Philippa Kaur

REAL BETIS are considering a bold strategy to keep Antony at the club, according to reports.The Brazilian has been on loan at the Spanish side from Manchester United since January.Real Betis are exploring ways to keep AntonyCredit: GettyAntony has scored nine goals in 26 games for Betis, with both the player and club keen for him to stay.But the Conference League finalists do not have an option to buy him inserted in the current loan deal.Spanish outlet Marca report that Betis and Man Utd chiefs will hold talks over Antony’s future next week.The Red Devils will not accept a cut-price deal and the LaLiga side may therefore struggle to afford him permanently.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey will instead offer to take him on loan again and even have plans to co-own Antony with Man Utd.In a rarely-seen move, Betis could reportedly agree to purchase just a percentage of the winger’s rights.It means both teams could benefit from any future sale.But the scheme still relies on Antony cutting his £200,000-a-week salary, which Man Utd have been covering 16 per cent of.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBetis fans are desperate to keep hold of their new fans’ favourite and chanted for him to stay after they beat Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-final.Club legend Joaquin even joked he would help Antony’s kidnapping to ensure he does not return to Old Trafford.’Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flagHe said: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what.”Meanwhile, new Bayer Leveruksen boss Erik ten Hag is supposedly open to a reunion with Antony and Alejandro Garnacho. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

MARY EARPS shocked the footballing world after announcing her retirement from the England national team.Lionesses legend Earps, 32, was the goalkeeper for England’s Euro triumph in 2022 and the World Cup final in 2023, in which she pulled off a stunning penalty save.Mary Earps was England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper in 2022Credit: PAAnd Earps saved a penalty in the World Cup final a year afterCredit: AFPThe former Manchester United ace was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper, and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2023.But just five weeks before the start of the 2025 Euros, 53-cap star Marps announced her retirement with immediate effect.Why has Mary Earps retired from international football?Mary Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in boss Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.And according to The Telegraph, Earps quit in a meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.Earps said in her announcement: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.Most read in Football”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”While in a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.England stars celebrate historic Euro 2022 victory in dressing room after beating Germany 2-1“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision.”There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.”And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”Sarina Wiegman was questioned about Earps’ retirementCredit: GettyThe announcement sparked a furious response from Lionesses coach Wiegman.The Dutch coach said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.Read More on The Sun“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.” More

BRUNO FERNANDES left Man Utd fans stunned with his attempt to get his side back into their friendly away to Hong Kong.With the Red Devils trailing 1-0, their captain was put through on goal with the chance to equalise.Bruno Fernandes was through on goalCredit: MUTVBut he tried to score with a rabonaCredit: MUTVFernandes then won the ball back and played a pass to Rasmus HojlundCredit: MUTVBut Hojlund lost the ballCredit: MUTVBut he then attempted a rabona, which the goalkeeper saved with his leg.The Portugal star was then accused of “not caring” by supporters.One fan wrote: “Man United 1-0 down to Hong Kong and Bruno tries this…”They simply don’t care!”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd another posted: “Get rid of Bruno asap”And a third commented: “Ah man the level of arrogance from a team that finished 16th” But other fans were more annoyed with the actions of Rasmus Hojlund.That’s because Fernandes did manage to retrieve the situation, control the ball again and play a pass to the striker, who was just outside the six-yard box.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut Hojlund failed to control the ball and saw it cleared by the Hong Kong defence.One fan commented: “I’m more interested in how Hojlund can’t control a simple pass.”Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star’s futureAnother wrote: “Hojlunds first touch is that bad, his second touch is a tackle”And a third put: “That’s embarrassing. They should be taking this seriously, I can’t believe he has just tried to pass to Hojlund there.”The incident could have ended up being an infamous end to Fernandes’ Man Utd career as his agent reportedly held talks with Al Hilal this week.The Saudi side are looking to secure a £100m deal ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.And that could see Fernandes earn a tax-free £700,000-a-week, three-year deal worth £200m including bonuses.If the match in Hong Kong does turn up to be Fernandes’ last for Man Utd, then his blushes were at least spared by his team-mates.Striker Chido Obi netted a second-half double before Ayden Heaven scored a late third to secure a 3-1 win. More

