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    Aitana Bonmati insists Spain players’ equality battle ‘has not been in vain’ following Rubiales case verdict

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    AITANA BONMATI reckons Spain have become even stronger after “suffering” in their equality battle.The La Roja playmaker hailed Sarina Wiegman and England’s stars for sympathising with her team’s ordeal.Aitana Bonmati hopes Spain’s national women’s team will be better respected following sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football chief Luis RubialesCredit: ReutersBonmati and her Spain team-mates are set to face England at Wembley in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: PABonmati was speaking in support of her national team-mate Jenni Hermoso who filed a criminal complaint against RubialesCredit: ReutersRubiales kissing Hermoso on the mouth after the 2023 World Cup final sparked outrage and protests in SpainCredit: ReutersBonmati, 27, was speaking earlier Tuesday ahead of Spain’s Wembley duel with the Lionesses on Wednesday night. The February 25 clash comes six days after Luis Rubiales, 47, was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Spain’s High Court. The former Spanish Football Federation boss was  found guilty of kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 34, on the mouth without her consent. However Rubiales, who was fined 10,800 euros (£8,274), but spared a prison sentence, was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion.Read More Football StoriesThe controversial incident occurred shortly after Hermoso’s side beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia August 2023. A month later Rubiales resigned following Fifa banning him from football  for three years, after initially resisting calls to stand down After the ex-Spanish football chief was acquitted of allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual, the 110-capped striker said she intends to appeal. And she hopes the outcome of the case, which sparked nationwide protests in her country, has set an “important precedent”. Most read in FootballBarcelona star Bonmati said: “Everybody here knows what has happened in the last few months and years. “The sentence is correct, it is a positive thing and the team feels the same. “I was surprised there was no sentence linked to coercion but the trial has served a purpose. “We are all happy. We have been doing well on the pitch and supporting our teammates. “We have battled hard and we know what we have done has not been in vain.”I hope this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. “But it’s also a global case. I don’t want to only speak about footballers as I think this happens in other jobs. “I hope this case helps anyone who is going through these things.”Lucy Bronze and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of Spain’s stars. Bronze, who joined Chelsea last July, played for two years with Bonmati at Barcelona after joining the club in June 2022. Sarina Wiegman and her England aces have been supportive of Spain’s players’ pushing for federation changes and better working conditions. And two-time Euros-winning boss Wiegman hopes their ordeal leads to changes for the better for their team.  The Lioness gaffer said: “It’s a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out but also to still be performing at the level they are.”It’s really a shame that they’ve had to go through this.”Bonmati added: “I heard Sarina speaking a lot of times and supporting us with our issues.”I appreciate her words and also Lucy Bronze’s and Alessia Russo’s. England boss Sarina Wiegman said Spain players’ were “brave to speak out”Credit: PA”We didn’t feel alone on this issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also feel it’s a global case not only a Spanish case.”They feel our suffering and they support us so I appreciate that a lot.” More

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      Alessia Russo says England are focused on playing best football against Spain – not revenge for World Cup ‘hurt’

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is backing England to show Spain why they can be world beaters at Wembley on Wednesday night.Tomorrow’s 8:00pm Nations League clash will be their first meeting since Spain broke Lionesses’ hearts in the 2023 World Cup final.Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh were all smiles in training on Tuesday ahead of their highly anticipated clash with SpainCredit: GettyRusso, who scored in the Lionesses’ 1-1 draw with Portugal, hopes they can register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C gameCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain at Wembley will be sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup finalCredit: PAEngland have not beaten the best women’s side on the planet since the quarter-finals of their Euro 2022 winning campaign.But the squad that toppled Spain that day will be entirely different to the one that steps out in front of a 55,000-strong crowd at the national stadium.Five players are injured – including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and match winner Georgia Stanway – while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired.Arsenal striker Russo wants England to move forward with their new generation and avoid focusing on revenge for the World Cup.Read More Football StoriesAmong England’s newer rising stars is Grace Clinton who started against Portugal on February 21 in a League A group C encounter. Tonight could the six-capped Manchester United ace feature in midfield again with Stanway recovering from a collateral knee ligament tear. Russo said: “We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now.“Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward.Most read in Football“We have a new opportunity and we have all of our fans there.“We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football.”A lacklustre 1-1 draw with Portugal last Friday led to criticism of England’s form with just two wins from their last six games.But victory tomorrow for head coach Sarina Wiegman would not be about making critics eat their words.The Lioness boss said: “We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best.“We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward.“Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral.”Russo, who scored the opener against Portugal, could face Arsenal pals Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina.The trio all featured in the last World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.She added: “Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal)“I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences.Tomorrow’s game will see Russo go up against her Arsenal team-mates Mariona Caldentey and Laia CodinaCredit: Alamy“To play alongside them, they bring so much quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent.“This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football.” More

