The Sun Newspaper

IF you’re waiting for the heavy hand of justice to come crashing down on bad boys Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden, don’t hold your breath.
Football doesn’t work that way.

3

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden were stupid and senseless but need to learn from this scandalCredit: PA:Press Association

I’ve been raving about these two youngsters for a while now, Manchester United’s Greenwood in particular.
I’ve been keeping an eye on his progress for the past three years and he looks set to become one of the Premier League and England’s best players.
Foden is one of the most highly rated players of the next generation and will become a star at Manchester City.
And that is part of the problem.

What they did by sneaking two women into the England hotel last weekend was not just silly, rash behaviour by two boisterous young lads, high on life.
In the current circumstances, they could have brought all manner of problems into the bio-secure bubble of the England camp.
The fallout could have gone way beyond embarrassment and shame. It was orchestrated, pre-planned deceit.
We all know what happens when boy meets girl, a few drinks are taken and then things occur. But this wasn’t that.

I have no personal vendetta against these boys. I pray they learn from this episode and, ultimately, it makes them better people.
They were stupid and senseless. England manager Gareth Southgate has said the pair of hot-headed twits need to regain his trust before he can consider recalling them to his England squad.
But when you are players of this sort of calibre, punishments rarely fit the crime. It’s how the system works in our game.
In a couple of months, nobody will probably even mention an incident which put so much at risk for the sake of a few overheating hormones.
That’s because good players get away with things.
That’s how it has been and always will be.
As a former manager, I have to admit being guilty of it myself. When you need your best players out on the pitch, you are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The fact England are involved in a friendly against Wales next and then these two-bob Uefa Nations League matches nobody cares about, makes it even more convenient.

I have an inkling Jack Grealish would have been bombed out of the England squad — possibly for good — if he’d been caught in this situation.
Harry Redknapp

I do wonder if, say, this was Jack Grealish involved in such a blatant breaking of the rules, what this would mean for his international hopes?
I get a funny feeling he is not liked quite so much as Foden and Greenwood.
I can’t say for sure, of course, but I have an inkling Aston Villa’s Grealish would have been bombed out of the England squad — possibly for good — if he’d been caught in this situation.
Players never learn from previous generations, I find. So I would suggest managers need to sit down with young players and openly discuss the pitfalls of losing self-discipline in this manner.
I know about life, especially at my age of 73.
As manager at West Ham and Tottenham, we had characters that tested the boundaries for sure.
One Christmas, the West Ham players came to me and said they planned to hire an open-top bus with a jazz band to take them from the training ground near Romford, into London’s West End.
We were bottom of the league at the time and I pointed out that the route would take them through East London and the West Ham fans digging the road, or working on building sites, would probably lob bricks at them as they rolled past.
CHRISTMAS CHAOS
They took the point and downgraded their plans to just a minibus up to a nightclub.
Even then we found out later that on the way home, a couple of players had set light to some of the seats.
The club had to pay for the damage but we made sure we fined all the players to get the money back.
At Spurs, there was the famous incident where I was asked in a press conference about the Christmas party and I revealed I had banned it.
Unfortunately for me, I was too late telling the players and the day before they had all gone to Dublin on a bender and got wasted.
Not only was I embarrassed but they had beaten me to it, so I could not punish them as I’d left it too late to lay down the law.
I wish all the best for Greenwood and Foden, I really do.
But they have to realise the magnitude of what they have done first in order to move on.
FRANK MUST DELIVER NOW
CHELSEA will have to do better this season.
Frank Lampard is honest enough to admit that as he enters his second year as manager.

