Soccer

A MIDFIELDER once linked with a move to Manchester United is now being compared to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.Fabian Ruiz was on Erik ten Hag’s transfer shortlist when the Dutchman first took over at Old Trafford two years ago.Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been compared to Zinedine ZidaneCredit: GettyUnited opted to sign Casemiro over Ruiz two years agoCredit: PAThe 28-year-old was valued at just £26million when United officials approached his entourage.However, Ten Hag instead opted to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in a £70m deal.Ruiz went on to join Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth £18m.And the Spaniard has since become one of the most in-form midfielders in Europe.Read More on Man UtdHe was named in UEFA’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament this summer after scoring two goals and assisting two in seven games.And he came away from the tournament as a European champion with Spain.Ruiz is now being likened to legendary French midfielder Zidane.In response to the comparisons, the PSG star told the media: “It’s a big deal to compare myself to Zidane.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I always try to help the team by giving my best and repay the coach’s trust.”It’s a huge pride to represent my country. It’s the greatest thing.”Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteMeanwhile, Casemiro enjoyed a positive first season at Old Trafford but has since received plenty of criticism.Some fans even called for club legend Michael Carrick to replace the Brazilian after he impressed during a United legends match at the weekend.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

ASTON VILLA have snubbed FORTY bids for a starlet – as Unai Emery reckons the bit-part striker will become world class within a year.Chelsea reportedly offered more than £40million for the striker over the summer and West Ham were then also linked with the 20-year-old.Emery reckons the ace will be something special ‘in the next 12 months’Credit: RexBut it’s claimed Villa chief Emery stood firm because “he is 100 per cent convinced” the Colombian will soon turn into a priceless asset.The player in question, Jhon Duran, is frustrated at starting so rarely.Yet he only arrived at Villa Park in January 2023 following two years in the MLS with Chicago Fire.Duran notched five Premier League goals last season from 23 appearances, of which TWENTY came off the bench.READ MORE TOP STORIESThis term he’s taken his super-sub status to new heights, with two winners after coming on in Villa’s first three top-flight games.England ace Ollie Watkins, 28, remains Emery’s first-choice up front.But Villa’s president of football operations Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo – known as Monchi – explained why the South American has stayed put.Monchi told the Mirror: “Unai is very confident with Jhon Duran. Very confident.Most read in FootballJhon Duran wants more starts but Emery is determined not to lose himCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He thinks he can become one of the best strikers in the world in the next 12 months. He is 100 per cent convinced.”However, Monchi admitted Duran’s hunger to start has caused a headache.PREM RULE CHANGESHe explained: “He thinks he is better than Watkins. “That is normal because every player thinks he is better than their team-mates.”To manage Watkins and Duran is not easy but at the end it is the best for the team.”If you have two big strikers it is better than only one.”Ollie Watkins remains Villa’s first-choice up frontCredit: Getty More

TODD BOEHLY reportedly wanted Mauricio Pochettino to STAY at Chelsea ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent at the end of last season despite securing European football.Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea earlier this yearCredit: ReutersTodd Boehly wanted Poch to stayCredit: AlamyThe 52-year-old was let go following an internal review conducted by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.Winstanley and Stewart put together an 18-page report detailing why Pochettino had to be dismissed after just one season.However, The Times report Boehly and some of his Clearlake Capital co-owners were divided over the manager’s future.While Clearlake supported the two sporting directors, Boehly attempted to overturn the decision and publicly backed Pochettino.Read More on ChelseaThe American businessman only stood down when he realised the majority of his colleagues backed Winstanley and Stewart.Chelsea’s decision to let Pochettino go is understood to be the “tipping point” which has led to a significant power struggle at Stamford Bridge.Insiders at the club reject any talk of a reported civil war among top officials and claim the relationship between Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali remains courteous and professional.But SunSport last week reported the duo are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Blues chairman Ken Bates now reckons the club’s power-sharing ‘committee’ is a recipe for disaster.He said: “Football is not the sport I once knew and loved. Clubs are now either an investment or among a group of investments. Chelsea is included in that.Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace Social”I wouldn’t know how good a committee is or whether they can work because I only ever worked in committees of one.”When you get large groups or committees of people trying to work together, you usually end up with two or three people sitting around doodling on a notepad.”Boehly and Eghbali have spent more than £1.2bn on new players since taking over two years ago.Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More