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This weird production error on Love Is Blind proves meeting the families is all staged
Man Utd cult hero unrecognisable as he steps up pro career in completely different sport at 45
FORMER Manchester United star Diego Forlan is set to make his professional tennis debut next month.
The Uruguayan, 45, excelled at both football and tennis while growing up.
Having hung up his boots in 2019 following an illustrious football career, Forlan has since turned his attention towards his other great sporting passion.
This year, the former striker has competed in three 45+ events on tennis’ ITF Tour and is ranked No108 in that category.
He has now been handed the opportunity to play on the professional circuit, after being awarded a doubles wildcard into next month’s Uruguay Open.
Taking place in Forlan’s hometown of Montevideo, the Uruguay Open is on the ATP Challenger Tour, tennis’ second tier circuit.
For the event, the former Uruguay international has bagged himself an impressive partner.
Forlan will play alongside Federico Coria, who has extensive experience of playing in tennis’ biggest events, having featured in all four Grand Slams this year.
The 32-year-old is currently ranked No101 in the world, and as recently as last year was in the top 50.
Earlier this year he beat former British No1 Cameron Norrie.
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And he has tennis pedigree in his family, with brother Guillermo having reached the Roland Garros final in 2004.
Upon news of his partnership with Forlan being announced, Coria wrote on Instagram: “Uffff, the double of the year.”
Earlier this year, Forlan spoke of his tennis exploits with The Athletic.
He said: “I need something where I can run. Golf, you play in beautiful places — I like it and I still do it, but I need something different, something more similar to football. I started training and playing tennis and I was getting better and better.
“At first, I would play the top players at the club and players from around Uruguay and it was easy for them to beat me. Then it became more difficult. Now I can win. At the club tournaments, I was losing in the first round, now I’m winning a lot of them.”
Forlan played 98 times for Man Utd between 2002 and 2004, scoring 17 goals.
He went on to excel in LaLiga with both Villarreal and Atletico Madrid – while earning 112 caps for his country, scoring 36 goals.
In addition to tennis, Forlan has also tried his hand at football management since hanging up his boots.
He took charge of Uruguayan side Penarol in 2020, before a spell with Atenas the following year.
Forlan is not the first decorated former footballer to be awarded an opportunity to play on the ATP Challenger Tour.
In 2017, Italian icon Paolo Maldini was handed a wildcard to play in a Challenger event in Milan aged 49.
Alongside partner Stefano Landonio, Maldini was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Tomasz Bednarek and David Pel.
ITV talent show set to return for 14th series – with major element set reintroduced for the first time in five years
ALL eyes will be on the final of The Voice this week – and fans are rejoicing that it’s set to return for a new series.
Music legends will return to their swinging red chairs in the popular talent show on ITV and ITVX next year.
This week’s final will see four acts battle it out as Sir Tom Jones, Will.i,am, LeAnn Rimes plus McFly duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher decide who will bag the lucrative record deal.
As for a new series, TV Zone reports that there could be a return of the live final, which will be welcome news to fans.
If true, it would be the first time in five years that the final would be live and not pre-recorded.
However, this series, some fans are not happy that the battles sequence has been axed and that semi finalists no longer have to fight for a place.
Instead, judges choose who to take through to the final.
Ava was picked by Tom and Danny, Tom chose Billy and Louie LeAnn selected Deb Ora while Will.i.am took Storry through to the final.
Sir Tom Jones said: “[Before] they’d have to battle it out, so then the strongest one would win.”
Fans have been outraged by this move:
One said: “I’m confused. Shouldn’t there be the battle round and the knockouts round before this???”
Another said: “Bring back the battles.”
Echoing the sentiment a third added:
“Bring back the battles. What’s the point in sending 40 people through for 28 of them to hardly ever be seen again!”
This year’s schedule saw some changes with Ollie Murs and Anne- Marie swapped for the McFly boys and LeAnn Rimes.
Some fans are questioning whether Sir Tom Jones, 84 should retire over his decision.
