Soccer

ARNE SLOT left a reporter embarrassed with an obvious fact about Ryan Gravenberch.The incident occurred after Liverpool secured an impressive 2-0 win over holders Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage.Arne Slot embarrassed a journalist over a question about Ryan GravenberchCredit: YouTubeThe Dutch midfielder starred in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real MadridCredit: GettyA thriller at Anfield saw both sides miss penalties.But it was the Reds who emerged victorious thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.There were impressive performances all over the pitch from Liverpool.Yet it was in midfield where the game was won.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeployed in a deep solo role, Gravenberch helped his side control the tempo while dominating Real Madrid trio Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.The Dutchman’s top show was his latest this season, having become a key player under new boss Slot.But one reporter was left red-faced when asking Liverpool’s manager a question about Gravenberch.Slot was asked at his post-match press conference whether the Reds’ classy playmaker could be the next Toni Kroos.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Germany star retired after the Euros with seven league titles, six Champions Leagues and a World Cup.Unfortunately for the reporter though, Slot responded with an obvious fact.Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives update on Trent injury The gaffer said: “No, because he (Gravenberch) is Dutch, not German.”Gravenberch is in his second season at Liverpool following a £33million move from Bayern Munich in 2023.He struggled to impress under Jurgen Klopp last term despite clocking up 38 appearances in all competitions.But Gravenberch looks a different player in Slot’s possession-focused side, already featuring in 17 matches.And his dad Ryan Snr reckons Liverpool’s new manager is the exact reason why Gravenberch is playing so well.He said: “We are God-believing people, and we think God sent Arne to us and to Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Obviously he’s Dutch so when he explains something to Ryan, he can understand it very clearly. He communicates superbly.“The main thing he’s said to Ryan is: ‘I’m going to play you and so it is on you to maintain playing.’ He was very clear about that and that has worked for both sides.” More

RICKY GERVAIS poked fun at Roy Keane with a 14-word post after the Manchester United legend “offered out” a fan to a car park.Keane clashed with an Ipswich supporter after seeing his old side draw 1-1 at Portman Road on Sunday.Ricky Gervais has poked fun at Roy Keane after his clash with an Ipswich fanCredit: InstagramKeane ‘offered out’ the fan to a car park after Man Utd’s 1-1 draw at Portman RoadCredit: https://x.com/adenLFC4lifeThe Irishman was working as a pundit for Sky Sports when the incident occurred.An irate home fan gave Keane a peace of his mind following the ex-midfielder’s beleaguered time as Ipswich boss 15 years ago.This saw Keane confront the supporter before saying: “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”And comedian Gervais could not resist poking fun at United’s former captain on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe creator of TV hits like The Office and Extras was revealed as the guest on the next episode of The Overlap.Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher sparked Gervais’ Keane quip by saying: “Bloody loves football.”Gervais responded: “I’m just glad Roy didn’t want to chat to me in the car park.”This saw fans react in delight, with one saying: “The crossover we all wanted.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother declared: “Can’t wait to watch this.”One noted: “Challenge him to shoe throwing.” ‘If he wants to pay’- Roy Keane accepts Ruben Amorim’s offer to meet Man Utd legend live on TVMan Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5Another added: “Did you enjoy the interview Ricky? Not at all, to some extent, very much so, don’t know.”Meanwhile, the Ipswich supporter had his say on the incident with Keane on Facebook.Neil Finbow wrote: “New claim to fame – just been offered out into the carpark by Roy Keane after a few choice words.“Even Jamie Redknapp had to come over to get him away – just ya average Sunday evening out.”Responding to a comment, he then allegedly wrote: “I was reminding him that he set us back five years and ruined our football club. “I also mentioned how he wasn’t fit to step foot anywhere near our ground [Portman Road].”Oh, and I mentioned about him walking out on a World Cup and breaking Haaland’s leg and putting it in his autobiography.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hate the bloke, and that’s been boiling up since he got sacked all those years ago.”Finbow went on to write in a further comment: “The truth hurts, mate. I feel sick when I look at him.”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More