3

Frank Lampard knows there is room for improvement after his first season as boss at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But as they prepare for their first game tomorrow at Brighton he has had plenty of financial backing to make sure they improve.
However, regardless of what is spent, if you’re not good enough, you get sacked.
Frank did well with the squad he had last season. Finishing in the top four was considered enough by the owner clearly — or else he’d have been given the boot.
No board of directors takes into account the budget they have provided for players etc. If you miss the targets, you’re out.
I guess that’s what Frank refers to as the ‘non-negotiables’. Well, those targets will have changed this season for sure and Chelsea must finish higher than fourth and get a cup. And I think he’ll take all that in his stride.
TIME FOR MOUR GLORY
CHAIRMAN Daniel Levy says it is time for Tottenham to start delivering trophies. Bet Jose Mourinho couldn’t agree more.
He is a serial winner and will want to target a cup this year to get some momentum building.

3

Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy will be as desperate as each other to win a trophy for Tottenham this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tottenham’s boss should target the EFL Cup. Yes, it is considered second rate by the elite clubs but it can be a springboard to more glory.
The top teams rest their best players and so it could be an easy get — and the fans would love it.
Players will compete for anything. It’s how you drive them in training every week. They want to know there is something at the end for them in return.
Of course, Tottenham could win the FA Cup, too, as they have a great squad.
Go back to last summer and on paper you’d have taken theirs over Chelsea’s.
I say don’t be shy about going for the EFL Cup, Jose. It could be the key to unlocking the door.

Southgate says he would have sent Foden and Greenwood home from England duty in disgrace regardless of Covid-19 breaches More

MANCHESTER CITY hope Sergio Aguero will be fit for the start of the season after a rapid recovery from injury.
The Argentine striker, 32, had knee surgery in late June and was expected to miss the beginning of the campaign.

3

Sergio Aguero is aiming to be back for Manchester City’s opener after knee surgeryCredit: AP:Associated Press

But he has made quick progress in his rehabilitation.
And he could now be available to boss Pep Guardiola for their clash with Wolves on September 21.
SunSport understands Aguero is now pain free and his mobility is improving.

City are hopeful he will be back in action within the next week, handing them a welcome boost. Guardiola’s side are starting their Premier League campaign, along with Manchester United, a week later.
They only finished the 2019-20 season just over three weeks ago when they were knocked out of the Champions League by Lyon.
Aguero missed the 3-1 quarter-final defeat, along with the majority of their run-in.
City are in line for a £4.5million windfall if Jason Denayer joins Napoli in the transfer window.

The Italians are looking for a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who ironically is on City’s radar.

3

3

And they are weighing up a £22.5m swoop for the Belgian centre-back, who is captain of Lyon.
City negotiated a healthy sell-on clause when they sold him to the French side two years ago.
And it could help fund the move for Koulibaly, or one of the other players being tracked by Guardiola.

The chances of agreeing a deal for the Senegalese seem increasingly slim, with the two clubs miles apart on their valuation.
Napoli want around £80m for him but City believe that is unrealistic for a 29-year-old.
The Italian club’s boss Gennaro Gattuso said: “Koulibaly has a precise asking price and if the club doesn’t get the money, he won’t leave.”

Lionel Messi tells Sergio Aguero off live on Twitch as he tells Man City star to ‘stop messing around and go see physio’ More

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are calling a halt to transfer business amid growing fears about a second wave of coronavirus.
The impact of the pandemic is a major factor in Manchester United’s reluctance to pay Borussia Dortmund £100million for Jadon Sancho.

1

Jadon Sancho could remain at Borussia Dortmund this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And the uncertainty about when or if fans will be able to return, not to mention the possibility of a new lockdown, is putting the frighteners on almost every club except big-spending Chelsea.
A source said: “Covid is back and everyone is s***ting themselves.
“Most clubs have spent all their money and those that haven’t are concerned about doing business in the current situation.
“What if a major sponsor comes to you and says it can’t pay?

“What are you going to do? Sue them?
“There has to be doubt about whether the Champions League and Europa League can go ahead.”
Rising infection rates in the UK and across Europe are a body blow to football’s hopes of emerging from the crisis.
United will miss out on up to £5m for every match played behind closed doors, with Arsenal facing a similar shortfall.

