The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Britain’s worst football team gets coaching session in accuracy by teen darts sensation Luke Littler

      by

      BRITAIN’S worst football team — which lost every game last season — is coached in accuracy by teen darts sensation Luke Littler.Luke “The Nuke”, 18, gave Tunley Athletic a few games with the arrows, even wearing a blindfold, to show how he blocks out distractions — and still won.Britain’s worst football team was coached in accuracy by teen darts sensation Luke LittlerTunley Athletic lost every game last season, pictured with darts prodigy LukeLuke even wore a blindfold to show how he blocks out distractionsThe team, from near Bath, Somerset, then took him on to the pitch to try out their new skills.World champ Luke, 18, said: “I had a great laugh with the Tunley lads.”I’ve always been a football fan myself, so it was nice to get on the pitch for a change and talk to them about how I prepare and block out the noise during a game.“In darts, if you’re up one-nil and it’s first to five or six, you’ve always got to stay on the opponent and not give them any breathing room.READ MORE ON LUKE LITTLER“It’s the same focus and composure that can really make a difference in football, so hopefully it helps them bounce back.”Captain Duncan Fear said: “Having Luke here was a breath of fresh air for the team – he’s world-class.“We’ve been through a tough few seasons, but bringing in someone who knows what it takes to succeed under pressure and block out the noise is exactly what we needed.It’s the same focus and composure that can really make a difference in football, so hopefully it helps them bounce backLuke Littler“Luke’s insights have been invaluable – not just for the lads on the pitch every week, but for the entire club’s mentality moving forward.Most read in Football“We’re really starting to believe that we can turn it all around.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Luke Littler parades World Darts Championship trophy at Old Trafford weeks after Man Utd superfan won £500,000 prize More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Jermaine Jenas’ talkSPORT comeback is a ‘glimmer of hope’ woke cancel culture is almost over

      by

      COULD Jermaine Jenas’s return to broadcasting signal the beginning of the end of the toxic cancel culture which has, for so long, plagued our society?Sadly, probably not.Jermaine Jenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: UnpixsJenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the texts scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiBut his talkSPORT comeback does provide us with a glimmer of hope that people can make mistakes and not have their careers ended for good.Now, before I go any further, I’d like to make clear I do not condone his actions which forced BBC bosses to wield the axe on his roles there.Sending what one of his female colleagues on The One Show said were unsolicited flirty texts is wrong, and he has caused suffering to multiple women – not least his poor wife Ellie Penfold.His actions cannot be excused, and BBC bosses were right to give him the boot from The One Show and his Match of the Day punditry gig.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASBut should a man who has held his hands up and apologised profusely really be banished from doing any job ever again?The answer from the woke brigade would be a resounding yes, of course.But while what Jenas did was wrong on multiple levels, he has not done anything criminal.He apologised, in an interview with The Sun, to those he had hurt – his family, friends and, most importantly, the women he had messaged.Most read in FootballHe even admitted he had started receiving therapy, confessing he probably has a “problem”.Now he has been offered a role back on talkSPORT – where he was working as news of his sacking broke last August – as part of the commentary team for this Sunday’s FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and Spurs.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingAnd he clearly still has something to offer.Here is a 41-year-old man who spent 13 years as a professional footballer, making 341 appearances for clubs including Premier League sides Spurs and Newcastle, and winning 21 senior England caps.A man who was once touted by the great Gary Lineker as his successor as Match of the Day host.So well done to talkSPORT chiefs for giving him a lifeline.And here’s to hoping others will be prepared to follow suit and fight back against cancel culture. More

