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      Lionesses close to tears as Olympic dreams dashed by Holland on see-saw night despite thumping Scotland 6-0

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      LAUREN JAMES bagged a deadly double as England hammered Scotland 6-0.But it was not enough to seal the result they needed to top their Women’s Nations League group and keep hopes of Great Britain battling for Paris Olympics football medals alive. 
      Lauren James bagged twice for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      England’s big win wasn’t enough to qualify for the Olympics – with the players left close to tearsCredit: Reuters
      Lucy Bronze and Co were left gutted by the outcomeCredit: Reuters
      Just as the team thought it was mission accomplished as the Lionesses roared to a hefty win, Damaris Egurrola netted the goal that saw them leap back to pole position in group A1 and claim their place in the Women’s Nations League semis.
      It was see-saw night for the visitors. And one that ended with their Olympic hopes crushed.
      Coming into the game England no longer had their bid to top their group and reach the contest semis in their hands, despite beating Holland 3-2 last Friday. 
      At a bitterly cold Hampden Park, Sarina Wiegman’s side had two objectives. 
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      The first was to win their game and the second – to wipe out Holland’s three-goal advantage in the goal difference standings in group A1. 
      The match was a make or break moment in terms of whether they could move closer to clinching an Olympics spot for a Great Britain women’s football team. 
      That or seeing hopes of a British women’s football side battling for medals at the Paris games go up in smoke. 
      And in the dying seconds their hopes were dashed. 
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      The Lionesses and Scotland found themselves in the bizarre predicament of facing each other in a fixture that England needed to win in order to ensure players from both nations (as well Wales) are in with a chance of potentially playing at the Games next summer.
      Wiegman wanted her side to go wild in attack but not erratic. 
      They heeded her call taking a 12th-minute lead with Mead’s perfectly delivered corner-kick headed home by Alex Greenwood. 
      Moments later boos rang out from home fans with Lisa Evans looking to ref for a penalty after colliding with Lucy Bronze in the box but having no joy. 
      Lauren Hemp hit the woodwork at the half hour mark before Claire Emslie flashed the ball across goal in reply 
      And with Holland taking a lead against Belgium at that point the Lionesses now needed three more goals to top their group. 
      James answered their prayers with a 38th minute finish from the edge of the box before curling in a stylish for her second. 
      And Mead made it 4-0 close to half time following James’ cross into the box. 
      The second half saw Fran Kirby get in on the act pouncing on a drag back from Georgia Stanway. 
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      While Holland went 3-0 up through danger woman Lineth Beerensteyn and Egurrola, England came perilously close to conceding with Martha Thomas striking the post. An injury time Lucy Bronze header initially looked to have put the result beyond doubt 
      But then up stepped Egurrola whose finish in Holland saw Team GB’s football  qualifying hopes dashed. 
      Vivianne Miedema and her Dutch team-mates pipped the Lionesses to qualifyCredit: Getty More

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      Government backs Karen Carney women’s football review demands including providing  mental health support for players

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      KAREN CARNEY’S call for standards to be ramped up across women’s football’s top two tiers has been backed by the government.The former Lioness’ recommendations include a move to make both divisions fully professional and for a weekend broadcast slot for the game.
      Making football fully professional across the Women’s Championship is among Karen Carney’s review recommendations backed by the governmentCredit: Getty
      The review also recommends top quality mental healthcare support is provided for players in the women’s game’s top two tiersCredit: PA
      Her calls were included in a report produced as part of a major independent review conducted into the future of the women’s domestic game.
      The review was commissioned following the Lionesses’ winning the European Championship for the first time in their history last summer. 
      Government’s acceptance of its recommendations comes five days after the FA announced the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship will be run by an independent body from next season.
      The organisation, currently known as NewCo, will be overseen by former investment banker and Nike Executive Nikki Doucet.
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      Proposals for an independent body to govern the WSL were among a number of measures proposed by Carney’s review. 
      Published last July, the independent review also calls for funding for full union representation for players in the top-flight and second tier.
      And at a time when emotional welfare of female players in the domestic game has come under scrutiny, the review has pushed for “gold standard” physical and mental health support provision for players.
      Following the government’s support of her recommendations, Carney said: “I’m encouraged that the government is providing their full backing to my review and renewing their commitment to develop women’s football in the UK and fulfil its potential to be a world-beating sport.
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      “The real work begins now. I hope the additional investment and support from the government is the boost for the FA, the incoming NewCo, and other stakeholders of the game to rally around this once in a lifetime opportunity to transform domestic women’s football,”
      A dedicated broadcast slot for televising women’s weekend fixtures is also among its callsCredit: Getty
      The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and anti-racism organisation Kick it Out welcomed the measures proposed by Carney’s review
      And the PFA insists making women’s football professional across its top two divisions should encompass how players are treated by clubs and their leagues. 
       PFA chief Maheta Molango said: “We’ve always said professional needs to mean more than just a word on a contract.
      “It needs to be reflected in the way players are treated and supported by their clubs and leagues.” More

