Tag: Contract

I was a World Cup winner in same situation as Trent but stayed at boyhood club

Trent Alexander-Arnold is certainly not the first and won’t be the last player to depart his boyhood club.

However, when faced with a similar predicament, a German great took a different approach that caught an entire fanbase by surprise.

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Alexander-Arnold is set to shatter Liverpool fans’ hearts with his next moveCredit: Getty

Shockwaves were sent through the football world on Tuesday when talkSPORT broke the news Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer on a free transfer.

Despite months of negotiations, the 26-year-old opted to move to Los Blancos next term, where he is expected to pen a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000-per-week.

It will bring an end to the right-back’s 20-year association with the club, having joined Liverpool‘s academy in 2004 aged six.

Bastian Schweinsteiger had not been at Bayern Munich for as long as Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool when he found himself in a similar situation.

The 40-year-old first joined the Bavarians in July 1998 as a youth player before he made his first-team debut in November 2002.

It didn’t take long for Schweinsteiger to endear himself to the Bayern faithful thanks to his all-action displays in midfield.

Yet those same Bayern fans who loved Schweinsteiger were more than prepared to turn on him during the 2010/11 season.

The midfielder was out of contract in 2012 and a raft of European giants were ready to swoop.

Clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United were all credited with an interest in snapping up Schweinsteiger.

So Bayern fans could be forgiven for thinking the worst when, after Bayern had beaten St Pauli 3-0 on January 2 in 2011, Schweinsteiger took the microphone from the stadium announcer.

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Fans thought Schweinsteiger was headed out the exit door in January 2011Credit: FC Bayern Munich – YouTube

It seemed the supporters at the Allianz Arena had already made their minds up regarding Schweinsteiger as they showered him with boos and whistles before he even had the chance to speak.

However, the reaction changed instantly once they heard what Schweinsteiger had to say.

“I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now,” Schweinsteiger said.

“And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016.

“Long live Bayern!”

Upon Schweinsteiger’s last line, the crowd erupted into loud cheers as their star midfielder kissed the Bayern badge.

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Bayern fans were left stunned when Schweinsteger revealed he would stay at the clubCredit: FC Bayern Munich – YouTube

Louis van Gaal, who was Bayern boss at the time, was delighted to have kept Schweinsteiger at the club.

“I’m a coach with long-term goals,” Van Gaal said.

“Therefore the new contract for Bastian Schweinsteiger is very important.

“It’s a very good sign that we managed to keep this world class player at our club.”

Schweinsteiger went on to play a remarkable 500 appearances for Bayern across all competitions before he departed to Manchester United in 2015.

The midfielder also played a leading role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph, where he played the full 120 minutes in the final against Argentina.

But had his famous moment on the microphone in January 2011 gone differently, who knows how the German great’s career may have turned out.

Ex-Liverpool star Stan Collymore defends Trent Alexander-Arnold after fan backlash over his move to Real Madrid

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March 25, 2025
The new-look Liverpool XI to rival strengthened Arsenal and Man City next term

Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.

The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.

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Liverpool could be without their three most influential players next termCredit: Getty

There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.

As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.

Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.

“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.

“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.

“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.

“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”

With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.

Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.

This is despite the imminent arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, with a deal already agreed for the Georgian keeper to join the Reds from Valencia in the summer.

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Milos Kerkez has started all of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this seasonCredit: Getty

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Marc Guehi’s form at Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the England squadCredit: Getty

Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.

With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.

One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.

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Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for Liverpool, with injury potentially ruling him out until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty

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Conor Bradley has made 50 appearances in all competitions for LiverpoolCredit: Getty

But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.

The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

The midfield will likely look familiar, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all set to retain their spots.

But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.

Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.

While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.

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Alexander Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s recent League Cup winCredit: Getty

This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.

Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.

And Fowler has urged his old club to fill this gap by making a sensational move for Newcastle goal machine Alexander Isak.

The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.

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Here is how Liverpool could line-up at the beginning of next season

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March 18, 2025
Liverpool urged to raid rivals for Alexander Isak even if Mohammed Salah stays

Liverpool should be pursuing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, regardless of Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield.

