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    How Arsenal spent ENTIRE Man City clash winding up Erling Haaland – from brutal celebrations to grabbing shorts

    ERLING HAALAND might remember the day he reached 250 club goals in precisely the opposite way he’d like to.Blame Arsenal for that, with a tireless display of winding-up the Manchester City striker that went far beyond their 5-1 victory.Erling Haaland and Gabriel were up close and often personalCredit: RexHaaland bagged a landmark goal – but was almost debagged by GabrielCredit: GettyBrazilian star Gabriel thought he was a roaring success in taunting HaalandMan City’s Matheus Nunes finally took issue with GabrielCredit: RexSuch a dire loss was only the final insult for the 24-year-old, who won the Prem title and Golden Boot in his first two seasons at the Etihad.Haaland’s “Stay Humble” message for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta last September ignited discontent between certain players at both clubs.And you didn’t have to read between the lines on Sunday to see which two players had claimed the lead roles.Arsenal centre-back Gabriel had gone into the match saying: “It’s a battle, a war”.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd judging by his efforts almost every time he came up against the Norwegian, it was also combat he took personally.When Martin Odegaard rammed the Gunners in front after just two minutes, Gabriel roared with joy right in the face of Haaland.Many viewers were impressed with the calm way the former Borussia Dortmund hero dealt with that – as he virtually ignored the Brazilian.Myles Lewis-Skelly then showed that Arsenal believe you are never too young to goad the goal GOAT.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 18-year-old swerved in a classy third goal and sunk to the grass for what fans labelled a a “s***house” Haaland-style celebration.The defender sat with his arms out and eyes closed – while team-mates lauded him from above.Arsenal player ratings vs Man City – articleMeanwhile, Gabriel continued his series of niggly encounters with Haaland – sometimes appearing to push him away off the ball.The two exchanged words at one moment, with the forward responding by smiling.And Gabriel’s worst moment – or best, depending how you look at it, arrived when the Gunners were 4-1 up.Myles Lewis-Skelly mimicked a Haaland celebration with his goalCredit: GettyGabriel turned it into a tug of war at one stageCredit: RexMany fans were impressed Haaland didn’t appear to look back in angerCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was on the ground when he reached out to tug down at Haaland’s shorts from behind.Again the City man, this time quite literally, appeared to take the matter in his stride.He glanced round to see what was happening but carried on walking away.Unfortunately for Haaland, Sunday meant could also be seeing the back of his third Prem crown in a row.Fourth-placed City are now 15 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.There was friction on the final whistle too, but this time Gabriel was initially on the receiving end as City’s Matheus Nunes gave him an ear-bashing, with Arteta restraining his man. Needle from Gabriel, yes. Haaland is an adult.Fan’s verdictSome fans reacted to the Gunners merciless treatment of Haaland by warning him: “If you talk the talk you have to walk the walk.”Another suggested: “The Prem has missed something like this.”And a third argued: “As it should be. A defender should rattle strikers and that’s what big Gabby is doing.”But others praised Haaland for appearing to keep his composure.Sky Sports posted a clip of a string of incidents involving the 6ft 4ins ace and his man marker, adding the words: “It’s safe to say there was a bit of needle between Haaland and Gabriel today…”But one fan posted: “Needle from Gabriel, yes. Haaland is an adult.” READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the mature performance as a team came from Arsenal, with City gifting the Gunners their opener then collapsing in the last 34 minutes.Poor Haaland had to grin and bear all that too.Haaland and Gabriel grabbed the limelight in one sense at leastCredit: GettyGabriel turned into the quiet one when Nunes badgered him at the endCredit: RexArsenal manager Mikel Arteta stepped in as Gabriel reacts to NunesCredit: PA More

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    Erling Haaland’s dad trolls Arsenal with seven-word post after Man City ace was brutally trolled in Gunners celebrations

    ERLING HAALAND’s dad hit back at brutal trolling from Arsenal with an even icier message of his own.Alf-Inge Haaland saw the Gunners milk a 5-1 win over Manchester City by copying his son’s goal celebrations and posting the picture afterwards.Arsenal taunted Man City by sharing this picture of team-mates hailing Myles Lewis-Skelly after he scored amid a second-half spreeCredit: GettyFans appeared divided over whether Erling Haaland’s dad has helped out his son by intervening online following the 5-1 loss at the EmirateCredit: EPAAwkward, if not angry, feelings between the clubs have run high following a dramatic 2-2 Prem draw at the Etihad last September.Haaland Junior struck first that day but City only rescued a point against the 10-man Gunners when John Stones scrambled an equaliser eight minutes into stoppage time.The Norwegian hitman then inflamed a tense situation by telling Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta to “stay humble”.Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes led the animosity that followed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “It’s a battle, a war. It’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game.”And simmering emotions were ratcheted up when Gabriel hailed Martin Odegaard’s opener on Sunday by rejoicing in Haaland’s face.But the ex-Borussia Dortmund star soared to equalise in the 55th minute.Haaland marked his goal coldly, with a look that bordered on a smirk.Most read in FootballAlf-Inge Haaland hit back after Arsenal crowed on social mediaCredit: EPAJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the Gunners then netted four more times via Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri to go second in the Prem.And Lewis-Skelly, in particular, taunted Pep Guardiola’s men with the way he lauded his strike.Mikel Arteta issues worrying transfer update with Arsenal desperately scrambling after failed Ollie Watkins bidThe left-back, 18, mimicked a Haaland celebration by sitting on the ground, as if meditating, while his team-mates looked down on him.Defeat left champions City 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.And Arsenal’s media team responded to their side’s thumping victory by sharing a snap of a cross-legged Lewis-Skelly being mobbed.The Gunners added the words: “This team” – along with a clenched fist.Ex-Man City defender Haaland Senior quickly replied: ” «This Team» that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not” – followed by a blue heart.That’s a reference to City winning six of the last Prem titles, whereas Arsena’s last silverware came when lifting the FA Cup in 2020.But fans were split over whether Alf-Inge’s intervention was helpful for his son.One observer posted: “Stay humble has gone crying to his dad I see.”Gabriel couldn’t resist a cheeky encounter with HaalandAnother added: “Watch your boy, he is still eating humble pie.”But some supporters appeared to back Haaland Senior as they mocked the Gunners’ announcement.One said: “That result wins them the social media trophy until Newcastle bounce them out of the only competition they could win this season.”That’s because Arsenal visit Newcastle in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, 2-0 down from the first leg.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a few fans were positively delighted by Alf-Inge.One wrote: “Spot on. More a***d about winning made-up social media battles than trophies.”Arsenal fans hadn’t forgotten Haaland Jr’s commentsCredit: PA More

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    ‘Where the hell is it’ – Fans baffled and can’t find TNT Sports goals show during night of Champions League chaos

    FOOTBALL fans were left baffled and scrambling to find TNT Sports goals show on the night of Champions League chaos. There were a total of 18 games on offer during the final group stage matches on Wednesday. Morgan Rogers celebrates a goal for Aston VillaCredit: GettyFans were rushing to the goals show to keep track of all the action – but could not find it.That was because it was on TNT Sports 5 – leaving viewers confused.One said: “Absolutely crazy decision by TNT Sports to hide The Goals Show on Discovery+ tonight.”Clearly so many people trying to access, the whole thing is glitching. Great job everybody.” READ MORE IN football Another added: “How can it be so hard to watch the Goals Show, on today of all days.”One raged: On the night of all nights, the Goals Show is not available for @NOWTV customers because it’s on a channel above TNT4. “What’s the point in paying for it? It should have been advertised as a limited service.”Another fumed: “Sorry, this whole night is about watching it via a “Goals Show” and then the Goals Show is not on any actual channel? Is that right?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa were all in action on a bumper evening. All four Premier League teams remain in the competition after a night of drama. Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersArne Slot saw his Liverpool side lose for just the third time this season as they went down 3-2 at PSV Eindhoven. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta means the Reds qualify top of the table.They will be joined in the last-16 by both Arsenal and Villa, with Unai Emery’s side beating Celtic 4-2.Manchester City will now face a playoff after coming from behind to beat Club Brugge.Pep Guardiola’s men will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a play-off round in February. More

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    Fire breaks out outside Etihad as fans evacuated and emergency services called before Man City’s Champions League clash

    A FIRE broke out just outside the Etihad as thousands of fans were evacuated under two hours before Manchester City’s Champions League clash.The Premier League champions host Club Brugge needing a win to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages after a nightmare season so far.A fire broke out outside the Etihad stadiumCredit: RexA merchandise van caught fireCredit: PAAn ambulance rushes to the sceneCredit: RexEmergency services put out the fireCredit: RexEmergency services were quick on the sceneCredit: RexAnd things got off the a dramatic start when a large fire broke out just outside the stadium as supporters gathered before the game.Footage emerged showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.Fire trucks and ambulances were seen also rushing to the scene as thousands of fans looked on in shock.Smoke billowed from the blaze towards the stadium with reports some had entered the fan concourses.The surrounding area was evacuated as emergency services put out the fire – as the club released a statement. It read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.”Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. “The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival.”Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”New signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis were all due to be unveiled in the area before kick-off.That event was ultimately cancelled.City’s team bus usually arrives in between a huge crowd of fans – but this was also scrapped.Supporters had been preparing to get themselves inside the stadium in a bid to cheer on hosts. City sit 25th in the new-look League Phase table – just outside the top 16 play-off spots. To progress, Pep Guardiola’s side must win due to goal difference of the teams around them.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.Guardiola said: “The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We want to have another chance to play another two games, to have the chance of the next stages. “It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.” More

