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      Plymouth in furious statement as manager Miron Muslic, 42, ‘breaks promise’ to join ex-Champions League semi-finalists

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE launched a furious statement after their manager “broke promises” to walk out for former Champions League semi-finalists. Miron Muslic, 42, only took over at Home Park in January, replacing Wayne Rooney in the dugout.Miron Muslic infuriated Plymouth Argyle by walking out on the club to join SchalkeCredit: RexHe masterminded the famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool before a valiant defeat against Manchester City in the fifth round.But the Bosnian was unable to avoid relegation from the Championship as Argyle finished 23rd – three points from safety. However, the club were willing to stick by Muslic and had already began making plans to back him in League One and push for promotion next season.That was until he suddenly told the Pilgrims he wanted to leave for FC Schalke in Germany’s second tier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Argyle “reluctantly” gave him permission to enter negotiations with Schalke.But their statement blasted Muslic for seemingly betraying his word months into his contract which ran until 2028.Plymouth fumed: “Argyle can confirm that we have reluctantly allowed Head Coach Miron Muslic to open talks with a 2. Bundesliga side after he expressed his desire to speak with the German team and not return to England.”Despite regular communication since the end of the season, and no mention of any issues, Miron has now made it clear that, after extended periods away from his family, this opportunity provides him the chance to be closer to them after four years on the road.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We are frustrated by this decision, having implemented clear structures, processes and personnel to aid Miron and his coaching staff as we look to return to the Sky Bet Championship at the earliest opportunity.”Not only that, the club have also moved quickly to bring in new signings and received repeated verbal promises from Miron that he was committed to Argyle and would do everything to help the club bounce back to the second tier.’When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left”Muslic joined the Greens in January 2025, on a three-and-a-half-year contract, after a period out of the game having departed Cercle Brugge. “He will now leave Argyle just four months into that long-term commitment.”We wish him the best for his future career.”We will be making no further comment at this stage.”In Muslic’s press conference after the final game of the season, he openly said he needed backing.The club responded by appointing David Fox as head of football operations and Tom Randle – who Muslic had worked with previously – as head of recruitment.Jamie Paterson and Caleb Watts signed last week – the former citing his conversations with Muslic as a major reason behind joining. One fan took to Wikipedia to edit his page name to “Plymouth Snake” in response to the shock bombshell news, which will reportedly see Argyle receive £1million in compensation. Seven-time top-flight runners-up Schalke suffered two relegations from the Bundesliga in three years from 2022 to 2024. Read More on The SunThey finished 14th in the 2 Bundesliga this term – with the likes of ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius and Rasmus Hojlund’s brother Emil in the squad.Die Konigsblauen are six-time German Cup winners, won the Uefa Cup in 1997 and reached the Champions League semis in 2011, losing 6-1 on aggregate to Manchester United. Muslic was in charge when Argyle beat Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: Getty More

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      Melissa Reddy breaks silence on Sky Sports exit as she blasts ‘the abuse never ceases’ and reveals new career path

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      MELISSA REDDY has broken her silence after leaving Sky Sports.SunSport exclusively revealed earlier today that the broadcaster has left the company in major shake-up alongside five colleagues.Melissa Reddy has opened up on her decision to leave Sky SportsCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddyReddy lifted the lid on the challenges she has facedCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddyReddy has been working as Sky Sports’ senior football reporter in recent years, regularly covering Manchester United and Liverpool.In a lengthy statement, she wrote on Instagram: “ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I’ve called time on three years at Sky.”I’ll still be doing bits and bobs for them but I’m genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I’ll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions 🥰”For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years (😅) YES – that will include new books 🤓.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReddy also opened up about the abuse and challenges she has faced in the industry.She continued: “After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said “why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick 👅 don’t you?!””I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas… the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. “I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.Most read in Football”You can’t dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.”The messages I’ve received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues – people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade – carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let’s cook.”Presenter Natalie Pike commented: “Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry.”Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: “Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next.”Fellow host Reshmin Chowdhury wrote: “Keep shining, my lovely! Can’t wait to see what’s cooking.”Reddy is hoping to write a new bookCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy More

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      Horror stat reveals Man Utd transfer target Matheus Cunha spent more time WALKING than any other Premier League player