That’s the view of former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler.

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Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s League Cup win and got the Wembley party startedCredit: Getty

Uncertainty looms over Salah’s future with his contract expiring in the summer and he has done little to suggest he will be at Anfield next season.

Whether Salah stays or goes, Fowler believes Liverpool should enhance their attacking options.

“It’s not just if Mo Salah leaves the club; even if Mo stays, I think they should be going on and getting players anyway,” Fowler told talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

“You look at the great Manchester United teams of the past, and when they were winning honors under Sir Alex Ferguson, it was maybe one player who was coming in and just giving everyone that little lift.

“He underscored the essential need to add quality players who can truly elevate the team, rather than simply boosting numbers.”

Fowler identified League Cup final goal scorer Isak as a prime target. “If you look at world football at the minute, certainly strikers, there aren’t many about in all fairness,” he explained.

He suggested given how well Isak has done in the Premier League this season then it won’t be seen as much of a gamble.

“I’m sure Liverpool will be getting linked to Isak; I’m sure Newcastle will want to give him a new contract because of the goals and performances, so it will be an interesting summer.”

Isak has shone brightly for Newcastle, showcasing his remarkable talent with impressive statistics.

This season, he has netted 23 goals across all competitions and provided five assists.

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Fowler won the Football League Cup twice during his time at LiverpoolCredit: getty images

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Salah looked emotional after Liverpool’s Carabou Cup final defeat to NewcastleCredit: Getty

Despite his contract running until 2028, his outstanding performances have sparked interest from top clubs, with reports indicating Newcastle values him at £150 million.

Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a reported club-record fee of £63 million and has now marked his 100th appearance for the club.

Despite Liverpool’s Premier League dominance this season, currently sitting 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal, they have fallen short in other competitions.

They lost out on penalties against PSG, ending their hopes and aspirations for the Champions League quarter-finals.

They also faced an early exit in the FA Cup at the hands of unlikely victors, Plymouth Argyle, who triumphed 1-0 back in February.

Then, to top it all off, Isak helped defeat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, the very club now keen on harnessing his shooting skills.

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The 25-year-old is third in the Premier League Golden Boot race

Defender Virgil van Dijk is now putting all his focus into winning a second title in five years.

Their lead over Arsenal means another five wins will likely be enough to seal the deal.

“If you win five games – obviously that’s a very difficult job – you’re going to be champions of England,” he said.

“I can guarantee there will be so many difficult moments and you have to be prepared to suffer, whether it is 1-0 down, 2-0, whatever, because you can see the end and you work so hard for that each and every day.

“But we all have to realise the job is not done. We have to work our ass (off).”

He will now be looking to Salah and other experienced teammates to dig in and get over the line.

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March 17, 2025
Inside Rashford’s exit from Amorim’s message to the money Aston Villa will pay

Marcus Rashford was told he wouldn’t get game time if he remained at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, talkSPORT understands.

Rashford has completed a loan move to Aston Villa until the end of the season after the England international totally fell out of favour under the new Red Devils boss.

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Seeing Rashford in an any other shirt other than Man United’s is going to be very strangeCredit: Getty

talkSPORT understands that United will get a minimum of 75 per cent of the 27-year-old’s salary, which is in excess of £350,000-a-week.

This could rise up to 90 per cent, depending on performance-based bonuses.

Villa also will have an option to make the move permanent in the summer and would cost them around £40million.

Rashford was exiled by United manager Ruben Amorim this season, not featuring in any of the last 12 games, making the bench once and being excluded from the matchday squad every other time.

It’s been a brutal situation for the forward, who will hope to get some game time at Villa Park.

The England international was one of a number of options under consideration by Villa to replace Jhon Duran, who joined Al Nassr in a whopping £65million deal on Friday.

Rashford has attracted interest from all over Europe in the January window after his struggles in Manchester this campaign.

AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund were said to be interested, but Rashford’s wages presented a key stumbling block.

Clubs had been told they will either have to cover the majority of his salary, in excess of £350,000-a-week, or come up with a compromise deal with United.