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      Controversial VAR decisions causing friend and family rows, study finds

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      CONTROVERSIAL VAR decisions are causing friend and family rows, a survey has revealed.One in eight footie fans said they have led to ­friction and fallings-out.
      VAR decisions are causing rows within families and friend groupsCredit: Getty
      In contrast, only one in 12 said decisions by Premier League on-pitch referees led to serious anger.
      The survey found Arsenal fans argue with loved ones the most, with 20 per cent of the Gunners’ supporters bickering about Video Assistant Referee decisions.
      Chelsea, Southampton, Manchester United and Tottenham followed on the list.
      Aston Villa fans had the least rows, with only six per cent having a bust-up after the game.
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      Betting site freebets.com asked 2,000 Premier League fans and found arguments are most often caused by disallowed goals for off side and penalty decisions.
      Spokesman Tim Agnew said: “The positive news is it’s making referees more popular, or at least the ref is no longer getting the brunt of fans’ fury.”
      It comes after the International FA Board last week said it was considering extending existing checks for goals, penalties and red cards to corners, free kicks and yellow cards. More

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      ‘Gutted’ England star Mary Earps in tears and is consoled by team-mates after letting in soft goal in Netherlands win

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      ENGLAND goalkeeper Mary Earps claimed she “let the team down” after making an error during the Lionesses’ 3-2 win over Netherlands on Friday.The World Cup golden glove winner left the pitch in tears at full-time despite England’s late comeback.
      Mary Earps was in tears after the matchCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper was consoled by Sarina Wiegman and Alessia RussoCredit: Reuters
      Sarina Wiegman’s side had to win the match by at least two goals to keep their Nations League hopes alive and take control at the top of Group A1.
      However, with the team already 1-0 down in the 35th minute, Earps let Lineth Beerensteyn’s shot slip through her gloves and into the net.
      The Lionesses were able to turn the match on its head after half time thanks to goals from Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone.
      But with one game still to play, England’s fate in the competition is now out of their hands.
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      Earps could not hide her disappointment after the match as she was consoled by her team-mates.
      And in a post-match interview with ITV, the goalkeeper admitted that the error will continue to “haunt” her.

      She said: “I’m sorry my performance cost the girls like that.
      “That will haunt me for a long time. I’ve really let the team down today. I’m really gutted.”
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      Earps made an error which led to Netherlands’ second goal in the first halfCredit: Getty
      The Man Utd star was left devastatedCredit: PA
      Earps added: “It could have been a really special night at Wembley. The team were unbelievable.”
      England boss Wiegman responded to the 30-year-old’s comments in her post-match press conference, insisting that it was a team effort.
      The Dutchwoman said: “I don’t want her to talk like that, because you win as a team and lose as a team
      “She didn’t let the team down. Everyone does their best. You only let your team down when you don’t put effort in.”
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright was also quick to defend Earps on ITV.
      He said: “I don’t think she should be beating herself up like she is, she looked really quite distressed there.
      “The fact is on many occasions Mary Earps has saved this team. Unfortunately for her today she made a mistake that yes we needed two goals but we didn’t lose the game.
      “Unfortunately we didn’t get the two goals but at the same time that’s what it’s about. It happens like that and her team has pulled her out of it. You’ve to take it on the chin and move on.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Earps was voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year earlier this week, beating Aitana Bonmati, Sam Kerr, Fridolina Rolfo and Alexandra Popp to the prize.
      She also came fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings – the highest a goalkeeper has placed since the female award was introduced. More

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      Inside Leah Williamson’s glam lifestyle, from sponsorships with Gucci and Nike to friendship with Alex Scott

