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      Arsenal boost as Newcastle NOT in contract talks with star striker Alexander Isak amid fears he could quit

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      ALEXANDER ISAK is not in talks with Newcastle over an extended contract as Arsenal continue to lurk and potentially pounce.The Swede, 25, became the first Toon star since Alan Shearer two decades ago to hit 20 Premier League goals.Alexander Isak has scored one goal this seasonCredit: GettyHe has now scored 32 in his 58 top-flight appearances since arriving in a club-record £63m deal from Real Sociedad in 2022.That form caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal believed to be keen.Isak remains under contract until 2028 and preliminary discussions between the Magpies and the star over a new package were held before the summer.SunSport understands that more talks are NOT currently taking place and there are none pencilled in due to him still having three years left.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeither party believes that a new contract is a top priority currently, while it is also understood the forward’s camp want to see how this season pans out.Isak, who has only scored once for Newcastle so far this term, has ambitions to keep playing in the Champions League after having a taste at Toon a year ago.But if Eddie Howe’s side miss out on a top four finish then he could potentially look to leave, with a lack of an extended deal increasing that possibility.And despite his poor form in front of goal, Arsenal remain keen and Toon would still easily be able to demand £100m plus for the hitman.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNewcastle are set to be in action this Sunday in the Premier League.Isak and Co travel south to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.Arsenal fans in meltdown as transfer target Alexander Isak ‘spotted in London with ex-Man Utd star Adnan Januzaj’ TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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      England boss Wiegman ready for a ‘physical and powerful test’ from Euros rivals Germany 

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      SARINA WIEGMAN wants England to avoid getting swept up in Euros glory nostalgia, when they face Germany for the first time since the 2022 final. This evening her Lionesses return to Wembley for a friendly against the side they beat to become European Champions. England hope to register a third match win against Germany under head coach Sarina WiegmanCredit: GettyThe Lionesses will play South Africa at the CBS Arena in their second friendly fixture this monthCredit: GettyBoth teams, who have qualified for next Euros and are ranked among the world’s top four sides, have undergone some changes since that 2-1 victory for Wiegman’s players. Aston Villa skipper Rachel Daly called time on her international career in April. The 84-capped Leeds-born striker, 32, who won the WSL’s Golden boot in the 2022-23 season, started in every single game for England at the last Euros. Meanwhile Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, 56, who guided Germany to the final, left her job as head coach by mutual consent last November. Read More Football StoriesHer departure followed their  shock exit from the Women’s World Cup group stage last July.The team will also be without the services of long-serving striker Alexandra Popp for tonight’s game which kicks off at 7:30pm,The prolific forward, who has scored 66 international goals, will play her 145th and final game for her country next month when they face Austria. And while Wiegman sees England’s Euros win against Voss-Tecklenburg’s former side as a moment to cherish, her sole focus is on preparation for next year’s contest. Most read in FootballThe Lionesses chief said: “It was one of the biggest moments of my career and of my life. We will always cherish that.”But moving forward it’s a totally different Germany team and we are a different team because we’ve moved on too. “It’s the start of [going into] the next Euros, next summer.”We always want to go faster but I think the game has increased, the level of the leagues in international football has increased and developed. “That’s what we want so that means we have to develop too.”England’s results have at times been mixed since reaching last year’s World Cup final in August where they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain. Three of the six qualifiers that saw them secure their spot at next year’s Euros resulted in two draws and one defeat in addition to three wins. Wiegman expects to face a powerful and physical test from Germany who are now managed by head coach Christian Wuck. They have won four of their last six competitive games. She adds: “Germany have always been a powerful team, very physical and one that wants to play a possession game, but doesn’t hesitate to play long balls either”They have a new coach now, so they will probably do some other things too and that’s a challenge for us but a nice one.”Tonight’s game could see Wiegman contend with a central defender selection headache. While Leah Williamson missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of West Ham last Sunday with her club wanting to manage her load, the England skipper is in the running to start for the Lionesses. Her fellow centre-backs Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood and Jesse Carter are all in solid form for their clubs Chelsea, Man City and Gotham FC.Wiegman said: “That is absolutely a headache because they’re all really good and really competing for minutes. “But these are absolutely the headaches I want to have and it’s a hard decision to make.”England’s first friendly fixture this season in the run-up to next year’s Euros follows a mixed start to the season for Williamson’s club side who are currently fifth in the WSL. The Gunners are currently on the hunt for a new women’s head coach following Jonas Eidevall resigning earlier this month. His departure followed the team picking up one win from their first four WSL games this term and suffering a 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in their Champions League group stager opener And former Man City Women’s boss Nick Cushing has reportedly been linked with the vacant role. When ask if her confidence, ahead of England’s upcoming games, had been affected by Arsenal’s recent results, Lionesses skipper Williamson said: “There’s no difference in the confidence levels. “We are all footballers and deal with different scenarios. “Now we are here with England and it has been a consistent environment, at least for the last couple of years, so now we’re back and it’s nice.“It’s been a different start to the season. Leah Williamson insists her is on Euros preparationCredit: Getty“Results tell a story but I think (from) the work that I’ve seen going on, especially from my club and I can only speak for that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But you can see again that the level of the whole world of football has gone up and everyone is enjoying that challenge.  “It’s a Euros year now. Everyone is focused.” More