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Matheus Cunha spent more time walking than any other player in the Premier League this season.The 26-year-old is on the verge of completing a move to Old Trafford.Matheus Cunha has spent more time walking than any other Prem player this seasonCredit: GettyUnited agreed terms for a deal on Tuesday after initially being knocked back by Wolves.Club officials first proposed the idea of paying Cunha’s £62.5million release clause over a five-year period, but Wolves made it clear that they wanted the full amount by the end of the 2026-27 season.Following additional discussions, a deal was eventually struck and the Red Devils were given permission to speak to Cunha himself.Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with the Brazilian understood to be keen on the switch.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut one perhaps concerning stat has emerged about his Premier League campaign.Cunha spent more time walking than any other player in the league this term.Overall, he spent 77.1 per cent of his time on the pitch walking.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is next having walked for 76.6 per cent of his game-time.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNottingham Forest centre-back Murillo is third on the list with 74.3 per cent, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa having recorded 74.2 per cent.Forest full-back Ola Aina completes the list with 73.8 per cent.Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transferMan Utd head coach Ruben Amorim regularly demands a high work-rate from his players, so it is unlikely he will accept walking on the pitch – especially from a winger.Amorim remained tight-lipped about the club’s move for Cunha.Following United’s 1-0 loss to ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia on Wednesday, he said: “You have to wait for that.”I won’t confirm anything. I have no news. We will see. There will be some changes.” More

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      Alan Shearer breaks silence on Match of the Day future after Gary Lineker’s emotional BBC exit

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      ALAN SHEARER has opened up on Gary Lineker’s emotional Match of the Day exit – and his own future on the show. Lineker, 64, signed off from his role as MOTD host after 26 years on Sunday night. Alan Shearer has broken his silence on his Match of the Day futureCredit: GettyGary Lineker signed off on the show for the final time on Sunday after 26 yearsCredit: BBCThe England legend revealed his intention to quit from the Beeb show back in November. But his exit was overshadowed by an antisemitism storm, which saw Lineker step away from the BBC completely. Shearer, 54, made his BBC punditry debut back in 2006 and has worked alongside Lineker ever since. Shearer told The Daily Mail: “He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”He’s a brilliant broadcaster, and he’s a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him.”The Toon icon confirmed he will continue to appear on the iconic BBC show. Shearer and Lineker are also set to carry on with their hit podcast The Rest Is Football.They are joined on the pod by Micah Richards, another popular Beeb pundit.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShearer admits Lineker’s farewell didn’t hit too hard – as they’ve already recorded two more episodes since. The Newcastle legend continued: “It’s different for myself and Micah, because it’s not as if we’re not ever going to see him again. Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years”I mean, we’ve done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we’re still going to be sort of working together.”Lineker’s production company Goalhanger Productions are reportedly in talks with DAZN ahead of the summer. The discussions are based around “launching shows featuring MOTD-style match clips of the Club World Cup.”TV insiders also believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”Lineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video earlier this month which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbyeGary LinekerMOTD The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly.Lineker was given a seven-minute tribute during his final Match of the Day broadcastTearing up, he added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.”I’d like to wish Gabby [Logan], Mark [Chapman], and Kelly [Cates] all the best when they sit in the chair.”The programme is in the best of hands. My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special. “I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.” More

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      Glum Man Utd stars take part in humiliating ‘open-top bus parade’ with no trophy and hardly any fans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flops were forced to take part in a humiliating open-top bus ‘parade’ in Malaysia.The Red Devils ended the season without a trophy after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham and they finished in their lowest ever Premier League position of 15th.Man Utd flops boarded an open-top bus on their post-season tour of AsiaThe parade came before they suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeatBut despite a campaign so bad it made Ruben Amorim apologise, some players took part in a tradition normally saved for champions.A few members of the squad boarded an open-top bus that cruised through the streets of Kuala Lumpar this afternoon.A low number of supporters lined the streets to get a glimpse of their heroes in a bizarre victory-less parade.Joshua Zirkzee was seen waving to fans as Matthijs De Ligt and Ayden Heaven stood glumly next to him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn some social media footage posted online people in the street can be heard laughing at the sight of the Manchester United players on board the bus.Fans online slammed the parade, with one saying: “Banter Club FC lives on.”Another added: “They’ve became the laughing stock of the Premier League.”A third commented sarcastically: “That is in no way embarrassing in any way, shape or form.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe players took to the bus before their embarrassing 1-0 post-season friendly defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars.Amorim took aim at his players after the loss, saying: “Yes, a disappointing result, but no injuries and a tough pitch.Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man Utd”We don’t have it in us not to choke in every exercise, in every game, that is what happened. “We should win these kind of games, no matter what. We need to bring that inside of us in every game.”The important thing is no injuries with this weather and to arrive here in this day. It is not an excuse, we should perform better.”United travel to Hong Kong next to play the country’s national team on Friday afternoon.Manchester United lost to the ASEAN All-Stars 1-0Credit: Reuters More

