4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Man Utd ‘in for 18 months of pain’ predicts Redknapp as Sky Sports pundit says ‘they need to get rid and change culture’
MANCHESTER UNITED are set for “18 months of pain”, according to Jamie Redknapp.
And he believes there needs to be a serious overhaul of the culture at Old Trafford to turn the mess around.
Sky SportsJamie Redknapp had his say on the current state at Manchester United[/caption]
RexRuben Amorim has struggled to have the positive impact he would have wanted[/caption]
Ruben Amorim has struggled since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, losing eight of his first 20 matches in charge as United sit 15th in the table going into the trip to Tottenham.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to sort out the financial chaos – but his methods of increasing ticket prices, job redundancies and staff perk cuts are proving unpopular.
However, Redknapp gave his backing that Amorim can be the manager in the dugout to help lead the transformation with the right people above him.
But he warned it will not be a comfortable ride for anyone connected to United – with plenty of players needing to be pushed out of the exit door along the way.
The Sky Sports pundit said ahead of the Spurs game, in which United were forced to put eight untried teenagers on the bench: “For what it’s worth on Amorim, I like him. I think he’s got something about him. And I totally get the performances haven’t been good enough.
“But I actually like what he’s doing more off the field than actually what he’s doing on the pitch. Because that club needs a change of culture.
“We’ve spoken about how it works. Get people like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho that have left and one or two others who have had a mention about leaving.
“Now, if they’re not going to buy into having a good way of living and coming in and training correctly and being involved and helping the group and create a winning mentality, they’ve got to be surplus to requirements.
“I see Manchester United as having still much more pain, even 18 months more pain, because they need to get rid.
“Whoever’s been in charge or even managers have gone so far and then they’re panicked and then they’ve gone and bought 30-year-old players that aren’t going to maybe take the club any further forward. I think now they have to take their time.
“They’re trying to get… Jermain [Defoe] mentioned getting the best in class. People like Jason Wilcox, they’ve got the guy from Manchester City, the CEO there [Omar Berrada]. They’re trying to do things slowly and I think that’s how they have to do it.”
Amorim has not been afraid to show his ruthless attitude during his time in charge – in more ways than one.
But despite his difficult start in terms of results and becoming the quickest United manager in history to reach five home Premier League defeats, Amorim refuses to budge from his 3-4-3 system.
And Redknapp feels like that lack of adaptability could be costly.
He added: “I like what he’s trying to achieve but it might take a bit more time than what you’d like.
“You know, I think he’s got to be more flexible in the system.
“When I hear a manager having one system, that worries me because you’ve got to adapt in game each time you’re playing against another team.
“But I think Manchester United will get there. It’s just going to take a bit of time but they have to go all in on it.
“They can’t just go, ‘We’re going to panic now and go buy more average players’, because the players right now aren’t good enough to produce the performances that Manchester United want, hence why they’re in this position.”
United’s bench was packed with kidsGettyUnited are 15th in the Premier League table before facing Tottenham[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Michael O’Sullivan described as a ‘beautiful person’ as tributes pour in following jockey’s tragic death
WILLIE MULLINS described tragic Michael O’Sullivan as ‘a credit to his family’ while Barry Geraghty said he was a ‘beautiful person’ amid a flood of tributes for the late jockey.
There is widespread grief in racing circles after the deeply upsetting death of the 24-year-old, 10 days after a terrible fall at Thurles.
PATributes have poured in for the late jockey Michael O’Sullivan[/caption]
PAHe enjoyed his finest day in the saddle at Cheltenham when Marine Nationale won the 2023 Supreme[/caption]
But the reaction and tributes from his friends and colleagues in Britain and Ireland paint a picture of a young man who was as well-liked as he was respected.
And his talent was not just confined to the saddle. Before turning professional, the Cork native earned a degree in Agricultural Science and the University College of Dublin and he was fluent in French.
He stood out as a tremendous riding talent, though, and burst onto the scene in 2022 after teaming up with Barry Connell, winning Grade 1s on Marine Nationale and Good Land.
That partnership came to an unfortunate end in November when the two men had a disagreement about schooling arrangements for some of Connell’s horses.
As a result, O’Sullivan was given opportunities by several different trainers, including champion trainer Mullins for whom he rode a Grade 3 winner on New Year’s Day.
Mullins said: “It’s dreadful news which puts all our problems into context. He will be much missed here and there is a real sadness over the whole of Closutton today.
“He was here two mornings a week and was very much a part of the team at Closutton and his part here was only going to get bigger. He was such a natural rider who was very modest, friendly and understated.
“He had a great understanding of horses and racing and given the horse, he was the man.
“I think Closutton will be a much poorer place without him and we, as a family, will miss him. He will be much missed in the yard and we have his family in our thoughts and our prayers are for them now. He was a credit to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Connell and O’Sullivan’s working relationship came to an abrupt end a few months ago, but news of the jockey’s death hit the trainer and his staff especially hard.
