placed in a medically-induced coma and is believed to have required round-the clock care ever since.He now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.Corinna, who has fiercely guarded his privacy, has created a tightly-controlled inner circle around the F1 legend, now 56.Most read in MotorsportOnly a handful of trusted people are granted access, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.Stewart’s white helmet, adorned with his trademark Royal Stewart tartan, will be revealed at Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe 85-year-old will also take to the track in his 1973 championship-winning Tyrell for an exhibition lap – a tribute to both the past and his personal battle off the circuit.The Scotsman founded Race Against Dementia after his wife Lady Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014 – just months after Schumacher’s accident.In an emotional BBC interview, Stewart revealed that Lady Stewart recently failed to recognise him for the first time. “Just the other day it was time for dinner, she’s getting up and I’m sitting close by, and she says, ‘Where’s Jackie?’ That’s the first time that’s happened and that’s only a few weeks ago,” he said. “A bad feeling came over me.”The helmet, now signed by every living F1 world champion, will be auctioned to fund a groundbreaking new blood test developed by Cambridge University.It is hoped the test could detect early signs of dementia before symptoms appear.Schumacher has stayed away from the public eye since his devastating accidentCredit: AFPThe stricken F1 legend has since has become a grandfather after daughter Gina (C) gave birth to a baby girl in MarchCredit: InstagramMichael Schumacher’s rare public contribution comes after he became a granddad for the first time last month.His daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl, Millie, announcing the news in a social media statetement.It read: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever.”We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie.”Read More on The SunGina, 28, revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof. More

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      Manchester United ace Phallon Tullis-Joyce insists there is no ‘half-a**ing’ in her pursuit of success on the pitch

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      PHALLON TULLIS-JOYCE does not “half-a**” anything – whether it is football or adding to her extensive knowledge of marine biology. This approach has served the clever, quick-witted Manchester United goalkeeper well on and off the pitch. Phallon Tullis-Joyce and her Manchester United team-mates take on Man City for a place in this year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Red Devils stopper currently has the highest number of clean sheets in the WSL this term and says her team-mates have played a big part in thisCredit: ReutersOn the international stage Tullis-Joyce kept a cleansheet for Emma Hayes’ USA team when they beat Brazil 1-0 in a friendly this monthCredit: GettyThe Man United stopper hopes to start in more games for the United States following senior international debut this monthCredit: GettyGrowing up on Long Island, New York, in the United States, there was nothing half-arsed about the graft Tullis-Joyce, 28, put in to become one of her country’s most talented shot stoppers. The Red Devils ace has fond memories of hurdling waste bins as part of training. An activity practiced under the watchful eye of goalkeeping expert Kurt Kelley, head coach of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Programme.Training with Kelley from the age of 12, with encouragement from her mother Patricia, instilled a work ethic that helped an athlete, who also trained in basketball, with her rise to the top.Read More Football StoriesThere is no half-arsing in the Tullis-Joyce dictionary. That’s very much a premise of my mother as well.Phallon Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce, whose club side face Manchester City at 3:00pm today in the Women’s FA Cup semis, said: “I wasn’t too bad at basketball “But with goalkeeping, there’s a special feeling when it comes to flying through the air. That’s why that propelled me to stay in soccer. “I started training with Kurt right from the start when I was 12-years-old. “At that time, I wasn’t making it into progressive teams, like the regional team or I wasn’t really progressing too much.Most read in Football”And Kurt was like, ‘You know what, that’s fair. You have a lot of things you need to work on’. “I was so hurt but he just was able to give me that honest feedback.”He was the one that was having me jump over trash cans and just on the brink of puking in sessions. “He really instilled the work ethic of like, ‘if you want this, you got to go for it. There is no half-arsing this’. “That’s very much a premise of my mother as well. There is no half-arsing in the Tullis-Joyce dictionary.”Kurt has a facility called KK Athletics Indoor Sports. He would lay out different flags and different trash cans.”The other goalkeepers there would lie in an army crawl position and I would have to hop over them for the save. “It definitely taught me to be fearless. “I’ve had plenty of people in my youth who would say, ‘keep your standards, always keep your standards’. I’m very appreciative of those people.”My mum has been such a massive proponent of my (football) career and just who I am especially when I’m speaking of academics. “She put that on a pedestal and rightfully so. You get your education first and then everything else is a bonus.” Tullis-Joyce describes her football journey from then to now as a “lucky one”. A journey that involved playing for Miami Hurricanes in the USA’s college football system while studying for bachelor and masters degrees in marine biology subjects at the University of Miami. It was at the university that Tullis-Joyce continued to hone the skills that have led her second USA international call-up. After graduation came an April 2019 move to then second tier French side Reims, helping them win promotion to France’s top-flight for the 2019-20 season. Back then the team was managed by Amandine Miquel, who now coaches Leicester City and sees Tullis-Joyce as one of the best goalkeepers in the WSL.    In April 2021 the American joined US side Seattle Reign, where she was shortlisted for an NWSL shot stopper of the year prize, before joining Man United in September 2023.  Following Mary Earps’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain last July, Tullis-Joyce  established herself as the Red Devils’ first choice keeper.  This term she currently tops the WSL’s clean sheet chart  with 12 shutouts in 18 top-flight games. She adds:  “I’ve learned so much this season. “I’m happy to be in this position and grateful for my defenders and the entire team defending in front of me”They all are a part of that race for the (WSL’s) Golden Gloves.”I’ve learned so much this season and there’s just so much to gain out of this, especially with my goalkeeper coach and goalkeeper union around me.”Red Devils boss Marc Skinner said: “Phallon is an incredibly intelligent woman. “That’s really important because she’s very aware of what’s needed to be Man United’s number one. “But she will be the first to say the defending team ahead of her has helped that as well.”Away from the pitch, studying the ocean is something that has always fascinated Tullis-Joyce.It was always part of my plan to be a marine biologist. I love scuba diving and I don’t just love the ocean. I love the environment in general.Phallon Tullis-JoyceThe USA shot stopper has even given a talk to Year 7 school pupils on the topic of marine biology as part of Man United’s Eco Reds programme.       She adds: “They invited me to come talk to the children about the ocean. “Students take part in different lessons revolving around the environment and sustainability.”I just try to really make it fun for them because at that age, I really just want them to think that it’s cool.”It was always part of my plan to be a marine biologist. I love scuba diving.”It’s just such a serene experience where all you’re doing is breathing and looking at cool animals that have adapted to a really hard environment. Tullis-Joyce, who has degrees in marine biology subjects, is an advocate for protecting the environment and marine life”I don’t just love the ocean. I love the environment in general.”Even seeing little frog eyes pop up and see the reflection of their eyes on the surface of the water and learning now for the first time at 28, the difference between frog spawn and toad spawn. “It’s just so cool. Toad spawn might as well be like udon noodles, whereas frog spawn is like boba. “I’ve just been obsessed with telling my teammates.”This month has seen Tullis-Joyce make her first senior appearance for the USA’s women’s team keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 friendly win against Brazil. Today will see her face the challenge of attempting to help holders United reach a second successive FA Cup final for the first time in their history. Her side, who also hope to seal a top three finish for Champions League qualification, will face West Ham, Chelsea and Man City in their final WSL games this term. As part of her goalkeeping development Tullis-Joyce regularly uses a smart reaction training tool known as BlazePod. It helps shot stoppers, including keepers playing at an elite level, to integrate cognitive fitness into their practice routines. And BlazePod does this by using pads with lighting to test goalkeepers’ reaction speeds. The programme is also used by sports people outside of football including Formula One drivers. Tullis-Joyce adds: “It’s crazy how simple they are (to use), but how much you can do with them.”For me, it’s more just that preparation, even for game days to get used to bright lights in a stadium. “It’s just something that’s constant that I can use so I can always sharpen up my reaction time really quickly.Tullis-Joyce uses a smart reaction practice tool known as BlazePods to help with her reflex training”With Manchester United I would say the biggest impact BlazePods has had for me is my preparation for training.Read More on The Sun”I use them every single day and for game days as well to help with practice for any type of handling and my footwork and peripheral vision. “It really opens up my senses a bit to be ready for the day.” More

