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    Man Utd scrap their end of season awards dinner after worst Premier League campaign in club’s history

    MANCHESTER UNITED have decided against holding a post-season awards ceremony.Ordinarily, the Red Devils hold a gala dinner at Old Trafford every May to celebrate each team.Man Utd will not have an end of season awards dinner this yearCredit: GettyIt is understood that the decision was made due to the men’s first team’s poor campaignCredit: GettyClub officials also believe it would be inappropriate amid hundreds of ongoing redundancies authorised by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAGuests pay to watch members of the men’s, women’s and youth teams accept awards for their efforts over the campaign – including the coveted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award which is voted for by the fans.The Times report that each accolade will now likely be handed out prior to United’s final match of the Premier League season against Aston Villa on May 25.Man Utd officials had not announced a date for the annual gala.SunSport understands they feel there is little to celebrate from the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey also believe it would be inappropriate amid hundreds of ongoing redundancies.United have endured their worst Premier League campaign in history this term.On Sunday, they matched their all-time worst-ever tally for home league defeats in a single season.Ruben Amorim and Co now sit 16th in the Premier League table with just two games left to play.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, they still have a shot at silverware.United will face Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao next week.’I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe winner is set to secure Champions League qualificiation.Man Utd endured another difficult campaign last term.Having finished eighth in the Prem table, club officials cancelled the end-of-season awards dinner then also. More

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    Man City close in on Premier League’s most expensive EVER transfer as Florian Wirtz jets in for talks

    PEP GUARDIOLA has held talks with Florian Wirtz as Manchester City stepped up their bid to land the German star in a record £126million deal.The Bayer Leverkusen forward, 22, jetted in to Blackpool from Maastricht in Holland as City look to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.Florian Wirtz’s dad was met by a reporter after the meeting in ManchesterCredit: BildFlorian Wirtz’s mother spotted at a Dutch airportCredit: BildManchester City are hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian WirtzCredit: GETTYCity have held talks with the 22-year-old over a summer move to the EtihadCredit: GETTYWirtz, one of the hottest properties in Europe, travelled with his agent father to discuss a potential move to the Etihad before returning home last night.Boss Guardiola has identified Wirtz as his No 1 target as he looks to rebuild his City squad and replace club legend Kevin De Bruyne, 33. who will leave at the end of his contract in June.City’s offer would smash the British transfer record, which currently stands at £115m which Chelsea paid Brighton to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo in 2023.Wirtz, his father Hans and mother Karin took a private jet at 10am on Tuesday from Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands to Blackpool, according to German newspaper Bild.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were then driven to Manchester to meet with Guardiola, before flying back at 4:40pm.Apparently, the small airport behind the German-Dutch border had been chosen to avoid attracting attention.However Bild were able to get photos of Wirtz’s mum and dad at the Dutch airport as they returned to their car.A reporter approached Wirtz’s father Hans who shook his hand but chose to remain silent.Most read in FootballWirtz has spoken to Guardiola previously but the attacker is yet to make a final decision on his future with two years still left on his current Leverkusen deal.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut his club would rather sell to City than their Bundesliga rivals.He only last month returned from a knee injury, which saw him miss the Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern, but has still scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 44 games this season.Bayern, who won the Bundesliga this term after losing out to Leverkusen last season, are offering £84m for Wirtz.The German was vital to Leverkusen’s unbeaten title triumph under Xabi Alonso in 2023-24.City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himCity are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The 22-year-old has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier.Read More on The SunChampions League chasing Newcastle do not need to sell any big names.Boss Eddie Howe  said: “The summer window will be a big one for us.”Florian Wirtz was one of Bayer Leverkusen’s star performers last seasonCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd linked with fairytale transfer as they scout Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s Portugal debut amid shock Tottenham interest

