manchester city

BOXER Brad Rea has paid a gushing tribute to the late Ricky Hatton – and vowed to fight on to make his mentor proud.

Hatton – Britain’s most beloved fighter – sadly passed away aged just 46 in September – leaving behind an iconic legacy.

9

9

9

Manchester light-heavyweight Rea was inspired to take up boxing by the legendary City fan and the two grew a formidable bond together.

Hatton befriended, coached and mentored Rea up until his sad passing.

Today, on Friday October 10, 2025, Hatton is laid to rest with his funeral at the Manchester Cathedral.

Rea – who fights Lyndon Arthur on November 1 – is in attendance and opened up on his special bond with the heroic Hitman.

He told SunSport: “I was lucky that I did have a good relationship and we were friends.

“But I think so many people, even people that maybe just met him once, maybe people that just got a picture with him once, seeing him in the pub or whatever, because of the way he was, everyone feels like they have that kind of personal connection with him.

“He was just down to earth and he was just one of us at the end of the day, no matter how big he made it.

“I think that’s why it has affected so many people and everyone does kind of feel like they know him in a way because he was so down to earth.

“So it’s been a tough one for me to take. It’s been a tough one for most of the boxing scene to take.”

Despite becoming inseparable, Rea admits the novelty of Hatton’s presence in his life never wore off.

He said: “It just kind of merged into one. I was with him so much and I’d see him so often and we’d spend so much time together in the gym kind of every day.

“You do kind of forget how big he was, how loved he was, and how many people he had an effect on.

“Then every now and again you’d be out sparring or you’d be walking down a residential street somewhere and you’d go, ‘It’s Ricky.’ You know what I mean?

“It’s not just Rick, this is the Hitman and, yeah every now and again I kind of had to pinch myself a little bit and go, ‘This is Ricky Hatton I’m sat in Nando’s with.’ It was a bit surreal.”

Despite Hatton’s superstardom and unrivalled fanfare – he dreaded ever being looked at as anything other than a working class people’s champion.

Rea said: “He was just one of the boys at the end of the day.

“He was so down to earth and that was why the other side come with it he didn’t think he was better than anyone else.

9

9

“He didn’t think he was a superstar and I think they probably go hand in hand, kind of just being so down to earth and then still being taken back by all the support.”

Two-weight world champion Hatton would spend 12 hard weeks preparing for his fights – and the rest of his time down the pub with his friends.

Rea was fortunate enough to have socialised with the boxing great – preferring to leave some of their more chaotic tales forever untold.

He beamed: “Oh, there’s so many. There’s so many but all of them I’m just laughing, I’m smiling because it’s just stupid times, rubbish jokes, cracking rubbish jokes.

“I’m lucky that I got multiple different sides of him. I got him as a coach, I had him as part of my team in my corner. I had him as a friend.

“I’ve been to the football with him. I’ve been out for a beer with him, I’ve been on a weekend to Dublin with him, I’ve had all different sides of him.

“I’ve got many memories to kind of look back on. Some stories that I can tell and some I’ll probably keep to myself!”

9

9

Rea was hit with the devastating news just months before his European title defence against Arthur at the Co-Op Live Arena.

And he has since returned to Hatton’s Hyde – where emotions are high.

Rea, 27, said: “I’d not been there for a while. It is a bit surreal. It is a little bit weird.

“Every time I’ve been in there, the majority of the time he’s in there, and he’s cracking jokes, you know, he’s being Rick.

“But at the end of the day there’s me, there’s a load of other lads in there that still got a job to do and he’d be disappointed if we were moping about and we weren’t training.

“He’d want us to get back at it and he want us to crack on and. So you’ve kind of just got to keep cracking on and do what you can to try and make him proud.”

And the best way to make City super-fan Hatton proud? Beat United supporter Arthur – a friend of former sparring partner – in their hometown.

Rea chuckled: “You know what it is? It’s more how we’d react if I let myself get beat by a United fan!

“He would never let me hear the end of it. He would be on my case and I can’t do that to him. I can’t let him down on that front.”

9

9

COLE Palmer has trademarked his nickname and celebration after a French vineyard forced him to abandon the right to sell his own brand of wine.

The Chelsea and England star won exclusive legal rights to the term “Cold Palmer” as well as his “shivering” goal celebration.

7

7

It comes after Chateau Palmer, which sells bottles of wine for as much as £750, opposed his bid to flog plonk — and won their case in August.

But, on Friday, the 23-year-old won the right to brand an array of other products, including snacks, mobile phone covers, toys, Christmas crackers and even teddy bears.

This essentially means nobody can use Palmer’s “Cold” nickname for commercial use without his permission.

He has also successfully trademarked his autograph.

An article in The Athletic detailed how the Intellectual Property Office approved the application made by the footballer’s private company, Palmer Management Limited.

In August, winemaker Chateau Palmer, based near Bordeaux, opposed the initial application.

In response to this, Palmer amended the application in September to drop any reference to wine, paving the way for the successful application.

It still covers a range of other alcoholic beverages, such as spirits, liqueurs and alcoholic energy drinks.

The winery was founded in 1814 when Army officer Charles Palmer bought the estate.

Royal wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd says: “At their best, the wines of Ch. Palmer are among the greatest anywhere in Bordeaux.”

A bottle of its Cru Classé Margaux from 1970 is priced at £750.

Speaking to The Athletic, Karen Lee, an intellectual property lawyer at Edwin Coe, said: “Once you have a registered trademark in place, it is much easier to enforce your rights against third parties.

“Anyone using something that’s the same or similar can amount to an infringement. And that’s when it can lead to High Court litigation, which can be very expensive.”

Palmer has made no secret about the celebration not being his own original work. 

He previously admitted how, following his time in the Manchester City academy, he was inspired to perform the celebration by then team-mate Morgan Rogers. 

7

7

7

Aston Villa star Rogers, was accused of copying the celebration when he scored against Chelsea in April 2024, before he clarified: “It’s the opposite, I did it first, he copied me.”

Speaking of his celebration in a previous interview with The Telegraph, Cole said: “It symbolises joy, passion and hard determination for the game, plus it’s funny as it works well with my name.

“Everyone knows it’s my celebration. Lots of people might have done it (before me), but everybody knows it is my celebration.”

