MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand said he would threaten to sue manager Ruben Amorim if he talked about him the same way he did with Marcus Rashford.

Rashford, 27, has not played for United since December 12, with Amorim, 40, leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.

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The star forward was once again omitted on Sunday when Man Utd won 1-0 at Fulham and the Portuguese tactician was once again quizzed about the player’s situation at Old Trafford.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss then stated he would prefer to have 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on his bench ahead of the out-of-favour England international.

Amorim said: “The reason [why Rashford is not playing] is the training, what I think a footballer should do in training, in life and every day.

“I will put [in] Vital before I put [in] a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”

Ferdinand, 46, insists he would be furious if a manager ever spoke about him like that.

The ex-England international is adamant he would hold a press conference to bash those claims, if they were indeed baseless.

The popular pundit even suggested he would sue the head coach for questioning his “effort” if he was in Rashford’s shoes.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former United defender said: “If it isn’t true and it was me he said that about, I am coming out all guns blazing.

“I’m holding a press conference, I’m coming out and saying, ‘I’m having no one chat about me like that in the media’.

“But you only come out if you’re 100 per cent sure that nobody can say you take the shortcuts.

“Sometimes I think in these situations, if you’re doing things right, communicate it.

“Because the manager can question how well or bad I’m playing, or my form, but if he’s questioning my effort, I’m sorry, I’m coming back out, next time I’m around any press people – ‘the effort, he needs to take that back or I’m suing him’.

“I would love to sit across the table from Marcus, look in his eyes and go, ‘Can you say that? Could you be confident enough to go out and do that? Because if you can’t, look at yourself’.”

TYSON FURY and wife Paris enjoyed a romantic weekend away as the boxer settled into retirement.

The Gypsy King, 35, announced he would be stepping away from the ring yet again following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last month.

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Paris dazzled in a smart pink outfit[/caption]

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The pair enjoyed afternoon tea[/caption]

It is not the first time Fury has declared he is retired – having done so atfer beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022 – but it is still welcome news for Paris and his family.

The couple enjoyed a weekend getaway to Ayrshire, Scotland and visited Trump Turnberry Golf Resort.

They enjoyed afternoon tea and Paris dressed for the occasion, wearing a stunning pink suit jacket with a matching skirt.

Paris, 35, shared some photos and videos from their trip on social media, where she professed her love for Scotland.

Fury appeared very relaxed and gave the camera a big smile in one photo with his wife.

He announced his retirement last month, saying: “Hey everybody, I am going to make it short and sweet. I would like to announce my retirement from boxing.

“It has been a blast and I have loved every single minute of it.

“I’m going to end with this – Dick Turpin wore a mask.

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“God bless everybody and see you on the other side.”

Fury hanging up the gloves means he will give up an eye-watering payday against Anthony Joshua.

SunSport understands a two fight deal with AJ would be worth around £500m, meaning Fury is effectively giving up a staggering £250m pay cheque by retiring.

THIS is the hilarious moment Conor McGregor size up 7ft 1in NBA star Brook Lopez DURING a game.

The brilliant incident came as Lopez’s Milwaukee Bucks beat the Utah Jazz 125-110 on Monday.

The victory saw the Bucks soar to fourth in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Standings.

But the highlight of the game came when UFC legend McGregor announced himself on the court during a free throw.

The Irishman got the attention of the crowd as he made his way to the Bucks’ bench.

He then made his way along the entire team before coming to a stop opposite Lopez.

The NBA was sat down with a towel over his head.

Yet he was hilariously still taller than McGregor, who stands at 5ft 7in.

‘Notorious’ saw the funny side too as he engaged Lopez in a quick chat.

The basketball player seemed to love the banter though and eventually stood up to completely tower over McGregor before the pair jokingly sized up.

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Lopez later lifted the lid on his chat with the MMA icon.

He said: “McGregor asked me how tall I was. I let him know. He asked me to stand up and I did.

“I knew at that point, once I got up, I had to size him up, I had to do a little something. I’ve seen face-offs before so I knew I had to do my part.

“Now, if something’s going to happen, maybe Dame (Damian Lillard) can be my promoter or manager, teach me to fight.

“I’ve got nothing. So I’m really going to rely on Dame for that.”

Fans certainly enjoyed the hilarious clash between Lopez and McGregor.

One said: “Notorious only dude to get away with that s**t.”

Another declared: “Conor can’t reach that height.”

One noted: “McGregor wanted to meet the GOAT.”

Another added: “Should start training.”

WHSMITH has named its nineteenth store marked for closure this year as 500 high street shops have been placed up for sale.

The stationary to sweet shop has confirmed yet another closure after The Sun revealed 18 stores would shut for good in the coming months.