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      Elegant on the pitch, stylish off it – Leah Williamson is one of football’s leading players and fashionistas.The Arsenal defender became a pop culture icon when she captained the Lionesses to Euros glory in 2022.
      Leah Williamson has become a fashion icon outside of footballCredit: Getty
      England captain Leah famously won the Euros with England in 2022Credit: Rex
      Leah is also a regular in fashion magazines and poses in stylish shootsCredit: PA
      However, a cruel ruptured ACL injury back in April robbed her of the opportunity to lead her country out at the World Cup.
      But now Leah has returned to training and is eyeing a comeback in the new year to spearhead the Gunners’ title challenge in the WSL.
      Since her heroics with the Three Lions, she has become a hot commodity reportedly raking in £4million.
      Her bank balance boosted by deals with Gucci, Nike and Pepsi.
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      While the 26-year-old is also a regular feature on the red carpet, and recently attended the GQ Men of the Year Awards with pals Alex Scott, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps.

      She’s kind of a big deal
      Although Arsenal and WSL fans would have known her stock, Williamson’s grew during the Lionesses Euro 2022 campaign..
      With the North London giants, she is said to earn around £150,000-per-year.
      But it’s in sponsorships where she has well and truly prospered.
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      Since her coming of age moment two summers ago, fashion house Gucci have signed her up as an ambassador, Pepsi made her front and centre of their ad campaigns, while Nike utilised her athletic frame to model their fashionable garments and Dyson have utilise her too.
      Alongside the likes of KSI, Anthony Joshua, Jude Bellingham, and Trent Alexander-Arnold she has also appeared in JD Sports photoshoots – showing off their streetwear collections.
      Arsenal also ensure she’s front and centre of any new clothing and kit launches they have.
      Because of this, Leah has well and truly become a figure of fashion.
      Magazines like Vogue, GQ and Elle have featured her in fancy fashion shoots.
      Experts have commented on her outfits as combining femininity with masculinity.
      She told Elle: “In the industry I work in, women have had a lot of oppression. So, I don’t like to stick to the status quo or the norm with my clothes. I like to step out of that, and that’s where embracing that masculine side of dress comes from.
      “I just think it’s a good way to kind of stick your fingers up at everybody else, and say this is what I want to wear and I’m going to wear it.”
      Leah features in an ad campaign for ArsenalCredit: Instagram
      Glam fashion shoots are the norm for LeahCredit: Instagram
      Leah has been credited with mixing masculinity with femininity with her styleCredit: PA
      Stylish Leah always cuts a dazzling figure on the red carpetCredit: Getty
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      Music drives her agenda
      For every game she plays, music fan Leah makes a playlist.
      Whether it’s for Arsenal or England, she makes sure the kit man has it and the music she chooses features in the dressing room.
      It’s the perfect way to connect with her teammates and remember moments in her career.
      “I love how music makes people feel, and how you can connect with people – most conversations I have with the girls come off the back of music,” she told GQ.
      “I like it because when you think back to key moments, you always remember the music that was playing.”
      ABBA’s Does Your Mother Know was a particular favourite during the Euros.
      “It’s become a massive song for us,” she recalled.
      Music is an important aspect of Leah’s life
      Leah regularly draws up playlists for her teammates and has a sponsorship with Dyson – sporting their headphones in this ad

