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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

    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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    Former Liverpool ace survives terrifying GRENADE attack on his family home

    FORMER Premiership star Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in Israel.The ex-Liverpool midfielder was in the house with his family when a motorcyclist pulled up outside and threw the device at the door.Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in IsraelCredit: GettyIt exploded, triggering a fire as the attacker fled the scene.Police and fire crews raced to the house in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, at 11pm on Sunday. The blaze was extinguished shortly after.Cops are investigating it as a suspected criminal attack rather than a terrorist incident.Read More on FootballShocked Benayoun, Israel’s record goal scorer, said it was a case of mistaken identity.He said: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.“At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”The attack caused damage to the property but no-one was injured.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house.“Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”Hamas releases sick vid of hostage begging for release saying ‘time is running out’ as terror group calls for ceasefireBenayoun, 44, played nearly 200 times in the Prem for Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal.He retired from playing in 2019 after a 22-year career, scoring a total of 173 goals in 728 appearances.Meanwhile, a Palestinian journalist was killed and nine others injured when Israeli missiles struck a media tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis.Videos showed a reporter engulfed in flames as others tried to rescue him.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted photographer Hassan Aslih because he was a member of Hamas who operated “under the guise of a journalist”.Aslih was injured in the attack which killed a second Palestinian man.The IDF said the reporter had taken part in the October 7 raids into southern Israel and had “documented and uploaded footage of looting, arson, and murder to social media”.Hamas said the claims were false.In total, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, according to Hamas.The terror group marked 18 months since the war started by launching the biggest rocket attack for months.Read More on The SunAround ten were launched from the Strip, half of which were intercepted by the IDF.Three people suffered minor injuries as the IDF intercepted ten rockets. More

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    Shocked US tourist planning gentle Thames sight-seeing trip ends up on boat full of 150 boozed up UK football fans

    A TOURIST planning a gentle sight-seeing trip on the River Thames boarded a party boat full of boozy football fans by mistake. American Evan Johnston got on the vessel with 150 Southend United supporters heading to a match. US tourist Evan Johnston, in check shirt, thought he was on a Thames sightseeing trip, but he’d accidentally joined 150 football fans heading to a match – who took him alongCredit: Andy WardEvan had got on a City Cruises craft – but did not realise it had been chartered by Southend United fans heading for a match against fellow National League side SuttonCredit: GettyAmerican student Evan with fans of the Shrimpers on board the cruise boatCredit: Andy WardThe student, 21, thought they were all going to see London’s landmarks. But the Shrimpers fans welcomed Evan — taking him to his first ever match, buying all his drinks and chanting: “Evan is a Shrimper, la la la la.” Essex side Southend were playing Sutton in South London in a National League clash on Saturday. The fans hired a party boat from Tower Millennium Pier to Blackfriars Pier to catch a train to the ground. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEvan, from Arizona, said: “I had some suspicions when I was in line behind all of the fans. “I figured if they checked tickets they’d turn me off. But they didn’t.” He said he was “rooting for them” after Southend’s 1-1 draw, leaving them a point outside the promotion play-offs with five games left. The club will make Evan guest of honour at this Saturday’s home fixture against Solihull Moors. Most read in FootballFan Andy Ward told The Sun: “The next day I messaged Evan. He’d gone on the sightseeing tour he’d planned, and said our boat was a lot better — and his tour was a little quieter.” The club said: “Full credit to our brilliant supporters.” Crisis club Southend SAVED from extinction after consortium completes takeoverThe friendly fans made Evan welcome and bought him pints as they made their way to the matchCredit: Andy WardEvan with Shrimpers fan, and new pal, Andy WardCredit: Chris PhillipsUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    England football legend and wife plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids

    FORMER England football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate are considering relocating to the Middle East, we can reveal.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, are looking at big-money properties and schools for their younger children in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.Kate is married to former Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: InstagramFriends say the entrepreneurial pair, who live in Bromley, South East London, are keen to find a home in the Gulf.A source said: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms. “They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”The pair met in Dubai in 2016 after being introduced out there by mutual friends.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDRio proposed to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later and the couple tied the knot one year on. He has five kids — Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, with first wife Rebecca Ellison who died in 2015; and Cree, four, and Shae, 21 months, with Kate.The source said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Most read in FootballInsiders at TNT Sports are concerned that pundit Rio, who also has homes in Portugal and Barbados, will leave at the end of the season.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The former Manchester United captain has worked for the broadcaster for more than a decade and is seen as integral to their coverage.His management firm New Era has signed a partnership with US talent agency WME.A spokesman for Rio and Kate declined to comment.The couple are looking at homes in the sunny GulfCredit: Getty More

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    Roy Keane hailed as an ‘absolute gentleman’ after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospital

    FOOTIE great Roy Keane has been hailed an “absolute gentleman” after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospital.The former Manchester United captain agreed to meet ailing Pat O’Sullivan, 77, after a radio plea from his family.Roy Keane has been hailed an ‘absolute gentleman’ after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospitalCredit: GettyRoy spent 35 minutes at Mercy hospital in his home city of Cork with PatCredit: corksredfm / InstagramPat, who regards Roy as a “total legend”, wept as the two embraced.Irishman Roy, 53, spent 35 minutes at Mercy hospital in his home city of Cork with Pat, his wife Catherine, and sons Derek, 44, and Rob, 41.Rob said: “What an amazing thing for Roy to do. “My dad was absolutely delighted.”Read More on FootballThe footballer grew up close to the family home in Cork and he once shared a pint with Pat in the Temple Acre pub.Rob added: “My dad always talks about his friend Roy Keane. “He was so happy to meet him that he cried twice.“Roy put his arm around him and shared a joke with him. Most read in Football”He loved it.”‘As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digRoy and Pat pose for a photoCredit: corksredfm / Instagram More

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    Two Manchester United stars share secret love of fishing after being spotted in angling shop dressed in training gear

    MANCHESTER United stars Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui have struck up a reel friendship — by going fishing together.The pair unexpectedly popped into an angling shop last week while still dressed in their training gear.How Man Utd aces Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui might look on a fishing tripDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, spent around an hour inside the angling shopCredit: AlamyZirkzee was spotted alongside Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27Credit: AlamyDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, and Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27, spent around an hour inside Trafford Tackle & Bait in Stretford, a couple of miles from Old Trafford.Owner Jeff Smith said he initially did not know who they were, but they were spotted by kids buying sweets next door.Jeff, 48, told The Sun: “They were great. They had tracksuits on but I don’t know United players so I thought they were from the academy.“They asked me lots of questions about fishing around the area and what kind of tackle they should use.Read more on Man Utd”They were interested in buying rods and reels and got some live maggots as bait.”The two Red Devils also happily posed for pictures to the delight of the schoolkids.A mum said: “They were both lovely. Some of the children asked for pictures and they were really happy and friendly towards them.”Mazraoui previously told how he fished to help him relax while at Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballOther rod-loving footballers include Manchester City ace Phil Foden, who bought a home with its own lake so he could teach his son Ronnie.Former England goalkeeper David Seaman was told to “calm down” Paul Gascoigne by taking him fishing at Euro 96. Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have also had a dangle.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’ More

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    Man Utd legend Paul Scholes honoured with mural in his hometown after gaining surprise backing

    MAN United icon Paul Scholes has been honoured with a mural in his hometown — backed by rival City fans.A 15ft painting of the midfielder’s face can be seen in Middleton, Gtr Manchester, after he won a public poll to decide which local to celebrate.Paul Scholes has been honoured with a mural in his hometown of MiddletonCredit: STEVE ALLENScholes won a public poll to decide which local to celebrateCredit: GettyScholes retired from football in 2013Credit: GettyStreet artist Akse  P19, behind the work, noted that Scholesy won it by a “significant margin”.He added: “What’s even more remarkable is that some Man City fans participated in the vote, choosing Scholes, which speaks volumes about the impact he’s had.”Scholes, 50, won 11 Premier League titles with United, and played for England 66 times before retiring in 2013.Akse added: “This mural serves as a lasting tribute to his incredible career and the pride he brings to Middleton.”read more on Paul Scholes Scholes was born in Salford and moved to the Langley Estate in Middleton with his family when he was about 18 months old.He previously said: “As far as I’m concerned I’m Middleton through and through.“I had some great times growing up and miss the place a lot.“I still try to get back to see my family whenever I can.Most read in Football“I have a lot of fond memories of growing up and going out.”Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Street artist Akse  P19 was behind the muralCredit: STEVE ALLENScholes won the poll by a significant marginCredit: STEVE ALLENUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Inside David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations including MONTH of lavish parties with huge guests

    DAVID Beckham has kicked off his 50th birthday celebrations — which include a month of partying.The former England skipper, who owns US club Inter Miami, got the ball rolling with a posh bash at his favourite restaurant in the city.David Beckham, pictured with wife Victoria, has kicked off his 50th birthday celebrations — which include a month of partyingCredit: instagramGuests included 6ft 4in quarterback legend Tom Brady and 7ft 1in basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal and Jamie SlaterCredit: instagramGuests included 6ft 4in quarterback legend Tom Brady and 7ft 1in basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal.The sporting giants towered over 5ft 11in Becks and his shorter pal, Authentic Brands founder Jamie Salter.Also attending the do at swanky Italian diner Cipriani was Becks’ wife Victoria, and their children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13.Eldest son Brooklyn, 26, had work commitments.Read More on FootballBecks’ big day is not until May 2, but a source explained: “This party took place so early because of the Inter Miami schedule. “They played the night before and a lot of people flew in to watch that too, including Jack Whitehall.“They hired out Cipriani, which is an old favourite of the Beckhams. There was a free bar, and they all partied late into the night.“David is planning other events and will be turning 50 in style. Most read in Football”He will do a big dinner for his family and friends closer to his birthday and then will spend the day itself doing something with just Victoria, their parents and the kids.“They like to keep their actual birthdays more private and Victoria will be planning something very special.”Watch as David Beckham gives fans rare look inside Cotswolds homeWhen the former Spice Girl hit 50 last year, Becks hired out Mayfair private members club and whisked her off for a remote romantic break.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More