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      ‘World’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann drops major hint over second career in modelling after lingerie shoot

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      The world’s most feted female footballer online is ready for a racy new Alisha life.Even Roger Federer hasn’t served up as big a presence on Instagram as Alisha Lehmann, who is Switzerland’s top sporting influencer.Alisha Lehmann says it’s important to ‘feel good’Credit: Instagram @tezenisofficialShe was delighted with these ‘really beautiful’ picturesCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe photos drew more than 500k likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe Swiss forward joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summerCredit: GettyNow the striker’s following could soar further – after she revealed she is keen to do more lingerie modelling.Lehmann had raised her profile on the pitch even further last summer when she made a unique piece of transfer history.The 26-year-old and boyfriend Douglas Luiz both switched from Aston Villa to Juventus.Unfortunately Luiz has struggled for a regular start with the men’s team, while Lehmann is currently out injured for the women’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut off the field she’s made great strides – with a possible second career beckoning.Lehmann attracted more than 500,000 Instagram likes when she shared a photoshoot with underwear brand Tezenis ahead of Valentine’s Day.Now she’s confirmed she’d love to take it further – with more such glamour roles.Lehmann told 20 minutes: “We really worked together well and had a great shoot. Most read in Football”We were able to take some really beautiful pictures. I’m happy!”Lehmann – regularly called “the world’s sexiest footballer” – then revealed some of her inner, winner, linger-ie secrets.Alisha Lehmann in space gearThe former West Ham player said: “For a woman who is confident and wants to show that she is confident, it is important that she feels good. “And this lingerie is really very comfortable. What I also like is that it is underwear that every woman can wear. “No matter what her body type is. I really like wearing it myself.”Lehmann’s followers appeared delighted with her news in briefs.And one described her as the “the most beautiful footballer of all time”.That’s quite a statement for the “beautiful game”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd not many fans engaged with that argument.But plenty made a more simple claim – that “Douglas Luiz is a lucky man”.A glimpse into the life of the influencer…Alisha is top of the crops online with a huge haul of followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=enAlisha and partner Douglas Luiz both joined JuveCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7She was a sight for sauna eyes in this shotCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The 26-year-old has 16.7m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha previously played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal followingCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a 58-cap Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      Millie Bright says England ‘have a lot of work to do’ before facing Nations League rivals Spain