    • 313 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      I jumped in front of a lorry after blowing my life savings at casino – now it’s a joy to be alive, says Clarke Carlisle

      by

      AFTER being released from his club ten years ago, former footballer Clarke Carlisle lost a £100,000-a-year TV job and blew much of his life savings in one trip to a casino.The same night as that loss, the ex-Premier League star, who was battling depression, went missing before jumping in front of a truck in an attempt to end his life.Ex-Premier League star Clarke Carlisle and wife CarrieCredit: Richard WalkerClarke went missing in 2015 before jumping in front of a truck in an attempt to end his lifeCredit: *Clarke in action for football club BurnleyCredit: PA:Empics SportBut today, the 45-year-old speaks of the joy of being alive — and explains that instead of turning to gambling in his dark days, he now seeks solace . . . by hiding behind the fridge.Clarke and his wife Carrie work to help others facing suicidal thoughts, holding online talks and courses for people dealing with mental health issues.The defender, whose clubs included Blackpool, Burnley and QPR, said: “I have been to the edge of existence.”Now I can proudly say I’ve not had an episode of depression for years. I’ve not needed meds for three years. I am the most well I’ve ever been.”Read more on Clarke CarlisleCarrie added of one of his new coping mechanisms: “He literally goes and hides behind the fridge. He goes there and takes a little moment.“I won’t even know he’s there, and I’ll open the fridge and the fridge light will go on and I’ll see the ears from his Batman onesie.”Clarke, who has two children with Carrie and three from previous relationships, added: “I know when I start coming down and I need to withdraw. I would stand in the dark, on my own and in my own thoughts.“So I would stand there when I needed to with-draw. The key part of it, it is also where the radiator is. When I do experience depression, I physically get cold. It’s about finding the way for you to deal with things.”Most read in FootballClarke, who was chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association and has also appeared as a contestant on TV game show Countdown, said: “I was a perfectionist as a footballer, critical of things that I would do.“I was in an environment where it is about wins and losses. I tried to replicate that in normal life and in my relationships. My self-worth was governed by results and performances on this pitch.Clarke Carlisle joined Jim White on talkSPORT to discuss mental health and his own battles“So if we won, I felt great. I was a good human and then that would give me positivity going into all my wider interactions, because in my head, that makes me a good dad, a good husband, a good son.“If we lost, that meant I was a terrible human because other people were sad and I’d let them down, which made me a bad dad, a bad husband, a bad brother.“Now I prioritise the things that matter. I meditate a lot, I pray, I prioritise family. I make sure I put the kids to bed at least once a week.“I make sure that they can come into my bedroom and jump on me in the morning. And Carrie and I make sure we have monthly date nights.”With the annual mental health awareness Time To Talk Day next Thursday, Clarke said he still finds exercise triggers pressures he felt in his playing days and gets PTSD around the anniversary of his suicide bid.He is now calling for an independent body to oversee the mental health of all footballers in the UK.‘Terrible human’Ex-TV presenter Carrie, a former alcoholic, said starting the process of writing a series of self-help material, such as Shut Up, Alcohol, played a part in helping Clarke get better.Clarke was released by Burnley in 2012 and in 2014 lost his £100,000-a- year ITV Champions League pundit role before that fateful trip to the casino. He then went missing before throwing himself in front of a lorry on the A64 Leeds to York dual carriageway.Clarke was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary. He suffered cuts, bruises, internal bleeding, a broken rib and a shattered left knee.On Christmas Day 2014, he was admitted as an in-patient to a psychiatric unit in Harrogate and placed on suicide watch.He remained there until he was discharged in February 2015, when, shortly after, he did an interview with The Sun.Ten years on, Clarke said: “After that, I knew I was very unwell. In the lead-up to that, I was being very negative, hypercritical, insular.“I’d never done anything about my depression, and I was clinically depressed.Clarke and Carrie getting married in 2016Credit: SuppliedClarke revealing superman-style vest in game for QPR in 2002Credit: Getty”I didn’t take medication for a myriad of reasons but predominantly because I thought, ‘I’m a man and a Premier League footballer’. I didn’t understand that my thoughts were different or dangerous.“A lot of it was tied into self-worth. I do have an analytical mind. I was using alcohol so that my brain stopped thinking. I was using gambling so that my brain was thinking about something else.