Unless Dortmund reduce the asking price for Sancho, 20, the much-touted deal will not happen.
The cancellation of the Premier League’s £564m TV deal in China has just added to the crisis.
Most clubs are likely to wait to see how things pan out and use the first three weeks of the season to assess if they still need to strengthen squads.

Man Utd target Jadon Sancho embarrasses team-mate so badly in Dortmund training he is walked off pitch in pity More

RYAN GIGGS believes Mason Greenwood can handle the pressure of taking on his famous No 11 shirt — because he is so good he can score twice a game.
Greenwood has been handed the number worn for two decades by Manchester United legend Giggs on the eve of a season where he is expected to dazzle.

3

Mason Greenwood has been tipped to replicate Ryan Giggs’ form by the great man himselfCredit: Reuters

3

Giggs believes Greenwood is worthy of wearing his legendary No11 shirtCredit: AFP – Getty

His off-field behaviour was called into question after he was sent home in disgrace from England duty last week.
But Giggs laughed off fears the  pressure of wearing his old shirt could weigh the 18-year-old down.
The Wales boss said: “He’s nearly already scored more goals than I did, so there’s no pressure in that respect. But no, I don’t think he’ll feel the pressure of the number.
“He’s a brilliant player, who I don’t think he even looks like scoring every game — I think he’s going to score two every game, he’s  that much of a threat.

“He’s been playing off the right — eventually, I think he will go as a centre-forward.
“But he needs to go again. Opposition will be aware of him and they’ll be trying to stop him.
“He’s got to find a way to keep improving, which I’m sure he will do because he’s very hard to stop — left or right foot, his movement’s good.
“And he’s in an attacking team with the likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, who can find him.”

Greenwood’s fellow England Covidiot Phil Foden also has something to prove after his antics in Iceland.
And Giggs said the 20-year-old’s biggest test is yet to come at Manchester City — proving he is good enough to be trusted by Pep Guardiola every week.
Giggs said: “David Silva would be a miss for any team but it’s a chance for the likes of Phil Foden, who’s had a taste of it and has shown his quality.
“He’s a talent, everyone can see that. It’s now about when he gets his chance he has to take it and stay in the team. The easy bit is getting in it.”
Speaking as he relaunched McDonald’s Fun Football programme, Giggs added: “Liverpool start the season as favourites, purely because of what they’ve done the last couple of years.
“It’s up to the rest to step up. City will, I’m sure United will and Chelsea have been really decisive in the transfer market.
“So I expect them to get closer to Liverpool.”

3

Giggs admits all of his Wales players are eager to face England next monthCredit: McDonalds
Giggs faces a selection dilemma next month . . . because  all his Wales stars WANT to take on England.
The Dragons play their old rivals at Wembley in a friendly on October 8 ahead of two  Nations League games.
But, after two opening wins in Group B4 and clashes with Republic of Ireland and  Bulgaria to come as part of an international triple-header, Giggs has a juggling act ahead.
His squad from experienced stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey to one-cap duo Dylan Levitt and Ben Cabango will all be desperate to  test themselves against the Three Lions.
The Wales boss said: “Wales against England in football, rugby, or whatever, is huge. And every player will want to be part of that.
“So it’s up to me to get the team selection right because then after that, we’ve got two tough away Nations League games and  we’re top of the group and  want to stay there.
“But the lads  all want to be involved in the England game.
“Luckily, I have a few more substitutions. So that will help me in that regard.