The Voice UK winners
The Voice has run for 13 series and with the final on the horizon, another one is set to be crowned winner and take home a lucrative record deal from a record company We take a trip down memory lane to recall some of the show's winners.
By Donna Richardson
2023 – Jenna Cole and Olivia Irwin were buskers from the North East before they were mentored by Will.i.am and became winners of last year’s The Voice.
2022 – Antonia Edwards was a former nurse who was coached by Sir Tom Jones and signed a lucrative deal with EMI and released her single Anyone, a remake of Justin Bieber’s hit.
2021 – Craig Eddie was a call centre worker from Scotland before he joined The Voice. He had Anne Marie cheering him on to become champion and suffers from anxiety, using music as therapy. His single Don’t Waste my Time won the series. Craig won a recording contract after being crowned the winner of the show in 2021, but in 2023, decided to go his own way and release his own song Elastic Heart.
2020 – Blessing Chitapa is a Zimbabwean born singer from Dudley. She had Ollie Murs as her vocal trainer during the contest.
2019 – Molly Hocking was an actress from St Ives before she appeared on the Voice. She was spurred on by Ollie Murs to win the contest in 2019.
2018 – Ruti Olajugbagbe was taught by Sir Tom Jones. Her winning single was Dreams, a cover of the Cranberries song. After the final she released her single Chasing Cars.
2017 -Mo Adeniran, led by US singer Jennifer Hudson. Before joining the series he worked in hotels.
2016– Kevin Simm was Ricky Wilson’s second winner in a row and went on to form Liberty X but is now a vocalist for Wet, Wet, Wet.
2015 -Steve McCrorie was a former firefighter from Scotland who was coached by Ricky Wilson. His single Lost Stars reached number 6 in the UK Single charts and Number 1 in his native Scotland.
2014 – Jermain Jackman, born in Hackney, London and of Guyanese descent, was Will.i.am’s first act to win the series. In his other life he was a political activist. He was the first male to win the competition.
2013 – Andrea Begley from Pomeroy, Northern Ireland was mentored by Danny O’ Donogue. She is the niece of Irish county music singer Philomena Begley. Andrea is partially sighted due to having glaucoma which she developed aged 5.
2012 – Leanne Mitchell – the first ever winner of The Voice and was Sir Tom Jones’ ward. She released her debut solo single Run to you.
One fuming fan took to X, formerly Twitter to say: “Tom as had his days now he needs to retire them twins were terrible. Ace was amazing stunning.”
Another agreed at the decision, saying: “What a farce! Changed channels after Ace wasn’t chosen. She was by far the best ! Outstanding! Wow still shocked. Won’t watch any more.”
The Voice is on Saturday on ITV1, ITVX and STV at 8.30pm.
Antony’s Man Utd nightmare could come to end as Ajax ‘hold talks over re-signing flop’ but fear for his ‘mindset’
MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has been linked with a return to Ajax but the Dutch giants are worried about the player’s mindset, reports suggest.
United signed the winger for a staggering £85.5million in 2022 after a stunning two-year stint in Amsterdam where he amassed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances.
However, the Brazil international failed to replicate his Ajax success at Old Trafford as he has only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances.
Antony‘s struggles continue this season as he counts only four appearances across all competitions, in which he scored once, and has fallen deep down the pecking order.
The Red Devils lost the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Omari Forson in the summer and the wideman is still fourth pick behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
Thus, United are considering ways to let the Brazilian go out on loan in January so that they can sell him in the summer for a tasty fee.
That has led to speculation suggesting Antony could return to Ajax in the January transfer window.
According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club have discussed a potential move for the attacker.
However, the same source claims Ajax have doubts because they are unsure about the state of Antony’s mindset after his struggles in Manchester.
United are reportedly looking to sell for a massive cut price said to be worth around £40m.
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However, even that sum might prove to be impossible after a series of disappointing performances on the pitch.
United boss Erik ten Hag, who brought Antony to Old Trafford after working together at Ajax, addressed his situation and insisted he needs to do more to get more gametime.
Ten Hag said: “He’s impatient, he wants to play. But in top football there are laws.