However, this could mean that Chelsea has to register for a licence if the London club wants to use his nickname in promotional material.

EA, the company behind the EA Sports FC series of video games, might also have to ask permission to use his celebration in future games.

Other footballers who have trademarked their names and celebrations include David Beckham and  Cristiano Ronaldo, who trademarked his name, CR7 initials and “Siuuu” celebration.

Lionel Messi also trademarked his surname after a legal challenge from the cycling brand Massi.

Some other stars have managed to have their brand made exclusive in specific countries, including Marcus Rashford with his name in the United States, Erling Haaland  with his signature and goal celebration in his native Norway.

7

7

ANOTHER wife of the Manchester synagogue terrorist said the attacker “raped” her and lied about being married with a child.

The woman, whose identity is being protected, told how Jihad Al-Shamie abused her mentally and sexually after they first met on Muslim dating app Muzz.

11

11

11

She had converted to Islam in 2012, ten years before meeting Al-Shamie.

The woman became trapped in a volatile cycle in which he would flip between being “vile” and then “nice” to draw her back in to their on-and-off relationship.

Eventually, Al-Shamie told the woman he was married and had a son, but confessed to keeping them secret.

In text messages seen by the M.E.N, he wrote: “I didn’t tell u because I really like you and wanted u to be my 2nd wife.”

But Al-Shamie told her men can have four wives in Islamic culture and that his first wife “accepts” it.

Within a month of entering into a relationship with him, the pair married in January 2022.

The woman said their Islamic ceremony took place over a video call because of Covid restrictions.

But the marriage was soon filled with coercive and controlling behaviour.

She claimed Al-Shamie raped her, but she did not report it to police.

The attacker’s abuse is laid out in Facebook messages between the couple.

He tells her: “Good luck getting any guy to deal with your rubbish.”

And: “You’re not worth it and I can do better – don’t need someone with your baggage and mental issues.”

To try and win her back, Al-Shamie would promise grand gestures, such as buying a property close to where she lived, although these never came into fruition.

The woman told M.E.N she thought she loved him at the beginning of their partnership.

11

11

11

“He was caring and understanding and didn’t judge my kids for their needs,” she said.

“He would say ‘I love you, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that’. He was controlling and abusive.

“He did rape me multiple times, but to us we just fulfil what our husband’s say.

“He was one of them where you have got to do it there and then.”

She categorized their relationship as “his way or no way” and described him as constantly being “pushy” – telling her wives had to “obey” their husbands.

The Sun previously reported how Al-Shamie was a teenage drop-out who smoked weed and was obsessed with violent video games.

A former friend told The Sun on Sunday that killer Al-Shamie would smoke around 2g of strong skunk a day when he was a teen and frequently felt the wrath of his parents.

His obsession led him to dropping out of Liverpool John Moores University a year into his English, media and cultural studies degree course in 2011.

Meanwhile neighbours said he would spend his time lifting weights in his garage or wander around in his pyjamas and flip flops.

The woman also reflected this portrayal in her tales of Al-Shamie, who she claimed was always “between jobs” and “living with his parents”.

After their relationship ended, the last time Al-Shamie contacted her was April earlier this year, but she ignored him.

The woman also recalled her horror when she discovered he had committed the Manchester synagogue terror attack.

“My first thought was just ‘why’. He would never preach anything. The only thing he would do was pray,” she said.

“He never showed me, or said anything about, terrorism, or joining anything. It was all about the mosque and praying.”

This comes as another wife of Al-Shamie also came forward with her story after meeting him on the same Muslim dating app.

Born in Syria, Al-Shamie was granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16, having entered the UK as a young child.

The 35-year-old was on police bail accused of rape when he carried out the car and knife terror attack in Manchester on October 2.

He claimed to be a devout father but cheated on his wife and married a second woman days after meeting her, The Telegraph reported.

The newspaper said that he met a young woman from Manchester after the Covid lockdown.

It’s believed that he moved in with the woman and her family in May 2022 and they married in an Islamic ceremony.

But he was unfaithful and used a dating app to meet several other women.

Al-Shamie’s first marriage reportedly fell apart six months ago after he married a second woman – but it is not known if this was legal.

Elizabeth Davis, 46, is said to have married the killer in secret and only told her family about him only after the synagogue attack.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Liz converted to Islam four years ago.

“Her conversion caused tensions with her family, they say she became a totally different person after that.

“She stopped communicating with relatives and friends.

“It was like she had been brainwashed.

“The family only found out that she had got married to Al-Shamie after the synagogue attack on Thursday.

11

11

11

“The family are horrified that she has been involved with someone like that.

“It’s possible she got married to him in an Islamic law ceremony.”

Another woman said she was just 18 when she dated Al-Shamie, who she said lied to her about his age.

He told her he was in his mid-twenties and reportedly encouraged her to watch “extreme videos”.

During their four-month relationship, she said he hit her and ordered her to dress more conservatively.

She even said he referenced possibly wanting to join the Islamic State.

She said he stalked her and told her about his rape fantasises.

The Times reported that Al-Shamie used fake name on his dating app accounts but kept getting banned because of his “speech and what he was sending”.

11

11

UEFA chiefs want to block clubs from playing domestic games abroad.

But they are powerless to prevent La Liga and Serie A chiefs heading out of Europe this season.

3

3

In a measure that could stymy any long-term Prem plans to play matches out of the UK, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed his deep personal opposition to the concept.

That is despite giving the green light for Barcelona to play Girona in Miami in December and Milan to face Como in Perth in February.

Uefa explained its ruling executive committee had “reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis” the requests from Spain and Italy, citing a lack of rules to prevent the games being switched.

But Euro chiefs pledged to work with Fifa to “uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities”. 

Ceferin said: “League matches should be played on home soil.

“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. 

“Our commitment is clear – to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”

Prem chief Richard Masters has emphasised his total opposition to the prospect of English games being played overseas.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

However, that policy could change if 14 of the 20 top flight clubs voted to explore the option.

Fan group Football Supporters Europe said: “We regret the decision to allow the requests but all 55 national associations have committed not to make further requests for domestic matches abroad without first consulting UEFA. 

