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      Mason Greenwood being encouraged to consider suing Man Utd after Benjamin Mendy successfully sued rivals City

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      MASON Greenwood is being encouraged to consider suing Man United after Benjamin Mendy successfully sued their rivals City.Legal sources say there could be “potential implications” following Mendy’s victory.The footie ace is to get £9million in wages which were withheld after he was charged with rape and sexual assault — of which he was later cleared.Mason Greenwood could launch a legal bid against Manchester United relating to loss of earningsCredit: ReutersFormer Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has successfully sued his former clubCredit: GettyHis reps remain unhappy with United’s decision to get rid of him six months later.They believe it affected his future earning ability and attractiveness to sponsors such as Nike, who ditched him after he was arrested.A source said the club was prepared for legal action if Greenwood decided to try to launch a case.READ MORE MASON GREENWOODThey said: “This is something that has been on the cards ever since criminal charges against Mason were dropped. “The club has noted the Mendy case and the potential implications it has for them.“But the two cases are fundamentally different. “Mendy was suspended without pay by City, whilst Mason was suspended on full pay.Most read in FootballBenjamin Mendy has won the majority of his battle against Manchester City over £11.5million in unpaid wages“If he were to launch legal action it would be for a loss of potential earnings.“He was one of the hottest prospects in Europe. “His suspension destroyed it all in an instant.In March we told how Greenwood had liquidated his image rights company in an apparent nod to his lack of appeal to sponsors.The source went on: “He could also claim for damage to his mental health. “The Mendy case has emboldened those around Greenwood. “They feel he was unfairly treated.“But the club sought legal advice at every single stage and is prepared should he go through with it.”Greenwood, now at Marseille, is expecting a second child with partner Harriet Robson.It comes after a tribunal ruled Man City acted unlawfully when they stopped paying Mendy’s wages in 2021. READ MORE SUN STORIESJudge Joanne Dunlop said the French defender, 30, was “ready and willing” to work.We approached United for comment.Greenwood is enjoying success at Marseille after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd star Harry Maguire facing HUGE fine after being clocked speeding in £200k Land Rover twice in two days

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      MANCHESTER United star Harry Maguire is facing a hefty fine after he was clocked speeding in his £200,000 motor twice in two days.The England defender, 31, was caught exceeding a 50mph limit by a manned traffic camera.Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is facing a HUGE fine after being clocked speeding in his £200k Land Rover twice in two daysCredit: GettyMaguire, reportedly paid £190,000 a week, was in his Land Rover SV on March 5 in Wilmslow, Gtr Manchester.Two days later, in the same car, he was caught travelling at 68mph in a 60mph zone in Sheffield, South Yorks.In September he admitted that offence at the city’s magistrates’ court, was ordered to pay £1,028 and handed three points.Yesterday Maguire was due to appear before Bolton magistrates after pleading guilty last month for the first offence.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he had given notice he would not attend and the hearing was adj­ourned to January 8.In September, The Sun revealed that Maguire’s pal Marcus Rashford was banned from the road after speeding at 104mph on the M60.The forward was pulled over by an undercover cop car and claimed he only sped up as he was scared of being followed.Last year Rashford, 26, infamously collided with a grandmother in his £700,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan as he left United’s Carrington training ground.Most read in FootballBoth drivers luckily escaped without harm.Fellow England star Jack Grealish, of United’s rivals Man City, was also fined £666 earlier this year for speeding at 44 in a 30mph zone.Maguire was due to appear before Bolton magistrates after pleading guilty last month for the first offenceCredit: APMan Utd fans say Harry Maguire ‘should still be captain’ as they spot ‘class act’ towards academy stars in pre-season More

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      Inside Boyzone & Westlife stars’ bid to turn footie minnows into ‘new Wrexham’ as they declare ‘we’ll win the Prem’