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      Top five genius Premier League 2024/25 tactics from Arsenal jigsaw to Tottenham’s ‘wheel of chaos’

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      THE Premier League campaign is over – and it is time for Tactics Exposed’s awards.Our tactical expert Dean Scoggins has unpacked the systems, shapes and styles that managers have deployed to varying levels of success this season.Arsenal create a ‘jigsaw’ at corners by slotting into the gaps between defendersCredit: ReutersOmar Marmoush made an immediate impact with his runs against ChelseaCredit: GettyManchester United and Tottenham only narrowly avoid relegation.Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Spurs ended their long wait for trophies, Nottingham Forest will play in Europe for the first time in 30 years and Manchester City endured a nightmare year.And SunSport’s record-breaking show has delivered top-quality analysis for its first full season.As the curtain falls on 2024-25, in our final episode, we pick out our top five genius tactics from the Premier League… READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS5. Arsenal’s sensational set piecesAssuming the timing and the trajectory of the delivery are sorted, then it is all about the runners, who form a love train at the back post. All but one run in and slot in between each gap between the defenders, creating a jigsaw.Assuming the corner avoids the front man, the next person in the train is an attacking Arsenal player. They jump in sequence which sounds simple but it’s not, especially because you can’t see the ball so they have to trust their team-mates – as soon as the man in front jumps, the next one jumps. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSometimes they identify a weak link and will put two men into the gap in front of him. They jump in sequence and it proves a nightmare to defend againstCredit: The Times4. The double Enzo at Chelsea Enzo Maresca was forced into a switch against Tottenham in December where he dropped Enzo Fernandez into a deeper midfield role and abandoned the box shape.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man UnitedEnzo Fernandez was superb as Chelsea came from behind to beat TottenhamCredit: GettyFernandez partnered Moises Caicedo in a two and bossed the game in the second half. He was fantastic. His movement off the ball and understanding of what is happening in the game is brilliant. A manager might see it – but you still need a player to carry it out on the pitch. He may have been more than £100million but his performances for Chelsea went under the radar. 3. Omar Marmoush’s arrivalIn January, City came from behind to beat Chelsea – thanks to new arrival Omar Marmoush. City paid £64m to land the Egyptian from Eintracht Frankfurt and what a signing he is, making an immediate impact.He said upon his arrival that he is “dangerous” and that is no exaggeration. Marmoush started three or four yards in front of Reece James to make sure he was well onside, pointed where he wanted it – and backed himself in a race. He proved too hot to handle for Reece JamesCredit: Sunday TimesBy scaring James, the Chelsea man knew he couldn’t let Marmoush get away and therefore stuck with him… and kept Marmoush onside. Marmoush offers something different from Savinho, Jeremy Doku and to an extent Jack Grealish who are fast but crucially want the ball to feet – Marmoush is happy to run behind on to it. To start with, City were not releasing the ball quickly enough to set him away – but they soon learnt.And it was good news for Erling Haaland to have a runner in the half-space – not out on the wing but also not as a second striker but in between. This was long passes, not long ball – there is a difference. 2. Liverpool’s offside-busting moveWe talk a lot about how teams change formations between defence and attack.Like many teams, Liverpool move into a 3-2-5 in attack.But the genius is that they use runners off the ball to bust the offside trap.These runners don’t want the ball and the runs are wild – it could be Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai or more often than not Andy Robertson. It is a lung-busting sprint of about 40 yards from their own half in behind the opposition defence to force them back.Andy Robertson’s runs forward create chaos for the opposition defence’s offside trapCredit: AlamyIt makes a usually straight flat back four all jagged and ensures the attacking players who want the ball are not offside. As well as the confusion, it also creates a gap between defence and midfield – which creates more space for the creative playmakers to operate. Against United, Robertson ended up in the left striker position, Harry Maguire dropped two steps and that was enough to keep Cody Gakpo onside.A VAR world is changing the game for Liverpool as these marginal ones get properly checked. 1. Tottenham’s Wheel of ChaosEveryone thinks it’s a wild way of playing because they concede silly goals from silly mistakes but Ange Postecoglou has a very rigid structure the players have to play within.I see the Spurs team as two ‘wheels of chaos’ with three players on each side – a high No8 like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski on either side, then a full-back on either side and a winger on either side. They don’t cross over across the field much but will rotate within the threes.It is based on a ball out wide which then enables quick, first-time passes to progress up the wings.Read More on The SunIt leaves the goalkeeper, centre-backs, holding midfielder and striker as a central spine. The rigidity does, though, make Tottenham susceptible to teams setting up against them by dropping midfielders in to stop the underlap. More