He said:“He was a bright, rising star as a jockey and we were lucky to have had a very close association with him.
“Everybody in the yard is devastated. He was such a lovely personality to have around the place, he fitted in really well. He was widely liked by his colleagues and everyone who met him.
“I think everyone in racing is stunned today and all we can do is express our sympathy to his parents, William and Bernadette, and his brother, Alan. He will be sadly missed.”
O’Sullivan’s famous victory at Cheltenham on Marine Nationale in 2023 was the first-leg of an opening day Festival double, as he later bagged the Fred Winter on Gordon Elliott’s Jazzy Matty.
Connell added: “We were in the parade ring the following day and one of the officials came out with the golden armband and gave it to me and said ‘put that on Michael’.
“He was the leading rider after the first day of Cheltenham which was a remarkable achievement. He was an inspiration to lots of young jockeys in Ireland.”
Legendary rider Barry Geraghty, who retired in 2020 while O’Sullivan was still an amateur, said his death will have completely devastated his colleagues.
Geraghty said: “He was such a lovely, kind person. He was quietly spoken, humble and very intelligent and well educated.
“He had a lovely way about him and the weighing room is a broken place because of that. They’ve lost such a beautiful person.”
GettySimon Pegg looked strikingly different from his Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead days[/caption]
GettyHe sported a slimmer physique with a more defined facial structure[/caption]
GettyIt is a notable change from his earliest film roles[/caption]
Simon looked smart in a black suit which featured a shimmering silver detail across both the jacket and trousers.
He added a pair of thick-rimmed glasses as his hair was styled back into a quiff.
The actor showed off a more defined facial structure for his outing with his cheekbones and jawline more prominent than ever.
He also went for a clean-shaven look as he ditched his usual stubble and moustache for his photo opportunity on the red carpet.
Simon first rose to fame as the co-creator of the Channel 4comedy Spaced in 1999 before achieving more recognition for his roles in a trilogy of hit movies with co-star Nick Frost.
The duo kicked off their partnership with 2004’s Shaun of the Dead, followed by 2007’s iconic Hot Fuzz and 2013’s The World’s End.
They also starred in the 2011 comedy film, Paul, together.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on YOUR favourite movies could have been very different as we reveal which A-listers missed out on huge roles
HOLLYWOOD history could have been very different as some of your all-time favourite movies nearly looked unrecognisable.
Just last year, Robbert Eggers’ released his version of the 1922 original Nosferatu.
What many may not know is that Harry Styles was initially cast in a significant role in the film.
In a conversation with IndieWire, director Eggers revealed that Harry was cast as Hutter, the husband of Lilly Rose-Depp in the film, a role that Nicholas Hoult ended up playing.
Eggers further explained that the project had faced significant hurdles, saying, “I don’t know if it will happen. It’s fallen apart twice.”
He went on to reveal: “I’ve been trying to get the word out because the word did carry that Harry Styles was going to be in the movie.
“I just want to be clear that he was going to be Hutter and not Nosferatu himself.”
From shocking near-castings in Barbie to major switch-ups in Spider-Man and The Notebook, we reveal the megastars who just missed out.
In 2008, Kristen Stewart bagged the infamous role of Bella Swan in the hit franchise Twilight which catapulted her into international stardom.
Fans might be surprised to learn that actress Emily Browning was actually creator Stephenie Meyer’s first choice for the lead role.
Before the movie was even cast, Meyer mentioned Browning in a blog post as her ideal pick but due to scheduling issues Browning turned it down.
Other well-known actresses that had ties to the role were Michelle Trachtenberg who had joked that she was considered simply because “there aren’t many pale girls in Hollywood.”
Lily Collins auditioned for the part as well as Jennifer Lawrence who also tried out for Bella before landing her breakout role in TheHunger Games.
This 1990 Tim Burton classic saw Hollywood Star Johnny Depp claim one of the most iconic roles of his entire career history.
Production company 20th Century Fox originally wanted Tom Cruise for the role, but it turns out he wasn’t director Tim Burton’s ideal choice.
Tom Hanks was offered the part but declined in favor of starring in The Bonfire of the Vanities.
Actor Gary Oldman passed on the role after admitting he didn’t understand the script and even comedy genius Jim Carrey was also among those considered.
Barbie
AlamyMargot Robbie officially stepped into the role of the iconic doll in 2023[/caption]
GettyComedian Amy Schumer was originally set to star in the film[/caption]
GettyThe Devil Wears Prada alum Anne Hathaway signed on in 2018[/caption]
Margot who is also a producer on the film didn’t originally envision herself but Wonder Woman star Gal GadotGetty
Before actress Margot Robbie officially stepped into the role of the iconic doll in 2023, several other A-listers were in the running.