“It’s a huge test for us because England are a top team. The players they can draw upon, they’re playing Champions League regularly and are top players, and they prove that.
“So it’s a real big test for us and it’s one we have to have to rise to at Wembley. But we’re a good team as well and we’ve got everyone available, so we’ll give England a good test.
“All the players will know each other and that is not always the case in international football.
“We experienced that a couple years ago when we played the Republic of Ireland and it’s always tough because you know the players so well, and it’s always tight.
“And it means so much to the players and the fans and the country as a whole when we do play the likes of England, so it’ll be an emotional game, but one that obviously we need to use our emotions in the right way.”
Giggs is delighted with the way his side came through the international break with  victories over Finland and  Bulgaria, even though the standard of football was not the highest.
It was a nightmare programme for all international managers with their squads at differing stages of pre-season.
And next opponents England struggled more than most with unconvincing displays against Iceland, winning 1-0 with a late penalty,  and a goalless draw with Denmark.
But speaking to relaunch the McDonald’s Fun Football programme following lockdown, Giggs is sure the October round of matches will be a far better standard.
He added: “I’ve got sympathy for Gareth because I experienced it where there’s a lot of players who haven’t played who have had a quick turn-around.

“They had played a long season last year, going on  after the lockdown, and then only  having a two-week turnaround.
“Some had been on holiday and only had a couple of days training.
“So it was really hard to sort of play flowing football and have that cohesion which you’d  normally get.
“With international teams it is always difficult, but it was even more difficult this time because of the circumstances.
“It wasn’t easy, especially with the only three substitutions so credit to the lads who, you know, played two 90 minutes and performed so well and really dug out results.
“It was like a pre-season really for a lot of the lads, and the two teams that we played, their season had started and they were four or five games in.
“So I was delighted it was a really good camp and obviously I was able to give a few debuts as well and give experience to a few of the good the younger players we’ve got coming through.
“Some had played a couple of practice games, some had played nothing at all.
“Gareth Bale had trained two training sessions, that was it. So we were a bit all over the place regarding that.
“So it was a lot of work juggling the two teams, then trying to pick two teams really.”
Wales manager Ryan Giggs was relaunching McDonald’s Fun Football  programme, which offers fun, free and safe football sessions for children age 5-11.
To find your nearest Fun Football Centre and to sign up for a session, go to mcdonalds.co.uk/football

Southgate says he would have sent Foden and Greenwood home from England duty in disgrace regardless of Covid-19 breaches More

PAUL POGBA has trademarked his famous dab goal celebration — paving the way for the launch of his lifestyle brand.
The Manchester United midfielder, 27, has registered his name and dab celebration in eight different categories covering scores of items such as jewellery, watches, clothing, wallets, perfumes and grooming products.

1

Man Utd star Paul Pogba has trademarked his dabbing goal celebrationCredit: Rex Features

His distinctive pose, made famous by the star forming two right-angled triangles, was even used in maths question in French schools.
Pogba has now filed documents with the Government’s Intellectual Property Office so he can use ‘Pogba dab’ designs on merchandise.
The French World Cup-winning midfielder, who cost a club-record £89million, is not the first Old Trafford star to trademark their moniker.
Marcus Rashford has protected his name so it cannot be used by  anyone else to flog clothes, games or books and digital media.

Pal Jesse Lingard has his own JLingz clothing firm and trademarks over his nickname.
Jonty Warner, a senior associate with Bird and Bird’s Intellectual Property Department in London, said: “First, it bolsters their ability to take action against third  parties who may be using the relevant names in the course of trade without consent.
“It also improves their ability to enter into agreements to commercialise their personal brand.
“By way of example, they may wish to licence the trademarks to  partners and earn royalties that way.”

Meanwhile, Pogba could still miss Man Utd’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on September 19 following his coronavirus scare.
Pogba missed training sessions because he and his wife tested positive for Covid-19, and his fitness is lagging behind as he had to self-isolate
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told MUTV: “Paul’s had a couple of training sessions, so he’s lost out on a few sessions because of the virus, of course. 
“But Paul is quick to get fit…. hopefully, he’ll be ready for next weekend. I am not 100 per cent sure, though.”

Pogba and wife Zulay relax at home with son Labile Shakur as Man Utd ace self-isolates after positive More