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      BOYZONE and Westlife have sold out stadiums all over the world.But now three members of the famous Nineties pop bands have entered a new arena with a fresh challenge – to take a part-time football club all the way to the Premier League.Shane Lynch and Brian McFadden at Chorley this weekendCredit: Mark TattersallWrexham’s celebrity owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate the club’s promotion in April last yearCredit: GettySaturday’s clash with King’s LynnCredit: Mark TattersallJean Pedley, second left, with fansCredit: Mark TattersallKeith Duffy said: ‘Chorley Football Club belongs to the people of Chorley’Credit: GettyShane Lynch and Keith Duffy from Boyzone, with Brian McFadden of Westlife fame, are now shareholders of Chorley FC, who play in the ­National League North — SIX rungs below England’s top-flight squads.Chorley is just 25 miles from ­Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, but the clubs are light years apart in footballing terms.The smaller team, nicknamed The Magpies, averages gates of 1,400, compared to City’s 53,000. Their 80-year-old stand was originally built on an ash tip, and the club boasts such a ­community vibe, a fan once drove a crocked player to hospital because no ambulance was nearby.Read More on SportNow, with a potential documentary in the offing tracking their journey, Shane, Keith and Brian believe there is no reason why they can’t mirror Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham — whose story ­features in a Disney+ show — and Gary Neville at Salford City.Both have taken struggling teams towards the promised land.Brian, 44, said: “We have aspirations, just like Wrexham and Ryan Reynolds. “I wake up some nights thinking, ‘We’re going to win the Premier League in the next 30 years’.Most read in Football“You have to dream big, and we’ve got to aim for the top.‘Amazing support’“Teams like Salford and Wrexham, who have well-known owners, make us think, ‘Why not us?’.” Boyzone reuniting for Welcome to Wrexham-style TV docu-series after buying non-league Chorley FCAnd he joked: “Gary Neville and Ryan ­Reynolds may need to watch out!”Keith added of the locals’ pride in the team: “We’re from a working-class background in the north side of Dublin and it’s all about family.“It’s all about community — and coming here today, it’s like being home.“Hopefully we’re going to be the new adopted sons.”This week, The Sun was invited for the first ever access-all-areas tour of the ground with the lads, and to witness a 2-1 win for their team that took them joint top of their league.It is exactly a year since the trio signed on the dotted line as investors.Since then, the club has invested £250,000 in a new pitch, installed safer terracing at the 4,100-capacity ground and also created a brand new hospitality suite.But the pop stars insist they will not be meddling in the running of the team. Chorley Football Club belongs to the people of ChorleyKeith DuffyShane, 48, said: “What’s on the pitch stays on the pitch, and what’s off the pitch kind of stays off the pitch. “We try not to bleed into both. “We are here as investors.”Brian, who lives in neighbouring Rochdale, added: “When I was signed to big record companies, I hated it when they told me how to sing.“So, we’re definitely not going to tell them how to play football.”We arrive at the 105-year-old ­Victory Park stadium two hours before Saturday’s crunch home tie against King’s Lynn.The old-fashioned turnstiles creak as stewards warmly greet fans by their first names. One supporter sells pin badges while others chat to the players and give them high-fives as they head inside.Shane and Brian — both wearing club jerseys — guide us into the home dressing room, where the team’s black, white and red shirts bearing each player’s name are hung up neatly, with the rest of the kit folded below. We have aspirations, just like Wrexham and Ryan Reynolds. I wake up some nights thinking, ‘We’re going to win the Premier League in the next 30 yearsBrian McFaddenBut this is where the similarities with a Premier League changing room end. Instead of giant interactive screens similar to those you would see at the likes of City and Liverpool, a whiteboard displays hand-written notes on that day’s match rivals.Shane embraces Chorley manager Andy Preece and the pair share a joke.Brian, who scored a 1999 No1 with Westlife covering Abba’s I Have A Dream, said: “When I’ve got grandchildren, I want to be able to say I was a part of that.”However, not all fans were convinced when Shane’s friends, who bought the 141-year-old club last year, invited the lads to invest. Keith said: “Chorley Football Club belongs to the people of Chorley.