Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal files: What really happened in Arteta’s Old Trafford interview as Gunners target £12.5m La Liga star transfer

      by

      FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky SportsBut the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explainedCriticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.But what really happened, and why?To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues.The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more. “I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off. As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightIn fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.REAL (MADRID) CHANCEThe Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.Arsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finalsCredit: APESPANYOL DECISIONSSunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits. The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth. Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El HilaliCredit: GettyDRESSING DOWNNormally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”Real Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memoryCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘want Bruno Guimaraes as part of stunning TRIPLE transfer spree’ as incoming chief sets out plan

      by

      ARSENAL want to sign Bruno Guimaraes as part of a stunning TRIPLE summer transfer spree under incoming new chief Andrea Berta.The former Atletico Madrid sporting director is reportedly set to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal’s transfer guru.Arsenal are targeting Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes as part of a triple summer raidCredit: PAIncoming transfer chief Andrea Berta has already made contact with his representativesCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd Spanish outlet AS claims Berta is ready to arrive in London with a bang by moving for superstar Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes.The Brazil international, 27, has been a key player since joining Toon from Lyon for £40million in 2022.It’s reckoned Guimaraes is happy to stay put on Tyneside after penning a contract extension until 2028 just 18 months ago.However, he is also said to have an agreement with Newcastle to leave this summer for just £60m if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive teams from England are set to play in Europe’s top competition next season.And Toon are currently sixth in the table, level on points with fifth-place Man City.Incoming Arsenal chief Berta is said to be a huge fan of Guimaraes, having tried to sign him THREE times while at Atletico.And he has already contacted the Samba star’s representatives to inform them that Guimaraes is at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list this summer.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the playmaker isn’t the only Newcastle star in Arsenal’s sights.The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Mikel Arteta is also desperate to sign teammate Alexander Isak, 25, and has made the Swede his No1 striker target.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Arsenal also want Guimaraes’ Newcastle teammate Alexander IsakCredit: PAHowever, it’s believed Arsenal will need to spend a record £150m to get a deal done, with Isak also under contract until 2028 and in no rush to move on.Finally, AS adds that Arsenal are confident of completing a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, 26, for £50m.The Spaniard rejected a move to Liverpool last summer but is now thought to be on the verge of moving to England with the Gunners.Arsenal want both Zubimendi and Guimaraes as they will reportedly bid farewell to duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey.The veterans are both out of contract this summer and will be released on free transfers.Jorginho is apparently set to move to Brazil with Flamengo.While Partey has been linked with Barcelona.Arsenal also look set to seal a £50million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin ZubimendiCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘interested in signing Leroy Sane’ in free transfer with ex-Man City yet to be offered new contract

      by

      ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.Arsenal are interested in Leroy SaneCredit: GettyThe club’s recent injury crisis has highlighted the lack of squad depth at the Emirates, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and on-loan winger Raheem Sterling the only available options in attack.Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad when the summer transfer window opens.And German outlet Bild has claimed that Sane could be a top pick.The 29-year-old’s Bayern Munich contract is set to expire at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is yet to agree terms for a new deal so could become available on a free transfer come July.Arteta is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing Sane.The German winger joined Bayern from Manchester City for around £55million in July 2020 and has since managed 106 goal contributions in 209 appearances.Prior to his time in Munich, Sane spent four years with Man City and won two Premier League titles.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsArsenal are also interested in signing Joshua Kimmich in a free transfer from Bayern.The German side allegedly withdrew his contract offer last month.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer Leverkusen More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Virgil van Dijk hints Liverpool career could be over in 10 GAMES with no breakthrough in talks over new contract