“The onus is now on FIFA to plug this regulatory gap. We welcome UEFA’s commitment to work with FIFA to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions.”

3

GIRLS are aloud and making us proud!

OK, no more nostalgia about 1990s ‘Girl Power,’ but the times they are a-changing and then some.

3

3

The Red Roses blossomed last weekend as the England women’s rugby team won the World Cup in front of a record 82,000 Twickenham full-house.

That came hot on the heels of our Lionesses’ back-to-back European Championships successes and proves that women’s sport is here to stay.

Rewind two or three decades and women, when mentioned in the same breath as football, was something approaching a dirty word. Just look at the history books.

In 1921 there were over 150 women’s football clubs playing games in front of 40,000-plus gates.

So what did the FA do? They banned it, saying it was “unsuitable for females.”

It only took nearly five decades for the FA to change their minds and growth in the women’s game in the 70s and 80s was slow.

In fact, the national team had to wait until 1998 to have its first full time coach, Hope Powell.

The 2012 London Olympics handed the women’s game a massive boost. TeamGB were watched by over 70,000 at Wembley against Brazil and footie for females was finally freed.

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

Last year, an FA study revealed a 56 percent rise in the number of women and girls playing football in the previous four years.

The number of registered female football clubs has more than doubled in the last seven years and just look at crowds in the WSL.

Seven seasons ago the highest gate at any game was 2,648 for Chelsea against Manchester City. Last season it was nearly 57,000 for the North London derby.

A new sponsorship deal with Barclays is worth £15million a year and WSL clubs’ revenues soared 34 percent in 2023-24 alone. So from the grassroots all the way up, women’s football is on the up.

Thankfully, that kind of progress is being repeated in other sports and not just rugby, where there has been significant growth in recent years to the tune of a 60 percent rise in registered players since 2017.

What about cricket? Our girls took a pasting against the Aussies, but the World Cup is upon us with England aiming for a fifth title.

3

In other sports, women do us proud. From netball’s Jade Clarke to tennis star Emma Raducanu, to athlete Keely Hodgkinson and world champion boxer Lauren Price… the list is long and shows just how women are flourishing.

Having said that, I was stunned to read that middle-distance runner Georgia Hunter Bell still worked full-time in tech sales just a few months before winning a bronze at last year’s Paris Olympics.

I cannot imagine a male elite athlete doing the same.

Georgia won silver at the World Championships last month and hopefully being a 24-7 athlete will help her go one better next time.

I’m obviously aware of the lack of female representation in the corridors of power within football and other sports, but I hope that is slowly changing.

Both the FA and PL chairs are women — Debbie Hewitt and Alison Brittain — and are doing a fine job.

Right now, though, I’d rather concentrate on the progress that has been made in a relatively short time.

The WSL is in rude health and will get bigger and better, underlining the fact that we, as a nation, are leading the way in the men’s and women’s game.

We should celebrate that because ‘girls just wanna have fun’.

PRO-Palestinians have hit the streets of Manchester to protest against Greta Thunberg’s flotilla detention.

It comes just hours after the vile terror attack on Manchester‘s Heaton Park synagogue, which unfolded on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

15

15

15

15

15

Protesters were marching at Manchester Piccadilly station today in solidarity with the members of Global Sumud Flotilla – a fleet of 40 ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli navy intercepted several vessels at sea beginning Wednesday, after warning activists against entering waters it says fall under its blockade.

As the nation mourned the sick terror attack against the Jewish community – which killed two people – protesters marched through the streets of Manchester.

Hundreds of them gathered outside the Manchester Piccadilly Station banging drums and chanting slogans against the Israeli authorities. 

They were seen waving Palestine flags and holding placards that read “Freedom for Palestine” and “Stop starving Gaza”.

Organisers of the protest said they “condemned in the strongest possible terms” the attack in Heaton Park – and called for a minute’s silence in respect for the victims.

Another protest took place in Parliament Square as activists gathered to demonstrate against Israeli authorities.

The protest sparked fury, including from Conservative MP Susan Hall, who described it as “disgraceful, disrespectful, despicable behaviour”.

The demonstrations come in the wake of today’s vile Manchester attack.

An assailant drove a car into people outside a synagogue and then began stabbing them, killing two and seriously wounding four in what police called a terrorist attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year.

Officers shot and killed the suspect outside Manchester, police said.

Authorities said he was wearing a vest that made it appear as if he had explosives. Police later said he did not have a bomb.

The Metropolitan Police force in London, which leads the nation’s counter-terrorism policing operations, declared the rampage a terrorist attack.

Israel slammed the UK government for not doing enough and warned that antisemitism is on the rise after the vile synagogue attack.

Tel Aviv said British authorities “failed” to tackle the “toxic wave of antisemitism” which led to the terror rampage.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said: “I am appalled by the murderous attack near the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on the morning of the holiest day for the Jewish people: Yom Kippur.

“The truth must be told: blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain, and on its campuses.

“The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.”

15

15

15

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country “grieves with the Jewish community in the UK” after this morning‘s “barbaric terror attack” in Manchester.

“Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded,” he said on X.

“As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”

Sir Keir – who cut short his trip to Denmark and rushed back to chair a Cobra meeting – condemned antisemitism and said that Britain “must defeat it once again”.

Speaking from Downing Street, the PM blasted the “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.

Sir Keir said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.

“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.

“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”

Starmer said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.

Protests spread in Europe

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Barcelona today to denounce Israel’s interception of a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

Columns of demonstrators, many waving Palestinian flags, converged on the central Plaza de les Drassanes from multiple parts of Spain‘s second-largest city.

Protesters chanted slogans including “Gaza, you are not alone,” “Boycott Israel,” and “Freedom for Palestine.”

Other protests were reported in other Spanish cities tonight, including Madrid, Valencia, and Bilbao.

Thousands also gathered in Italy on Thursday in support of the Gaza aid flotilla ahead of a strike in solidarity with activists.

As dusk fell in Rome, several thousand protesters gathered near the Colosseum in solidarity with the flotilla and against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni‘s support of Israel — a day after a similar protest on Wednesday evening.

15

15

15

15

Footage showed Israeli forces boarding the boats and detaining activists, including Greta Thunberg, as they headed for war-ravaged Gaza.

In video footage, Greta Thunberg can be seen being detained, as well as onboard vision of the flotilla at the time of the interception.

In a statement posted to the social media platform X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said: “several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port”.

“Greta and her friends are safe and healthy”.

In a second post, the ministry shared two images of the flotilla activists, saying: “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin”.

“The passengers are safe and in good health,” the post ended.

Activists can be seen with life jackets on, holding their hands up in the surrender position.

Yesterday, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported army personnel jumped onboard and “illegally intercepted” their journey just hours after they were circled by a warship.

The humanitarian convoy was attempting to get essential aid, including baby formula and medication, to Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is made up of more than 40 civilian boats carrying an estimated 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including Thunberg.

On Wednesday, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said the activists aboard the flotilla will be deported once the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur ends on Thursday.

15

15

15

IT will come as no surprise to their stylish famous fans, but Chelsea supporters are the best dressed in the Premier League.

The club’s followers are most likely to wear a smart suit for a night out, a survey has revealed.

6

6

6

Celebrity fans including Gordon Ramsay, Jeremy Clarkson, David Baddiel, Madness singer Suggs and actor Phil Daniels are always well turned out for a trip to the club’s Stamford Bridge home — and regular fans have followed suit.

But it’s not really a surprise, as back in the Seventies Chelsea’s players, including Alan Hudson and Peter Osgood, were known as the kings of the King’s Road for their fashionable sense of style.

And the club’s 21st-century fans have maintained the tradition, according to research by betting site freebet.com, with 16 per cent getting suited and booted for a big night.

While fans of Newcastle, Burnley and Wolves were in the relegation zone with just one per cent being bothered to look smart.

The table shows there’s a clear North/South divide when it comes to off-the-pitch style.

The top seven spots are filled by teams from London and the south, with Man City and Leeds sharing eighth place with Brentford and West Ham with five per cent.

Spokesman Tim Agnew said: “Our research shows Chelsea fans are the best dressed fans in the Premier League.

“They already had a reputation for wearing Gucci and Prada and our research confirms Chelsea fans like to look sharp.”

6

6

6

MANCHESTER CITY paid a classy tribute to the “People’s Champion” Ricky Hatton following his sad passing.

British boxing legend Hatton – an avid City fans – was found dead on September 14.

5

5

He was just 46 years old.

City paid tribute on the weekend of his passing before their 3-0 win over United at the Etihad.

And it has continued with a banner raised behind one of the goal’s which read “The People’s Champion” with a mural of Hatton.

Flowers were also laid down in Hatton’s usual seat – with some of his family at the match – as City welcomed Burnley to the Etihad.

City manager Pep Guardiola was left almost in tears with the news of Hatton’s passing – and paid his respects before the derby win.

He said: “For all the Man City family it was a tough wake up.

“Of course the success, a world champion, a massive fan (of City). But the loss for his family, his kids and he was a grandad.

“On behalf of Man City and all the people I wish them the comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days and tough weeks.

“Of course it is a big, big loss for them, for the boxing world because he was a true, true champion and of course for the Man City family.”

City legend and former captain Vincent Kompany was a friend of Hatton’s and wrote online: We’ll miss you Ricky.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in piece legend.”

Micah Richards added: “The news is devastating. I was taken aback because he’s such an icon.

“British icon, boxing, sports. True Man City fan but most importantly he was a man of the people. He was the nicest man ever.

“He was a deep person. Very deep. He overthought a lot of things. The news is just devastating.

“It’s absolutely ruined my mood for the whole day. He would be here today, celebrating. He’s had a box here many times.

“To get this news now just feels surreal. Someone so young, for this to happen now is devastating.”

City star Phil Foden was also spotted visiting Hatton’s family – carrying flowers.

Hatton won world titles at super-lightweight and welterweight – beating the great Kostya Tszyu in his crowning night in 2005.

But he struggled mentally following defeats to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and then Manny Pacquiao two years later.

He returned in 2012 but retired after losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko.

Hatton later became a coach and manager – beloved for his sense of humour and kind heart.

He had an exhibition with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera and was preparing for a comeback bout in Dubai in December.

Hatton leaves behind son Campbell, two daughters Millie and Fearne as well as his granddaughter Lyla.

The working class hero is and will always be Britain’s most adored fighter.

5

5

5

ISAAC HAYDEN feels sympathy for Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ members Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi.

The ex-Newcastle midfielder, now at QPR, spent the first five months of last season in limbo after failing to secure a summer move.

6

6

6

6

Sterling shared a photo of himself training alone late in the evening, while boss Enzo Maresca admitted he has not even spoken to the winger this season.

Hayden, 30, was not in Eddie Howe’s plans but his circumstances were slightly different.

He told SunSport: “I have sympathy because footballers want to play — but everyone’s got different reasons as to why they find themselves in a so-called ‘bomb squad’.

“It happened to me because I couldn’t find a solution during that summer window which fitted in with what Newcastle also wanted.

“But I had constant contact with Eddie and was given nothing but support.”

Hayden made 187 appearances for Newcastle, won the Championship title in 2017 and had five seasons playing in the Premier League. 

But a knee injury in December 2021 sidelined him for 5½ months and Howe later told him he was surplus to requirements.

Hayden said: “By the time I’d come back, they had signed Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton was playing as a No 8 — so there was no space.

RYDER CUP 2025 BETTING TIPS, FREE BETS AND LATEST ODDS

“And the team had been transformed from one fighting relegation to having top-six form.

“Eddie was honest and said he had five players in front of me. You think to yourself, ‘I know where I stand’. I’d rather  that than the manager not talking to me.

“You hear people talk about bomb squads where they isolate you, and that’s horrible — but Eddie and Newcastle didn’t do that.

“We had the conversation as to why he couldn’t name me in the 25-man squad.

“And it’s not as simple as, ‘Why not let him train with the first team?’. If you’re doing an 11 v 11 game and everyone’s fit, you’re not going to be able to train with the group because there are too many players.

So Eddie’s solution for me to train with the Under-23s was better. It meant I could train normally every day — and not by myself.”

Hayden actually embraced that period and even did some coaching.

He said: “The bottom line is you’re getting paid good money by the club as a professional footballer. So you give 100 per cent to them in whatever role you’re in.”