“They’ve got this amazing community support. “It’s their club and I think there was a worry that we might come in and try to make it a bit Hollywood and throw money at it. “After speaking to everyone, we said we couldn’t do that. “We had to let this club grow naturally.”Shane added: “I’m not hugely into football, but Brian and Keith are.“It’s amazing to see how the fans bought into having two guys from Boyzone and a fella from Westlife on board.”And it’s not just the club that is in a different league. Most of Chorley’s players also have day jobs, such as school sports coach, personal trainer, plumber and electrician. One even works for the National Crime Agency.Outside, the ground has changed since the club was formed after switching from a rugby team in 1883.Fans can get in for just £14 if they buy tickets online, while under-12s go free — a snip compared to the £100 sometimes charged by Premier League sides in the area. Chorley — a town of just 120,000 people — is famed for its Chorley cake but, as well as being able to grab one with a cuppa for less than £3, the ground’s delicacy is its butter chicken, mushy peas and gravy for just over £5.‘Always felt like home’Since the lads took over a year ago, a revamp means state-of-the-art hospitality facilities offer fans a two-course meal, their own car parking space, a programme, signed ball and the best seats for less than £70 a head if bought in a group of six.Hospitality manager Sue Gautrey began working as a barmaid at the club in 2002, and said: “It has always felt like home. “My three daughters work here and I hope I’ll be here until I retire.“It’s quite surreal seeing Boyzone and Westlife wandering around, but they are lovely. “Everyone associated with the club is great.”In the summer, Shane, Keith and Brian saw £250,000 spent on a new pitch and drainage system, while the terracing got fresh Tarmac, a new perimeter fence was installed and improvements were made to the quaint main stand.Chairman Jamie Vermiglio, a former player who managed the club to the fourth round of the FA Cup in 2021, when they were beaten by Premier League side Wolves, said: “Having these guys here is brilliant for the club. “It’s exciting.“We have had some great times and achievements, and hopefully we will have many more.”I’m not hugely into football, but Brian and Keith are. It’s amazing to see how the fans bought into having two guys from Boyzone and a fella from Westlife on boardShane LynchShane said: “We’re on a ten-year project and we are coming into Year Two. “We’ve got lots of ideas for the ground, for the game and to grow Chorley as a town.“What we are doing is very much community based. “Just look at the queues outside. “This is why this club is alive, and the more people we can have walking through the turnstiles, is very important to us.”The trio said they are keen to bring in new sponsorship, boost attendance and generate funds to help climb the leagues.And watching their match with full-time squad King’s Lynn, it could be the start of something.Chorley win 2-1, sending them joint top with former league club Scunthorpe. Fans are jubilant and chant, “We are going up” as they leave.Chorley is a great community and the support they have is great. This is how it should be and it is a great day out for familiesKeith DuffyJean Pedley, 82, started watching the team aged 12 and lives next to the ground. She said: “My mother used to wash the kit. “My sister and I used to work in the refreshment bar and all you could buy was a pork pie and a cup of tea. “Now we have pop stars here. “It’s changed a lot.”John Vernon, 81, a supporter of 70 years, said: “The Premier League is another world, but this is the charm of it here. “At a game in Nottingham, one of our players suffered a nasty cut and there wasn’t an ambulance so I drove him to hospital.“I managed to get him back to the ground before the team coach left.“When we arrived back, everyone cheered. “If we’d missed the coach, I’d have happily driven him home. “Where else would that happen?”In the trophy room, Keith, 50, hailed fans’ post-match celebrations, which include a singer and a live band, revealing: “Chorley is a great community and the support they have is great. “This is how it should be and it is a great day out for families.”He added of their win over King’s Lynn: “It was good to see that today.”Shane added: “I was having a bit of banter with the fans, telling them that it’s not my fault if we lose.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I was nervous at the end of the game and it was a great buzz to winning. “There are real similarities with having a great gig.” More