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Rashford’s time at Old Trafford could be over for goodCredit: Getty

United were reluctant to make too big a contribution after Rashford publicly stated his desire to leave by admitting he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’

After receiving a huge fee for Duran, Villa have offered to pay a huge chunk of his wages, making the deal possible.

Chelsea’s Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio were also being monitored by Villa, with sporting director Monchi confirming the club held interest in both.

However, Monchi conceded a deal for either of those targets could be difficult to pull off due to the hefty finances involved.

Rashford’s last appearance for the Red Devils was a Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

The 60-cap England international was frozen out by Red Devils boss Amorim following his admission in December he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’

Amorim was especially critical of what he believed to be a lack of effort from Rashford on the training ground.

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Rashford has struggled for consistency when called upon this season

The United boss even claimed he would rather have Jorge Vital, his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach, on the bench over Rashford, who he said ‘doesn’t give the maximum every day’.

“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” Amorim said.

“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.

“You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.

“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”

Rashford’s fall from grace under Amorim represents a major contrast from how he performed early into his tenure as he scored three goals in the United boss’ first two league games in charge.

Rio Ferdinand: Marcus Rashford has no way back at Manchester United

Now that he has completed his loan deal to Villa, Rashford has reiterated his desire to play football.

Writing on Instagram after the deal was confirmed, he said: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.

“I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision – I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager’s ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started.

“I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”

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February 3, 2025
Wolves’ Kevin Danso deal hijacked as he closes in on Premier League move

Tottenham have hijacked Wolves’ deal to sign Kevin Danso on a permanent basis, talkSPORT understands.

Wolves looked to be close to landing the Lens defender on loan, but Ange Postecoglou’s side have swooped in at the last minute to snatch him from their grasp.

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Danso is set to join Tottenham from Lens in a deal worth around £21millionCredit: Getty

So advanced was Danso’s deal with Vitor Pereira’s side, he was due to fly into England on Sunday to undergo a medical with the club.

But the club have now been told that the player will instead be making a move to north London.

Tottenham have agreed a deal worth around £21milliion for Danso, who will sign a contract until 2030, with a medical to take place on Sunday.

The 26-year-old had already been linked with a number of sides across Europe, including Juventus, Rennes and Aston Villa.

News of Tottenham’s late move will have undoubtedly soured the mood at Molineux following their impressive 2-0 win over Villa on Saturday evening.

Goals from Matheus Cunha and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde handed the Black Country outfit a vital three points in their bid to stave off relegation.

Tottenham’s desire for a new centre-back has been well-documented.

Spurs had made advances on Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, but the former Chelsea star opted to remain in Italy.

Postecoglou’s side had also made a move for out-of-favour Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.

But the late play for Danso all but confirms the end of Tottenham’s interest in the ex-Monaco star.

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Danso gives Postecoglou some much-needed help at the backCredit: Getty

Should Danso’s move to Tottenham come to fruition, it would mark a return to England given he began his career with Reading and MK Dons at academy level as well as a loan spell at Southampton in the 2019/20 season.

The Austrian international joined Bundesliga outfit Augsburg in 2014 and went on to make 44 appearances in all competitions for the club.

He left in the summer of 2021 for Lens and quickly made himself a key member of the team.

Danso has made just shy of 130 appearances for the French side, six of which came in the Champions League last term.

So impressive were Danso’s performances for Lens, Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand recommended him to his former employers and said: “The boy at Lens, there’s one there, he’s good.”

Danso will provide some much-needed defensive reinforcements for Postecoglou, who has largely been forced to put square pegs in round holes just to field a backline.

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Postecoglou and Tottenham are sweating over the extent of Dragusin’s knee injuryCredit: AFP

Cristian Romero remains sidelined with a thigh injury while fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin was forced off with a knee complaint in Tottenham’s 3-0 win in the Europa League over Elfsborg on Thursday.

Worryingly, Postecoglou was unable to provide a timeline for Dragusin’s return.

Luckily for Postecoglou, star centre-back Micky van de Ven made it through the first half against Elfsborg unscathed following his return from injury.

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February 1, 2025
Rashford on the verge of Man United exit and Aston Villa could make it permanent

Marcus Rashford is close joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.