After spending the second half of last season on loan with Portsmouth, Hayden joined QPR permanently in the summer.

And now he is hoping to play for Jamaica at next summer’s World Cup.

He said: “One of the huge blessings to come out of that period was I was able to go to Jamaica for a few days to sort my  passport out so I could play for them.

“Had I been playing first-team football every week I’d have not been able to.

“Now I have a chance of making the World Cup. It goes to show you can make everything work out in the end.”

 CopyBet is the official front-of-shirt partner of Queens Park Rangers FC. Visit CopyBet.com

6

6

A MASKED man who gassed trams with a highly flammable vapour in a UK city centre has pleaded guilty.

Ghalib Saeed, 31, let off butane gas inside Manchester Metrolink tram carriages on three “disturbing” occasions on March 15, 20 and 22.

4

4

4

Passengers on the trams reported hearing a “hissing sound” and seeing a man clad in a terrifying gas mask during the attacks.

A number of commuters complained they felt dizzy after the incidents but thankfully no injuries were reported.

Witnesses reported seeing Saeed board the trams with a gas mask covering his mouth and nose.

Passengers would then hear a hissing sound as he emptied gas canisters in the carriages.

People then reported a strong smell of gas filling the trams and said they developed “headaches” and were left feeling “dizzy” during the incidents.

Several reports were made to the police and Saeed was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of causing a public nuisance at the eleventh hour today.

He changed his plea just before a trial at Manchester Crown Court was due to go ahead today.

During a court appearance in April prosecution counsel Neil Fryman said: “The Crown says it’s very disturbing behaviour, a lot of people were affected on a number of occasions.”

Saeed was warned by the judge that the starting point for an offence of this nature is a prison sentence.

The case has been adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be written up.

Judge Elizabeth Nicholls warned Saeed that “all sentencing options will remain open.”

Saeed has been remanded in custody and is due to return to court to learn his fate in November.

At the time of the bizarre incidents Transport for Greater Manchester said: “We are aware of these incidents on Metrolink and are assisting Greater Manchester Police with their enquiries at this time.

“The safety of our Passengers and staff is a core priority – everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe across the Bee Network.”

At the time of Saeed’s arrest Detective Chief Inspector Paddy Connell, from GMPs City of Manchester Division, said: “We fully appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern in our communities, but I want to reassure the public that we do not believe there is any wider threat present.

“We have now secured the arrest of a man and are working hard to establish the full circumstances of the events that have been reported over recent days.

“As officers continue to work their way through all the evidence available, we are asking anyone who has any information to please come forward.

“This includes anyone who believes they have witnessed something suspicious, or similar to the incidents that we are dealing with.

“Our transport hubs are operating as usual, and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to a police officer, who will be more than happy to discuss any queries you may have.”

4

MORE than a few eyebrows were raised at the Emirates when Arsenal’s starting line-up was announced.

In particular the midfield three of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

7

7

7

It was a defensive-minded decision by Arteta to put pressure on City’s Rodri and limit his influence from deep while keeping things tight until he found the courage to fling on his attacking game-changers at the right moment.

It backfired massively.

Those who criticised Arteta for playing not to lose instead of going for the win at Liverpool last month – eventually losing 1-0 – have even more fuel to chuck on the now-blazing fire.

He had a fully-fit Eze on the bench, and yet kept the handbrake on with a safety-first approach. The question remains: does Arteta have the bravery to win a league title?

The sort of midfield that would have been Jose Mourinho-approved, but one that Arteta must NEVER start again in a title-defining game again if Arsenal are to compete for the Prem.

Can you imagine Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola or even Arne Slot doing the same? No chance.

That trio had no pace, no drive, no attacking intent – and Arsenal have no hope of glory come May should they combine from the off again.

7

7

MARTINELLI MORE THAN JUST A ‘FINISHER’

MIKEL Arteta made it clear after Arsenal’s Champions League opener just how much it pains him to leave Gabriel Martinelli on the bench.

The Brazilian came on away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night and after 36 seconds he netted before creating another for Leandro Trossard.

It was not enough for Arteta to reward Martinelli with a first start for nearly a month against Manchester City, revealing that he prefers to call his subs “finishers” to give them more meaning and motivation.

But after yet another late goal to snatch points, there is now a dilemma for Arteta: continue using him as a super-sub – or super-finisher – or recall him to that left-winger spot.

Martinelli would admit himself that he has not been in good form over the last 18 months with just 18 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.

But he is certainly knocking on the door. Is this the start of his North London renaissance?

7

EZE SHINING IN GOOD COMPANY

WITH England boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, Eberechi Eze proved why he is so special and belongs on the biggest of stages.

Eze would have been more than frustrated to be left on the bench for this one, desperate to build some momentum in an Arsenal shirt with next summer’s World Cup looming.

But boy did he deliver when he was thrown on at half-time with Mikel Arteta desperate for some magic after playing it safe for the first 45 minutes.

His beautifully-crafted long ball over the top to put in Gabriel Martinelli for a late, late equaliser is exactly why Arteta snatched him from Crystal Palace, lured from the grasps of rivals Tottenham at the last minute.

Once again for large parts, the Gunners struggled to break down a low block, just like they did last season, but Eze is the player with the key to unlock the most stubborn of defences – if he is given the chance.

It cannot be clearer now – Arteta must start Eze as much as possible between now and the end of the campaign if Arsenal are going to claw the Prem title away from Liverpool.

7

PEP GUARDIOLA bizarrely KISSED fourth official Craig Pawson during Manchester City’s game with Arsenal.

City were leading 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute opener at the Emirates.

1

And Guardiola’s men looked to be heading for the three points as the game entered the final stages.

Maybe City’s legendary manager was feeling too jubilant too early as he grabbed Pawson by the cheek and tried to give him a smooch on the cheek.

Pawson managed to just about swerve the peck but fans were still left absolutely baffled by Guardiola’s moment of madness.

One said: “Have I just seen Pep kiss the ref??”

Another added: “WHAT’S BLUD DOING!”

One asked: “Pep trying to kiss ref??”

Another said: “Did Guardiola just kiss the fourth official?”