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      Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester rivals & neighbours include United star

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      LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester arch rivals.The Dutchman, 46, has bought a five-bedroom pile in Hale Barns.He and wife Mirjam will be ten miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford and 11 from Man City’s Etihad Stadium.And it will take him three times longer to reach the Reds’ Anfield HQ.Neighbours will include United duo Matthijs De Ligt and Christian Eriksen.A source said: “There’s a saying, keep your friends close and enemies closer.Read More on Sport”Well, Arne couldn’t be any closer if he tried. It will probably cause a few raised eyebrows but he’s not the first Liverpool man to live in Manchester.“Quite a few players live over there, despite the history between the clubs. It’s a beautiful area.”Slot’s new pad, once home to United’s Victor Lindelof and City’s Gabriel Jesus, has previously been voted Best Luxury Home at the Northern Design Awards.Slot turned down the offer of moving into predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s rented seven-bed home in Formby. Most read in FootballThe £4million mansion north of Liverpool, originally owned by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard, is now up for sale.Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s new home is nearer his two Manchester arch rivalsCredit: GettyHow Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the day More

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      Chelsea star Cole Palmer arrives at training in Royal Mail van after getting lift from local postie

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      CHELSEA goal ace Cole Palmer is delivering the goods on and off the pitch — after arriving at training in a Royal Mail van.The £40million star shocked team-mates by getting a lift from his local postie.Chelsea star Cole Palmer shocked his team-mates when he arrived at training in a Royal Mail vanCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, had left his car at Chelsea’s training base in Cobham, Surrey, the previous day when he was driven home by a team-mate earlier this month.Struggling to get back in, he was offered a lift in the mail van after chatting with the driver.A source close to Palmer told The Sun: “Cole is the most normal, down-to-earth guy you could meet, and this is typical of him. “He’s a very friendly lad and is on good terms with all of his neighbours, including the postman.READ MORE IN SPORTS“He didn’t think twice when he was offered a lift to the training ground, although his arrival certainly caused quite a stir.“Not many multi-millionaire stars come to training with a postman.”A Chelsea source added: “Cole is so laid-back he didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.“The other players were hysterical about it. Most read in Football“They found it so funny, and gave him the stamp of approval for his stunt.“He’s a complete one-off, on and off the pitch. “Nothing surprises us with him.”How Cole Palmer might look like as Postman PatPep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing year More

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      I partied with Rodri & Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho at Ballon D’or – Harry Kane let slip plans for Prem League return