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    Jake Paul hints at never-before-seen fight with his BROTHER Logan… hours after deleting previous teaser

    JAKE PAUL has hinted at a fight against his own BROTHER Logan.The pair of social media sensations have long teased a never-before-seen brotherly bout. Jake Paul with brother Logan before his fight against Mike TysonCredit: GettyAnd both have given the biggest indicator yet that the fight may be in the works after posting mocked up posters online. Jake, 28, wrote: The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27th on @StreamOnMax.” Logan, 29, added: “The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27 on @StreamOnMax.” The two have grown up in the spotlight together and have shared a competitive rivalry but supportive relationship. READ MORE IN BOXINGTheir boxing careers started on the same night in 2018 when Logan faced British rival KSI in Manchester – which ended a draw. Jake meanwhile beat KSI’s younger brother Deji to kickstart his boxing career. The American has since carved out a 11-1 record, most recently beating 58-year-old Mike Tyson in their controversial bout. His only defeat so far came in 2023 via split-decision in Saudi Arabia against Tommy Fury, 25. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan meanwhile has had four bouts, losing his 2019 rematch against KSI following their draw. He took boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 47, the eight-round distance in their 2021 exhibition. Jake Paul puts Mike Tyson on his shoulders at Donald Trump inauguration party as pair reunite after Netflix fightAnd he most recently beat MMA star and rival Dillon Danis, 31, by disqualification in his last bout in October 2023. Logan has since focused on the WWE – leaving his boxing future up in the air.But he was willing to step in and fight brother Jake last summer when Tyson had to postpone his return amid a health precaution. Netflix – who promoted Jake’s fight with Tyson – were on board with the idea of the two siblings fighting. But they wanted more time to promote what would be an extraordinary event – which has never happened before. Jake instead beat ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry, 33, in six rounds. Despite Jake and Logan’s blatant fight tease – fans were quick to notice the March 27 date is a Thursday. READ MORE SUN STORIESHBO have also not been in the boxing business since ending their contract with Top Rank in 2018. Streaming service HBO Max also produce several documentary films and series – which Jake and Logan could have signed up for. Mike Tyson lost to Jake Paul on pointsCredit: GettyLogan Paul is a star of the WWECredit: Getty More

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    Inside Lisandro Martinez and Adama Traore’s heated feud as Fulham star carries on row after defeat to Man Utd

    THE HEATED feud between Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore continues.Martinez, 27, and Traore, 29, locked horns in Sunday’s Premier League clash between United and the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore extended their rivalryCredit: APMartinez trolled Traore in August when he overpowered him in their first meetingCredit: PATraore caught wind of Martinez’s comments and vowed revengeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/adamatrd37/It was the second meeting between the two teams after August’s Prem opener at Old Trafford that saw Man Utd prevail 1-0 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s winner.Martinez and Traore were locked in some intense challenges on the pitch during that season opening fixture.At some point the centre-back’s 5’9″ frame somehow managed to overpower his heavyweight Fulham opponent.The Argentina international went on to rub it in with a cheeky statement during a post-match interview.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, who’s nicknamed ‘The Butcher’, said: “I sent him back to the gym. I learned from the first one where he killed me, I killed him back. He is difficult to play against and I learned from the first situation.”Traore caught wind of the Argentine’s comments and hit back on social media.The winger posted a pic of himself training and tagged Martinez with an ominous warning and a winky-face emoji.Traore posted: “Don’t worry we will meet again.”Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe ex-Wolves star kept his promise as he got the better of some intense challenges with Martinez during Sunday’s meeting.Things looked at risk of boiling over when Martinez went in two footed on his much larger opponent.Fulham boss Marco Silva regrets ‘cruel’ loss to Man Utd Bizarrely, it was Martinez who crumpled to the floor following the dangerous tackle.Traore took a swipe out of the defender on social media after the match by sharing a cheeky snap.It showed the forward walking back to his half with the Man Utd ace left on the floor writhing in pain following the clash between them.Traore posted the following casual caption on Instagram: “Tough loss. We deserved more, but we will keep working hard and improving.”Nevertheless, Martinez got the last laugh during the latest chapter of their saga as he scored the winner on 78 minutes to lead United to an important 1-0 victory in west London.Martinez celebrates after his winning goal gave Man Utd a 1-0 winCredit: GettyMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Man Utd fans turn on Sir Jim Ratcliffe with X-rated chant after seeing he is at Craven Cottage for Fulham clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans piled X-rated abuse on Sir Jim Ratcliffe after spotting him at Fulham.United’s minority owner was even compared to the Glazers’ hated regime before him in the rudest chant of all.Away supporters reacted angrily to seeing Sir Jim RatcliffeLisandro Martinez celebrates his deflected winner for Man UtdCredit: RexRatcliffe, Britain’s richest man, angered supporters last month by raising Old Trafford ticket prices to £66.And he arguably made things worse with the club’s following by insisting United should not charge less than Premier League rivals like… Fulham.So when he was picked out in the Red Devils’ scrappy 1-0 win at Craven Cottage, he faced brutal verbal abuse from away supporters.A chant rang out of “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t – just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t”.READ MORE TOP STORIESFans had been desperate for Ratcliffe and his Ineos company to take over from the Glazers, which they finally did in December 2023.But recent cut-backs off the pitch have helped send relations between Ratcliffe and supporters plummeting.And observers online appeared to back the hostile reaction he received in West London on Sunday evening.One responded: “Best away fans in the country.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Beautiful scenes,” added a second, while a third was gleeful that the chanting took place “while he’s there too.”Ruben Amorim’s men clawed their way up to 12th via a wickedly-deflected winner from Lisandro Martínez on 78 minutes. ‘Managers don’t get that now’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘intel’ that wouldn’t happen todayBut for many fans the bigger picture is the rising costs back at Old Trafford.United say the changes will put the club “on a stronger financial footing” – after making a total loss of more than £300million over the past three years.But supporters unfurled a “your debt not ours” banner during Thursday’s dramatic 2-1 home victory over Rangers in the Europa League. 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 charity More