“You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.
“The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.”
Man Utd player ratings vs Brentford
By Neil Custis
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.
Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.
The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.
On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.
JONNY EVANS – 7
Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.
CASEMIRO – 5
Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8
Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 7
After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5
Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.
Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6
A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6
A change that probably should have come earlier.
Arne Slot masterminded Liverpool’s win over Chelsea thanks to traffic jam trick and Jones shutting down Palmer
LIVERPOOL played out a tactical “game of chicken” against Chelsea on Sunday.
And Arne Slot‘s side came home to roost with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones.
The Dutch tactician came up trumps thanks to a genius way of neutralising Blues star man Cole Palmer in a “traffic jam”, while simultaneously allowing Jones to dominate both ends of the pitch.
The England Under-21 international proved the difference maker with his defensive contribution and vital impact in the final third.
Jones, 23, dedicated his match-winning goal to newborn daughter Giselle Deliah and girlfriend Saffie Khan.
SunSport tactics guru Dean Scoggins explains how Slot was able to squeeze a win out of Enzo Maresca‘s side.
Slot’s traffic jam
Slot and Maresca showed each other a lot of respect in their respective set-ups, but it was the move to shut down Cole Palmer which was a key difference maker.
Chelsea have often looked to find their top scorer in the corridors between the centre-backs and full-backs.
In possession Liverpool lined up in 4-2-3-1 formation with Ryan Gravenberch and Jones in a pair.
But when defending this morphed into a 4-3-3 as Jones drifted into the channel where Palmer likes to drift to pick up the ball to stop him receiving it in those lanes.
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This was not a man-marking job, but rather a job of cutting out the passing lanes while he also got help from Cody Gakpo to crowd that area to prevent the likes of Levi Colwill from executing his trademark long passes through the lines.
Jones’ role almost saw him hiding at times as he waited to pounce to press against the ball.
Much of Colwill’s passing was limited due to the compact defensive block, therefore limiting the ability to build.
Although Jones’ task of marking the area of Palmer meant he had a greater responsibility.
Double bubble Jones
Jones had a dual-role in midfield at Anfield.
The first saw him picking up the passing lane in front of Palmer, but this in turn left him unmarked by the Blues’ box midfield shape when the ball was turned over.
This meant Jones was then able to be the spare man in midfield for Liverpool, which resulted in decisive consequences for the overall game.
Jones used this free space to make late runs into the penalty area, resulting in him causing many headaches for the Chelsea defence.
His movement resulted in two penalty appeals – one that was given and one that was not given – and in him finding the open space to score the eventual winner early in the second half.
Chelsea’s own gameplan saw Malo Gusto tucking inside from left back and pushing up alongside Palmer while Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo completed their box midfield set-up.
This freed up space for Reece James on the right side with Gakpo and Jones doing a specific job to cut out space more centrally.
However, James was far from his best and struggled to utilise this space, with Liverpool able to be patient and wait for the overload before counter-attacking.
String theory
As mentioned earlier, Gakpo and Jones worked in tandem to shut down the threat of Palmer.
Gakpo – an interesting selection choice ahead of Luis Diaz – was often seen sitting in front of Jones to help block the passing lane.
He remained disciplined and kept a steady distance from Jones as a screen in front, with Jones then able to instruct him in how they could best combat the threat.
This extended to when the ball was switched to the other flank, with Gakpo able to pick up Palmer after Jones tucked in to continually make a 2v1 scenario.
Game of chicken
The patience shown by both teams meant a lot of the emphasis on build-up play was left to the goalkeeper, and Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez did not have a great game in this regard.
Rather than jumping out to press, Liverpool simply set up and told Chelsea to try and break them down – a similar move to their set-up at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
The first pass was the trigger, but only if they had the numbers.
This “mid press” meant Sanchez was often forced to go long, and will likely be another indicator that Chelsea will move for an expensive ball-playing goalkeeper next summer.
Dominik Szoboszlai was given specific instructions to press Colwill when he was on the ball to stop him playing by blocking the passing lanes, but to leave Sanchez alone.
This defensive ploy meant Colwill was unable to play line-breaking passes into Palmer or Caicedo, forcing Chelsea out of their comfort zone and doing something Maresca does not want them to do.
At one stage, Jones turned to Slot when they were being overloaded in midfield, with the manager then telling Szoboszlai to stop jumping out and set up in a five-player block.
A far cry from Jurgen Klopp‘s famous gegenpress tactics.
Tension ball
For all of Liverpool’s impressive tactics, Maresca came very close to winning the game of chess with his “tension ball” tactic.
Playing at left-back, Gusto tucked inside with Lavia playing in midfield ahead of Enzo Maresca.
But rather than inverting into the deeper midfield role seen previously, he was actually seen playing like a left 10 alongside Palmer and Jadon Sancho.
He did not see enough of the ball and was not good enough in that position, but showed superb work rate which meant they could retain their four-man shape in midfield.
And when Nicolas Jackson scored an equaliser just after half-time, it was through the tension created by Gusto occupying space that then freed up his attacking team-mate.
This idea did not quite pay off every time in the first half, but when it worked it likely would have resulted in more dangerous opportunities if not for Jones having a brilliant game in tracking the runs of Palmer.
In the first half he blocked one superb chance from Palmer, though there was one genius moment from the 22-year-old – an echo of greats such as Eric Cantona and Teddy Sheringham – where he bought himself a few yards of space just by stopping.
That turned out to be the only mistake Jones made in an otherwise faultless display.
Liverpool ratings vs Chelsea
By Ken Lawrence
LIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.
The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.
That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.
But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.
However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.
But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5
For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5
Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5
Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7
He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 6
The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7
Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.
CURTIS JONES – 9
Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5
Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.
MOHAMED SALAH – 7
What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?
DIOGO JOTA – 4
Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.
CODY GAKPO – 5
Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.
SUBS
DARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5
Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.
LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5
Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5
Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.
JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5
A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.
Reality show legend looks worlds away from C4 fame 20 years after show win – and six stone weight loss
BIG Brother’s Nadia Almada looks worlds away from her Channel 4 fame, 20 years after winning the show.
Nadia, 47, showed off her six stone weight loss on holiday in Gran Canaria today, flaunting her new figure on the beach.
The reality legend sported a blue bikini while taking a dip in the ocean – before washing the sea water off in a beachside shower.
Nadia is proudly embracing the transformation following her gastric sleeve surgery.
After flying to Turkey for the procedure in March, she has shed an impressive six stone, going from 17st 6lb to 11st 8lb.
Nadia recently told OK! that she had been consuming an overwhelming amount of food prior to the procedure, despite adhering to a vegan lifestyle.
She confessed: “I was a fully-fledged carbo-tarian. It was so bad that I’d eat two large pizzas with three sides in one night – and that was meant for a family of four. It’s crazy.
“I was a size 20 and a shadow of my former self. I had no stamina, no energy, no vitality – and there was a higher risk of having major heart problems or a stroke from the weight that I’d been carrying.”
Nadia jokingly added that she couldn’t even wear heels because of the swelling in her feet but now feels like she has had a “fresh beginning”.
She said: “It’s a new start, a fresh beginning. I feel prettier slender, but it’s not just the physical side, I’m also happy that I’ve been able to reverse a lot of the damage that I’d done to my body.”
She went on to share that in just three months, her cholesterol and thyroid levels had improved significantly, describing the surgery as “life-saving” and saying she now has much more energy.
Nadia also acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to life post-surgery, particularly in balancing her emotional eating habits with her body’s actual needs.
To manage her portions, she said she now uses side plates instead of larger dishes, as part of her ongoing efforts to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
The Portuguese reality star was Big Brother’s first ever transgender contestant when she walked into the house in 2004.
Nadia was loud and proud, wearing her heart on her sleeve, and often paraded around the house with big black hair and in glam outfits.
She quickly became very popular with viewers thanks to her fiery temper and hilarious humour.
Back in her Big Brother glory days Nadia’s Diary Room appearances proved very emotional.