    A MANCHESTER UNITED scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debut as a raft of top clubs sent representatives to the match.The 14-year-old son of the legendary former Red Devils No7 was cheered onto the pitch when he came off the bench in a 4-1 win over Japan’s Under-15s on Tuesday.A Manchester United scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debutRonaldo Jr was also eyed by scouts from Tottenham and Bundesliga clubsWearing the same number his father wore with distinction during two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo Jr gave a few brief glimpses of his talent during a second-half run-out at the Vlatko Markovic tournament in Croatia.Ruben Amorim’s staff will add the scout’s report to their file on the youngster, who could earn a start in one of Portugal’s remaining matches against Greece or England.United will already know plenty from the 14 months Ronaldo Jr spent at their academy.He played alongside Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, in the youth set-up when his father returned for an ill-fated second stint under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe Europa League finalists were among several high-profile clubs to send scouts to the match.United’s Bilbao opponents Tottenham were in attendance with up to 10 Bundesliga clubs also rumoured to be represented in the crowd.Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti report that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atalanta sent spies to cover the game.The Portuguese players caught the eye with their superior technique and tactical appreciation, running out easy winners over the Japanese kids.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBraga forward Rafael Cabral was the star of the match and stole Cristiano Jr’s thunder by bagging a hat-trick before he stepped out onto the pitch.The 14-year-old honed his ball skills by playing futsal from an early age while his mobility allows him to operate just as effectively from the wings as he does from the middle.He is Braga’s top scorer in the youth league with 13 goals this season and leads a seven-strong contingent from the club in Portugal’s squad, which contains no players from the traditional powers of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.Ronaldo Jr is following in his father Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive footstepsRonaldo had two stints at Man Utd before moving to Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr More

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    Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

    WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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    Portsmouth release FIVE players including former Arsenal star after securing Championship survival

    PORTSMOUTH have announced the departures of five players after securing Championship survival.Cohen Bramall, Tom Lowery, Alexander Milošević, Anthony Scully and Kusini Yengi are all set to leave Fratton Park.Five players are set to depart Portsmouth – including former Arsenal star Cohen BramallCredit: RexBramall previously spent two years at Arsenal before leaving in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorMeanwhile, loan stars Adil Aouchiche, Rob Atkinson, Kaide Gordon, Isaac Hayden, Freddie Potts and Mark O’Mahony will return to their parent clubs.On the exits, Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said: “We would like to thank all those players leaving the club for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”Kusini played a massive part in our memorable League One title success just over a year ago, while Anthony and Tom are both model professionals who I enjoyed working with greatly.”Cohen provided genuine competition at left-back after arriving in January, while Alexander offered vital defensive cover at a time we really needed it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would also like to thank Sunderland, Bristol City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton for loaning us their players, all of whom had a role to play in securing our Championship status.”Bramall joined Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee in January and signed a six-month deal.But the 29-year-old’s contract has not been extended beyond this summer.Following spells with several non-league clubs, Bramall was signed by Arsenal in 2017 and went on to make 21 appearances for the club’s Under-23s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe did not earn a senior appearance for the Gunners.The defender spent a season on loan at Birmingham before joining Colchester United in a permanent transfer in 2019.Portsmouth vs Millwall delayed after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darknessBramall has since played for Lincoln, Rotherham and Pompey.Meanwhile, Lowery joined Portsmouth from Crewe Alexandra in 2022 but spent the last five months on loan at his former club.Milošević completed a short-term move to Fratton Park in March and now already finds himself without a club again.Scully, who spent the 2024-25 season at Colchester, is also among the players set to be released at the end of their contracts.And Yengi will also depart after two years at Portsmouth.John Mousinho has thanked the players for their contributionsCredit: Alamy More

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    Championship club announce decision to change badge after overwhelming fan support for new design

    MIDDLESBROUGH have announced plans to change their badge ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary next year.Boro initially proposed a badge change last March and subsequently held a consultation period with a group of supporters.Middlesbrough have announced plans for a badge changeCredit: PAClub officials conducted a survey with fans, held face-to-face conversations along with workshops both at the Riverside Stadium and online and even discussed the matter casually with individuals on match days.And now they have officially notified the FA of their intention to alter the badge.The survey from the club found that 57 per cent of supporters are in favour of the change, with 19 per cent against the idea.Middlesbrough have revealed that the change will take place from the start of the 2026-27 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe new badge will then remain permanent.An update from the club read: “As well as providing extensive feedback across a cross-section of our fans; Season Ticket holders, match-going fans and long-distance supporters, based locally and further afield, young and old, there is a clear and consistent consensus among that feedback which can now be used to drive the design process.”The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all supporters who have engaged with the club on this project so far, and we look forward to sharing further developments in due course.”Middlesbrough ended the 2024-25 season 10th in the Championship table with 64 points from 46 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollowing the final match of the campaign, head coach Michael Carrick revealed he expects to stay on despite failing to reach the play-offs.He told the BBC: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad.”My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More

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    Nottingham Forest give Taiwo Awoniyi injury update after ‘urgent surgery’ and hail Marinakis for showing ‘deep care’

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering “well so far” after undergoing “urgent surgery”.Awoniyi, 27, suffered a horrific abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League at City Ground.Nottingham Forest announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgeryAwoniyi’s injury and the way it was handled led to a furious reaction by Forest owner Evangelos MarinakisForest insist there was no confrontation between Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito SantoThe striker crashed into the post on 87 minutes after stretching to meet a brilliant pass from Anthony Elanga on the right flank.But following several minutes of treatment the Nigeria international was cleared to continue even though he did not look fit to play. Forest told SunSport that was what led owner Evangelos Marinakis’ intense talk with manager Nuno Espírito Santo at full-time as he wasn’t happy with the way Awoniyi’s injury was handled.And the Nigerian was rushed to hospital on Monday for emergency abdominal surgery after the Tricky Trees’ medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.Read More on Football Thankfully the centre-forward’s operation went well and he is currently recovering.Forest shared the following statement: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Nottingham also explained Marinakis’ angry reaction, which was met by criticism from the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, came as a result of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday. “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. “His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain -something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Forest stated there was no confrontation with Nuno but instead there was a “shared frustration” regarding the medical team’s decision to allow Awoniyi to continue.’There was no confrontation’The statement also suggested Marinakis “would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur”.The announcement added: “It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur. “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.Read More on The Sun”At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion. “In moments like these, the game must unite around those who put their bodies and minds on the line every week. That’s what real leadership looks like in our game.” More

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    The incredible Martin Odegaard stats that show why his drop in form at Arsenal is linked to long-range shooting

    MARTIN ODEGAARD has been a shadow of his former brilliant self at Arsenal this term.A combination of illness, injury and becoming a father for the first time in December has seen him struggle for consistency and momentum, with large sections of the Gunners fanbase questioning his ability as captain with another Prem title charge falling short.Martin Odegaard has failed to convert from long-shots this seasonCredit: GettyThe stats show that the less he shoots, the worse his output isCredit: GettyBut perhaps more worryingly, it has been his creativity and intent on the ball in front of goal that has been missing – put in the spotlight following key absences to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for large periods of the campaign.One area that has slumped in particular has been his shooting and scoring from outside the box, something that became a real trademark for the Norwegian in previous seasons.But his last two games can give fans hope he is on his way back as SunSport reveals the stats behind his dramatic drop in long-range belters, and why they are so important to his overall game.Odegaard gave a first glimpse of what was to come during his six-month loan spell from Real Madrid during the 2020/21 season, having joined on January 27, 2021.read more arsenalIt came in a Europa League round of 16 first leg clash away at Olympiacos, scoring his first goal for the club with a thunderbolt from 25 yards in a 3-1 victory.Collected on the half turn, he took two touches to compose himself and with the third came a venomous thump to announce himself to the Arsenal fans and boss Mikel Arteta.He ended that campaign with 12 shots from outside the box in 20 games in all competitions.His bravery to shoot in those positions grew in the following seasons, and got his rewards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn 2021/22, he attempted 33 shots from outside the box in all competitions – 32 of them coming in the Prem – scoring twice, from a free-kick in a 1-0 victory away at Burnley in September 2021 and a screamer in a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in April 2022.His most successful and persistent year with long-range shots and goals came in 2022/23, scoring three times from 46 attempts in the Prem against Tottenham, Southampton and Newcastle. In total, he had 47 attempts in all competitions.How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-finalThe strike against Spurs in a 2-0 away win in January 2023 was prime Odegaard – one touch out of his feet followed by a low, driven fizzler into the bottom corner.Odegaard went one better last year with 48 long-range shots in all competitions, scoring twice. The first was against PSV in the Champions League in September 2023. The second was away at Burnley in February 2024, making it one goal from 39 long-range Prem attempts.And the stats show that there is a direct correlation between the number of long-range shots Odegaard takes and his overall performance.Across the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns – his best so far in an Arsenal shirt – he mustered 95 shots from outside the box in 93 appearances in all competitions, just over one a game.Within that period, Odegaard scored 26 goals and notched 18 assists.So, it is perhaps no surprise that we have witnessed a below-par Odegaard showing this term with just five goals and 10 assists in 42 games in all competitions having attempted just 30 long-range shots, the only goal from them coming in the 7-1 Champions League last 16 first leg rout of PSV in March.Of those 30, only 22 have been in the Prem with no success. You have to go back 15 months to find his last league belter from outside the box.There have been signs Odegaard is regaining his confidence in this regard.In last week’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final second leg defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, he was denied by a world class save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.Read More on The SunAnd in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool at Anfield, another long ranger was tipped onto the post by Alisson that Mikel Merino then headed in to complete the comeback.The message is clear then: Odegaard is at his best when he is brave enough to take responsibility and shoot from range. Once that comes back into his game on a regular basis, so will his form. More