Ironically, it was City who kissed their lead goodbye after Gabriel Martinelli levelled the game in injury time.

MORE TO FOLLOW

DINERS who were rushed to hospital after an “excruciating” meal suspect one ingredient was the cause of their torment.

After tucking into a family meal at the Dosa Kingss eaterie in Sale, Manchester, on September 6, 11 diners had to be treated by medics.

1

A massive emergency response was sparked by the incident with fire crews, police and paramedics called to the chaotic scene.

Customers inside the restaurant became violently unwell after eating some of the food on offer and have now blamed one ingredient for the disastrous dinner.

The incident sparked a Greater Manchester Police investigation.

Two of the 11 diners suffered severe reactions to the food and had to be hospitalised while several others were treated inside the restaurant.

Police said a number of people were treated for “minor reactions” to the dodgy food.

One of the lines of inquiry being probed blames yams for the diners illness.

Some types of the root vegetable can contain toxins that can be harmful if undercooked.

It is believed to have been part of one of the dishes served from the restaurant’s set menu.

The exact cause of the violent reaction to the food has yet to be confirmed.

One diner, Amrita Kapadia, who was dining with her young son and her family at the restaurant, was among the customers served the food.

She said the Aviyal, which is a thick stew of mixed vegetable, contained yams.

Amrita was one of the two diners to be hospitalised after the meal made her feel like she was “chewing glass.”

She claims the food left her suffering a severe reaction with her mouth and throat burning.

She was unable to speak following the “frightening” ordeal and said it felt as though she had been “stung by bees.”

Amrita told Manchester Evening News: “The table next to us started complaining that something was stinging or spicy in their mouths.

“The restaurant folks brought them water and, while that was going on, two of us at our table of five had the same dish at the same time, which was a mixed vegetable dish called Aviyal.

“As soon as we ate it, we had this stinging sensation in our mouths. It was like chewing glass, it was excruciating. It felt like I had been stung by bees it was just so painful.

“We couldn’t taste anything and our tongues went bizarre. The sensation travelled to our gums, cheek and throats.”

Before her own situation deteriorated further, Amrita instructed her son, who thankfully avoided any serious reaction to the food, to stop eating immediately.

Diners began to call 999 and ask for paramedics to be sent as they began to lose the ability to speak and felt paralysed.

The harrowing ordeal left diners with increased heart rates, dizziness, pain and swelling.

Amrita was hospitalised for four hours after she was given two shots of adrenaline that did nothing to combat her extreme symptoms by paramedics.

She received a form from Trafford Council to complete detailing what each member of the party had consumed.

Police remained at the scene for hours after the incident as their investigation got underway.

The scale of the emergency response sparked fears of a serious gas leak which was quickly ruled out by the probe.

Dosa Kingss posted a brief statement on social media following the chaos.

It reads: “Dear valued customers, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are temporarily closed.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and support. We look forward to serving you again.”

A spokesperson for GMP previously stated: “At around 12.40pm today (6 September), we received a report of people becoming unwell at a restaurant on Northenden Road, Sale.

“Emergency services quickly attended and several people were treated at the scene for minor reactions. Enquiries into the incident are currently ongoing.”

BRYAN ROBSON has told Manchester United chiefs to back Ruben Amorim for the long haul and slammed the club’s recent history of signing flops.

The United legend says the revolving door of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 has wrecked any chance of stability, and insists under-fire former Sporting Lisbon boss must be given at least THREE years to fix the mess.

4

4

4

Speaking to The Telegraph, Robson said: “We’ve changed managers that many times since 2013.

“I feel you have to stick and say, ‘No, we are not sacking the manager. We are not blaming.’

“When you have a little bit of money and the club are going to allow you to change your squad, you need three years to get the team right.

“For me, three years at Manchester United should be enough.”

Amorim, 40, has had a disastrous start to life as United boss, winning just eight of his first 31 games.

But Robson is urging the board to give him more time, despite fans on social media calling for his sacking.

Robson didn’t hold back when reflecting on the transfer blunders of the Ed Woodward era, suggesting too many signings simply weren’t up to scratch.

He fumed: “Look at the money we spend. It’s up to you to go around the world and get top players who are going to improve you.”

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

“I think five years ago some of the players we bought were just not good enough to be Manchester United players. It’s an accumulation of that.”

And Robbo, who captained United through some of their most hard-fought years, believes the club lost its way by ignoring experienced Premier League stars in favour of flashy foreign names.

“The other thing I think we went away from is getting good, experienced Premier League players.

“So when they get to 28, you bring them on board if you can. There have been loads of players who have left clubs.”

And his message to United’s decision-makers couldn’t be clearer.

He added: “When I was in management, I believed that if you bought average players, you got an average team.”

United will get a chance to bounce back from their derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.

4

THE return of the long throw has had an impact on how much football Prem fans have seen this season.

Brentford’s stoppage time leveller against Chelsea after the Blues could not cope with a ball hurled into their box came in the week that Thomas Tuchel signposted his willingness to go direct with England.

2

2

And the statistics show that the Bees are not the exponents of old-fashioned Pulis-ball.

In the 40 Prem games so far this season, there have been 130 long throws, at an average of 3.3 per match.

That compares to last season’s average, over the 380 games, of 1.5 per match – a doubling of the frequency.

And senior figures believe the return of the long throw has been a factor in a significant shortage of actual playing time.

Figures provided by Stats Perform show that across the 40 top flight games the ball has only been in play for an average of 54 minutes and 21 seconds, down 133 seconds from last season’s average.

The analysis by Prem insiders suggests that one major reason is that the extra number of long throws has seen more teams sending their centre-backs up into the opposition box.

A similar amount of positioning, by both attacking and defending sides, at corner kicks, has also been noticed, with many sides now having specialist set-piece coaching teams.

And with goalkeepers unable to hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds under the new Laws, also taking longer at goal kicks when the ball goes out of play, fans are getting less value for their ticket prices.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

One expert explained: “What we’re seeing makes it clear that the amount of long throws in particular is making a difference.

“It will be interesting to see if it continues for the rest of the season or is just a passing fad.”

MANCHESTER CITY host Manchester United on Sunday with both clubs looking for a result to springboard their season.