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      Terrifying moment Man Utd fans ‘attacked by mob of Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ hours before Europa League clash

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      THIS is the terrifying moment Man United fans were “attacked” by Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul just hours before the Europa League clash.The Fenerbahce stormed the bar where Manchester United fans were sat having a casual drink before the game. Man Utd fans were seen having a drink outside a barCredit: XThe fans soon had to scramble as Fenerbahce ultras apparently launched an attackCredit: XChairs were seen being used as weaponsCredit: XIt is unknown if any injuries were sustainedCredit: XFootage shared on social media showed a clan of thugs dressed in all-black swarm into the bar’s outside seating area.Manchester United fans desperately scrambling from the scene as a violent brawl breaks out. Within a few seconds chairs appear to fly through the air as thugs hurl the outdoor seating at their opponents.More ultras then seem to get involved as they swarm the bar and continue to use chairs as weapons.read more in sportSeveral tourists were captured desperately fleeing the dangerous scene.It’s currently unknown whether anyone was injured.But this isn’t the first time an alleged attack has taken place.In a separate incident as many as 50 Fenerbahce fans are said to have “swarmed” a group of United fans who had travelled to Istanbul for the match.Most read in FootballFootage shared on social media showed an attack taking place outside of the Grand Hisar Hotel.Multiple Man Utd fans injured after ‘being ambushed by 50 Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ ahead of Europa League clash Ultras charged and assaulted fans, leaving several injured.A self-professed “anarchist” account on X by the name of GFB Bogaz Hooligans then boasted about the footage after posting it online.The account shared a 26-second video of the attacks with the caption: “This is İSTANBUL!”An ominous post on their Instagram page showed an apparent group of hooligans on bikes.It was captioned: “On the first punch of a fight… Manchester is now truly RED :).”One Red Devils fan who was caught up in the attacks told StrettyNews how five fans were “swarmed” by a violent mob.They said: “About 50 of them swarmed us.”One lad followed me down a street and pretended to help before hitting me a shot into the jaw.”They added that two members of their group were left injured by glasses and a crowbar.Man Utd fans appear to have been attacked in Istanbul before their match with FenerbahceCredit: X/BogazHooligansWitnesses said multiple fans were left injuredCredit: X/BogazHooligansA separate incident is said to have involved 20 Fenerbahce fans descending upon a smaller group of United fans.The Fenerbahce ultra account posted a screenshot of an apparent online conversation between them and a so-called United fan.They said: “A response has been given to the traitors who insulted our religious and national values ​​and gave us a position.”The pictures detailed how an offensive message was sent to start the exchange before messages of “see you soon”, and “let’s go” were sent.The location of the Celtic Irish Pub in Istanbul was then sent. The pub is approximately an 11-minute walk from where one of the attacks took place.SunSport was unable to track down a social media account with the details shared in the screenshot, meaning the message could have been fabricated or the original account was changed or deleted.Manchester United and Fenerbahce have been approached for comment.Violence has unfortunately become commonplace in football in Turkey, with Fenerbahce’s chairman attacked by a pitch invader and pelted with bottles earlier this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited’s former boss Jose Mourinho was sent off during the match last night for throwing one of his infamous tantrums. Manchester United and Fenerbahce ended the game level with a 1-1 tie. More