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      MILLIE BRIGHT wants England to get to “a place of consistency” following a winless start in their first Nations League outing this year. The Lioness vice-captain, 31, says the team have much to do before their Wembley clash with World Cup winners Spain. Millie Bright hopes England can improve their consistency and get closer to their best performance levelsCredit: GettyThe Lioness centre-back and her team-mates were held to 1-1 draw by Portugal in their first Nations League outing this yearCredit: GettyEngland’s next opponents Spain battled from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win in their Nations League clash with BelgiumCredit: GettyFriday night saw the reigning Euros champs held to a draw by plucky Portugal after Kika Nazareth’s curled strike caught the visitors out following Alessia Russo’s opener. The 1-1 result at Portimao Stadium  has led to questions about the Lionesses’ recent mixed form before one of their biggest international tests this year.On Wednesday they face a battle with a side aiming to swipe their Euros crown having  beaten them in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, Australia.  Despite their Friday night draw, Bright has backed England to get closer to the “levels they want to be at” before their Euros title defence begins in July. Read More Football StoriesWhen asked if she had any concerns about the team’s form, Bright said: “No, not at all. “Football is a journey and we’ve been in this position before when we’re in a really good place and things are going our way. “But then we go through moments where other teams progress and get better. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do and that’s just part of the game. Most read in Football”There is work to be done but we’re aware of what we need to do. “With each game we just have to make sure we keep closing the gap and get closer and closer to the levels we want to be at. “Putting that work in on the training pitch is the most important thing.”Including their result on Friday England have been winless in three of their last seven Nations League games since September 2023. Two of these results include away losses to the Netherlands and Belgium. In two of their last four friendlies of 2024, they fell to a 4-3 loss to 2022 Euros finalists Germany, whilst also drawing 0-0 with Emma Hayes’ USA stars. England’s score draw with Portugal was the second time since July 2023 that the 22nd best team in the world have shared the spoils with Sarina Wiegman’s side. Bright added: “With the (Fifa) rankings people might look at those and think we should be battering this team but as players we don’t look at it like that. “We’ve seen the results they’ve been getting, their performances and the threats they challenged us with. “We’re just going to focus on working on ourselves. “We have to keep that strong mindset to know that we’ve got to get to where we want to be.”Where England fans hope the Lionesses will be next is on the winning side of their next Nations League encounter.An upcoming clash with Spain will see Wiegman’s players go toe-to-toe with the team that denied them a dream  World Cup win in Australia almost two years ago. On Friday their Spain battled back from 2-0 down against Belgium, to seal a dramatic 3-2 win in group two of League A in the Nations League. However Bright believes there are positives England can build on before facing Spain. The 85-capped Lioness said: “As a group we are trying to get to that place of consistency, but that takes time. Alessia Russo reckons England need to be more rutless with scoring chances in their next Nations League gameCredit: Getty”There are lots of things to work on and when you’re playing a top team that poses threats.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the biggest thing is just keeping the ball better and the possession all over the pitch.”We need to just stick together as a group, get back on the training pitch and work hard and be ready for a big game on Wednesday.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman eyes Nations League victories for England in their first competitive tests this year ahead of Euros 

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      NOTHING less than two wins is the aim for Sarina Wiegman and England when they face Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Nations League.While the start of their Euros title campaign is five months away, the Lionesses are fully focused on the present. A 0-0 draw in July 2023 was the result of the last clash between Portugal and Sarina Wiegman’s LionessesCredit: GettyEngland will be aiming for an away win against Portugal at Portimao StadiumCredit: GettyThe game could see Nikita Parris play her first game for the Lionesses since November 2022 following her England recallCredit: GettyGroup place finishes at the end of the Nations League will dictate which sides are placed in each league for the European qualifying games for the 2027 World Cup. Teams who finish in first and second place in each League A group stay in the top league for the qualifiers.England boss Wiegman, whose side are in group three of League A, said: “We’re going to approach these games to win this Nations League. “This is also important to get us in the best position for the draw, for the qualification for the World Cup. Read More Football Stories”That’s a little further away, but that’s why these games are very important too.”Speaking to reporters at England’s base in the city of Albufeira in Portugal’s Algarve, full-back Lucy Bronze added: “Everyone’s always going to have one eye on the summer, that’s for sure. “But as Sarina said, We are focused on one game at a time. It is important to us. “I think the Nations League, the setup now, means that every game matters so much.Most read in Football”All the teams around us are getting better. “So it is important that we focus on the here and now.”While the here and now is a clash with Portugal in Portimao tonight followed by a February 26 Wembley duel with Spain, some fans will look at both as a rehearsal for England’s Euros campaign.In 137 days the Lionesses will kickstart their quest to remain European Champions.Their historic triumph in July 2022 was off the back of winning the six games they played at the tournament. Results which included a gritty quarter-final defeat of Spain on their way to beating Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. Much has changed on the international stage since then with Spain now a tougher force to be reckoned with, particularly when facing their European rivals. The team, managed by Montserrat Tome, won seven of their eight Women’s Nations League on their way to becoming the contest’s 2024 winners.Their victory last February, following a 2-0 defeat of France in Seville, came six months after beating England in the World Cup final in Australia. In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad. We learned a lot from that which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.Along with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, Spain are among the sides likely to be the biggest challengers to the Lionesses for Euros glory. Having lost and drawn two of their last international fixtures, England are eager to get off to a solid start before this summer’s Euros and their next Nations League fixtures in April.While the team beat South Africa and Switzerland in friendlies last October and December they also drew 0-0 with the USA and lost 4-3 to Germany at Wembley. Bronze adds:  “In 2024, maybe some results didn’t go our way. “The most important thing is when we get to the summer, that’s when we want to make sure we’re performing for that tournament (the Euros).”In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad.”We learned a lot from that, which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.”Filling void left by midfield mainstay Georgia Stanway Since her breakthrough as the youngest player in England’s 2019 World Cup squad Georgia Stanway has become a lynchpin in the team’s midfield.But the Bayern Munich star is in a race to be fit before the Euros.A collateral ligament tear in Stanway’s right knee means England will be without one of their most influential figures from their 2022 Euros-winning squad for tonight’s game and their clash with Spain. A player who was the last to score for the Lionesses against Spain in a major tournament. Stanway’s absence has left Wiegman needing to look to midfield alternatives for one of her most tenacious all-round players. Bayern expects the midfielder who helped them to two title wins since 2022  her to be out for “several months” following her knee op in January. The 75-capped Lioness played in all six games for England at the 2022 Euros. Her link-up play with Keira Walsh and Wiegman’s forwards has proven effective in some of the Lionesses’ most high stakes encounters in recent years. In Stanway’s absence Grace Clinton will be among their midfield options in an eight role. Last February Clinton shone on her senior international debut, playing in this position during a 7-2 hammering of Austria. A natural is how Wiegman described the midfielder who has impressed with her dribbling ability. It took the United player, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, just 19 minutes to score after making her first start for Wiegman’s England.  Grace Clinton could play in the number eight role for England with Stanway currently recovering from a knee collateral ligament injuryCredit: GettyOther potential alternatives include skipper Leah Williamson and Leicester ace Ruby Mace. READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland chief Wiegman said: “We have a lot of things in consideration and you’ll see who we’ll pick. “Of course we think about many, many scenarios, what the options are and at the end, we’ll pick one.” More