To mark the Super Sunday contest, our team of betting experts has put together a 14/1 Bet Builder for the encounter, courtesy of Betfred.

And there’s more – new customers who sign up with Betfred and place a £10 bet on football will receive £50 in free sports bets.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

How to claim..

Betfred welcome offer

1. Visit the Betfred website HERE*
2. Register an account using the link provided
3. Deposit £10 using a Debit Card
4. Place your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greater
5. Once that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free Bets

Man City vs Man Utd tips

Our Bet Builder selections: Double chance – Draw/Man Utd, Bruno Fernandes to score, Casemiro to be carded and Erling Haaland 2+ shots on target.

Here’s why we’ve made those selections..

• Double chance – Draw/Man Utd: United have won the last two times they’ve visited the Etihad and are actually unbeaten in their last four games against City – inside 90 minutes anyway. United have been made into a joke team so far this season, yet sit a point and few places above toiling rivals.
• Bruno Fernandes to score: Got off the mark for the season with that 97th minute penalty winner against Burnley. That coming after a miss at Fulham in league game prior. Usually man for big occasion and has three goals in 11 league games against Cityzens.
• Casemiro to be carded: Booked in two of last three games after yellow at Craven Cottage then on international duty with Brazil against Chile. Sat out second game on break due to suspension but should come in from start here and midfield battle key.
• Erling Haaland 2+ shots on target: Norwegian superstar has been on fire and added to it with FIVE goals in one international game when away in break. Started season well too and obviously main man for City.

*New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

PREMIER LEAGUE football is back after another dreary international break.

And the highlight of this weekend’s action is undoubtedly the mouthwatering Manchester derby on Sunday.

10

10

City vs United is one of the top fixtures of the season.

But there could be some huge changes for both sides, with Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim each signing a new goalkeeper on deadline day.

Will Gianluigi Donnarumma and Senne Lammens get their first taste of English football action in one of world football’s biggest games?

SunSport’s tactical expert Dean Scoggins dives into another brilliant analysis…

NEW GOALKEEPER ‘TRAP’ BATTLE

I reckon both teams will be nervous about potential debuts for their goalies! But United fans should be the most nervous about what decision gets made.

City don’t cross it very much so that’s one thing in favour of sticking with Altay Bayindir over Senne Lammens. 

Another thing in his favour is United have learned to play out with him, and Amorim may decide to leave Lammens out.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma, City don’t have to worry about mistakes, he will make stacks of saves, he’s absolutely class.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

But what they should be nervous about is how they’re going to cope with playing out.

Pep’s hardly going to stop playing out from the back, but Donnarumma is perceived to not be great with his feet, which could give James Trafford a chance.

Tactically, United will play 3-4-3 and when they’re pressing from the front, they almost slot into a 4-4-2 diamond.

We’ll expect City to drop the centre-backs in and push the full-backs on. You’d then think the goalie plays over the top.

But United will put real pressure on then. The striker will drop on City’s No6 to stop him getting the ball.

They will then press either side with curved runs to block off Donnarumma’s channels.

United want to set a trap by leaving a City player free —  they want Donnarumma to play to him.

10

10

When he hits it, United are going to shuffle across. It’s a trigger for a press. And City fans will be very nervous in that playing-out scenario.

United should be willing to take that risk to make Donnarumma play those passes, and that could mean a lot of joy.

As for Lammens, he looks really confident on the ball. He puts his foot on the ball to bait people in.

But with City’s set-up, they leave United’s 8’s for a trap. That could see them take advantage of United playing out with a new inexperienced goalie.

I’m a bit nervous if Lammens goes straight in, it takes time on the training ground to prepare these things.

They’ve been very brave with Bayindir so far. Lammens is very confident on the ball but it takes time to get used to set-ups in the Premier League.

WHAT SYSTEM WILL PEP USE?

We’ve seen 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 so far. That’s with 11 injuries.

In attack they want to be in a 3-2-5 shape. But what they’ve done quite a lot this season, not successfully, is get into a 2-3-5 shape with a full-back moving in.

But up against Bryan Mbeumo, and with injuries, I’d be nervous about that shape.

Nathan Ake could come in for a back three, but I think Bernardo Silva will be the key man in this game with his interchanging.

10

10

Tottenham and Brighton had loads of joy against City by leaving four up top.

I think City will use Matheus Nunes as a generic right-back with two in midfield like a 4-2-4 shape.

As for United, I think Amad Diallo will play on the left of attack, with Noussair Mazraoui at right wing-back.

There’s a question mark over midfield, is it two or one at the base? It depends on injuries.

HOW WILL MAN UTD ATTACK?

It’s a 3-5-2, but will Amorim start Sesko? United have been the most direct team in the league this season.

They’ve had the most direct chances but haven’t scored one yet.

Mbeumo’s gone close so that’s what they’re going to do.

I think Sesko has to play just for his physicality. Spurs used Richarlison to great effect against City.

If Cunha isn’t fit, you don’t want Mbeumo moved from the right. Don’t make two changes for the sake of one.

If Mount is out too, does Diallo go to the left? You’ve got other options at wing-back.

Diallo turned the game on its head last season and made a fool of Matheus Nunes so can do that job.

10

10

United will form diamonds and triangles all over the pitch. It gives them options on either side.

But they’ve particularly liked overloading the left side this season.

That leaves Mbeumo to isolate his defender, with the ball going in behind for him to attack the space.

City have been susceptible to balls over the top and have conceded twice from them so far.

United are having more of the ball on the left, but attacking more on the right. That will be the move they want to get.

That’s something for United fans to lick their lips over in attack.

Long passes are back in fashion. City have been more direct and United are now doing it too.

I fancy United to get some joy in this.

DO RODRI AND NICO BOTH PLAY?

I think they should in this game. Reijnders was outstanding against Wolves but got overrun by Spurs physically and caught out against Brighton.

Because City get greedy with position, a midfielder move forward and the other has a lot of space to cover.

Rodri can’t cover that space, especially after his injury.

I think both Rodri and Nico Gonzalez should play as the two, with Bernardo Silva the key on the right as the most flexible player.

10

10

He can come inside and bring Nunes forward, forcing Dorgu back.

In the direct way of playing and how open they’ve been, it should be a two.