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      Arsenal can fool Liverpool in Super Sunday showdown with ‘musical chairs’ trap Trent Alexander-Arnold must beware of

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      ARSENAL could put their ‘musical chairs’ tactic to good use when they face Liverpool in a huge Premier League clash this weekend.The Gunners will be determined to bounce back from last weekend’s shock defeat to Bournemouth.Mikel Arteta will be busy on the training pitch this weekCredit: AlamyThe Gunners could replicate their ‘musical chairs’ tactic – and Declan Rice will play a pivotal roleCredit: GettyHowever, it will not be an easy task – especially given Mikel Arteta’s growing injury list.Despite being at risk of missing some key players – including Martin Odegaard and potentially Bukayo Saka – Arsenal can go into the match with some confidence thanks to the Spaniard’s tactical prowess.Arteta insisted his team will be “flying” at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.And he could utilise an effective ‘musical chairs’ trick to get the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side of Liverpool’s defence.Read More in FootballArteta’s ‘musical chairs’ tacticThe Gunners have been using a new system which uses an inverted left-back.New boy Riccardo Calafiori has taken up that role in recent weeks, but he could be replaced with Jurrien Timber or Oleksandr Zinchenko at the weekend due to injury.Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori has been playing an inverted roleGabriel Martinelli has enjoyed a boost in confidence over the last few weeksDeclan Rice plays inside the left channel as a central midfielder, with left winger Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz completing a diamond.Those four players then rotate throughout the match and change positions, moving into the areas where space has been left.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf Calafiori moves inside, Rice will shift out to the left and make the side of the diamond.The Italian then moves to the base, leaving plenty of space for Martinelli in attack.’If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’That would then give Alexander-Arnold a headache in terms of who he should mark.Liverpool will have to find a solution to keep tabs on the four moving players.And the Reds have got to be aware of who’s running and  who’s  staying in their position – which could also confuse midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.Whoever lines up at left-back could cause Liverpool troubleWho marks Salah?From a defensive point of view, Arsenal have to figure out who will be responsible for covering Liverpool’s star man, Mohamed Salah.With Calafiori likely to miss Sunday’s match due to a knee injury, Zinchenko may be in line to start.The Ukrainian has struggled up against Salah in the past which could be a cause for concern.It will be a game of stick or twist for Arsenal, with Gabriel Magalhaes potentially forced to step out onto the left – adding to the diamond.But £105million man Rice will likely cover the position.The midfielder is pivotal when it comes to Arsenal’s in-game formation switch from attack to defence.Arteta usually encourages his team to be brave by attacking with five.But with Salah and Luis Diaz going the other way, they can’t afford to be naive.Mohamed Salah will pose a huge threat to the Arsenal defenceCredit: APLONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal reacts as he encourages the fans prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Credit: GettyDirect David RayaOne of David Raya’s key strengths is his ability to play direct and diagonal passes from the back.Some opposition teams have attempted to catch him out in the pass by pressing high.But the Gunners have been able to play over that press thanks to Raya’s distribution.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat gives the wingers plenty of space to make a run in behind the opposition defence.It also gives Havertz, who is 6ft 4in tall, the chance to act as a target man, causing problems for the centre-backs.David Raya has the ability to skip the press and play direct to the attack More

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      Antony leaves Fenerbahce stadium on crutches after Man Utd star carried off on stretcher in Europa League clash