There is optimism on all sides of the negotiations that a deal can be done before Monday night’s deadline.

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Rashford could be on the move to a fellow Premier League sideCredit: Getty

Villa will make a large contribution to Rashford‘s wages while performance-based bonuses can move that higher.

Discussions over a buy option – which would see Rashford leave Old Trafford permanently – are also ongoing.

The 27-year-old forward has been exiled by United manager Ruben Amorim this season, not featuring in any of the last 12 games.

Now, it looks increasingly likely Villa will provide him with a way out to play regular football again.

The England international was one of a number of options under consideration by Villa to replace Jhon Duran, who joined Al Nassr in a whopping £65million deal on Friday.

Rashford has attracted interest from all over Europe in the January window after his struggles in Manchester this campaign.

AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund were said to be interested, but Rashford’s wages presented a key stumbling block.

Clubs have been told they will either have to cover the majority of his salary, in excess of £350,000-a-week, or come up with a compromise deal with United.

United are reluctant to make too big a contribution after Rashford publicly stated his desire to leave by admitting he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’

After receiving a huge fee for Duran, Villa now believe they can afford to cover a significant chunk of his wages.

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Rashford looks to be heading to Aston VillaCredit: Getty

Chelsea’s Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio were also being monitored by Villa, with sporting director Monchi confirming the club held interest in both.

However, Monchi conceded a deal for either of those targets could be difficult to pull off due to the hefty finances involved.

Rashford’s last appearance for the Red Devils was a Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

The 60-cap England international has been frozen out by Red Devils boss Amorim following his admission in December he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’

Amorim has been especially critical of what he believed to be a lack of effort from Rashford on the training ground.

The United boss even claimed he would rather have Jorge Vital, his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach, on the bench over Rashford, who he said ‘doesn’t give the maximum every day’.

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Rashford has struggled for consistency when called upon this season

“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” Amorim said.

“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.

“You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.

“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”

Rashford’s fall from grace under Amorim represents a major contrast from how he performed early into his tenure as he scored three goals in the United boss’ first two league games in charge.

But with Rashford’s future at Old Trafford now looking rather bleak, Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney believes the forward desperately needs a fresh start.

Rio Ferdinand: Marcus Rashford has no way back at Manchester United

“I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same,” Rooney said on the Stick To Football podcast.

“For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club. The fact that your manager is coming out and saying that you’re not training right is crazy.”

Villa have until 11pm on Monday to complete the move for Rashford as that is when the Premier League’s January window slams shut.

They face a trip to Wolves on Saturday at 5:30pm, meaning all of Emery’s focus will be on that game for now.

However, after that, the Spaniard can spend two days going all out to try and get Rashford’s loan over the line.

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February 1, 2025
Aston Villa exploring last-gasp deal to sign Marcus Rashford from Man United

Aston Villa are exploring a move to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Villans are in the market for attacking reinforcements after Jhon Duran’s £71million move to Saudi Arabia.

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Rashford could be on the move to a fellow Premier League sideCredit: Getty

The 21-year-old Colombian completed his switch to Al Nassr on Friday, and will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in Riyadh.

Duran’s move came after Villa rejected an offer from Arsenal for fellow striker Ollie Watkins, with boss Unai Emery insistent he would not be sold.

talkSPORT understands Rashford is one of a number of options under consideration by Villa to replace Duran as they now look to add another forward.

Chelsea’s Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio are also being monitored by Villa, with sporting director Monchi confirming the club are interested in both.

However, Monchi conceded a deal for either could be difficult to pull off due to the hefty finances involved.

That same issue is what has proved to be a stumbling block for clubs interested in Rashford, who is angling to leave Man United.

The 27-year-old’s advisers have held talks with Barcelona, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

However, a deal has not progressed as interested clubs are understood to be put off by United’s insistence they would need to cover the majority of Rashford’s £350,000-a-week salary.

Rashford last appearance for the Red Devils was a Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

The 60-cap England international has been frozen out by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim following his admission in December he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’

Amorim has been especially critical of what he believed to be a lack of effort from Rashford on the training ground.

The United boss even claimed he would rather have Jorge Vital, his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach, on the bench over Rashford, who he said ‘doesn’t give the maximum every day’.

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Rashford continues to miss out on Amorim’s squads at UnitedCredit: Getty

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Rashford has struggled for consistency when called upon this season

However, Amorim has left the door open for Rashford to return to his plans, so long as he sees a renewed effort from him at Carrington.

“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” Amorim said.

“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.

“You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.

“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”

Rashford’s fall from grace under Amorim represents a major contrast from how he performed early into his tenure as he scored three goals in the United boss’ first two league games in charge.

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Amorim has called for a drastic improvement in attitude from RashfordCredit: Getty

But with Rashford’s future at Old Trafford now looking rather bleak, Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney believes the forward desperately needs a fresh start.

“I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same,” Rooney said on the Stick To Football podcast.

“For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club. The fact that your manager is coming out and saying that you’re not training right is crazy.”

Villa have until 11pm on Monday to complete a move for Rashford as that is when the Premier League’s January window slams shut.

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January 31, 2025
Man United legends next to feel force of brutal INEOS as cost cutting continues
Manchester United have told club ambassadors, including legendary captain Bryan Robson they will have their salaries slashed, talkSPORT understands.

As well as Robson, 1999 treble winning legends Denis Irwin and Andy Cole are also among those who will have their earnings reduced in the latest round of cost-cutting – a move driven by new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

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There has been a flurry of cost-cutting among United bosses in the past yearCredit: Getty

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Robson, right, was there when Man United ended a 26-year wait for a league title in 1993Credit: Getty

Robson, nicknamed ‘Captain Marvel’ by United supporters, has been an official Global Ambassador for United since 2011 and his responsibilities include appearing at events around the globe to promote the club.

Irwin and Cole hold similar roles and there are a plethora of other former Old Trafford stars who host sponsors and hospitality guests at home games.

talkSPORT has been told the fee for matchday ambassadorial duties can range from £500 to £1,000 and many of the ex-players involved rely on the money, having missed out on big wages in their playing days.

Sources close to United declined to comment on contractual arrangements with their ambassadors and legends.

READ MORE MANCHESTER UNITED

Ratcliffe has set about a mission to streamline expenditure at United since buying a 27.7 per cent stake in the fallen giants in December 2023.

The highest profile victim of the savage cuts has been iconic former manager Alex Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice. He was asked to forego his lucrative £2m ambassador salary as of the end of this season.

Billionaire Ratcliffe has also made 250 non-playing staff redundant and replaced Christmas bonus payments of £100 per employer with £40 vouchers.

He caused uproar by stopping the annual £40,000-a-year donation to The Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMP), which maintains a social network among ageing former players.

The Manchester United charity Foundation is also reportedly facing a funding cut, while the cost of tickets for children and pensioners has been increased to a minimum of £66-per game.

Sources close to the club insist the brutal cuts are necessary to stay on the right side of PSR rules and help fund a squad rebuild after recording losses of £113m last year.

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Irwin joined United in 1990 and left in 2002 having been part of their biggest wins in recent times such as the 1999 treble winning sideCredit: Getty – Contributor

Ratcliffe, worth a reported £23 billion according to the Sunday Times rich list, has already ploughed in $300m of his personal fortune on top of what he spent on his initial shares, with the money intended to help fund the new stadium project and it is feared that cash will be swallowed up by losses without taking drastic cost-cutting action.

Robson scored 74 goals in 345 league games for United and is regarded as one of their greatest ever players.

He joined United in 1981 for a then record £1.5m and also played 90 times for England. David Beckham and Steven Gerrard are just two players who looked up to him when they were still dreaming of being footballers.

Irwin and Cole were both key members of the team under Ferguson that became the first English team to win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup in the same season in 1999.

Robson and Irwin were also both key members of the team under Ferguson that ended United’s 26-year-wait to be crowned champions of England in 1993.

United’s decision-making off the pitch has increased tension around the club amid their poor performances on it.

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Fans have been disgruntled with some of the decisions that have been madeCredit: Getty – Contributor

They are 13th in the Premier League with only seven wins from 22 matches, ten of which have ended in defeat.