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      Why is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask for Chelsea in the Conference League final?

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      CHELSEA are facing on Real Betis in the Conference League final TONIGHT in Poland – and Moises Caicedo is keeping his mask on for the match.The Blues are taking on the La Liga side aiming for European history.Moises Caicedo has sported a new blonde look for the finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMoises Caicedo has been seen wearing a mask for the last few weeksCredit: REUTERS/Hannah MckayWhy is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask?Moises Caicedo sustained a cheek injury against Newcastle on May 11.The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle.Caicedo has been wearing a mask as a precaution since.CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS LIVE – LATEST UPDATESRead more FootballHow to watch Conference League final for freeThe Conference League final will be available to be viewed for FREE on the discovery+ appThe game will also be shown live by TNT Sports in the UK.Kick off is due to take place at 8pm BST.Alternatively, follow all the build-up, action and reaction with SunSport’s live blog.Will the Conference League final be shown on YouTube?Last year, the Conference League final wasn’t shown on YouTube, which was a shock to many fans as other European competitions had been in previous years.And it will be the same for this year’s Conference League final too.Instead of broadcasting the final for free on YouTube, the broadcaster opted to provide a free stream on their app, discovery+.Most read in Football More

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      Will Mykhailo Mudryk receive a medal if Chelsea win the Conference League final?

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK is Chelsea’s forgotten man heading into the Uefa Conference League final. The Ukrainian was banned from playing in December after failing a provisional drugs test. Mykhaylo Mudryk is in Wroclaw ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Real BetisCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old is currently banned from playing but featured in Conference League games earlier this seasonCredit: GettyMudryk turned up in Chelsea kit unannounced in Poland, stunning fans and his manager Enzo MarescaMudryk played five times in the competition during the early stages of the season. The 24-year-old scored three goals and notched four assists in those games.But he has not featured for Chelsea since netting in a 2-0 win against Heidenheim on November 28.The Blues take on Real Betis tonight in Wroclaw for the trophy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Mudryk was a surprise arrival in the city on Tuesday ahead of the big clash. Will Mykhailo Mudryk receive a medal if Chelsea win the Conference League final?Under Uefa rules, every player who has featured in Chelsea’s Conference League games is eligible for a medal.As such, Mudryk WILL be awarded either a winner’s or runners-up gong after tonight’s match. CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL LIVEBETTING TIPS AND FREE BETS FOR THE FINALIt is not known whether he will be on the field with his Chelsea teammates to receive his prize. Most read in FootballThe club could opt to give Mudryk his medal privately. Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conferenceWhy was Mudryk banned from playing?The Chelsea forward tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium in early December. Mudryk has insisted he never knowingly used any banned substances.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has been unable to train with the squad while suspended. The ban remains provisional but if found guilty, Mudryk could face a lengthy period on the sidelines.He stunned even his manager Enzo Maresca by turning up in Wroclaw earlier this week.CHELSEA RATINGS: Colwill gets perfect revenge on Forest but Sancho performance won’t convince Blues to splash out £25mCHELSEA sealed Champions League football with a 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.The Blues have been absent from Europe’s elite competition for two years but finally, the billion-pound boys will be back next season.It was unlikely source Levi Colwill with the goal to give Chelsea a boost of confidence ahead of flying to Poland for Wednesday’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Find out how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the performances here…Dressed in Chelsea attire, £88million Mudryk rubbed shoulders with fans at a steak restaurant in the Polish city. Asked about the moment, which went viral, Maresca said: To be honest, I don’t know he is here or is coming? “He is here? I don’t know. I am happy for Mischa to be here.”Read More on The SunMudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.He penned an eight-and-a-half-year deal with the club, which runs until 2031. More