She was worried the UK public would judge her for keeping her transgender identity a secret.
Of course, that only made her triumphant exit even more emotional – especially as she scooped 74 per cent of the vote.
When host Davina McCall announced she was the winner, beating Jason Cowan and Daniel Bryan, she screamed with joy.
That series was the one with the infamous Fight Night.
The furious display happened after contestants Emma Greenwood and Michelle Bass, who housemates thought had been booted out, returned and let everyone know they’d seen all that had been said about them.
One thing led to another – especially given there was booze involved – and things became so heated security had to calm things down.
After her win, Nadia released a single called A Little Bit of Action.
And in 2010 Nadia had another stay in the famous house as part of Ultimate Big Brother, where she was pitted against other previous contestants including Makosi Musambasi and Josie Gibson.
The late rapper Coolio was also there, with Nadia and Gangster’s Paradise star having several blazing rows.
These days it seems Nadia is much calmer, living life as a hair stylist in London.
Who are Paul Gascoigne’s children Bianca, Mason and Regan?
DURING his impressive footballing career, Paul Gascoigne played for Tottenham, Newcastle United, Everton and Rangers.
Away from his history on the pitch, Gazza is also a proud father of three children. Here we take a look at the lives of Mason, Bianca and Regan.
Who are Paul Gascoigne’s children?
Mason
Mason is the oldest, born in 1989, in Cambridgeshire.
He is the son of Sheryl Gascoigne and her first husband Colin Kyle but was adopted by Paul Gascoigne, and took his surname.
Sheryl and Gazza were married from 1996 until 1998.
In 2021, it was revealed that Mason and his partner Jaimee Wyatt had welcomed a son.
A source told The Sun on Sunday at the time: “Gazza is over the moon.
“It’s just the bit of good news he needs.”
Bianca
Bianca Gascoigne is a model and a reality star, known for shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity SAS.
Born on October 28, 1986, like Mason, she is also the daughter of Sheryl and first husband Colin, and was adopted by Gazza.
As a model, she has appeared on the cover of Loaded and in Maxim, FHM and numerous tabloid newspapers.
Bianca has starred in countless reality TV shows, including the original version of Love Island, which she went on to win in 2006.
Bianca starred in the nineteenth series of Channel 5 reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, placing sixth.
Bianca also competed on Ballando Con Le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, where she finished as the runner-up.
Regan
Regan Gascoigne is a dancer and the only biological son of Paul and Sheryl.
At just six-years-old he discovered his love for performing arts and at age eight, he enrolled into the Hammond Ballet School.
Regan then studied Musical Theatre at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, and toured with the English National Ballet in the Nutcracker.
He came out as bisexual in 2021, with his father’s full support and admiration.
Regan told Lorraine: “I’ve never actually come out. I’ve never made a point of coming out. I’ve just let it happen organically… when they asked me if I told dad I said no.
“But then I saw the article and headline and thought, ‘oh I’ve got to text him now’.”
“His response was exactly what I thought, he said ‘I still love you no matter what’.”
In January 2022, Paul wiped tears as he watched Regan’s stellar performance on Dancing On Ice, with pro partner Karina Manta.
His son then went onto win the show in March 2022.
Man Utd new stadium update as club reveal plans ahead of possible Old Trafford move
MANCHESTER UNITED have shared their plans surround a possible move away from Old Trafford.
Ineos have envisioned a new 100,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium being built on the current Old Trafford site.
The club released the first pictures of what the proposed new arena could look like last month.
And now Man Utd will host several fan focus groups to give supporters their say on the future of Old Trafford, report Manchester Evening News.
A fan consultation phase is part of the regeneration project and fans were contacted with a survey last month.
Man Utd want thousands of fans to respond so the club understands what supporters want from a world class stadium.
The club are still yet to decide on whether there will be a complete new build or a redevelopment of Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a new ground on the land adjacent to Old Trafford and pics of what the stadium could look like have been released.
The computer generated images have “New Trafford” circular in shape with a huge roof seen from a bird’s eye view.