JEREMIE FRIMPONG has completed his £29.5million move to Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen right-back, 24, touched down in the UK on Tuesday after the Premier League champions met his release clause.Jeremie Frimpong has officially joined Liverpool before the start of the windowThe 12-cap Dutch international becomes Arne Slot’s first summer signing, with his bargain fee a big role in the club’s decision to pursue him.His arrival coincides with the departure of long-serving full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid.Frimpong will compete with homegrown talent Conor Bradley, 21, for the right-back spot.He builds on the Dutch influence at Anfield, alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKop boss Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp and won the league title during his first season in charge, is also from the Netherlands.Speaking to the Reds’ website upon signing, Frimpong said: “It went quite easy. Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer.”For me, it was like, ‘Whatever you guys do, just get this done’, [speaking to] my agents: ‘Just get this done.’”Liverpool fans, I’m going to give my all, my energy, my work-rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m just excited to be here. Thank you guys for accepting me and I won’t let you guys down and I’ll give you the energy that you guys want.”Frimpong was a key part of the Leverkusen team that pipped Bayern Munich to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title, starting 25 league games.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himAfter finishing second behind Bayern this season, Leverkusen are also set to lose Florian Wirtz, who could bag them £125million.Liverpool were tipped to get Wirtz too, but Real Madrid and Bayern have entered the race for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.Signing Frimpong adds to the number of home-grown players on the Reds’ books.He would qualify as homegrown as he spent nine years in England when he was on Manchester City’s books from age nine.While Liverpool will miss Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess, Frimpong has scored five goals this season and can operate as a right winger.Frimpong recently revealed that he was close to joining Liverpool as a kid.The Kop new-boy told Rising Ballers: “I actually chose Liverpool first.”I was going to sign for them, but back then, driving wasn’t a thing. My family wasn’t driving and it was far.”Man City was local, so it made more sense. It was 15 minutes on the bus.”Read More on The SunAfter failing to get onto Pep Guardiola’s radar at City, Frimpong joined Celtic and won the domestic Scottish treble during his first season north of the border.Liverpool are also interested in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who is valued at £45m. More

MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon wonderkid Jim Thwaites will never change his shirt number after his appearance against Hong Kong.The 17-year-old midfielder featured as the Red Devils won their post-season friendly 3-1 today.Jim Thwaites wears the No92Credit: GettyThwaites came on as a sub as United beat Hong Kong 3-1Credit: MUTVHe replaced Toby Collyer for the final 15 minutes as late goals from Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven spared United’s blushes.Thwaites came off the bench wearing the squad number 92.Of course, the number is synonymous with United thanks to the iconic Class of 92.The name was given to David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, who all broke into Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in 1992.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThwaites will be hoping to follow in their footsteps and he is highly-rated by many at Old Trafford.His style of play has seen him compared to Christian Eriksen.The teenager featured 24 times in the Under-18s Premier League this season, scoring nine goals.And he made his first senior appearance in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThwaites impressed and put in a brilliant tackle, which was praised by ex-United wonderkid Ben Thornley on commentary, who said: “What a tackle that is. He slides in brilliant, brilliant from Jim Thwaites. “That is not easy to do and it will leave a mark on Ruben Amorim as the minutes tick by.Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho show middle finger to fans during Man Utd’s post-season tour in Malaysia“Amorim will remember that, something so late in the game sticks in the manager’s mind, I am sure.”The boss went on to praise youth after the game, saying: “I liked the young kids, they try. That’s enough for me in the moment.”They want to play more but we have to rotate everybody to play. They did well.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