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      ANTONY left Fenerbahce’s stadium on crutches following Manchester United’s Europa League draw.The Brazilian initially came off the bench on 73 minutes with the game level at 1-1. Antony left Fenerbahce’s stadium on crutchesAntony was stretchered off the pitchCredit: GettyBut Antony was forced off himself just before the final whistle after going down with what looked to be a calf injury. The winger was stretchered off by the physio team and was later pictured leaving the ground on crutches. Antony has struggled for form this season with just five appearances and one goal to his name. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in Turkey before Youssef En-Nesyri levelled five minutes after the break.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt means United have drawn all three of their Europa League matches. And under-fire manager Erik ten Hag spoke out following Antony’s unfortunate injury. He said: “It’s really unlucky for him. I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training.”His training performances are that good that he deserved to come on. When you have to come off so quickly, that is really sad to see.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Hopefully, it’s not too bad, we have to wait 24 hours for what the assessment is.”The forward is now set for medical checks ahead of United’s trip to West Ham on Sunday.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!”Moment Man United fans attacked hours before match in IstanbulThe match would finish 1-1 in Turkey as the Red Devils slumped to 21st in the Europa League table.It also meant they haven’t tasted a European win for TWELVE MONTHS.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Marinakis ref spat is so poor… the toilet behaviour of the Nottingham Forest chief is undoing all his hard work