Top of the list was comedian Amy Schumer who was originally set to star in the film but she had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
After her departure, The Devil Wears Prada alum Anne Hathaway signed on in 2018, ready to bring the character to life in a completely different version of the movie.
Meanwhile, Margot who is also a producer on the film didn’t originally envision herself but Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot – but due to scheduling conflicts Gadot couldn’t do the role.
Ultimately, the part went to Robbie, and the rest is history.
But imagining Barbie with a completely different lead makes you wonder how different the movie could have been.
The Notebook
AlamyRachel McAdams won the iconic role of Allie Hamilton in The Notebook[/caption]
GettyPopstar Britney Spears was a top contender having previously worked with Ryan Gosling the main lead[/caption]
GettyActress Scarlett Johansson tried out for the part competing against a strong pool of talent[/caption]
GettyJennifer Lawrence was deemed too young for the role at the time[/caption]
Before Rachel McAdams won the iconic role of Allie Hamilton in The Notebook, several well-known actresses were in the running.
Popstar Britney Spears was a top contender, having previously worked with Ryan Gosling the main lead on The Mickey Mouse Club when she was 11.
According to Gosling, the singer did a great job during their chemistry test, making her a serious consideration for the part.
Jennifer Lawrence also auditioned but was ultimately deemed too young for the role at the time.
SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENTSpider-Man: Homecoming saw Tom Holland step into the role of Marvel’s web-slinging superhero[/caption]
GettyA-Lister Timothée Chalamet also screen-tested for the role[/caption]
GettyPaul Rudd, who was filming Marvel film Ant-Man around the same time and almost stepped into the Spidey suit[/caption]
GettyNanny McPhee’s Asa Butterfield also auditioned for the role[/caption]
Spider-Man: Homecoming saw Tom Holland step into the role of Marvel’s web-slinging superhero in 2017.
But it was A-Lister Timothée Chalamet, who was relatively unknown at the time, who orginally screen-tested for the role.
He later admitted that he left his audition “sweating in a total panic”- since then, Chalamet has steered clear of comic book films.
Then there was Paul Rudd, who was filming Marvel film Ant-Man around the same time and almost stepped into the Spidey suit.
Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield and Nat Wolff also auditioned for the role, each bringing their own spin to the iconic character.
The Matrix
Warner BrosKeanu Reeves played Neo in the hit franchise The Matrix[/caption]
GettyJohnny Depp was actually directors the Wachowskis’ first choice for the role of the iconic hacker[/caption]
GettyBrandon Lee was also considered for the part in the 1999 flick until tragically passing away before filming[/caption]
GettySandra Bullock was considered with the filmmakers open to making Neo a female character to fit her[/caption]
When it comes to The Matrix, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Keanu Reeves as Neo, but the casting process was full of unexpected twists.
Johnny Depp was actually directors the Wachowskis’ first choice for the role of the iconic hacker, but things didn’t work out.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Ultimate DIY hacks hidden in your iPhone including secret spirit level and photo trick to use before EVERY trip to B&Q
YOUR iPhone is secretly a DIY dream device – just don’t plonk it down in the toolbox.
The gadget is better known for making calls, showing you cat videos, and annoying you with text messages, but it’s also great for doing a bit of work around the house.
AppleYes, your iPhone really does have a built-in spirit level[/caption]
We’ve rounded up five clever home improvement hacks that all iPhone owners should know about.
SPIRIT LEVEL
First up is the iPhone’s easy-to-miss spirit level trick.
It’ll very helpfully let you know when an object is level with the ground.
And if it isn’t, you’ll be shown how many degrees it’s off by.
You’ll find it in the Apple Measure app (which is tucked away in the Utilities folder by default).
Now just tap on the Level button and hold your iPhone against something – like a picture frame.
You can then adjust the frame until it’s level, which will be signified on screen with the colour green.
If you want to match the slope of an object, tap the screen to capture it.
Then hold your iPhone against another object and rotate both of them until the screen turns green.
If you want to reset the level at any time, just tap the screen again.
MEASURING UP
If you hadn’t guessed, the Measure app also does something else that’s very useful.
It lets your camera work as a tape measure so you can check the size of almost anything.
At its most basic, you just need to open the Measure app, and then wiggle the camera so your iPhone can understand what it’s looking at.
Once you’re ready, you can tap Add on the starting point of your measurement – and then move the camera slowly until you’re in position to add an end point.
AppleYou can take multiple measurements of an object using the Measure app[/caption]
You can adjust these points afterwards if you want to tweak them.
And you can add multiple measurements (like the width and then height of a sofa).
For a start, this is way less faff than having to run around with an actual tape measure. You barely have to move.
But what’s very useful is that if you hit the shutter button, it’ll save a photo of what you’re looking at with the measurements still visible.