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      IT was a glitzy night with football’s biggest stars – and I was one of the lucky few invited to attend.More than 500 bottles of Champagne were cracked open before the creme de la creme watched Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’Or.Ellie Henman with her Tottenham hero Harry Kane in ParisCredit: SuppliedEllie with Man Utd’s Alejandro GarnachoCredit: SuppliedMan City’s Rodri picked up the men’s Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersHe was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the eveningCredit: SuppliedBut the caterers scored an own goal when they ran out of platters to serve their nibbles — forcing the chefs to send out waiters holding metal colanders full of macaroni cheese balls.That flash of chaos did not affect the presentation of the only two balls that really mattered — the rotund golden trophies that were carefully wheeled on to the stage in Paris.There was even more fanfare to the moment than I’ve seen at the Oscars and the Baftas.The gongs came in custom-made Louis Vuitton cases, which each took three people to open, while fireworks threatened to set off the fire alarm as the crowd watched in bewilderment.READ MORE IN SPORTSSome hours before then, my evening began by navigating four road closures and more than 200 confused French coppers to get to the Theatre du Chatelet in the French capital on a windy Monday night.Rabid selfie-takersOnce inside, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with football heavyweights including French legend Marcel Desailly and Barcelona president Joan Laporta — who was flanked by heavies to bat off rabid selfie-takers, myself included.My first port of call was tracking down Harry Kane, the former captain of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur, who on the night picked up the Gerd Muller trophy with Kylian Mbappe as they had both scored the most goals in Europe this season.Grabbing Harry for a chat before he was celebrated for his 44 goals in 45 matches, he admitted he was loving his new life at Bayern Munich.Most read in Football“I’m really enjoying it,” Harry told me with a grin on his face, although he went on to admit his German could still do with a bit of work.“I am learning and doing two lessons a week,” he added. “I have a good teacher at Bayern.Harry Kane scores incredibly rare German hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Stuttgart“For me it is difficult but hopefully I will be there for many years and at some stage will be able to talk a bit of German.”But what about coming back to Spurs I plead, given we desperately miss our golden boy.“Maybe one day,” Harry tells me with a somewhat sympathetic smile. Although I suspect, deep down, I may be left wanting.The reception waiters are bringing out posh canapes in great haste but I spy Marcel Desailly waving away cubes of raw cod — which, given they were room temperature, was a wise decision.After I introduced myself, the Chelsea legend gossiped about Real Madrid’s decision to snub the big night after learning star forward Vinicius Junior would not be awarded the top prize.Lamine Yamal with mum Sheila and brother KeyneCredit: RexSpanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates awardCredit: ReutersEllie hanging out with Marcel Desailly at the bashCredit: SuppliedInsiders at the glitzy bash told me the club’s decision to not send a single delegate caused a big headache and a hurried last-minute switch to the seating plan on the theatre floor.Elsewhere in the bash, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho was tucked away in a corner of the champagne reception furiously tapping away on his mobile phone as his glamorous female companion stared blankly into space.I am learning and doing two lessons a weekHarry KaneIt wasn’t surprising the striker only had eyes for his iPhone, given just six hours before he arrived his gaffer Erik ten Hag was handed his P45.I chose to not mention the chaos when I started up a conversation but it was clear Garnacho was so deep in the club WhatsApp group gossip that time for a chinwag with me was not on the cards.He sat with schoolboy-like stoicism on the front row next to Harry as the awards began. By this point, more than 500 bottles of Taittinger had been cracked open and the players, Uefa bigwigs and everyone in between were certainly well-oiled.As the players started to take their seats I went down on to the floor and spotted Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal — who won the best young player trophy at the ceremony — carrying his toddler brother Keyne around to meet his peers.The tot won hearts when Lamine carried him out on to the pitch after Spain won the Euros this summer and he was the centre of attention at the ceremony.As Keyne was passed from player to player, Lamine looked on proudly as they cooed over him.And later that evening, at just past 11pm, he was among the last to leave as proud Lamine carried the tuxedo-wearing tot down the red-carpeted stars and off to bed. Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates award.Jennifer — the woman at the centre of the storm last July when she was kissed without consent by Fifa’s ex- vice-president Luis Rubiales — was the first woman to be handed the gong and used her time on stage to push for equality.‘Make a better world’She said: “This award is not just mine, but belongs to all my teammates, with whom I share a space where equality is not always a given.“That’s why we all work day by day with the hope and desire to leave women’s football in a better place for the new generations.”She added: “I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageous. Work together in order to make a better world possible.”Two hours in, and the ceremony came to a close with the unveiling of the top award, the Ballon d’Or.Barcelona’s Aitana won the women’s gong for a second year in a row and was handed the accolade by Hollywood actress Natalie Portman.The Black Swan star, who part-owns LA-based football team Angel City FC, told me she was a regular at Paris Saint-Germain games with her teenage son — who worked the theatre floor like a pro and took selfies with everyone from Harry to Rodri.I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageousJennifer HermosoCollecting her prize, Aitana paid tribute to her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo who were left in second and third place respectively.The pair did not seem too impressed with her sentiments, though, and struggled to raise a smile as Aitana spoke about them.Afterwards, when the Champagne started to flow again, they made a beeline for the dessert table and I stood and watched as they despondently ate miniature cream cakes and poached pears as Aitana swerved the after-party.Man City’s Rodri, who picked up the men’s Ballon d’Or, was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the evening.The midfielder is on crutches after undergoing surgery following a nasty injury last month, but refused to pose with his sticks and handed them to a flunky as he stood on stage clutching his prize.“I am feeling much better,” he reassured the crowd. “This is a big injury for me. Football has a lot of risks and this is the first time in my career to have something like this.“I am trying to rest and recuperate and come back stronger.”He was joined by his parents, who were seated towards the back — and when I saw him leaving the theatre, his mother had to fight through a crowd of 20 heavies to reach her boy to give him a kiss.It just goes to show, you are never too old, or too successful, to get a smacker from Mum.Back inside the bash, there was uproar at the decision to shut the bar at 11pm — two hours before the official closing time.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith all the stars gone, though, and the warm, raw cod starting to repeat on the most prestigious of guests, it was best to call it a night.Until next year, Paris.Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersWaiter and colander full of nibbles after platters ran outCredit: suppliedNatalie Portman, who presented an awardCredit: GettyEllie at the awards in ParisCredit: Supplied More

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      Failed Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag handed £15m payoff after his sacking from Prem giants as he flees UK on private jet