MANCHESTER UNITED stars lifted the Defining Education Challenge Cup by beating Hong Kong 3-1 earlier today.The catchily-named competition saw each Red Devils player also claim a shiny medal for their dismal efforts this season.Man Utd lift the catchily-nbamed Defining Education Challenge CupCredit: AlamyRed Devils stars each received medals for their post-season medalsCredit: ReutersJust last week, Man Utd suffered Europa League final heartache by losing 1-0 to Tottenham in Bilbao.Three matches and 8,000 air-miles later, weary United flops have finally concluded their campaign with medals around their necks.Having beaten Aston Villa 2-0 last Sunday, Ruben Amorim’s men jetted straight to Malaysia, where they were subsequently embarrassed 1-0 by the hastily-put together ASEAN All-Stars.This afternoon they avoided such a humbling, although they were 1-0 down at half-time courtesy of a goal by Juninho.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA second-half double by Chido Obi turned the contest around, before Ayden Heaven’s stoppage time goal clinched the Defining Education Challenge Cup for good.Man Utd stars, some more sheepishly than others, subsequently collected their medals.There was then a trophy lift – something that finally prompted a smile from wantaway star Alejandro Garnacho on this trip.United’s post-season tour has been dominated by chatter regarding potential exits.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAlejandro Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move away from UnitedCredit: ReutersGarnacho, who was dropped for the Red Devils’ final Premier League game, has been strongly linked with Napoli.During a press conference this week, Amad Diallo was asked about the possibility of Garnacho staying at United.Glum Man Utd stars take part in humiliating ‘open-top bus parade’ with no trophy and hardly any fansAmazingly, boss Ruben Amorim was spotted struggling to stifle a laugh as the question was delivered.Skipper Bruno Fernandes’ future has also come under microscope.While the Portuguese midfielder has been in Asia with United, his agent has reportedly been in Riyadh meeting with Al-Hilal club chiefs.The Saudi side are said to be willing to offer the Red Devils £100m for their captain and are readying a three-year tax-free deal worth around £200m.According to The Athletic, Fernandes is “seriously considering” making the move – with Al-Hilal wanting a quick response ahead of the Club World Cup.Asked about whether Fernandes will leave after picking him for today’s kickabout with Hong Kong, boss Amorim claimed: “I don’t think so.Read More on The Sun”I don’t know for sure, nobody does. But I don’t think so.”I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things but it shows that he wants to win.”Bruno Fernandes’ future has come under the microscopeCredit: Getty More

WEST HAM have been hit with a £120,000 fine after homophobic chants by fans during the Prem defeat at Chelsea in February.The Hammers were charged with failing to control supporters in March for the “mass chanting” of a number of visiting fans during the 62nd minute of the game at Stamford Bridge.West Ham have been fined £120,000 for homophobic chantsCredit: AlamyFA beaks added that the chants were of a discriminatory nature, with West Ham admitting responsibility within four days of the charge being laid.Social media clips uploaded by traveling supporters were evidence of the concerted chants, lasting at least 40 seconds, directed at Chelsea players and fans.The three member FA disciplinary commission ruled: “The evidence suggests there was a very significant number of West Ham supporters involved in the homophobic chanting.“It can properly be categorised as “mass chanting”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“This conclusion is supported by the fact that the post-match complaint was based on the chanting being clearly audible at the match and the video footage that depicts the chanting clearly and loudly by many West Ham supporters.“The words used by the offending spectators referenced a negative attitude towards the LGBT+ community and a perceived association of that community with Chelsea FC. 30.”In his letter to the panel, West Ham club secretary Andrew Pincher conceded there was an “obvious risk of such offending behaviour” from travelling fans.Both clubs were criticised for failing to “respond” to the homophobic chanting during the match.Most read in FootballThis meant that “none of the offending spectators were therefore identified, ejected and/or arrested for this behaviour”.The commission also ruled that any measures the Hammers had taken beforehand “were plainly not adequate to prevent such abuse and then to detect a wide range of culprits”.West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen jets off on stag do in wedding dress – but father-in-law Danny Dyer is not there More