Also, Pep Ljinders. City are pressing more with him as assistant.

It leaves space open for balls over the top, while City have also been playing a very high line.

It’s too much space so two are needed to make it solid. Trust your attackers to break down United.

If they are struggling, take over Nico and bring on a winger. But start with a solid base.

CLUB football is back for the Premier League this weekend after the international break.

After the last round of fixtures, a chaotic transfer deadline day followed as clubs splashed out £375million on new talent to take the overall spending for the window to over £3BILLION.

5

5

5

5

5

And with that wave of new arrivals, including emergency loans, the conclusions of blockbuster sagas and shrewd deals, there will be several new faces for fans to watch.

SunSport has taken a look at stars who could make their debuts this weekend, including two club-record signings.

Kicking off the team in goal is new Manchester City star Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain for £26million.

New £18m Manchester United star Senne Lammens could have been selected just as easily, but they can let their goalkeeping do the talking during the Manchester Derby on Sunday.

Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie – signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with a £45m option to buy – put in a great display for Ecuador against Argentina and will partner £13m Bournemouth signing Veljko Milosavljevic and West Ham loanee Igor Julio in defence.

There are three more loanees to consider going forward: Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani, Nottingham Forest‘s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aston Villa‘s Jadon Sancho, who all arrived in the twilight hours of the summer window.

Harvey Elliott followed Sancho to the struggling Villans from Liverpool on an initial loan with a £35m obligation to buy next summer.

The front three is where the majority of the star power and cost come into play.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m sale from Man Utd to Chelsea, was not a deadline day switch but was only announced after the Blues’ most recent game at Stamford Bridge – meaning he will be in line for his debut this weekend.

Newcastle star Nick Woltemade is the club’s record signing at £69m.

The 23-year-old German looked impressive during the Under-21 Euros this summer, while he scored 17 for Stuttgart last season.

But he – alongside fellow new Toon ace Yoane Wissa – will have big boots to fill following Alexander Isak‘s record-breaking £130m departure to Liverpool.

Isak’s saga dragged on all summer and was on and off and then on and off again, before possibly the move of the summer was finally put to bed on deadline day.

Elsewhere, there are the likes of Kevin, Fulham‘s own £35m record-breaking arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk, Jaydee Canvot at Crystal Palace and Brian Brobbey at Sunderland who could also make first appearances for their new clubs at the weekend.

RUBEN AMORIM sees the departure of Andre Onana as key to his rebuild at Manchester United.

Cameroon keeper Onana is joining Turkish outfit Trabzonspor on a season-long loan.

5

5

5

5

SunSport believes Onana’s relationship with United boss Amorim broke down irretrievably over the past month.

A source claimed: “It felt like Andre was there to just show up but wasn’t there or showing any team mentality.”

Amorim was unhappy that Onana, 29, picked up a hamstring injury at the start of pre-season training.

All the more so as he had been filmed playing on a mud patch in his homeland in June.

Onana is one of a number of stars that Amorim has let go this summer.

He has already sent  Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony packing.

And left-back Tyrell Malacia looks set to join Turkish side Eyupspor on a temporary deal.

United’s boss feels he has cleared the way for a more positive future and can kick on with preparations for Sunday’s Manchester derby.

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

Onana was left out of the starting XI for the opening Premier League games against Arsenal and  Fulham.

He then put in another error-strewn display in the humiliating Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby.

It saw him dropped again for the Prem win over Burnley before United made a deadline-day £18.2million swoop for 23-year-old Belgian Senne Lammens.

And it has emerged that insiders felt Onana was showing a lack of involvement and interest in working for the team in the final days before the international break.

That included the former Ajax and Inter Milan keeper effectively refusing to even acknowledge his manager in training.

So Amorim was happy to wave through Onana’s exit, leaving him with Lammens, struggling Turk Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, 39.

5

Amorim has to decide whether to give Lammens a debut at the Etihad or stick with Bayindir for now.

Meanwhile, Onana copped more flak for the 1-0 defeat by Cape Verde on Tuesday that virtually ended Cameroon’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification.

The keeper was at fault for Dailon Livramento’s winner, staying rooted to his line as the forward ran through on goal.

The Indomitable Lions are four points behind Cape Verde with two group games left.

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA was spared his blushes by the referee following an awful clanger while playing for Italy tonight.

The Manchester City new boy, 26, is in line to make his debut against rivals United this Sunday.

5

5

5

The 6ft 5in stopper will be hoping to shake off his blunder from tonight, having nearly gifted Israel a shocking opener.

Barely five minutes into tonight’s contest Manor Solomon, who recently joined Villarreal on loan from Tottenham, swung in a corner.

The situation seemed harmless enough, with the ball looking likely to sail into Donnarumma’s grasp.

Inexplicably, however, the former Paris Saint-Germain star punched the ball into his own net.

Donnarumma was bailed out by the referee, however, who deemed Israel defender Stav Lemkin to have fouled him, despite contact appearing to be minimal.

Seeing the incident on social media, one fan branded City’s new boy: “the new Onana of the EPL”.

While a second claimed: “In these situations here in the Premier League, they’ll eat Donnarumma alive.”

A third claimed: “Donarumma doing what Donnarumma does.”

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

5

And another added: “Donnarumma in the premier league will make hatewatching man city 10x funnier.”

Following their let off, Italy did go behind via Manuel Locatelli‘s own goal on 16 minutes.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side levelled through Moise Kean just before half-time, only for Dor Peretz to reclaim Israel’s lead seven minutes after the break.

Italy subsequently turned the game on its head in the following six minutes, courtesy of a second for Kean and a Matteo Politano strike.

City signed Donnarumma in a £26million deal on transfer deadline day.

The giant keeper is set to replace James Trafford as No1, following the ex-Burnley ace’s difficult start to the campaign.

After Donnarumma’s arrival, City allowed long-term stalwart Ederson to depart for Fenerbahce.

The Etihad new boy is set to make his debut against Man Utd this weekend.

Ruben Amorim‘s side could also have a new man between the sticks, following Senne Lammens’ £18m arrival from Royal Antwerp.

Andre Onana is set to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan, although Altay Bayindir could potentially keep his place ahead of Lammens this weekend.

5