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      West Ham ‘sound out former Champions League final manager’ as Julen Lopetegui ‘has TWO matches to save his job’

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is not “listening or reading” about any sack speculation amid reports he has TWO matches to save his West Ham job.The Hammers are understood to have already sounded out Edin Terzic, who guided Borussia Dortmund to last season’s Champions League final before leaving the Bundesliga giants.Julen Lopetegui’s future could rest on results vs Newcastle and ArsenalCredit: RexEdin Terzic is rated a prime contender to step in if Lopetegui departsCredit: GettyAnd it’s claimed that should Lopetegui fail to get decent results away to Newcastle on Monday and then at home to Arsenal next Saturday, he will be shown the exit door.Typically, the West Ham hierarchy do not make mid-season firing but the club are 14th in the Premier League with only three wins from 11 matches.Terzic, a former Hammers’ assistant under Slaven Bilic, is regarded as a frontrunner should the Spaniard be replaced.He won the German Cup in his first spell in charge of Dortmund when he was interim chief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTerzic then returned to take the permanent position but quit in June this year after finishing fifth. TalkSPORT say West Ham Director of football Tim Steidten is a firm admirer of Terzic and that contact has already been made.It was put to Lopetegui, 58, that his time could soon be over in East London.But he responded: “The only thing I’m focused on is to be able to go to Newcastle in a tough match against a very good team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We have to be ready to improve and to overcome the kinds of difficulties that we are going to have as a team.“The rest of the things, believe me this is football, it’s up to you. I’m not focused on this.Who is Julen Lopetegui?“I’m not listening or reading. I’m focused on working in my daily work to be able to understand what things can happen to be a better team.“The rest of the things are out of my control.“We put all our focus on the things that we can control to be able to work better, with a high demanding, knowing that the players need to do better.“Knowing that the season arrives in May, not November. So, let’s see what happens in two, three months.”Lopetegui – who is without the suspended Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus – said he “talks every week” with chairman and largest shareholder David Sullivan.He added: “Our life is to live under pressure. Our work is like this. That is why we choose this world.“The more important thing is that we are working very hard to be able to improve a lot.“The players have a big commitment to do this. I’m sure that we are going to achieve our levels.“It’s true that we are not happy with the position that we are in but it’s true that we have a lot of time to change this.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have done good things, but not enough things and we have to do more good things. We have to be able to achieve the best level of all the players.“We have to increase the level of all the team. I’m sure that all the players are involved in this improvement.” More

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      Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      NEWCASTLE are looking to keep their unbeaten run going when West Ham visit in this week’s Monday Night Football.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsNewcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 12 – play now and compete for £250 weekly prize!

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      SCORE PREDICTOR returns with Matchweek 12 coming in hot.As usual, it’s free to play with a £250 cash prize for the weekly winner so there’s no reason to shy away.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Arsenal v Nottingham ForestThis was a relatively straightforward match-up to predict in recent seasons but Forest are a different beast this term.Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob are currently fifth in the table, level with the Gunners on 19 points.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest at this stage while only Erling Haaland is clear of Chris Wood in the Golden Boot race.Mikel Arteta’s troops will certainly be wary of an upset having only won one of their last five outings in all competitions; and that a victory over Championship side Preston in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballWhat’s more, Forest boast the second-best away record in the top flight having gone unbeaten on the road since the start of the campaign.There’s a chance Arsenal will have reset during the international break but all signs point to a very competitive game at the Emirates this Saturday.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawForest have already won at Anfield this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City v TottenhamProbably the standout match-up of Matchweek 12.Pep Guardiola suffered a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his managerial career when his side fell to Brighton prior to the break.It would be quite something if that run were to extend to five but certainly not inconceivable given the opposition.Spurs have been a bogey team for the decorated tactician in recent years although his woes have generally stemmed from North London – City’s home record remains imperious.Ange Postecoglou’s side are difficult to pin down this season.They’re the league’s top scorers but inconsistent form, typified by their loss to Ipswich last time out, has them tenth in the standings.These sides rank first and second for total shots in the Premier League this season and with vulnerabilities in both defences it could be an entertaining contest – a tough one to predict though.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSouthampton v LiverpoolIf the first two match-ups are tantalisingly poised, this one appears relatively simple.With Saints pinned to the bottom of the table and the Reds leading the way at the top, this is a huge mismatch on paper.Arne Slot may have one eye on Real Madrid in midweek but it’s surely a question of how many for the visitors on Sunday?Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSouthampton will be up against it this weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils once beat the Tractor Boys 9-0 under Alex Ferguson’s watch but that was a long time ago.After an underwhelming start to the campaign that proved to be the end of Erik ten Hag, Man United are just four places above Ipswich in the table at present.Although the East Anglians were made to wait until November 10th for their first Premier League since promotion.The primary talking point about this game revolves around Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese tactician set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 20-time champions.Score Predictors will have to ask themselves how much they believe in the concept of a new manager bounce.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer league goals than Man United this term but there were signs of an upturn prior to the break.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester UnitedA trip to Portman represents a relatively favourable start for Amorim on paperCredit: GettyNewcastle v West HamOptimism has been restored at St James’ Park this month following back-to-back wins over Arsenal and high-flying Forest.After a somewhat subdued start to the campaign, Alexander Isak is now bang in form having scored in four consecutive games – the Swedish striker will fancy his chances of extending his streak on Monday night.In contrast, patience is running thin among Hammers fans in regards to Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.West Ham failed to score in either of the last two outings (against Forest and Everton) and have been rendered relatively toothless by Mohammed Kudus’ lengthy suspension.Having been 3-1 down in the 76th minute, Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle to a 4-3 win over West Ham in the corresponding fixture last season but it should be a more straightforward task for the hosts this time around.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? You’re almost certainly right!Play Score Predictor now and put yourself in contention for the £250 weekly prize.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More