“I’m really blessed I never got into drugs. If I had I would be dead now.“Football was pretty much the only thing I thought gave me value. So when I left, I was totally bereft of anything that anyone else valued about me.“I brought my football home, the perfectionism, the autistic portion, compulsive aspect, the need for everything to happen at this time, at this pace, immediate success or failure. There’s no middle ground.I knew then he was an amazing, handsome man. And I know that even more to this dayCarrie“And it’s a dynamic that is ingrained within you, and everything falls into these two categories.”For the first year of my therapy, I had to discover this middle ground of things just being OK, being good enough.“Because in football that had never been good enough, because it’s not the best, it’s not perfect. This transferred into relationships. It was so, so destructive. It was dangerous.”In 2016, Clarke met Carrie, who worked as an ambassador at football anti-racism charity Kick It Out.She said: “It was a whirlwind romance. We gave each other our business cards and I don’t think we ever thought we’d see each other again.‘Dead by tomorrow’”But he emailed and we went for dinner. Within five minutes of sitting down for dinner, he was like, ‘We are gonna get married, have babies’. On the second date he brought his psychiatric papers.“We moved in together three weeks later. Then we got engaged a few months later. And then nine weeks after, we got married.“I knew then he was an amazing, handsome man. And I know that even more to this day. I’m obsessed with him.”The pair worked with each other to support their needs, Carrie with her anxiety and Clarke with his depression.But in 2017, Clarke went missing again and was eventually found in Liverpool before being taken to a psychiatric facility in Blackburn.Carrie said: “When Clarke was found, I wanted to bring him home. I was six months pregnant and I was like, ‘Let’s just go back to this place’, because up to 24 hours ago, I didn’t know anything was wrong.“Luckily, someone took me aside and said, ‘OK, Mrs Carlisle, if you take him home, he’ll be dead by tomorrow’. And that was a slap in the face that I needed.”Clarke then began counselling. He said: “I started to dig deeper and realised I needed to be well.Clarke on TV’s Countdown in 2010Credit: Channel 4“I needed to be alive. I wanted to be here.”Carrie asked him to read through some thoughts she had around her Shut Up, Alcohol method, which she developed in 2006.Clarke said: “The incredible thing about my awesome wife is that she’s been able to put that into a clear and really quite simple process of self-progression and self-accountability, and it brings the power back when you’re talking about your mental health.”You’re not waiting on the NHS to come and fix you.“She asked me to read something she was writing about other issues and it helped me with my attitude to gambling.”Using her Shut Up method, Carrie has written more than 20 books, as well as devising courses to accompany each one.The pair offer online talks and courses for issues such as alcohol, gambling and suicidal thoughts.Carrie said: “Most people don’t want to die.“They just can’t live like this any more. We aim to guide them on their own journey out of it.“We both see it as a great opportunity to pay our own lived experiences forward.”I do miss certain moments of footballClarke CarlisleClarke, who now has a degree in psychology, says he is in the best shape mentally he has been for years. He is “finally able” to enjoy watching football again.But he said: “I can’t go and do a simple run without thinking, ‘Oh, you’re only cheating yourself. You can go faster than this’, or ‘You should have been in the Olympics next year’.”“But I do miss certain moments of football — the first day of the season, a magnificent end of the season, a successful season.”Last week, ex-Premier League referee David Coote said he would be prioritising his mental health after a series of scandals led to him being stripped of his job.And Clarke now wants an independent advisory board for players and referees to help them deal with mental health.He said: “It would great to see a new independent body. They need to stop acting in silos, whether it’s the individual organisations — EFL, Premier League, the WSL, the Championship, the PFA, the FA.“They’re all individual things and giving cursory nods to each other’s activities.“But there is no continuation of care. We need an external third party, an advisory board.“But everyone, even if you are not in football, should be aware that there is help out there.“I have a professional coach. I have the people who I trust. I prioritise the things that make me feel good and keep me well, irrespective of what’s going on.“I am proof that you find a path. You just need to talk to the right people.”READ MORE SUN STORIES Find out more about Clarke and Carrie’s work at clarkeandcarrie.com.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid after cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal

      by

      THE home of a top football agent who helped seal Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was last night at the centre of a drugs raid.Michael Rankine, 40, joined the former Manchester City skipper on his private jet last week as he flew out to sign for the Italian giants.Michael Rankine, above at at Kyle Walker’s unveiling in Milan, was at the centre of a drugs raidRankine also represents Chelsea and England ace Cole PalmerThe ex-footballer was even photographed with the England full-back as he was unveiled to the fans holding up his new number 32 shirt.But 48 hours after he returned to the UK, a police raid at his home was said to have uncovered more than 90 cannabis plants with a potential street value of £75,000.They also recovered equipment used to produce the Class B drug.A source said: “It was a huge shock to everyone after what should have been a ­triumphant return from Italy.”READ MORE IN SPORTSThey added: “Michael flew out with Kyle in his jet on Thursday. His uncle Mark, who is Kyle’s agent, was also on the flight.“They got the deal over the line and were jubilant. Michael posed with Kyle for pictures, returned to the UK over the weekend and then on Monday his home was raided by police.”Rankine, who played as a striker for Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe and Bournemouth during a 16-year career, is employed as a consultant for London firm CAA Base.It represents a host of Premier League footballers such as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and James Maddison and manager Ange Postecoglu.Most read in FootballOn its website, CAA Base said Rankine joined the company in late 2018 after retiring from the game. It adds: “Based in Yorkshire, he helps recruit, manage and guide young professional footballers.” His ex-pro uncle, Mark, who played for Wolves and Sheffield United, also works for the company.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan dealHe represents players including Chelsea and England ace Cole Palmer and New­castle and former Three Lions defender Kieran Trippier.Rankine is also a cousin of former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Danny Rose.South Yorkshire police ­confirmed in a statement that officers executed a warrant at an address in Doncaster.The raid happened on a busy residential street in full view of neighbouring families.Police added: “Following officers entering the property, we discovered a cannabis set-up.”The Sun contacted CAA for comment. Walker’s loan deal is tipped to lead to a full-time £4million summer move.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rankine during his playing days for Scunthorpe in 2005Credit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cheapest Premier League club to support home and away revealed – how much do your team’s fans fork out?

      by

      BRENTFORD is the cheapest Premier League club to support home and away, analysis shows — and Newcastle the dearest.Diehard Bees fans typically spend £4,128 a year, with travel costs kept down as they play several London derbies.Brentford is the cheapest Premier League club to support home and awayCredit: GettyCrystal Palace is the second-cheapest Premier League club to follow — at £4,157 a year.Meanwhile, Toon fans living in the North East fork out £7,455 for their footballing passion — with long distances travelling to away games costing £5,440 alone.Second-biggest outlays come from Bournemouth supporters who spend £6,704 ­following their side, with several mammoth trips from the South Coast.Cherries fans cough up an average of £61.94 on merchandise, the most of any top-flight supporters.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn terms of share of income, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are the most affordable, partly because of all the local derby matches in London.Fulham have the highest average season ticket cost at £1,869 while Manchester United’s home shirt is the most expensive at £110.Manchester City were the third most expensive club to support – £6,037 annually – while their fans spent 30p less than Bournemouth’s in club shops.Southampton have the cheapest full kit at £97.Most read in FootballUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.I’ve spent £10k travelling to 118 football grounds around the world… but tickets aren’t my only eye-watering expense More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to a £60m problem for Man Utd