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      HOPEFULLY Evangelos Marinakis will not be watching Nottingham Forest’s game at Leicester from home tonight.Or if so, pray he has a Kleenex handy in case that terrible hacking cough suddenly resurfaces and he gets an uncontrollable urge to gob all over the luxury shag-pile.Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis is in hot water for spittingCredit: GettyMore importantly, Forest needs its owner to be in good health.The cigar-chomping billionaire has done wonders for the club in his seven years as majority shareholder.He has turned things around at almost every level, establishing them as a Prem club, integrating the women’s team into the fabric of the business, looking to invest in the Trent Rockets.For a Greek to take a serious interest in cricket is remarkable in itself.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet all that admirable effort reviving a football team with a proud history – especially under legend Brian Clough – is being undone by the toilet behaviour of the man at the top.Whether or not 57-year-old Mr Marinakis deliberately spat in the direction of the officials at the City Ground is beside the point.The barely credible excuse that he suffers with a smoker’s cough, forcing him to launch a globule of tobacco-infused phlegm on the floor of the tunnel as he passed by Josh Smith, Tim Robinson and  James Mainwaring, is irrelevant. Marinakis and Forest need to learn to swallow sometimes. Spitting is unpalatable even when players do it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut in the middle of a match they at least have mitigating circumstances, the players are after all running alive with lactic acid.For a member of the public to do it under little, or no, duress is deplorable.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiEven more so when it occurs coincidentally after your team has been on the wrong end of a decision or two in a game.Forest had just lost to Fulham last month when Marinakis let fly from the back of his throat as he passed by the men in black after the final whistle.They had seen two penalty appeals turned down, while Fulham won it with a debatable spot-kick of their own.Annoying yes, but no cause is good enough to warrant that kind of reaction.Do it in the street when a copper walks past and see what happens.Forest have enjoyed a stunning rise since the Greek took over in 2017Credit: AFPJamie Carragher is lucky to still have a career in television after letting fly with a large amount of spittle at a mickey-taking bloke sitting in the car next to his in a traffic jam.Mates of mine who support Forest have embraced the commitment and love the passion of Marinakis.It’s never a dull moment with him in charge, they say. But even they are disappointed in this latest episode.Ironically, the larger-than-life character lost his rag when Forest were thumped 5-0 at Fulham last season and he stomped out of Craven Cottage in a huff.I’ve never known Fulham to wind anyone up.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.Marinakis’ VIP pass was discovered soon after in the privet bush of a nearby house. There wasn’t enough evidence for Hammersmith & Fulham Council to prosecute for littering.But the serial complaining at every injustice is already overshadowing the reconstruction of Nottingham Forest into a formidable football team.If it’s not the owner, then it’s the manager Nuno Espirito Santo, or the coaches giving it to the referees in brutal and undignified terms.All the while unravelling all the positive PR that the club deserves for the cracking job of remodelling Forest as a team capable of pushing for a return to Europe.Marinakis’s behaviour is threatening to undo all his good workCredit: AlamyAnd it’s naive to believe the officials don’t remember. As human beings, the subconscious memory bank will kick into action next time Forest needs the benefit of the doubt.Gobbing off about things you don’t agree with, or simply gobbing in front of other people might make you feel better there and then.But it’s a distasteful business that can leave a nasty stain on a club’s otherwise good character.Incidentally, the City Ground, like all others, is a no-smoking stadium.So isn’t it the perfect place for Marinakis to start kicking the habit anyway?TV gold CapersLegendary man mountain Geoff Capes passed away this weekCredit: GettyFAREWELL Geoff Capes, shot put legend and symbol of childhood in the 70s and 80s.Christmas back then wasn’t complete without the one-time policeman filling the no-man’s land of TV time between festive movies by holding ten car batteries at arm’s length for half an hour.Or perhaps pulling a juggernaut along by rope as he bossed it in the Useless Sport Olympics, otherwise known as World’s or Europe’s Strongest Man.I once got fairly close to England’s 6ft 5in man-mountain  at  the  Crieff  Highland Games when I was 11 and on holiday in Scotland.He was tossing the caber in full kilt regalia and looked every inch the gladiator of his time.Mum even urged me to get his autograph, which he was only too happy to sign on a scrap of paper.But I have always suspected it was more for her than for me.Fifa right this timeLionel Messi continues to rack up the silverware with Inter MiamiCredit: ReutersFIFA have been accused of showing preferential treatment to David  Beckham’s Inter Miami when it comes to next summer’s Club World Cup.There is outrage in the US that the MLS leaders have been given a golden ticket to join the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich at the expanded tournament on American soil.Critics say Miami have only been invited because Lionel Messi is in their squad – you know, arguably the greatest player ever.Columbus Crew, currently second in MLS, have such luminaries as ‘Cucho’ Hernandez – who scored five goals in five years at Watford – and Christian Ramirez, formerly of Aberdeen, on their ‘roster’.Who would you rather pay to see? Not everything Fifa does is completely insane.MOHAMMED KUDUS has already had one ruck with West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui after being subbed at half-time against Brentford.Now he faces a three-game ban for violent conduct, plus further punishment for his actions after the red card incident in the 4-1 debacle at Spurs on Saturday.I can’t help but suspect there is a very talented but highly frustrated young man there who feels he isn’t getting what he deserves in a team that is massively underperforming.West Ham always looked like a stepping stone to bigger things for the ambitious 24-year-old Ghana midfielder.Fans could be heading for another Dimitri Payet or Marko Arnautovic situation unless Lopetegui turns things around soon.Oleksandr Zinchenko gave half his wardrobe away to Shakhtar fansCredit: GettyFANS are revolting at the increasing price of season tickets and it’s all admirable to see…West Ham supporters can release as many black balloons as they like – and hard-pressed punters can wave placards and banners until the cows come home. But I have said it before that only when they make a real stand by getting up out of their overpriced seats and walking out of a game halfway through, or by refusing to renew at the end of the season, will Premier League clubs listen.Liverpool fans did it brilliantly with their 77th-minute walkout some years back when the owners threatened to raise prices to £77 – it stopped the plan dead in its tracks.AFTER his Arsenal side had beaten Shakhtar Donetsk, Oleksandr  Zinchenko made a point of saluting the away fans.The proud Ukrainian practically stripped naked handing over his kit as souvenirs while he and his countrymen recognised the hell that is their war with Russia.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot one Arsenal fan begrudged Zinchenko that touching moment after Tuesday’s Champions League clash.Now tell me sport and politics can’t mix. More

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      Tottenham player ratings: Lucas Bergvall looks a star in the making but Radu Dragusin endures another mixed display