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      Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

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      RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

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      Man Utd XI for last trip to Ipswich includes professional tennis player and star who retired at 45

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      MANCHESTER UNITED last faced Ipswich Town at Portman Road more than 20 years ago.But this Sunday Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of being United manager when they visit the Tractor Boys.Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich TownCredit: GettyThe Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002Credit: ReutersRoy Carroll was in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45Credit: PacemakerThe Portuguese boss has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat and got straight down to work in training.Amorim would love Sunday’s match to go the same way as the last league encounter between the clubs.That ended in a 1-0 away victory for United under Sir Alex Ferguson.Much has changed at the club since April 2002 – and obviously the starting XI.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHere is a look at the starting team from that match and what those players are up to…Roy CarrollIn goal for United was the Northern Irish stopper Carroll.He stayed at Old Trafford until 2005 and went on to have stints at West Ham, Rangers and Derby County.He continued his career abroad as he played for Danish outfit Odense Boldklub and Greek sides OFL and Olympiacos.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarroll returned to England in 2014 with Notts County and continued his career right up until 2021.However, he made a shock return to playing in 2023 – aged 45 – as he came out of retirement to play for Ballinamallard United in Northern Ireland.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsPhil NevillePhil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002Credit: GettyHe is now the manager of Portland TimbersCredit: APNeville started the match against the Tractor Boys at left-back.The defender also stayed at the club until 2005, when he left for Everton.Neville was at the Toffees up until he retired in 2013 and moved into coaching roles at United and Valencia.In 2018, he was named the manager of the England Women’s team, stepping down in 2021.He then had a stint as the head coach of Canada and is now in charge of the MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Wes BrownWes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023Credit: GettyBrown was one of the two centre-backs in a defence that kept a clean sheet.He stayed at United until 2011 and went on to have spells at Sunderland, Blackburn and Indian side Kerala Blasters.The Englishman retired in 2018 and started a car firm.In 2023, he was declared bankrupt despite his £50,000-per-week wage during his career.John O’SheaJohn O’Shea played 394 times for Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now the assistant manager of the Republic of IrelandCredit: AlamyO’Shea partnered Brown in the heart of the defence.The Irishman also left the club in 2011 as he joined Brown at Sunderland.He stayed at the club until 2018 after suffering back-to-back relegations to League One.He retired in 2019 after a year with Reading and has most recently been the caretaker manager and assistant boss of the Republic of Ireland.Denis IrwinIrwin retired two years after the clash at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe went on to work in the mediaCredit: SportsfileIrwin was coming to the end of his playing days when he lined up against Ipswich.He retired in 2004 after a two-year spell at Wolves.After hanging up his boots, the Irishman moved into the media and started working as a presenter for MUTV.He has gone on to become a columnist at Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper and a contributor to RTE.Nicky ButtNicky Butt played in the midfield that dayCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was part of the group that invested in Salford CityCredit: PAButt was in the engine room against Ipswich.He stayed at United until 2004 then enjoyed a good spell at Newcastle until 2010.He retired in 2011 after playing for Hong Kong outfit South China.He most recently was CEO at Salford City but stepped down in October.Butt was one of the United legends that invested in Salford back in 2014.Michael StewartMichael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now working in the media after a failed bid in politicsCredit: Kenny RamsayScotsman Stewart made one of his handful of Premier League appearances for United in this match.The midfielder left the club in 2005, having only made 14 appearances in all competitions.He spent the majority of his career in Scotland with Hibernian and Hearts of Midlothian.He ended his playing days back in England with Charlton Athletic in 2011.After retiring, Stewart entered politics as attempted to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh West at the 2015 General Election but failed to win the party’s nomination.He has since worked as a pundit for BBC Scotland and for the Scottish Sun.Luke ChadwickLuke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against IpswichCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has also worked in club mediaCredit: GettyChadwick was another part of Ferguson’s midfield.He left United in 2004 and continued playing until 2016.The midfielder had stints at clubs such as West Ham, Stoke City, Norwich City, MK Dons, and Cambridge Town before his final club Soham Town Rangers.He was most recently the Director of The Football Fun Factory, which is a coach provider, and he runs his own branch.Roy KeaneRoy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now a star pundit on Sky SportsCredit: GettyKeane was the final midfielder in the team at Portman Road.He controversially left United in 2005 for a single season at Celtic before retiring from playing.Keane then tried his hand at management with stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.He also coached under Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.He has now become a fan-favourite pundit on Sky Sports with fans often hailing his analysis.Keane recently praised future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he scored on his England debut.Diego ForlanDiego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man UnitedCredit: ReutersHe has recently become a tennis playerCredit: EPAForlan, was one of two strikers to start the match, has possibly had the biggest career shift.The Uruguayan forward struggled to show his best form during his two-year spell at the Red Devils.He left in 2004 and went on to become one of the best in Europe during his stint at LaLiga sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.He retired from football in 2018, but that did not end his sporting career.Earlier this month, he was the wildcard entry into the 2024 Uruguay Open main doubles draw.However, he and his partner, Argentine Federico Coria, were beaten in straight sets.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich TownCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was recently the interim coach at Man UnitedCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich with his 45th-minute goal.The Dutchman was one of the most prolific strikers during his time in the Premier League.He left Old Trafford in 2006 for Real Madrid and ended his career in 2012 at Malaga.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former striker has since turned to coaching and was the interim boss at United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.He won three of four games during his unbeaten time in charge of the club before he was axed by Amorim. 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      Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

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      PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More