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      SACKED Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to the Netherlands after being axed as Manchester United manager yesterday with an expected £15million golden goodbye.The Dutchman, 54, got his marching orders at 11am.Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to Amsterdam just hours after being sacked as Man Utd’s managerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester AirportCredit: ZenpixThe Dutchman is in line for a £15million payday despite his turbulent spell as managerCredit: AlamyHe was seen smiling at 2.15pm before a Cessna light aircraft flew him home from Manchester to Amsterdam.Less than two hours after the announcement — at 1.30pm — sheepish Ten Hag was seen crouching down in the back of a black ­chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class.The 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester Airport — where he was pictured in the gilet and with a rucksack — before his private jet left for Amsterdam at 2.15pm.He is in line for a £15million payoff after a turbulent 2½-year spell and is the fifth manager sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down after 27 years in 2013.READ MORE ON ERIK TEN HAGUnited chiefs had extended Ten Hag’s £6.5million-a-year deal until June 2026 just 166 days ago.Fellow Dutchman and ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was his assistant, has taken over as interim boss.A club insider said: “The dressing room has been like a morgue recently — and it is no wonder Ten Hag has gone.“The owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told people he acted with his heart not his head when he gave him the extension in the summer. Now he is acting with his head.”Most read in FootballUnited are currently 14th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Andy Mitten, from fanzine United We Stand, said: “I would never celebrate United sacking a manager but this season has been a nightmare and finishing eighth last year is not good enough.“It is a very expensive move after what happened in the summer – and that is the last thing the club needs at the moment and when we’ve made huge pay-offs to managers in the past.”’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedClub owner Ineos handed Ten Hag the extension after a shock FA Cup Final win over rivals Manchester City in May.A separate United source said of the sacking: “This is long overdue and no one could be that shocked the hierarchy have finally acted.“But the way it has been done is chaotic and shows the club is in a mess from top to bottom.“The worst thing the club did was extend Ten Hag’s contract after the FA Cup win. While that was a great achievement, it was so obvious that it glossed over a dreadful season. And it has now cost the owners potentially over £10million.“While there may be room for negotiation, Erik is not going to go without a hefty pay-off.“It is not the first time it has happened recently either with former managers like Jose Mourinho getting huge payouts as well.“It is a symptom of the chaos that has gripped the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left.”Announcing the sacking, United said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was Ten Hag’s assistant, has taken over as interim bossCredit: AlamyTen Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is the current favourite to take over as managerCredit: GettyNames in the frame to take over include Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and Germany’s national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate, who recently hired Jimmy Worrall, a close associate of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as his agent — and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also contenders for the Old Trafford job.In 2019, United paid £19.6million in compensation after axing Jose Mourinho and backroom staff.Two weeks ago it was revealed Sir Alex is leaving his £2million-a-year role as a United ambassador at the end of the season.That decision was branded scandalous by club legend Eric Cantona and came amid an Ineos-led ­economy drive and after 250 staff lost their jobs in the summer.Ten Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who criticised him after leaving in 2022.Management slammedMany of his recruits came from the Dutch league or played under him at previous clubs.Some signings like £85million Brazilian winger Antony have under-performed.RUUD PIC REMOVEDRUUD van Nistelrooy deleted an old social media post of him in black make-up hours after his appointment as interim boss.The 11-year-old image, inset, of him dressed in jewelled headdress and robe as King Balthazar at a charity event in Marbella, Spain, had been re-shared ­thousands of times.Van Nistelrooy had visited a hospital to mark the Spanish Parade of the Three Kings. In a caption with the picture, he wrote: “In hospital with presents for the young and old.”The source added: “There has definitely been a divided dressing room recently. A lot of players did not like Ten Hag and quite a few will be happy with this news.“His man-management has not been great, and the way he has handled stars has got to be called into question.“No one doubts Erik was a likeable and honourable man who worked extremely hard and loved the club. But he could be dogmatic and inflexible — and that is one of the things that caused friction. The players who are happy he has gone are pleased because they didn’t think his tactics would work.“It is not because they didn’t like him as a person.“There is a new energy now Ruud is in charge, and a growing feeling that – if he does well – he will get the job permanently.United captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, said of the news: “Thanks for everything, boss. I appreciate the trust and moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”Pundit and former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “Erik ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But some of these players have been here for one, two, three managers and we’ve still had the same results.“Someone’s got to come in and change that now.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Liverpool put Jurgen Klopp’s £4m mansion on Merseyside’s Millionaire’s Row up for sale after Arne Slot turned it down

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      LIVERPOOL FC have put Jurgen Klopp’s £4million home up for sale — after his successor Arne Slot turned it down.The Dutchman and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.Arne Slot turned down Jurgen Klopp’s £4million former homeCredit: GettyIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp to stay on rent-freeCredit: GettyThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year linkCredit: PP.Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developerCredit: Willie VassThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year link.A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”Read More on SportEx-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. He was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.Most read in FootballIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.The German and wife Ulla were often spotted in a local pub. Removal vans moved in after he revealed he was stepping down.Slot, 46, who impressed at Feyenoord, has enjoyed the best start of any manager at Anfield, winning 11 of his first 12 matches. The club was asked for comment.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliation More