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      Man Utd legend steps in to raise money for ex players after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes crucial funding in drive to cut-costs

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      MAN United hero Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former players after boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe pulled the plug.In a big cost-cutting drive, billionaire Sir Jim axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fund.Former Man United captain Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former playersCredit: GettyNew United boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fundCredit: Jack Hill The TimesThe Association of Former Manchester United Players was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.In an interview last month, pundit Neville grilled Sir Jim on the issue, saying: “£40,000 was taken from the former players association. That’s not the players that played under Sir Alex (Ferguson) or even the last ten years. They’re players from the 1960s and ’70s.“Why not raise the money at a dinner? Give the ex-players their money. It’s a cruel decision.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSheepish Sir Jim admitted: “Well, nobody suggested that.”Now Neville has worked with the club to organise an event to honour ex-striker Andy Cole, with the proceeds going to AFMUP.Guests at the £125 a ticket bash on April 24 will include legendary manager Sir Alex.AFMUP trustee Jim Elms, 84, said: “Gary telephoned me and said he’d organise a Q&A session and we are all delighted.”Most read in FootballA Man United source said: “We’ve always worked well with the former players’ association and we want that to continue.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City More

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      Mo Salah set to sign new two-year deal with Liverpool as cost of keeping talisman, 32, is revealed

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      MO SALAH is on the verge of signing a stunning new deal worth £42million that will see him complete a decade at ­Liverpool.Anfield’s Egyptian king is understood to be ready to put pen to paper on a contract until 2027.Mohamed Salah is edging closer to a new Liverpool dealCredit: GettyThe current deal of the Kop’s Egyptian King expires at the end of the season, with Salah himself previously hinting this could be his final year playing at Anfield.But Owners Fenway Sports Group are confident Salah, 32, will ignore the lure of the Saudi Pro League by signing up for £400,000 per week.It comes after fellow contract rebel Virgil van Dijk said “progress” had been made on his own new deal.There were fears Salah, skipper Van Dijk, 32, and Trent Alexander-Arnold could all walk away as free agents this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Alexander-Arnold, 26, is bound for Real Madrid, Salah and Van Dijk look set to give Liverpool a huge boost as they close in on the Prem title.Sporting director Richard Hughes has developed a close relationship with Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa during negotiations.And Salah is prepared to miss Egypt’s June training camp to rest his body so he is at his best for Liverpool next season.Saudi Arabia have long had interest in Salah, with a £150million bid from Al-Ittihad rejected in 2023.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, captain Virgil van Dijk is set to follow suit by putting pen to paper on fresh terms.The Dutchman, 33, will also sign a two-year deal following a previous offer below his expectations.He gave the biggest indication yet he would stay earlier this week when he said: “There is progress, yes.”However, the homegrown defender Alexander-Arnold looks destined to part ways with Liverpool and head to Spain to join Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNothing is signed on that move yet, but the Spanish giants are said to be “confident” the 26-year-old will join them when his Liverpool deal expires.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’With his expected move, Alexander-Arnold will become only the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid, adding his name to a list including ex-Reds Steve McManaman and Michael Owen.However, Liverpool could still land a fee for the defender after a new transfer window was agreed to allow clubs to sign and sell players ahead of the Club World Cup, which Real are competing in.Virgil van Dijk is set to follow suitCredit: GettyIt comes with Real Madrid confident of landing Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty More

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      Top 100 goalkeepers in the world revealed by stats with shock Premier League No1 and bad news for Man Utd’s Andre Onana

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      FANS have been left baffled by a surprisingly list of the top 100 goalkeepers in the world.Number crunchers at CIES Football Observatory Index have ranked shot stoppers across the world based on stats to see who is the best.Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed top spot with a score of 95.5 out of 100Credit: AlamyRobert Sanchez was surprisingly came sixthCredit: RexAndre Onana failed to make the cutCredit: AlamyThey have taken into account the level of competition, results of games played and the “deviation in the percentage of saves compared to the expected value” to come to their conclusions. And CIES have given top spot to PSG and Italy No1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, who scored 95.5 out of 100.Second place went to Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer and the bronze medal position was awarded to Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois.But fans have been left shocked by some of the other names in the top ten, including Brentford stopper Mark Flekken and Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFlekken has made 130 saves in the Premier League this season, 30 more than any other player, while keeping five clean sheets.Sanchez is ranked sixth by the statisticians despite much criticism from Chelsea fans this season.The Spaniard has made five errors directly leading to goals in the Premier League, which is the joint-highest amount in the division.But Chelsea supporters do not need to worry about the goalkeeping position as loanees Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga make the top 100.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe man spending the season at Strasbourg ranks 11th and Bournemouth’s No1 is 17th.Alisson is regarded by many as the best goalkeeper in the league, but he has to settle for 33rd with a score of 75.1 out of 100.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtThat is behind Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel in 19th and Burnley’s James Trafford in 27th.Meanwhile, it is bad news for Manchester United keeper Andre Onana as he has failed to make the top 100 entirely.His predecessor between the Old Trafford sticks David De Gea is 53rd after a strong campaign at Fiorentina.Other surprise inclusions are Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky in 67th, while the club’s first-choice option Guglielmo Vicario is nowhere to be seen.Sheffield United ace Michael Cooper and West Ham star Alphonse Areola just about sneak in at 81st and 86th respectively.Fans have slammed the rankings, with one saying: “Immediately I saw Sanchez’s of Chelsea name there, I disregarded the list.”Read More on The SunAnother added: “Did David Raya and Emi Martinez start playing a different sport?A third wrote: “Scandalous.”Mark Flekken made the top five after making more saves than anyone else this seasonCredit: AlamyInter Milan star Yann Sommer was ranked secondCredit: GettyThibaut Courtois had to settle for thirdCredit: Reuters More

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      Lewis Hamilton to get new team-mate for a day at Bahrain Grand Prix due to little known F1 rule

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will drive with a new team-mate at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it has been revealed.Ferrari are one of six teams who are using the next Formula One race to fulfil a little-known rule.Lewis Hamilton will have a new team-mate during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekendCredit: RexDino Beganovic will drive in FP1 for Ferrari in Bahrain alongside HamiltonCredit: AlamyMax Verstappen will also not run the session after winning the Japanese GPCredit: RexHe is being replaced by F2 star Ayuma IwasaCredit: RexInstead of Charles Leclerc, 40-year-old Hamilton will instead partner 21-year-old Swedish driver Dino Beganovic for Free Practice One.Likewise, Red Bull will also bring a new driver to their lineup for the Friday session.Fresh off of his win at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will give way to Japanese F2 star Ayumu Iwasa for the session.It means Yuki Tsunoda, who had a tough first race with Red Bull after swapping with Liam Lawson, will have his third team-mate of the season – even though this is only for one session.READ MORE IN F1Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas and Williams have also announced they will be running a rookie driver, with George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz respectively all stepping down.Russell is giving up his seat for Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, while former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is replacing Alonso. Bearman, only a rookie this season himself, is giving up his seat to Ryo Hirakawa and Sainz will cede his seat to British racer Luke Browning.The sweeping changes come as part of a requirement for all F1 teams to run rookies – drivers with fewer than two Grand Prix to their name – at least twice in each of their cars in practice sessions this season.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTeams have had to run a rookie in at least once in each of their cars in FP1 since 2022, with this season seeing the requirement doubled.Alpine already completed one of these mandatory runs last weekend when Ryo Hirakawa ran in place of Jack Doohan – a contributing factor to Doohan’s 185mph crash in FP2.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire The reason for Bahrain being such a popular choice for rookie running is due to the known quantities of it.Teams already have lots of data from the track after pre-season testing was completed at the Sakhir circuit.The Middle East race also represents the first race weekend of the season where UK fans will not have to be out of bed early on Sunday morning.Instead, the Bahrain race will take place at 4pm UK time, with qualifying on Saturday running from 5pm.McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the World Drivers Championship from Verstappen by a single point after the Dutchman’s imperious win at last weekend’s Japan GP.Bahrain GP FP1 rookiesRookies participating in FP1 in Bahrain this weekend:Dino Beganovic, Ferrari – for Charles LeclercAyuma Iwasa, Red Bull – for Max VerstappenFrederik Vesti, Mercedes – for George RussellFelipe Drugovich, Aston Martin – for Fernando AlonsoRyo Hirakawa, Haas – for Ollie BearmanLuke Browning, Williams – for Carlos Sainz More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s F1 replacement handed keys to £165k Mercedes – but he’s BANNED from driving it for three years

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      KIMI ANTONELLI enjoyed a record-breaking Formula One Japanese Grand Prix after being given the keys for a stunning new car.However, he is not allowed to drive it on home soil for THREE years thanks to a new law which came into effect last December.Kimi Antonelli picked up the keys to his stunning new Mercedes before the Japanese GPThe Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is worth £165,000Credit: GettyBut Italian road laws mean he is banned from driving itCredit: GettyAntonelli, 18, is quietly having an impressive debut season with Mercedes after scoring points in each of his first three races with the Silver Arrows since replacing Lewis Hamilton.Before his sixth-place finish at Suzuka last Sunday, the Italian was given the keys to a striking dark blue Mercedes AMG GT 63 S, worth £165,000.He was seen posing alongside the motor – which can go from 0 to 62mph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 199mph – in pictures released by Gazzetta dello Sport.But Antonelli, who passed his driving test in January, will not be able to drive it back home due to strict Italian road laws.READ MORE IN F1Italian law prevents new drivers from operating internal combustion cars with a power limit over 75kW during their first three years on the road, with his new drive having a limit of up to 600kW.Despite this, Antonelli does not have to wait long to get back behind the wheel and find the thrill of speed with the Bahrain Grand Prix coming up next weekend.At 18 years and 224 days, Antonelli’s ten-lap stint leading the Japanese GP saw him become the youngest race leader in F1 history, overtaking Max Verstappen by four days.After pitting onto hard tyres the Mercedes driver later clocked the fastest lap to also beat Verstappen’s title for the youngest driver to achieve a fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking after the race, won by Verstappen ahead of McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, he said: “I am much happier, it was much better than China, and we showed some good pace and consistency, but the first 15 laps were a bit of a struggle, but once I got in free air, the pace improved.”Qualifying was a big click because I was more able to feel the car and push it, and today was another step forward.F1 suspended after fire at Japanese Grand Prix as three red flags cause chaos during practice “I am really looking forward to exploring even more in the next few weekends, because now I have the feeling that I can play with the car, which is something I couldn’t really do in the previous weekends because I was definitely tense whilst driving. “I’m getting more experience with the tyres and the car itself, so I am able to feel it more. “The plan was different, it was to stop earlier, but as the pace was improving lap-by-lap, we decided to stay out because we had not threat from behind and just tried something different. “I’m not going to lie, at one point on the mediums, it started drizzling and I was hoping for some rain, but it didn’t come. But at the same time, I cannot complain because it was a good experience.”Antonelli has so far collected P4, P8 and P6 finishes in F1 feature races, placing him fifth in the World Drivers Championship standings with 30 points, 15 behind team-mate George Russell and 10 more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.He is one of six rookies on the grid this season, including Isack Hadjar, who left Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics after describing an injury he had in a “sensitive area” and Ollie Bearman. More

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      Former Premier League star-turned-manager wears PINK TUXEDO on touchline as he’s compared to Simpsons character