The 232 year-old British business has since put its entire high street estate up for sale, with The Sun naming HMV owner Doug Putman among the potential buyers.

A branch on Long Eaton’s high street in Nottinghamshire has now been marked for closure and is set to shut for good on February 1.

Customers have branded the closure as “sad” with one saying the area would be left like a “ghost town”.

One said: “Another big empty shop. but not surprised..its so sad to see what Long Eaton has become.”

While another said they “used” the shop and would “miss it”.

A spokesperson for the chain told The Sun it was “disappointed” to be losing its presence in the area.

They said: “It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry. 

“We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”

As for WHSmith, it already has plans to close another branch in Bournemouth later this year and in Woolwich come April.

It said that it would be closing its Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset on February 15.

It comes after the retailer closed its Boscombe branch in the same town in June.

WHSmith has also closed down several stores outside Bournemouth this year, including in Bolton, Lancashire.

WHSmith is focusing on the travel side of its business where sales are growing, including airports and train stations.

In an update this year to investors, the retailer said it’s on track to open 15 stores this year, with a further 15 to follow “each year over the medium term”.

The retailer said it would be moving away from its high-street stores and has no plans to open any more.

Now a total of 18 sites have been confirmed for closure this year, following a number of closures last year.

Here is the full list of WHSmith closures taking place in 2025 so far:

• Bournemouth Old Christchurch Road, Dorset – January 18
• Luton, Bedfordshire – January 18
• March, Cambridgeshire – January 25
• Basingstoke, Hampshire – February 1
• Long Eaton – February 1
• Newtown, Powys – February 15
• Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset – February 15
• Rhyl, Denbighshire – February 15
• Bolton, Greater Manchester – February
• Accrington, Lancashire – March 15
• Halstead, Essex – April
• Halesowen, West Midlands – April
• Diss, Norfolk – April
• Newport, Wales – April
• Haverhill, Suffolk – April 26
• Woolwich – April
• Stockton, County Durham – May
• Oldham, Greater Manchester – May
• Orpington, Greater London – no date given yet

WHAT’S GOING ON AT WHSMITH?

The news comes after the iconic British business revealed it was looking to sell its entire high street estate.

WHSmith wants to shift its focus to its travel division, where sales are growing.

The retailer is working with advisers at Greenhill Investment Boutique to handle the sale with a deal hoping to be reached withing three months.

The Sun revealed Doug Putman, the owner of HMV is in discussions with WHSmith advisers about possibly buying the 500 stores.

A takeover of WHSmith’s stores by HMV could see a return to more records and CDs sold in WHSmith shops and a potential cross-over between the two brands. 

But he will have to fend off competition from other bidders including restructuring firms Alteri and Hilco. 

Modella Capital, which recently bought Paperchase and Jigsaw, has also been linked to a purchase by Sky News. 

In an update to investors on Monday following speculation of the sale, WHSmith confirmed it is “exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash generative part of the group, including a possible sale” though added there was no guarantee a deal would be reached.

TROUBLE ON THE HIGH STREET

Just this month, bosses at a number of prominent retailers have revealed plans to cut stores from their estates.

Garden centre giant Dobbies closed 12 of its stores before Christmas to help shore up extra costs following a restructuring plan.

Meanwhile, Homebase has confirmed that six of its sites will close before the end of the year.

These include sites in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Fareham, Newark and Rugby.

Three more Homebase sites in Derry, Inverurie, and Omagh are also set to close in the coming months, along with a branch in Glenrothes near Fife.

The garden and homeware retailer crashed into administration last month, but around 70 stores were rescued by CDS Superstores, the owner of The Range and Wilko.

At the time it entered administration, Homebase operated 141 stores.

HAVE you joined Vinted in hopes to boost your bank balance – but haven’t managed to sell anything so far?

Savvy mum and TikToker Ali, who claims to have raked in £1,800 in just one month, has spilled the beans on how to make a fortune on the popular second-hand platform.

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Savvy mum Ali took to TikTok to share how she raked in almost £2k in one month by flogging her old goods on Vinted[/caption]

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Ali also explained exactly how many photos you should upload to make your listings fly[/caption]

The money-smart fashionista, who flogs items ranging from dresses to fabulous tops, explained that there are three things Vinted sellers should always do when putting together a listing.

How many snaps to take?

No listing should be uploaded without any photos showcasing the item – but how many should you be sharing for the best success?

According to Ali, who recently sold a bodysuit for over £30 and a reversible dress for close to £40, sellers should ideally ”share a selection of photos that show your item at different angles”.

In her video, where the savvy mum was trying to make extra cash by selling a gorgeous dress, she was seen uploading four images.