      by

      EIGHTEEN months ago, having signed a contract worth £84.5million, it seemed Marcus Rashford could do no wrong.Now, with the transfer window closing on Monday night, the Manchester United striker faces being left out in the cold for the rest of the season — with only the size of his bank balance for comfort.Marcus Rashford faces being left out in the cold for the rest of the seasonCredit: BackGridVideo grabs show Rashford in Belfast heading into a nightclubRashford’s car crash after the Burnley game in 2023It’s a dramatic change of fortune for the former academy prodigy, who scored 30 goals in 56 games before signing a five-year deal in 2023.The life-changing contract guaranteed Rashford £325,000 a week if he stayed at Old Trafford until 2028 — and millions more in bonuses if he helped Manchester United back to its glory days by winning trophies.With 178 weeks left on his contract, he is guaranteed to earn £57.85million — unless he leaves the club.Off the pitch, his campaigning on child food poverty earned Marcus widespread plaudits and an MBE.Read More on SportThe footballer also became a bestselling children’s author too, with his Breakfast Club novels drawing on his own upbringing in Wythenshawe, Manchester.Not bad for a kid from a tough part of town who made his Old Trafford debut in 2016 aged just 18.But now Rashford, 27, has become a £60million problem for United.The Sun understands the multi-millionaire player may have met his match in the club’s billionaire minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who he feels wants him out as part of his cost-cutting regime.Most read in Football‘He feels picked on’And the speed of the star striker’s fall to persona non grata has left him “bewildered and devastated”, a source said.They added: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”The England international has been bombed out of the team for the past 12 games under Amorim and is likely to miss a 13th on Sunday when United play Crystal Palace.The first signs of Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to the founding member of United’s “Bomb squad” can be traced back well before Amorim’s recent arrival.Respected United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten recently told TalkSport: “Every previous manager has had issues with Rashford. They’ve told me in confidence going back years and years and years.”Under Erik ten Hag, he was twice admonished by the Dutchman for nights out.He described Rashford enjoying himself at Manchester’s Chinawhite following a 3-0 defeat by Man City in October 2023 as “unacceptable”.Three months later, Rashford was fined two weeks’ wages after calling in sick for training after a tequila-fuelled two-night bender in Belfast.His career on the pitch has never recovered, while off it further problems have mounted up.In July he was given a six-month driving ban after being caught doing 104 mph on the M60 in December 2023.District judge Lucy Hogarth handed him six penalty points which saw him banned, as he had already been hit with six points in February 2023 after exceeding the 20mph limit in Manchester city centre.And in September 2023 his Rolls Royce was written off after he collided with a grandmother while driving home late at night.Work on a luxury mansion on a former golf course has also placed a strain on Rashford’s finances and appears to have ground to a halt, with the property lying empty.New Utd manager Ruben Amorim gives instructions to RashfordCredit: APRashford and his mum MelanieCredit: APPrince William awarded Rashford an MBE in 2021 for his work on child food povertyCredit: PAFamily relations have also been put under strain when his agent brother Dane was arrested — and later cleared — on suspicion of domestic assault while on holiday in Miami in November 2023.Marcus and his other brother and fellow agent Dwayne attempted to distance themselves from Dane before he was brought back into the fold ahead of a potential transfer.Rashford — awarded an MBE in 2021 for his work on child food poverty — has always maintained football always comes first.But his off-pitch distractions have coincided with an extended loss of form which has seen some fans turn on the star, posting videos on social media of him highlighting what they say is a lack of commitment. Portuguese manager Amorim this week warned: “Rashford has to change. We have to set some standards.