Another snap shows a massive Man Utd badge on the side of the ground as red lights brighten a path full of fans walking to the turnstiles.
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What we know about the 'new' Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
A closer look from a building next to the arena features a gallery and huge windows that look out to a park and statues of United legends.
Foster + Partners, who designed Wembley Stadium, are the architects that have made the latest drawings.
They have also put together a map of what the area could look like, with the “urban regeneration” spreading across the whole of the Trafford Park region.
The regeneration project could cost £2billion with new houses, commercial areas and improved transport links all part of the proposal.
Inside Fallon Sherrock’s romance with fellow darts star Cameron Menzies who wooed her with KFC
THEY are the power couple of darts, and romance blossomed after a date at KFC.
Fallon Sherrock, 30, and Cameron Menzies, 35, began dating in 2021.
A year later they moved in together, and better date nights followed, including dining at one of Salt Bae’s restaurants.
Last year, the Scot revealed his girlfriend has made him a much better darts player.
Time away from his day job as a plumber also helped his cause, with Sherrock cheering him on when she’s not playing herself.
SunSport takes a look inside Sherrock and Menzies’ relationship.
That first date…
Menzies and Sherrock met on the darts circuit, and soon clicked.
They played doubles together and naturally got together.
Menzies revealed: “I had known Fallon for years in darts and played doubles with her years ago.
“We met in an online league in Southampton. The rest is history as they say. It started off with a KFC.”
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They inspire one another…
In an interview with Sky Sports, Menzies spoke about how he is inspired by his other half who has opened doors as a woman in male-dominated sport.
He said: “We enjoy our practice together and she is a very class player.
She’s taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I’m a very lucky person. I’m her biggest fan and I wish her all the best
Cameron Menzies
“She has done well for darts in general and is banging in 90 averages and 100 averages, the same as a lot of women.
“I’m quite lucky I’ve got a very good partner who can play darts.
“It’s good in the house unless she beats me and I’ve got to make the food. I don’t like it when she beats me.
“I will support her left, right and centre. I am her biggest fan.
“I might be a bit strict, but I know how good she is. I’ve known her for a very long time and I know she is very, very good.
“She’s taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I’m a very lucky person. I’m her biggest fan and I wish her all the best.”
Amusingly, in an interview with The Scottish Sun Menzies revealed that Sherrock has “bigger balls” than him and is better when the pressure is on.
“If I wasn’t with Fallon I’d still be a decent darts player, but she has definitely made me a better player. Who is the better of the two of us?
“I think I’m a tad better, but she’s better on stage when you’re in the spotlight. She just handles that better… she has bigger balls than me.”
“I’m getting better at it, but when it comes down to the marbles in an important match Fallon performs better. Hopefully one day I can keep up with her level in that area.”
Rangers fan
Menzies also let slip that Sherrock likes to wear his Rangers top around the house.
When the darts star went to meet Prince William to receive her MBE, Menzies threatened to go to Windsor Castle in the football shirt and a kilt.
But, he couldn’t make it. Instead he asked Sherrock to give him a Rangers key ring.
Menzies said: “I was given a Rangers key ring and it’s in the house. I wanted Fallon to give it to Prince William.
“I’m sure he doesn’t care about Rangers, he’s an Aston Villa fan.
“If I had gone to Windsor Castle with Fallon to get the MBE, I would have worn a Rangers top and kilt.
“She wears my old Rangers kits around the house, I think she finds them comfy.
“I have loads of them, that’s what I wear around the house. A few are a bit tight for me these days and she steals them!”
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Plumber by day…
Menzies is ranked 41 in the world in PDC Order of Merit.
This year, he reached the quarter-final of a Players Championship event, before losing to Gerwyn Price.
While at the World Grand Prix he was defeated by Dave Chisnall in the last-32.
Humble Menzies juggles his darts career with a day job as a plumber – fixing sinks and the like.
He even took to social media to share a picture fitting a bathroom before an appearance at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in 2023.
Along with three laughing emojis, he wrote: “Working before the world’s. What a joy.”