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      in Soccer

      Andre Onana dropped for Man United’s clash against Newcastle with flop keeper left at home after Lyon disasterclass

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      RUBEN AMORIM has taken keeper Andre Onana out of the firing line for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle today.The Cameroon international stayed back in the North West as the squad travelled to Tyneside on Saturday evening.Andre Onana has been dropped for Manchester United’s trip to NewcastleCredit: GETTYRuben Amorim has axed the Cameroonian following his Europa League blunders against LyonCredit: GETTYBut the former Ajax and Inter stopper will be back between the sticks next ThursdayCredit: REUTERSAltay Bayindir will make his Premier League debut in Onana’s absenceCredit: REXHis axing comes after SunSport exclusively revealed some team-mates wanted him AXED after Thursday’s Europa League blunders against Lyon.But he’s been told by the manager he is being rested and will be back in the team for the return leg against the French giants next Thursday.And Onana – who endured a nightmare in the first leg in France last week – is believed to be in agreement with the decision.It means Turkish understudy Altay Bayindir is likely to make his Prem debut in the game at St James’ Park.READ MORE ON ONANAAmorim has decided to give Onana, 29, a couple of days to clear his head after a difficult week.He was involved in a war of words with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic in the build-up to the  Europa League tie.The Serb took exception to Onana’s claim that United are better than Lyon – and called him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history”.With all eyes on him in the Groupama Stadium, Onana made two blunders to gift Paulo Fonseca’s team a draw and keep them very much in the tie.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey were the latest in a long line of mistakes by the former Inter goalkeeper during his two years in England.It has not been easy for him off the pitch either. His wife, Melanie, was the victim of a violent street robbery in Alderley Edge recently.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatThat left the family needing 24-hour protection at their Cheshire home  – but he continued to play despite the ordeal.Bayindir only returned to the United squad for the trip to Nottingham Forest 12 days ago after missing nine matches through injury.His previous seven appearances have all come in cup competitions so this will be his first taste of league action for United.Amorim is expected to shake up his goalkeeping options this summer – with Bayindir possibly sold to make way for a new arrival.Veteran No3 Tom Heaton is also out of contract but may be offered a coaching role in recognition of his long association to the club. Newcastle will be without manager Eddie Howe for the visit of United.Andre Onana’s wife Melanie Kamayou was robbedCredit: InstagramNewcastle boss Eddie Howe will miss the game through illnessCredit: PAHowe was hospitalised late on Friday “having felt unwell for a number of days.”A Newcastle statement read: “The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.”Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. Read More on The Sun”He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.”Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.” More