“We are waiting for Marcus if he wants it really bad.”Rashford has to change. We have to set some standards. We are waiting for Marcus if he wants it really badRuben AmorimDays earlier, Amorim said he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than a player “who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.The insider added: “Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him. There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”Just 13 days after Amorim started at United in November, Rashford scored against Ipswich within two minutes of kick-off.Rashford teamed up with fashion house Burberry to get kids readingCredit: The Mega AgencyA source said: ‘Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told manager Ruben Amorim to get him out’Credit: PAHe got two more goals against Everton on December 1 and praised the new manager’s “exciting” ideas.The Sun can reveal problems between Amorim and Rashford came to a head when the manager accused him of going out two nights before the Everton game.During a tense conversation, Amorim accused Rashford of behaving unprofessionally. The source said: “Marcus got called in by the manager who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”The pair endured an uneasy truce before Amorim dropped Rashford — and winger Alejandro Garnacho — from the squad for the derby game against City on December 15, which United won 2-1.Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will nowSun sourceAfterwards Amorim explained his decision, saying: “The performance in training, the way you eat, the way you push your team-mates — everything is important at the beginning of something.”Two days later, Rashford hit back with an unscheduled interview which caught the club by surprise.Visiting his former primary school to hand out Christmas presents, he told journalist Henry Winter: “I think I’m ready for a new challenge.“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years.”This week Winter said: “Rashford is on a lot of money. For Amorim to invest in the squad and for the type of players he wants, they need to move some players out.”Rashford, who has few close friends in the dressing room, has been advised by United legend Wayne Rooney to find a new club.Rashford is on a lot of money. For Amorim to invest in the squad and for the type of players he wants, they need to move some players outHenry WinterWayne said on the Stick To Football podcast: “I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times.“For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club. The fact that your manager is coming out and saying that you’re not training right is crazy.”The comments came after Rashford’s brothers Dwayne and Dane spent the last few weeks courting top European clubs including AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona in an attempt to strike a move away from Old Trafford.A £35million-a-year contract from an unnamed Saudi club has also been mooted but was turned down as Rashford still hopes to add to his 60 England international caps.Now the rumour mill is tipping him for a move to Aston Villa.‘I’ve made sacrifices’Understanding Rashford’s current mindset is difficult, with the player keeping his cards close to his chest and only trusting a small circle of mostly family members who help with his career.But in February 2024, the player gave a rare insight by penning an article for the Player’s Tribune.He said: “I’m a human being. I’ve made mistakes that a lot of lads in their 20s make, and I’ve tried to learn from them. But I’ve also made sacrifices that nobody sees.“Money is not what keeps you playing through the hard times. It’s the love of the game, plain and simple.“If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”Rashford, who has won the FA Cup twice with United, is regarded by some at the club as a player who struggles to build relationships and lacks leadership skills.The disconnect was highlighted recently when pictures were released of Rashford greeting teammates in the dressing room ahead of United’s clash against Newcastle United on December 30 — while still wearing his headphones.Sir Jim and Rashford can only hope that over the next 48 hours, they can reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion, because rekindling the once-warm relationship between club and player seems unlikely.Our source said: “Marcus is determined that he’s not going to do what the club want to do unless it is the right thing for him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There is no happiness any more. Marcus is a £60million problem for United. But the onus is on the club to solve it.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rashford became a bestselling children’s author too, with his Breakfast Club novels drawing on his own upbringing in Wythenshawe, ManchesterCredit: Amazon More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’