      by

      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has added to the misery of Liverpool’s Champions League exit by insisting he has “no idea” whether he will be at the club next season.The Reds skipper is out of contract this summer, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the Dutchman claims that anybody who claims to know where he will be playing next term is “lying to your face”.Virgil van Dijk has ‘no idea’ whether he will be at Liverpool next seasonCredit: RexLiverpool boss Arne Slot could lose Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: RexArne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders were knocked out of the Champions League in the last-16 in a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night – having been outplayed by the French champions for the most of the tie.And when asked if he will be back for another crack at winning a second European Cup with Liverpool next season, Van Dijk said: “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely.“It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go [in the season] and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself.“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year.Read More on Football“If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold have all attracted significant interest from abroad, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both keen to sign the Dutch centre-half.But Van Dijk, 33, is adamant that he is focused on winning Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle, then securing a second Premier League title – with the Reds 15 points clear of Arsenal.He said: “There are 10 games left, not many, and there are two big prizes we can still get.Most read in Football“We are going to give it everything. We have to feel the disappointment of this [PSG] loss but now it is about recovery. Be ready for a good one.“If we bring this intensity to Wembley with our fans, then I am positive. I am always positive. But I am really looking forward to being back out there.‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen red“We don’t need any added motivation. We have 10 games, the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday, if you need any added motivation you are in the wrong business.” More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd set for mass squad cull this summer with EIGHT stars set for axe and ‘practically all players for sale’

      by

      SEVERAL Manchester United players are at risk of being axed this summer as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots a complete rebuild.The British billionaire name-dropped five senior stars when giving a damning assessment on the state of Man Utd this week, admitting they are “not good enough” to represent the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to listen to offers for every Man Utd playerCredit: PAThe Red Devils want to offload Casemiro but the midfielder is determined to stayCredit: GettyAntony’s future is still yet to be resolvedCredit: GettyDuring an interview with the BBC, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying [Jadon] Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”Read More in FootballThe only player that received any praise from the club chief was captain Bruno Fernandes.However, even he could be put up for sale at the end of the season.The Daily Mail has claimed that United will consider offers for “practically every player” when the transfer window opens.Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in June.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the Red Devils may find it hard to offload some players – especially without taking a huge loss.Casemiro – who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ The Brazilian is also the club’s highest earner and pockets £375,000-a-week.Meanwhile, £85.5m man Antony has struggled at Old Trafford since completing his move from Ajax three years ago.With just 12 Man Utd goals to his name, the winger was loaned out to Real Betis in January and has since managed six goal contributions in nine games.Ratcliffe and Co will be hoping that his impressive La Liga form bumps up his value ahead of the summer window.Hojlund is another player who has failed to match expectations following a big-money move.While he showcased some positive glimpses in his debut campaign, the striker has not lived up to his £72m price tag this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Mail has also reported that Sancho could return to Man Utd from Chelsea this summer – despite the Blues having an obligation to buy.Should Enzo Maresca decide against keeping the England forward, Chelsea will have to pay a “significant penalty” to withdraw from the agreement.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Loss not bad enough’ – Liverpool fans suffer more pain as tunnel video of Virgil Van Dijk emerges from after PSG defeat

      by

      LIVERPOOL star Virgil van Dijk was spotted speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefs ahead of his contract’s expiration, leaving fans concerned.The Reds crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday when they lost 4-1 on penalties after PSG tied the aggregate on 1-1 thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s goal.Liverpool fans were left concerned after seeing Virgil van Dijk speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefsVan Dijk’s Liverpool contract runs out in JuneCredit: GettyVitinha, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele and Desire Doue went on to score all of the visitors’ spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma caught Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones’ pens.After the heartbreaking loss in the Last 16, the Merseysiders’ captain Van Dijk, 33, was seen speaking to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and strategic advisor Luis Campos in the tunnel.A viral clip showed the trio having a cordial conversation a week after the centre-back clashed with Campos, who complained about a red card he thought Ibrahima Konate should have been shown in the first leg.However, Liverpool fans were left very worried as the Netherlands international’s contract runs out in June and there are still no developments regarding his status.Read More on FootballSome fans were left fearing Van Dijk was discussing a potential free transfer to PSG.One fan tweeted: “Like the loss wasn’t bad enough.”Another commented: “Great thanks for this what a lovely thing to see.”A third wrote: “Oh. That’s just beautiful, isn’t it.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThis fan gushed: “Oh, wow.”And that one simply said: “Hmmmm.”Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Nevertheless, there are currently no reports linking Van Dijk to a move to PSG.However, Liverpool are still facing the risk of losing the Dutchman as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and superstar Mohamed Salah whose contract also run out in June. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe name-drops FIVE Man Utd flops in ‘not good enough’ squad and reveals club still have to pay for them

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has given a damning assessment of five Manchester United players after slamming some of them as “not good enough”.The Ineos chief, who bought a 27.7 per cent minority stake in the Red Devils a little over 12 months ago, laid bare the shocking state the club are in on Monday.Sir Jim Ratcliffe named five Man Utd stars after saying the squad was ‘not good enough’Credit: AlamyHe said his investment had to buy stars like Andre Onana and CasemiroCredit: RexHe also named on-loan flops Antony and Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyThe British billionaire revealed the club had lost money for the last seven years in a row following a string of poor financial decisions including a huge increase of staff at the club and flop signings that would have seen the club RUN OUT by the end of 2025.Many of these flop signings were signed for massive fees and given mega-money contracts, with performances on the pitch failing to match the investment.Ratcliffe, 70, name-dropped five of the most severe cases which his Ineos investment bought.Speaking to the BBC, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying [Jadon] Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”These signings were all made during the tenure of Erik ten Hag as manager with the likes of John Murtough and Richard Arnold overseeing decisions at a boardroom level.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsIndeed, the situation has grown so bad regarding the club’s debt and interest that Ratcliffe told The Overlap the club would pay £89m this summer even if not a single player was signed.He added to the BBC: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.”Ratcliffe indicated the club was finally ready to take the major strides it needs to get back to the top level after the final piece of the management jigsaw moved into place last week.While he admitted many of the decisions made at the moment made him unpopular, he was optimistic they would benefit the long-term plans of the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityThis included a transfer strategy which would back Ruben Amorim in the summer, who Ratcliffe believes has been dealt a bad hand in his early Man Utd tenure due to having to deal with injuries.He told the BBC: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.”How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise?”How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.”We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”Expanding on this point on The Overlap, he said: “So if you modify our salary bill for the players that are not available to Ruben, then our salary bill ranks us about, you know, middling, second half of the table.”We’re sort of level with the likes of a Nottingham Forest or Everton, not a Manchester City one.”That salary bill, if you look at that salary bill, is probably about £130m, and we’re talking about Liverpool who’s got a salary bill of £200m, Manchester City have got a salary bill of £300m, so that’s the squad that Ruben’s playing with.”Ratcliffe’s glowing character reference of Amorim also saw him reveal that when they speak Amorim tells him to “f*** off”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s squad are next in action for the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie with Real Sociedad, with the score 1-1 after the first leg in Spain.The other positive outlined by Ratcliffe was the building of a new stadium and regeneration of the local area around it.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Kalvin Phillips could be set for fairytale Leeds transfer return after former club scout on-loan Man City star

      by

      KALVIN PHILLIPS could be set for a fairytale return to Leeds as the club plan for life in the Premier League.Daniel Farke’s side are clear favourites to win the Championship and secure a return to the top-flight.Kalvin Phillips could make a sensational return to LeedsCredit: RexPhillips previously spent 12 years at LeedsCredit: GettyAnd the Elland Road side are already looking to build a squad that can survive.Leeds scouts have been tracking the progress of Phillips, who has spent this season on loan at Ipswich from Manchester City.The ex-England midfielder is likely to leave the Etihad at the end of the season with Ipswich looking doomed to relegation.Phillips left his boyhood club for City back in 2022 in a £45million deal.Read More in FootballHe’s had a nightmare time at the Etihad, playing just 16 times in the Premier League in two seasons before being loaned to West Ham and then the Tractor Boys.But Phillips remains a firm favourite among fans in Yorkshire, and would be welcomed back to Leeds with open arms.Phillips’ social media activity would suggest his ties to the club remain strong.Last week he commented on the form of Leeds’ flying winger Dan James, who is continuing to set the Championship alight.Most read in ChampionshipCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Welshman has discovered a new side to himself over the last two seasons at Elland Road, having managed 23 goals and 17 assists in 76 appearances since returning from his loan at Fulham.Only Joel Piroe has more Championship goal contributions for Leeds this season, with the team currently topping the league table with 11 games to play.Frank Lampard shows his disappointment after Coventry defeat to Leeds With three goals and four assists to his name in February, the 27-year-old was awarded Championship Player of the Month.Responding to the news, Phillips liked the official post.The Whites will likely be planning for promotion back to the Premier League as the season comes to a close. And they have been heavily linked with a move for Roma striker Tammy Abraham.Manor Solomon’s future at Elland Road will also be a top priority.The on-loan midfielder has already registered seven goals and seven assists in the league this season. More