Brilliantly, the post was quickly picked up on by the official PDC darts feed, who added: “Plumbing at 11, Worlds at 8.”
However, Menzies is always looking at the draws at the Worlds, and is hopeful of avoiding a complicated match against his partner.
“There’s a handful of players you don’t want to draw and Fallon is up there,” he said.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10, but she has a moment when she smashes me.”
Kerry Katona shows off matching tattoos with daughters Heidi, 17, and Lilly, 21 – but fans slam them as ‘a mess’
KERRY Katona has revealed her matching tattoos with daughters Heidi and Lilly-Sue – yet some fans aren’t impressed.
The former Atomic Kitten songstress, 44, took to her Instagram page to showcase the intricate designs inked onto their forearms.
They showed dark straight lines making a star-shaped symbol, with tiny black dots at the ends.
In her proud caption, mum of five Kerry tagged her girls and wrote: “@lils.mc @heidikatona and myself by @123_mollymc.”
Kerry finished with the word: “Memories!” and a series of red love heart Emoji icons.
Yet some followers were less than impressed by the matching body art with one posting: “Not very straight lines and looks like they made a bit of a mess of Heidi’s on the top right looking at the pic.
“But I love the idea behind them. I’d love to get a matching tattoo with eldest.”
Another posted: “They forget about growing up and how awful they look.
“Victoria Beckham has had all hers removed because as an older woman they look bad with elegant clothes etc.”
Another simply quizzed: “What do they mean?”
Yet other fans of the Whole Again hitmaker were quick to support her choice.
One gushed how the designs were “beautiful” while another put “so special.”
A third commented: “Love this.
“I’d like something like that with my girls.”
Kerry is mum to Molly, 21, Lilly-Sue, 20, Heidi, 16, Max, 14, and eight-year-old DJ from previous relationships.
Kerry Katona's cosmetic surgery timeline
Here we look at the star's changing face - from fresh-faced pop singer to the latest £3,000 tweakment.
Kerry first went under the knife in 2004 for a boob job, and again in 2008 for another breast enhancement and liposuction.
In 2010 she also revealed she had tried to turn back time with some facial tweaks.
Kerry was bitten by the vampire facial bug in 2013 and feared she would die after a shocking reaction to the procedure, popularised by Kim Kardashian.
In 2019, Kerry sparked outrage by endorsing a ‘Katona Package’ at a London clinic offering “2ml face filler and one area fat dissolving” for £699.
When the mum-of-five approached her 40th, she celebrated with fillers and fat-dissolving injections in her chin to “enhance my natural beauty”.
Two years later Kerry joked she’d got a “brand new face” after a procedure called CoolSculpting, which freezes fat cells under the skin and destroys them. She had some fat removed from her chin and Botox injections.
In 2023, the TV star revealed a tighter jawline after treating herself to a “non-invasive facelift”.
In early 2024, Kerry had a much more invasive eye lift and brow lift in January, at a cost of over £3,000.
In February former Atomic Kitten singer told how she previously ruled out having baby number six, despite fiance Ryan Mahoney having no biological children of his own.
She made her shock reveal after bluntly telling her man to “leave her” if he wanted children.
At the time, she said: “I don’t want to deprive him – in fact, I’ve given him a pass and said, ‘If this is something you want to pursue leave me now!’
“I never want someone to not have that feeling of having their own child.”
In July, Kerry revealed she hadn’t seen her eldest daughter Molly, 22, for almost a year.
Molly, who the popstar shares with first husband Brian McFadden, lives in Ireland – her dad’s home country – but maintains a very close relationship with both parents.
Writing in a recent OK! column, Kerry said: “Lilly and Molly are both coming home this week from Ireland for a visit and I can’t wait to have them back.
“I haven’t seen Molly in almost a year! We talk on the phone every single day, but she just hasn’t been home to visit in a while.
“Lilly is getting on great too, she’s really settled and has got a good job over in Ireland, I’m proud of her.
“It’s nice for me to see my kids flourish. I’ve done my parenting bit and now it’s their turn to live lives.”