      “We played it before one of the warm-up games and Ella Toone, for whatever reason, went a bit crazy for it. She went out and scored, and then afterwards she was like, ‘Can we have that before every game?’ I went, ‘Yeah! You continue to score, I’ll play what you want.'”
      Comparing them both, she said: “Nothing makes me feel the way football or music do. But you choose which song you want to put on… football is out of your control.”
      On her travels
      When she can, Leah makes the best time of the off season by going on swanky holidays.
      Back in June, she was joined by fellow Lionesses star Keira Walsh for a trip to Ibiza.
      The pair wore matching black bikinis in snaps shared on Instagram, as they showed off their bronzed bodies.
      They also hired a yacht and partied at a luxury beach club.
      The Balearic island seems to be Leah’s favourite place to visit.
      She was also there a year earlier with teammate Beth Mead, where they enjoyed posh dinner at STK – chowing down on steak and truffle fries.
      The next night, Leah was seen at club Ushuaia where she was spotted dancing wearing a bucket hat and jeans.
      Leah shows off her amazing bikini body on board a yacht in IbizaCredit: Instagram
      Keira Walsh and Leah enjoyed the trip to the Balearic island together
      Leah enjoyed a meal at STK Ibiza in 2022Credit: Splash
      Leah speaking at the UN General Assembly
      In August, she visited Za’atari in Jordan, the world’s largest Syrian refugee camp.
      A month later, she addressed the United Nations’ General Assembly in New York and made a plea to challenge gender stereotypes and level the playing field for girls around the world.
      ‘You’re my best friend’
      Although she holds many friends in the game, it’s BBC Sport presenter Alex Scott who seems to be her closest pal.
      The pair are inseparable, whether it’s going on holidays together or attending the same events and posing for the cameras.
      It is believed they have been friends for around three years, after meeting on the women’s football circuit.
      Together they attended the Brit Awards, GQ Men of the Year Awards, and the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, where they were joined by Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne.
      And Alex isn’t afraid of making fun of her pal, in a light-hearted moment that showed how close the pair are.
      At half-time during Arsenal’s WSL match against Aston Villa, she interviewed Leah and cheekily encouraged her to share a funny story about a visit to receive her OBE at Windsor Castle.
      Alex began: “Is this where I can tell everyone at home? Actually, you can actually. What went on with the outfit?”
      Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, Alex Scott and Chloe Kelly attend the GQ Men of the Year Awards earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      Leah and Alex Scott are firm friends off the pitchCredit: Rex
      Alex revealed of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction Leah suffered collecting her OBE at Windsor CastleCredit: Getty
      Initially, Leah admitted to being able to cover up a split in her trousers. However, she soon went further with the truth.
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      “The outfit, yeah, my trousers split,” she said, adding: “I received my OBE not in my best form, but no one knew about it until you just told the whole world, so thanks.”
      A laughing Scott replied: “I had to tell everyone, I had to tell everyone!” More

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      England 3 Netherlands 2: Lionesses keep Olympic hopes alive with last gasp Ella Toone strike after heroic comeback

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      ELLA TOONE helped England mount a miraculous comeback after a first half disaster against Holland in the Women’s Nations LeagueThe Man Utd star’s dramatic Wembley winner in a 3-2 comeback victory saved her side’s bacon and helped keep Team GB’s Olympic qualifying dreams alive.
      Toone’s late goal has kept England’s hopes aliveCredit: Rex
      On her 50th appearance Toone’s pal Lauren Hemp gave Sarina Wiegman’s side a glimmer of hope of maintaining their chance of reaching the games in  Paris. 
      And it came after a first half that went pear-shaped for the World Cup finalists. 
      England started brightly with Lauren James heading over in the third minute. 
      Later the Chelsea ace drove through the middle and fed Hemp the ball with the in-form Lioness firing wide of Daphnne van Domselaar’s goals. 
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      The past few Women’s Nations League games have seen the Lionesses wobble with their results under Sarina Wiegman, following a ruthless winning run that saw a number of big-hitting rivals dispatched.
      And after a strong start it was backs against the wall time for her side when they went behind against the run of play. 
      Holland had just two shots on target in the first spell 
      And they used those to punish England’s defensive issues in the game. 
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      Toone ran back to put the ball on the spot in order for England to try and run up the scorelineCredit: Rex
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      A superbly weighted ball from Victoria Pelova was dropped neatly into the path of Holland striker Lineth Beerensteyn. 
      And she bamboozled Jess Carter with the defender colliding with  Lucy Bronze before Beerensteyn rifled in a 12th minute opener prompting jeers from the crowd.
      The visitors doubled their lead after a calamitous moment at the back for the hosts in the 35th minute.
      A ball bounced into the penalty box with the defence failing to clear 
      And Beerensteyn’s hit a tame shot that trickled past the glove of Mary Earps and into goal. 
      The second half saw the hosts ring the changes with Beth Mead making her first England appearance since last November replacing Chloe Kelly. 
      They pulled a goal back with Georgia Stanway’s header before Hemp sent the crowd into delirium with a curled effort at the post seconds later. 
      And Toone completed a dream comeback bagging an injury-time winner that gives England hope of sealing an Olympic spot for Team GB. More

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      My daughter Maddy Cusack suffered ‘too much pressure’ juggling two jobs while getting paid just £6,000 before her death