A 3-1 loss at home to Brighton led to head coach Ruben Amorim saying that this is ‘maybe the worst team’ in the club’s history.
Man United cost cutting

The new bosses at the club have been causing anger among the fans for their apparent lack of care towards people who have made the club the biggest in the world

There were 250 non-playing staff redundant and replaced Christmas bonus payments of £100 per employer with £40 vouchers

The greatest manager in the club’s history, Alex Ferguson, has his multi-million pound payment scrapped. Club icon Eric Cantona takes to social media to call out ‘lack of respect’

Annual £40,000-a-year donation to The Association of Former Manchester United Players is stopped

Minimum ticket prices at Old Trafford raised from £40 to £66, with no concessions for children or pensioners

Legendary former players, including treble winners, get salaries slashed
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January 21, 2025
Haaland signs record-long Man City contract among ‘most lucrative in history’

Erling Haaland has signed an extraordinary new nine-and-a-half-year deal with Manchester City.

The 24-year-old superstar has committed his future to the club until the summer of 2034 in what is thought to be one of the most lucrative sporting deals in history.

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Erling Haaland has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice in two seasonsCredit: Getty

Haaland’s previous deal was set to expire in 2027 and included a release clause, raising speculation of a future move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Now, according to The Athletic, City have removed any release clauses from his contract, tying the Norwegian down until he is 34-years old.

It overtakes Chelsea’s nine-year deal for Cole Palmer to become the longest deal in Premier League history.

Since joining Man City for €60million in 2022, Haaland has scored a remarkable 111 goals in 126 games, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Having reached 79 top-flight goals in record time, this outrageous new deal puts the striker on course to beat Alan Shearer’s all-time record of 260.

More to follow.

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January 17, 2025
Ancelotti issues cryptic three-word message amid Alexander-Arnold rumours

Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti has kept his cards close to his chest regarding the club’s pursuit of Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract with the Reds expires at the end of the season.

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Alexander-Arnold’s future is set to dominate the headlines in JanuaryCredit: Getty

However, the right-back is now free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club and Madrid appear to be at the front of the queue to snap up the England international.

Such is Los Blancos’ interest in Alexander-Arnold, they made a cheeky approach to sign the defender this month as incumbent Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal remains sidelined with a torn ACL.

talkSPORT understands the Reds swiftly rejected Madrid’s bid and made it clear they have no interest in losing Alexander-Arnold mid-season.

Despite their bid being turned down, Madrid will no doubt ramp up their pursuit of Alexander-Arnold as January rumbles on.

With the winter window now open, Ancelotti was asked about the club’s transfer plans.

In return, the Italian offered a rather cryptic response.

“We will see,” Ancelotti said.

He added: “Talking about this in this context is more complicated, we’ll see. We have a lot of games in January and we’re focused on this.

“It’s not easy for me to talk about the market now.

“I don’t want to talk about it because I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it here.

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Carlo Ancelotti gave nothing away regarding Real Madrid’s January plansCredit: Getty

“We’ll see what happens, but I’m delighted with the squad we have.”

Alexander-Arnold is one of three stars the Reds risk losing for free at the end of the season, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also entering the final six months of their deals.

Losing boyhood fan and academy product Alexander-Arnold would be a major blow for the Reds, especially midway through what has proven to be a dream season under Arne Slot.

Slot had a major job on his hands by taking over at Anfield from the enigmatic Jurgen Klopp.

But the Dutchman has transformed Liverpool into a free-scoring machine as they sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League at the halfway mark.

The Reds are also the only team to have maintained a perfect record after six games in the Champions League and have conceded just one goal.

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Liverpool under Slot have become an offensive machine and are dominating opponentsCredit: Getty

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Alexander-Arnold has won it all at club level for Liverpool – including a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World CupCredit: talkSPORT

Slot may not have to wait long to land his first trophy either given Liverpool are three games away from winning the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool take on Tottenham in the two-legged semi-finals, with the north London side hosting the first leg on January 5.

The Reds are no stranger to the Carabao Cup final having made it to that stage in two of the last three seasons.

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January 2, 2025