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Segundo Castillo has combined coaching with the catwalk… by sporting a PINK TUXEDO during a game.The ex-Ecuador international star loan spells with Everton and Wolves between 2008 and 2010.Segundo Castillo explained why we wears such spectacular outfitsCredit: ReutersThe ex-midfielder likes to make his Barcelona SC players ‘smile’Castillo’s tuxedo couldn’t quite inspire his team to victoryCredit: AFPCastillo, nicknamed Sir Second Castle, now manages home-country club Barcelona SC.And the 42-year-old went the extra mile to produce a smile for their Copa Libertadores clash with Argentina’s River Plate in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.Castillo stunned onlookers by wearing a flamboyant pink dinner jacket as he saw his side earn a commendable 0-0 draw.The fashion-loving former footballer has previously donned black and white tuxes for Barcelona games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his latest sartorial statement drew plenty of derision online – including memes of Marge Simpson, a character from animated TV show The Simpsons, wearing a pink dress.Castillo said: “When I come out of my dressing-room and my players see me like this, it makes them smile and makes them feel more free for a moment.”The players can tell they are being well looked-after.  “There is a good atmosphere between them and the coaching staff.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton and Wolves loanee produced a smile as dazzling as his attireCredit: ReutersCastillo believes his outfit helps his players look on the bright sideCredit: GettyCastillo made nine Prem appearances for Everton, and scored a UEFA Cup goal against Standard Liege.The anchorman went on to play eight times for Wolves, this time on loan from Red Star Belgrade.Glamorous Ecuador fan in just bikini and fishnet stockings goes viral as fans ditch Euro 2024 for Copa AmericaHe later played for six clubs in South America, including Barcelona SC, plus Saudi team Al-Hilal.Castillo retired as a player in 2020, taking the permanent Barcelona boss job last year following two spells as interim chief. More

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      New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was seen having a heated discussion with Carlo Ancelotti in what could prove to be revealing footage from Real Madrid’s 3-0 loss at Arsenal.The European champions were stunned by two Declan Rice free kicks and a Mikel Merino goal.Bellingham threw his hand up in their air after being lectured by AncelottiThe England star then appeared to shake his head at the instructions he receivedAnd Bellingham seemed to be shocked as he headed over to the touchline with Eduardo Camavinga to receive tactical instructions from manager Ancelotti.The England star first threw his hand up in the air, though it was not clear whether this was a gesture of frustration or he was simply pointing towards Camavinga.And then later on he shook his head before tossing his water bottle aside.Marca claim that the incident happened in the first half when the score was still 0-0.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir report adds that Ancelotti was instructing the players on how to regain control of the midfield and dampen Arsenal’s energy to press with.But Bellingham would go on to have a relatively anonymous game in the 3-0 defeat.Meanwhile things went worse for Camavinga who was sent off after receiving a second booking for kicking the ball away in the 93rd minute.And another Spanish outlet, Relevo, claim Carlo Ancelotti has been “mortally wounded” by the result.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt suggests that unless the Italian can spur his side to a miracle comeback at the Bernabeu next week, they are likely to replace him with Xabi Alonso.Ancelotti has previously been heavily linked with the Brazil job, but spurned the advances of the Selecao last summer to stay in the Spanish capital.Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goal More

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      Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri set for mammoth pay rise as Gunners open talks over new contract

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      ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.Nwaneri is enjoying an explosive breakthrough season after stepping in following injuries to the Gunners’ main attackers.Ethan Nwaneri is set to be rewarded for becoming a virtual regularCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s faith in Nwaneri has reaped big dividendsCredit: GettyThe England Under-21 star’s current deal runs until the end of next season.But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old’s representatives on extending his stay.New sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as manager Mikel Arteta, is keen to tie down the Gunners’ hottest prospects.And with the possible exception of left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.Formal negotiations with the Londoners’ representatives are expected to start in the next few weeks.Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners’ youth player.Most read in FootballThat means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory And during his 21 Premier League games in 2024-25, he’s notched three goals and two assists.However, he remained on the bench in Tuesday night’s sizzling 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-out performer, although Declan Rice was Arsenal’s clear star man, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks.Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.Admittedly he’s profited from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both now fit again.Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.The Gunners also want first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to agree new deals More