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      TOTTENHAM made it a hat-trick of Europa League wins thanks to Richarlison’s penalty against ten-man AZ Alkmaar. The Brazilian converted from the spot on 53 minutes in an opening goal that eventually separated the sides. Richarlison won the game for TottenhamCredit: PAAnd the visitor’s night got even worse with five minutes to go when David Moller Wolfe was shown a second yellow. Here is how Dan King rated Spurs’ players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fraser Forster – 7Brilliant save and good rush from line in first half to stop Spurs falling behind. A spectator for most of the second half but made smart stop in last 20 minutes.Archie Gray – 5Unable to team up with fellow teenager Moore in first half to match threat from Tottenham’s other flank and struggled with pace of Ernest Poku.READ MORE IN football Radu Dragusin – 5Another mixed display. Good on the ball one moment, not so much the next. Sometimes looked strong, but then vulnerable, especially when Alkmaar ran at him.Radu Dragusin had another mixed displayCredit: GettyBen Davies – 7Tottenham’s Mr Dependable was their most convincing defender, thanks mainly to good positioning and calmness. Although even he showed signs of tension late on.Destiny Udogie – 6Did a bit of everything in the opening 45 minutes, although as usual his work in opposition half tended to be better. Less adventurous in the second half.Rodrigo Bentancur – 6After a commanding start, was unable to stop Alkmaar from gaining a first-half foothold. Apart from occasional lapses, maintained his authority better after the break.Most read in FootballMikey Moore enjoyed success on the leftCredit: AlamyMikey Moore – 7Missed golden early chance and looked uncomfortable on right. Immediate, massive improvement when switched to left, running at defence and creating chances..Lucas Bergvall – 8Impressive display with everything but a goal. Full of running, composed, and found killer passes that should have become assists. But had to go off injured.James Maddison – 7Skipper for the night had some lovely moments without finding a decisive contribution – until he let Richarlison have the penalty.Timo Werner was hooked at half timeCredit: RexTimo Werner – 5Superb cross for Moore chance but woeful finish when played through by Bergvall told you everything about his confidence levels. Hooked at half time. Richarlison – 6Busy and committed in first half, but ball wasn’t sticking much. Really wanted to take the penalty and converting it should be a morale boost. Lasted just over an hour.SUBSBrennan Johnson (for Werner, half time) – 5Failed to make most of a Bergvall pass. Quieter than usual.Dominic Solanke (for Richarlison, 65) – 6Worked hard without having a sight of goal. Dejan Kulusevski (for Bergvall, 73) – 6Gave the Spurs midfield the legs it needed to see out game.Pape Sarr (for Maddison, 73)  – 6Also brought an injection of energy to dampen Alkmaar hopes of a comeback.READ MORE SUN STORIESWilson Odobert (for Moore, 87) – 6Had two sights of goal but steered second wide from close range.Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ save More

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      Man Utd ratings: Onana makes fantastic double save but is let down by poor defensive display from Lindelof

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half with a composed strike into the top-left corner.Andre Onana made a huge double save to keep United ahead in the first halfCredit: ReutersVictor Lindelof failed to challenge Youssef En-Nesyri for the ball before the striker scoredCredit: EPABut the Red Devils quickly found themselves under pressure.Andre Onana pulled off an outstanding double save to keep his team ahead just before half-time.However, things quickly fell apart after the break when some poor defending led to Youssef En-Nesyri equalising.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands by the referee, furious his side were denied a penalty.Read More in FootballAnd United were unable to restore their lead and now sit 21st in the Europa League group stage table.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performance.Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from En-Nesyri out.Onana stepped up to make two huge saves in quick successionCredit: APHis defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Most read in Europa LeagueDiogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes spared in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMatthijs de Ligt – 6 Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break. Probably Man Utd’s best defender on the night.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester UnitedLindelof failed to impressCredit: ReutersVictor Lindelof – 4 Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5 Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.The midfielder has now provided a goal involvement in every Europa League game this season for United.Manuel Ugarte – 6 Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6 Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved to left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Noussair Mazraoui played in the No10 position before moving to left-backMarcus Rashford – 5 Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Eriksen’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.READ MORE SUN STORIESJoshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More