MEASURE SOMEONE'S HEIGHT
You can also meausre someone's height with an iPhone...
If your iPhone detects a person in the Measure app, it will automatically measure their height.
It’ll track it to the top of their head, hat, or hair, according to Apple.
And then if you hit the shutter button, the image will be captured with their height measurement included.
Apple served up the following tips for snapping someone’s height:
Make sure that you’re in a place with good lighting.
Avoid dark backgrounds and reflective surfaces.
Check that the person you’re measuring has nothing covering their face or head, like a face mask, sunglasses, or a hat.
Try to step back from the person you’re measuring. You might be standing too close.
Once you’ve got the image saved, you can edit it like any other snap in the Photos app.
Picture Credit: Apple
Apple will automatically show a measurement box if you’re trying to measure an object that’s a square or rectangle
That means you can snap up your kitchen and living room measurements, and then bring those images with you to B&Q.
And if you’re at the shop, you can take photos of objects there with measurements – and bring those back home to see if they’d fit in your living room or kitchen.
Try doing that easily with a tape measure. No thank you.
MAGNIFY-CENT!
Another often-overlooked DIY app on your iPhone is Magnifier.
Apple / The SunThe Magnifier app is extremely useful if you’re dealing with tiny text on instructions, labels, or parts[/caption]
You can swipe down from the top of the screen and search it if you’ve never used it before.
It does what it says on the tin: it magnifies small objects.
This is great for loads of DIY jobs. For instance, you can use it to read tiny instructions or labels, or to see the head of a screw clearly.
And there are special modes that adjust the brightness and colour profile, which can make hard-to-read text far easier to see.
You don’t even have to hold the Magnifier still – hit the shutter button and it will freeze the frame for you.
SEE AROUD CORNERS
Another DIY nightmare is when you’re trying to see a tricky location.
Maybe it’s under the sofa or cupboard, or behind a cupboard door, or some other nightmarishly awkward spot.
If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, there’s a very useful hack.
AppleYour Apple Watch can work as a viewfinder for your iPhone camera[/caption]
There’s an app on the Apple Watch called Camera Remote.
This lets you see through your iPhone’s camera on the watch screen.
So you can stick your iPhone in hard to reach places, and watch what it’s seeing on the Apple Watch.
It’s much more practical than putting your iPhone around an awkward corner, taking a photo, and bringing it back out to look at it again.
If you’ve ever tried to check the plumbing under your sink, you’ll know how annoying it can be. This could be the lifesaver trick that you’re after.
GARDENER’S DELIGHT
Lastly, one for the budding (ahem) gardeners out there.
Your iPhone is now very clever at working out what’s actually in the photos that you’re snapping.
And it can now very capably analyse photos of plants, flowers, trees, bushes, or whatever else is growing in your garden.
Sean Keach / The SunYour iPhone can identify plants that you’re taken photos of[/caption]
Just take a snap of the flora, then head into your iPhone’s Photos app.
Then look at the menu at the bottom: you should see a small “i” symbol with some stars around it.
Tap that, then choose the option “Look Up Plant” at the top of the info box.
This will identify the plant and give you more info about what you’re looking at.
AppleYour iPhone might be one of the most useful bits of kit you have when it comes to home improvement[/caption]
So if you’re puzzled by a strange weed in your garden, this will sort you out.
Similarly, if you spot a nice flower on a walk and you want it for your garden, snap a pic with this trick and then you can grab the seeds or the plant itself from your local garden centre. Genius.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Man, 45, dies after reports of ‘child being assaulted’ in south London
Police were called to the scene of the incident in High Street, South Norwood
A man has died after ‘actively resisting’ against police during an incident involving a child being assaulted in south London.
Officers were called to a home on High Street, South Norwood, to reports of a youngster in danger.
Inside the property was the 45-year-old man who was suffering a medical emergency.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement he was ‘very agitated’ and was ‘actively resisting’ against officers.
Officers were forced to restrain him and paramedics were deployed to the scene shortly after 1.30am today.
He was transported to an ambulance where he became seriously unwell, the Met said. Despite the efforts of medics, he later died in hospital.
As a mandatory step when anyone dies or suffers serious injury followingcontact with the police, a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Commander Andy Brittain, who is overseeing the response to this incident, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died. We will ensure they are fully supported.
‘I know the community in South Norwood will want to be reassured that the incident was handled appropriately. The IOPC is conducting an investigation to provide that independent scrutiny.
‘We must also acknowledge the impact that incidents like this have on the officers involved.
‘In this case they were responding to an emergency call involving a child in danger and on arrival at the scene, were met with a very challenging situation.
‘No officer ever wants to be involved in an incident where someone loses their life and we will ensure they get all the support they need.’
The Met has not yet identified the victim or shared further information about the child.
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