Ali said: ”When uploading an item, make sure to take clear photos.”

Another pro tip to avoid drama with a potential buyer is always to take close-up images of any faults on the item.

Go wild in the description

Once the snaps are up, it’s time to get creative with the description of the item you’re trying to flog, whether that’s clothes, tech or beauty buys.

Here, the Vinted pro, who posts under the username @im.winging.it.too, advised fellow sellers to add as many details in the listing as possible.

”When writing the title, put the size, colour, brand and any extra features. Has it got pockets? Straps?

”In the item description put the condition and describe any faults.

”Also put in there why they should follow you and details of any bundle deals.”

These could include 20% off when buying two items or a whopping 50% off when purchasing five items or more.

Another pro tip that could make your listings fly is making use of hashtags – this, Ali explained, will ”help people find you”.

How to find the best price?

We all want to make as much money as possible – but according to Ali, from Kent, there are two things to consider when coming up with the best price.

”When pricing, think do you want a quick sale, what would you be happy to sell it for with your bundle discounts?”

‘Made £100’

Since being shared on the popular platform, the clip has racked up over 77k views in just one day.

Hundreds flocked to comments to share their Vinted success stories, with one writing: ”Used it for the first time yesterday and made £100! It’s was sold as soon as I uploaded.”

Another wasn’t having any luck at all, writing: ”My items aren’t getting any views at all.”

”How do people get rid of their non clothes items . I have toys books some other stuff and it’s hard to sell it,” someone else was looking for more tips.

JANETTE Manrara has been supported by her mum on Instagram while making a return to social media.

The singer and choreographer’s return to social media comes after Wynne Evans made a vile sexual comment to the tour host.

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Janette has seemingly been supported by her mother on social media[/caption]

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The mum and daughter duo were seen kissing and hugging on Janette’s Instagram stories[/caption]

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Janette hosts the Strictly Come Dancing live tour[/caption]

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This comes amid the current Strictly scandal involving comments made by Wynne Evans during a photocall[/caption]

In the recent videos shared on her Instagram stories, Janette, 41, explained how she had hit her head in the night, with her posts marking her return to the platform.

The dancer spoke of how her nightstand was moved and she banged her head, which then led to her putting a special ointment on it and concealing the bump with a hat.

After explaining how she “didn’t want to showcase” the bump on her head, Janette panned the camera around to show viewers how her mum was sitting beside her.

Janette’s mum was quick to cuddle up to the dancer as she explained how she had been busy “doing a show called Strictly Come Dancing live”.

She told viewers how she had the day off and then proceeded to tell her mum how she wanted to thank her, with her mother adding: “I love you,” complete with a kiss.

“I couldn’t be on stage, and I couldn’t be making you all happy and smiling, if it wasn’t for you,” she gushed before kissing her mum.

This comes after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans was heard suggesting a threesome with mum-of-one Janette.

VILE COMMENT MADE

The Strictly star was heard using the derogatory term “spit roast” when he made the vile suggestion.

The incident took place came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, when the Go Compare singer reportedly made a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them.

It was then that he allegedly made the joke.

An image shows the moment the joke is said to have taken place, with Wynne seen wearing a blue top, glancing over his right shoulder at Janette.

In the snap, Janette, who is married to professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, can be seen standing next to the opera singer with her head down as she gazed at the floor.

Wynne has since issued an apology after the incident came to light.

APOLOGY ISSUED

He told The Mail on Sunday: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”

BBC and Strictly Live producers said: “We have made it clear to Wynne we do not tolerate such behaviour on tour.”

Meanwhile, Janette’s spokeswoman said she had been “unaware of this comment.”

Wynne previously came under fire in last year’s Strictly series when he was seen “groping” his dance partner Katya Jones.

Although eyebrows were risen, the pair dismissed it as a joke.

This comes after Wynne revealed over the weekend that he had injured his ankle, with him sharing a gruesome snap of his bruised foot on Instagram.

The Welsh star was then forced to pull out of a performance, leaving fans gutted.

This was before news of his vile remark broke.

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Wynne took part in last year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing[/caption]

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The Welsh opera singer was paired with Katya Jones, with the duo still dancing together as they continue the Strictly live tour[/caption]

AFTER the 3-1 home defeat by Brighton ten days ago, Ruben Amorim labelled his side “the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United”.

Having accidentally trashed a TV in the dressing room minutes earlier, he then told the assembled press pack: “I know you want headlines… here you go, your headlines.”

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Ruben Amorim has refused to call upon Marcus Rashford[/caption]

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He has built up support from the club’s fanbase[/caption]

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The forward is edging towards leaving Manchester United[/caption]

At Craven Cottage on Sunday, Amorim decided to give us more headlines — and he upped the ante substantially.