      by

      MANCHESTER United star Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party is at the centre of a police probe after an alleged head-butt left a security guard with a suspected broken nose.Cops are questioning witnesses and scouring CCTV footage from celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire.Ex-Manchester United player Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party is at the centre of a police probeCredit: PAGary Neville was at the event where an alleged head-butt left a security guard with a suspected broken noseCredit: GettyFellow class of ’92 star Paul Scholes also attendedCredit: AlamyGuests included David and Victoria Beckham, plus Class of 92 pals Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.A source said: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked.”The clash followed an afternoon of drinking after 30 people moved on from the private dining room to a bar area at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.Trouble is said to have flared between 7pm and 8pm after a man left the bar to go outside.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe security guard is said to have spotted the man relieving himself against a courtyard wall.He approached the man and remonstrated with him.It is alleged the man then snapped in a drunken fury and head-butted the guard.Police said they received a report of the alleged assault at 9.15pm, around two hours after it happened and as the extent of the guard’s injuries became known.Most read in FootballOfficers then turned up at the members-only club which also offers £800-a-night cabins.A source said: “The guard went to have a word with the guy causing offence and was then head-butted in the face.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’“There was blood everywhere and people were shocked as the guard came inside with his face in a total mess.”The Beckhams — who have a £12million estate around the corner from Soho Farmhouse — returned home soon after the ­incident.Butt, Neville, Scholes and their partners also left to be driven back to their homes near ­Manchester.The wounded guard was taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.He has given police a full statement and is said to be currently off work recovering from his injuries.Thames Valley Police confirmed their attendance and investigation.Nobody has been arrested so far.Midfielder Butt turned 50 on January 21 and had invited a host of friends to the lunch party last Friday, January 24.They included his teammates from the Class of 1992, a crop of exceptional young United talents who emerged that year and remain close friends.The source added: “There were a few well-known faces there ­including some of the 1992 class and their wives and girlfriends, including Victoria Beckham. “They were there for a lunch to celebrate Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday and the drinks were flowing all afternoon.”The class of ’92 were a cohort of youth players who ascended to the Man U first team in 1992Credit: GettyThe venue was celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouseGuests included David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: GettyThe source added: “It’s the very last place you would expect to hear of that kind of behaviour going on. “Soho Farmhouse is very upmarket and fashionable.“This kind of incident is certainly not a regular occurrence there.“The other guests and staff alike were all shocked about what happened. “It ruined a lovely day.”A police spokesman confirmed: “An assault at a business premises in Great Tew was reported to Thames Valley Police at about 9.15pm on January 24.“It is alleged that a man assaulted a member of security.“Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation, including taking a statement from and supporting the victim, obtaining and reviewing any CCTV available and taking witness statements.“No arrests have been made at this time.”The Class of 92 formed the nucleus of the Manchester United team which went on to win more than 20 trophies under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Butt, Becks, 49, Scholes, 50, Ryan Giggs, 51, and brothers Gary Neville, 49, and Phil, 48, featured in a 2013 ­documentary about their rise and stellar careers.A second series was made in 2016 and featured the ex-players — minus Beckham — buying Salford City FC.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.The six Class of 92 players ­collectively won an extraordinary 120 trophies between them — including two Champions Leagues.Giggs lifted 35 trophies in 963 games for the Red Devils while Butt won 14 in 387 matches.Beckham won 12 in 394 games, Gary Neville got 20 in 602 games and brother Phil, now based in the US, lifted 14 in 386 games.Meanwhile, Scholes won 25 trophies in 718 games.Former England captain Beckham and some of his four children are said to be regulars at Soho ­Farmhouse, which featured in the acclaimed Netflix documentary about him in 2023.A Soho Farmhouse spokesperson declined to comment last night.Nicky Butt played for United between 1992 and 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary Neville captained Manchester United for many yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationPaul Scholes is considered one of the best midfielders to play for the clubCredit: GettyDavid Beckham won many league titles with United, before transferring to Real Madrid in 2003Credit: GettyButt playing in a Manchester United charity gameCredit: GettyWhere the rich relaxULTRA-exclusive Soho Farmhouse has been touted as a “hamlet of hedonism” and “the country retreat for people who would otherwise never go to the country”.Deep in the Cotswolds, it is part of the international Soho House private members club and hosted Meghan’s hen party before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.Soho Farmhouse has been touted as a ‘hamlet of hedonism’Credit: Free for editorial useReality TV queen Kourtney Kardashian and pop star Dua Lipa have visited. Guest speakers have included ex-England and Liverpool footballer Jordan Henderson and actress Billie Piper.Entry is strictly members-only, with a hefty price tag attached.Rooms in the Grade II-listed farmhouse start at £295.Cabins set in its 100 acres cost even more.The rich and famous can relax at the luxury health club, heated pools, and country pub.There is a “lazy lake” with sunken hot tubs, an infrared sauna, plus steam and ice rooms.A “wellness barn” offers pilates, meditation, and fitness classes.Punters also have access to manicures and pedicures, facials and massages. Outdoor pursuits include horse riding, boating, clay shooting or tennis.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuests can marvel at original artworks and tuck into food from top-tier Japanese cuisine to a classic Sunday roast.Soho House owns a range of other swanky spots across the globe, including New York, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

      by

      AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More