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      THE MUM of tragic footballer Maddy Cusack says she suffered “too much pressure” juggling two jobs while getting paid just £6,000 before her death.Deborah Cusack has spoken of the struggles Sheffield United footballer daughter Maddy endured before dying aged 27 in September.
      Maddy Cusack has been described as ‘Miss Sheffield United’Credit: PA
      Maddy was concerned her future in the game felt “threatened” despite being in love with the South Yorkshire city and the club’s fans, her mother told the BBC.
      Her words come it was revealed her daughter felt “broken by football”, as more tributes were paid.
      An inquest was opened and adjourned last month at Derby Coroner’s Court, with a coroner awaiting further details about the cause of her death.
      The hearing heard how it was Maddy’s distraught dad who identified her body.
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      Deborah has now said of her daughter: “She became Miss Sheffield United, they labelled her Miss Sheffield United.
      “She fell in love with the city, she fell in love with the fans, she fell in love with the whole place, and she found her home there – yes, she did.”
      Maddy was found dead at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20.
      Tributes poured in from across the footballing world.
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      Derbyshire Police said the death was not suspicious.
      Sheffield United have now opened an investigation into any circumstances that might have contributed.
      Deborah today told BBC Breakfast the Premier League club’s inquiry came after requests from Maddy’s family.
      She has talked of how her daughter’s well-being appeared to change from February this year onwards.
      Deborah said: “She worried about her career in football, because football to her was everything – to have that threatened in any way shape or form hurt.
      “Her spirit was broken – that’s the best way that I can describe it to you.”
      I am proud of every single thing that Madeleine didMaddy Cusack’s mum Deborah
      Maddy’s family previously said “she had no long-standing mental health issues or trouble”.
      And they described her as being “at her happiest” last Christmas – before things “all changed gradually from February this year”.
      Deborah told of Sheffield United’s women’s footballers being part-time “which means they all had full-time jobs and played three times a week” for what she called “a minimal amount of money”.
      She added: “I think Madeleine was on £6,000 a year to play football. 
      “So these girls are having to juggle two jobs, they’re having to train and behave like male athletes for miniscule of the amount of the money they get – it’s too much.”
      She also described life since her daughter’s death as “unimaginable” and “unbearable”.
      But she also recalled a memorial event when Sheffield United played Newcastle United and she was applauded by 40,000 when she walked on to the pitch to remember Maddy.
      Deborah said: “I did that because I had to show the world that I was proud of every single thing that Madeleine did.
      “She achieved more in her 27 years than a lot of people do in a lifetime.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Maddy’s sister Felicia has described her as a “role model”, while brother Richard hailed her as a “fierce competitor”, adding: “She was a very proud person.”
      Sheffield United declined to comment.
      Maddy, 27, has been described as a ‘fierce competitor’Credit: Getty
      Her family paid tribute at a match between Sheffield United and NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Fans also laid offerings at the South Yorkshire club’s Bramall Lane stadiumCredit: Reuters
      Mum Deborah told how Maddy was recognised by supporters as ‘Miss Sheffield United’Credit: Getty More

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      Fans slam Man Utd ‘s*** show’ as part of Old Trafford’s concrete roof crumbles and falls on fans during derby clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left shocked after a small part of the Old Trafford ceiling appeared to crumble and fall on them during a match.The Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.
      An image of the damage to Old Trafford was shared on XCredit: X / @D16S1972
      Part of the ceiling crumbled on to the floorCredit: X / @D16S1972
      The ceiling was crackedCredit: X / @D16S1972
      Katie Zelem broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 21st minute before Jill Roord and Lauren Hemp turned the game on its head within a matter of seconds.
      Khadija Shaw then capitalised on a lapse of concentration within the United defence to seal all three points for Man City.
      It was a disappointing day for Man Utd fans, but for some it was made worse when a piece of the Old Trafford ceiling reportedly fell on them.
      One person took to X to share three photographs of the damage.
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      They wrote: “If you ever need further proof that Old Trafford is indeed Falling Down…Block N2402 ceiling parts fell on 2 supporters at the ladies game today….absolute s*** show.”
      Cracks in the ceiling and bits of concrete on the floor can be seen in the pictures.
      Fans were quick to comment on the shock images, with one person writing: “The council needs to close parts of the ground down.”
      Another added: “The neglect of Old Trafford by the Glazers is becoming a genuine health and safety issue.”
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      While a third commented: “The stadium needs proper structural work doing not just Jim Ratcliffe coming in & giving the green light to some filler & paint.”
      Man Utd are currently investigating the incident.
      Fans were also left furious recently after a leak in the roof of the stadium left them soaked.
      Incoming minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be ready to pump nearly £250MILLION into the club in order to improve the infrastructure of Old Trafford.
      United legend Gary Neville recently branded the iconic stadium the “Theatre of Nothing” amid the club’s poor run of form in the Premier League and Champions League. More