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    Former Chelsea flop forced to explain himself after he is spotted sitting with Man City fans for defeat at Etihad

    CHELSEA flop Danny Drinkwater has sparked a row after sitting with Manchester City fans and appearing to brand his old club a circus.The ex-England midfielder saw City dent the Blues’ top-four hopes with a 3-1 comeback win at the Etihad.Danny Drinkwater was with Man City fans, not in the Chelsea endDrinkwater offered this reason for his sittingCredit: InstagramDrinkwater is far from a favourite with Chelsea supporters following a dismal spell at Stamford Bridge from 2017-2022 after his £35million switch from Leicester.And fans who reckoned he was a waste of money were seething again after spotting him with home supporters in Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash.Drinkwater justified his actions on social media afterwards  – but his explanation stirred up more discontent.The now-retired star, 34, posted on Instagram: “For the @Chelsea fans asking why I’m in the City end… I asked the club for tickets!?! I didn’t receive any.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDrinkwater then spelt out his feelings by adding two emojis – a circus and an eye roll.That didn’t go down well with fans who recalled his anonymous, injury-hit six years at Stamford Bridge.But other supporters slammed Drinkwater’s treatment by Chelsea at the weekend as proof of the “disrespectful” way former players are treated under the club’s majority owners Clearlake.The fortunes of the three-cap ace hurtled downwards on and off the pitch once he immediately swapped 2015-16 Prem title glory with Leicester for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballThe ex-midfielder had five injury-hit years with ChelseaCredit: 2021 VisionhausJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd one fan said of his ‘snub’ at the Etihad: “Why would they give him tickets lol.”Another posted: “He took enough from the club. They gave him a nice retirement package.” Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him A third wrote: “I wouldn’t give him any tickets either. He can f*****g buy them with the wage he received.”A fourth added: “If he really wanted to support the club then I don’t see any harm in him buying a ticket btw.” A fifth chuckled: “Did him dirty.. Didn’t do anything notable for the club.”But despite Drinkwater being such a costly misfit at Chelsea, the Etihad episode left some supporters pointing their finger at the current Stamford Bridge reign of Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake.One fan said: “Clearlake disrespecting former Chelsea players, get them out.”Another demanded the same: “Get the owners out of here” – followed by two clown emojis.Drinkwater has described his humbling descent while at Chelsea as “the darkest I’d felt. It was like I was drowning and forgotten how to swim”. And his life away from the pitch has also been beset by an array of difficulties in recent years.He was banned from the wheel for 20 months in 2019 after admitting drink-driving following a crash in his Range Rover that injured his two passengers.And in September that year, Drinkwater was attacked outside a Manchester nightclub, suffering head injuries and ankle ligament damage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen in November 2023, just a week after quitting playing, the Sun revealed how he lost £782,000 from a failed restaurant business.Drinkwater has since been working as a property developer. More