HERE at Dream Team HQ we’re still reflecting on the dramatic 2024/25 campaign.It’s only right we shine a light on the truly exceptional players and so we have assembled the best possible XI based on total points earned.Remarkably, TEN different Premier League clubs are represented in this team of outstanding performers.Cream of the cropCredit: Dream TeamGOALKEEPER: David RayaArsenal once again boasted the best defensive record in the top flight this season.The Gunners were the only team to concede fewer goals than games played in the league and their Spanish goalkeeper was huge contributor.Raya kept 19 clean sheets in all competitions and earned 18 bonus points – both the highest tallies among players in his position.He finished on 259 points for the campaign, 29 clear of Emi Martinez – Dean Henderson was the only other keeper to celebrate a double century.Raya received the Premier League Golden Glove award alongside Matz SelsCredit: GettyDEFENDERS: Daniel Munoz, Pedro Porro, Trent Alexander-ArnoldCrystal Palace’s rampaging wing-back amassed 305 points without European fixtures to bolster his schedule!Granted, Munoz benefited from the Eagles’ successful FA Cup run but he topped the defender rankings by excelling in both disciplines.The Colombia international contributed to 17 clean sheets and ranked second overall for tackles (152) while also chipping in with six goals and eight assists.Most read in FootballTottenham conceded far too many goals this season but Porro compensated with ten assists and 51 bonus points – he ranked joint-first in both metrics.Alexander-Arnold led the way in his position for most of the campaign but injuries and his much-discussed contract situation meant his playing time dipped at crucial moments.Still the Liverpool right-back racked up 294 points at a better average (6.7 per game) than any other other defender.He will be missed by Dream Team bosses.Alexander-Arnold won’t feature in Dream Team next season!Credit: GettyMIDFIELDERS: Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer, Bryan Mbeumo, Morgan RogersRumours of Manchester United’s captain seeking an exit will also distress gaffers.Fernandes scored 19 goals and provided 20 assists on his way to 443 points.The Portuguese playmaker ticked almost every box as he also ranked third in his position for bonus points and fifth for tackles.Palmer (339 pts) leapfrogged Mbeumo (337 pts) at the last available opportunity when he turned it on in the second half of the Conference League final.Chelsea’s talisman provided two assists against Real Betis to take his goal involvement tally for the season to 29.He may have faded after Christmas but his game-breaking form throughout the first half of the campaign shouldn’t be forgotten.Fernandes thrived individually despite Man United’s woesCredit: ShutterstockAs for Brentford’s main man, he deserves heaps of credit for rubbing shoulders with the big boys without European commitments or a substantial domestic cup run.In combination with Yoane Wissa, Mbeumo was incredibly effective in the bread-and-butter league fixtures – he was the only midfield asset to score 20 goals in 2024/25.Rogers completes our four-man midfield, perhaps the most unexpected inclusion.The ex-Middlesbrough man was a bit-part player for Aston Villa in 2023/24 but this season he was one of the first names on Unai Emery’s teamsheets.A natural dribbler (only Jeremy Doku registered more successful take-ons) Rogers scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists in all comps.To think he was available for just £2.5m prior to Gameweek 1…A Dream Team favouriteCredit: GettyFORWARDS: Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Alexander IsakNo surprises up top as these three scored 92 goals between them.Liverpool’s No11 was responsible for 34 of those and he also registered more assists (23) than anyone else.Salah’s obscene attacking output resulted in 503 points – a staggering number given only one other player (Fernandes) went past 400.Manchester City endured an uncharacteristically underwhelming season but their big No9 still managed 31 goals despite an injury lay-off.2024/25 was Haaland’s least productive campaign on English shores but a return of 367 points speaks for itself.As for Isak, he notched a whopping 340 points without European games – though he made hay in the Carabao Cup.Newcastle’s Swedish striker scored 27 goals in total and many Dream Team managers will be itching to see whether he can improve again next season upon the Magpies’ return to the Champions League.Read More on The SunThe undisputed kingCredit: AlamySo there you have it, the best XI of the season made up of players from ten different teams!Only Premier League winners Liverpool provided two representatives (Salah and Alexander-Arnold). More