Criticising Marcus Rashford’s workrate in training would have provided a decent-enough soundbite.

But by claiming he would rather select his 63-YEAR-OLD goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than a player who didn’t show full commitment, Amorim conjured the most inflammatory managerial quote of the season.

Given that Vital last played a quarter of a century ago for the third-tier Portuguese club Esposende, we can assume Amorim wasn’t being literal and knew full well that he was creating another firestorm.

United are England’s highest-profile club and Rashford — who hasn’t played since December 12 — is one of their biggest names. Yet here was his manager openly mocking him with a quote which bordered on cruelty.

This is a high-risk strategy. It’s often said, and is largely true, that Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t publicly criticise his own players, although he did ruthlessly bomb out several of his best.

Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag binned Cristiano Ronaldo early in his reign, then froze out Jadon Sancho.

And while these moves were widely seen as an admirable attempt to root out ‘bad apples’ and change a rotten culture, Ten Hag never possessed the force of personality to make this approach a long-term success.

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Many United players felt his ‘hardman routine’ was an unconvincing act. With Amorim, it seems more authentic. The Portuguese possesses charisma and won’t be condemned as a fake by his players.

Yet as elite players grow ever less accustomed to being called out, Amorim’s words will have shocked the dressing room. The collective criticism after the Brighton defeat was damning but this stinging rebuke of Rashford was personal.

Rashford’s reputation has plummeted on and off the field over 18 months but he retains many friends among United’s squad — as did 24-year-old Sancho when Ten Hag went for him.

Amorim blamed Rashford’s PR advisors when he gave a surprising interview six weeks ago, stating he was “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.

And the forward is currently pursuing a loan move to Barcelona, yet may be priced out of that, even though he is apparently willing to take a hefty cut to his £325,000 weekly pay packet.

A permanent summer transfer now seems highly likely and would suit both Rashford, 27, and Amorim,  although the manager’s public criticism will not do wonders for the Red Devils’ asking price.

Criticising Marcus Rashford’s workrate in training would have provided a decent-enough soundbite, but Amorim conjured the most inflammatory managerial quote of the season.

Dave Kidd

According to those who know him in Portugal, Amorim doesn’t genuinely relish media duties in the manner of his compatriot Jose Mourinho.

He does, though, fully understand how to use the media to influence the narrative around himself and his club.

And Amorim recognises he is currently in a position of personal strength. United are terrible.

They were terrible before Amorim arrived, they were terrible against Brighton and they were terrible in the 1-0 victory over Fulham, which was probably the most terrible game of Premier League football this season.

And yet while part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was slaughtered from the away end on Sunday, Amorim’s name rang out in songs of praise, because United’s hardcore supporters realise he represents the club’s best hope.

If fans believe they have been coughing up hard-earned money to watch a bloke on a £17million salary who isn’t showing full dedication, they will fully appreciate the manager berating him.

And let’s put our cards on the table here — in the written media, we love juicy post-match quotes from managers.

There are fewer and fewer quotable bosses in the  Premier League, with Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham a rare exception.

In such a vacuum, less entertaining quotes are occasionally ‘revved up’ a little — my personal favourite being an article which started with the words Claude Puel last night roared…

Even though former Southampton and Leicester boss Puel never spoke above a whisper and was believed to be audible only to bats.

Media interviews can mean more to a manager’s reputation, and job security, than they probably should.

Here was his manager openly mocking him with a quote which bordered on cruelty.

Dave Kidd

And by giving the media what they want, Amorim will be cut more slack by those who cover United on a daily basis than Ten Hag, whose press conferences became exercises in blood-from-stone extraction.

Amorim celebrated his 40th birthday after three wins from United’s last four matches  — not that they have played particularly well in any of them.

After the Fulham game, match-winner Lisandro Martinez revealed: “He’s going to do ‘the tunnel’  with players on either side slapping him.”

This is a modern-day take on getting ‘the bumps’  and we might assume Rashford used the opportunity to give his boss an extra hard smack.

But while Amorim is playing a ballsy, high-stakes game in his treatment of the player, this is a calculated approach.

Win or bust in the long term, Old Trafford’s firestarter is not going to die wondering.

Sweet sounds were delighting a gathering at New Norcia, where monks and students of local colleges enjoyed a concert by the University of Western Australia’s a cappella choir. Suddenly came “near disaster”.

Narrogin hosted a fun-filled weekend of Australia Day celebrations and saluted upstanding community members with a host of awards.

Millionaire mare Alsephina sent an ominous warning to interstate rivals with a smooth success at Tuesday’s Pinjarra trials ahead of a lucrative interstate mission.