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      England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

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      LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe blunder as Man Utd co-owner asked women’s captain ‘what do you do here’ during Carrington tour

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been caught in a blunder after allegedly asking the Manchester United women’s captain, “What do you do here?”The club minority owner was taken on a tour of the women’s facilities and encountered their former captain, Katie Zelem.Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not recognise the Manchester United women’s captain Katie ZelemCredit: APRatcliffe met Zelem (centre) during a tour of CarringtonCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 72, met Zelem at Carrington soon after investing in the Red Devils.Like Ratcliffe, the midfielder was born in Failsworth near Oldham and had been at the club since the age of 8.The Telegraph have now claimed that the billionaire was unsure of who the ace was and was unaware of her role during the tour.The report suggests that he even asked the midfielder what she did at the club during the tour.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLZelem, 29, left Manchester United last summer and joined Los Angeles based side Angel City.She had made 161 appearances for the Red Devils during her time with the club.Zelem has also earned 12 caps for the Lionesses since 2021.She did leave the club between 2013 and 2018 for spells at Liverpool and Juventus.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes against a backdrop of Ratcliffe being criticised for lacking interest in the woman’s side of the club.Last May he opted to watch the men’s team face Arsenal at Old Trafford instead of the Women’s FA Cup final victory over Tottenham.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerThey won the final 4-0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the FA Cup for the very first time.He was criticised for his apparent lack of interest and calling the men’s team the “first team”.England star Mary Earps appeared to take a swipe at Ratcliffe when she left the club last summer.The axing of Dan Ashworth was also seen as a blow as the sporting director was said to be “passionate” about the women’s team.It has also been claimed that Ratcliffe did not speak to Ashworth about the women’s team even once before his sacking.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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      ‘Thirteen years of lying’ – Chelsea manager opens up on secret relationship with assistant who she has children with

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      CHELSEA manager Sonia Bompastor opened up on her secret romantic relationship with assistant Camille Abily, which they had kept under wraps for 13 years.Bompastor, 44, took over the Blues’ women’s team last May after legendary predecessor Emma Hayes ended her glittering 12-year stint at Stamford Bridge to coach the US national team.New Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor (right) revealed she’s been in a relationship with assistant Camille AbilyCredit: GettyChelsea coaches Bompastor and Abily kept their relationship secret for 13 yearsCredit: RexBompastor (bottom left) and Abily (top left) enjoyed immense success, such as in 2012 when they beat Eintracht Frankfurt to win the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyThe French tactician brought over Abily, 40, having spent years playing together for Montpellier, Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain and France.The pair then switched to coaching after hanging up their boots and enjoyed a stunning three-year run at Lyon.Together they led OL to three consecutive league titles, one French Cup and the 2022 Champions League trophy.To the outside world, Bompastor and Abily seemed the perfect coaching duo, but their relationship was more intimate behind the scenes.Read More on FootballThe new Chelsea boss revealed in her recent autobiography A Life of Football – published in France on Wednesday – that she has been in a relationship with her assistant for 13 years.And the couple also have FOUR children, who are now aged between three and nine years old.The Lyon legend admits this was a “heavy” secret to keep all these years.Bompastor told L’Equipe: “Revealing my life together with Camille, our couple, after – as I say in the book – these 13 years of lying, is still a subject on which today we are not entirely comfortable.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We are rather discreet and we like to have a completely normal life. Finally, we realised that having lied for 13 years is a heavy secret to keep. “With hindsight and our different experiences, we say to ourselves that we should have revealed it from the start.”Enzo Maresca criticises Chelsea after 3-0 defeat by Brighton Abily, who was also interviewed before the book’s launch, revealed their decision to keep their relationship secret had to do with their public profiles.However, the Chelsea coach hinted she didn’t feel the need to disclose her personal life anyway.Abily said: “There is modesty, self-acceptance. Then, we were still two well-known players. We were already associated a lot on a lot of things.”These are not subjects that I necessarily like to discuss. I think it’s a self-acceptance already. “Everyone around us, our children, know there’s no problem. But I’m not going to be the first to tell someone who doesn’t know. And yet, we were really lucky, it went really well.”Nevertheless, Bompastor and Abily retain a strictly professional relationship while on duty at Chelsea.The couple maintained the same stance during their time in charge of Lyon, and it led to immense success.READ MORE SUN STORIESBompastor added: “Camille isn’t my wife at work. Camille is my duo, my partner. “We know each other very well, we complement each other very well in qualities that as a result, we’re very effective at what we do.” More

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      ‘If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human’, says Millie Bright on fan abuse of players 

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      MILLIE BRIGHT says speaking out about the abuse she received from a fan was prompted by her wish to protect players who have been through similar ordeals. And the Chelsea and England star wants supporters of the women’s game to see footballers as “human” and “not items”. Millie Bright and her England team-mates are in Portugal preparing for their Women’s Nations League games this monthCredit: GettyThis month Lioness centre-back spoke out on being the target of an expletive-laden insult from fan at a WSL gameCredit: GettyBright, who is in Portugal ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Nations League games, was reflecting on being the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan at a WSL game. The England vice-captain said a supporter who had attended Chelsea’s away duel with Aston Villa had made the remark after her for pictures and autograph.In an online post shared via her Instagram account following the incident, Bright recalled being ”hugely disappointed.”While the centre-back usually has “good responses” and interaction with supporters she hopes they treat female players will respect Read More Football StoriesBright, who is preparing to face Portugal in the Nations League tomorrow, said: “If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. “Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.”Reflecting on how she felt immediately after being the target of insults from a supporter, Bright added: “In the moment I didn’t actually do anything. I was really taken aback and disappointed. Most read in Sport“That was the biggest thing. Football is opinionated and everyone can have one. I wasn’t actually bothered about the opinion of my performance.“It was more the fact I had gone to the fans to give my time, give signatures and inspire the next generation and say hi to little ones. “To give that time and to try to have a genuine conversation and to then be disrespected afterwards immediately, I just thought ‘I’m here off my own back.’. “I thought ‘I’m so glad it was me and not one of my team-mates, a youngster, or someone going through something that nobody knew about.’ “We go out to play for our fans every single game – whether that’s with our clubs or countries – and we want to make everyone proud. “We’re trying to inspire the next generation. “I’ve heard of a couple of situations that players went through where they maybe didn’t feel strong enough to speak out. “You don’t deserve to be disrespected, especially not when you have given your time and efforts after a game.”England will play Portugal at Portimao Stadium on February 21 in their first Women’s Nations League fixture this yearCredit: Getty“Ultimately, I wanted to protect my team and let them know that if they need to speak out, they have a right to. READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.” More