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      There’s only one Man City player who would get in the Liverpool team – here’s why I fear for them

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      MANCHESTER CITY got taught a lesson against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.And it sums up the state of them currently that they’ll be going into this game against Liverpool thinking: ‘Oh my god, I hope we don’t get slapped’.Liverpool will be looking forward to facing a struggling Manchester City sideCredit: EPAPep Guardiola has endured a harrowing seasonCredit: PAIt’s been a humbling year for City and Pep Guardiola, who is probably learning more about himself during this period than anybody else.Their struggles were cut and pasted into one 90-minute Champions League slog out in Spain on Wednesday night. The game was over after a couple of minutes when Madrid took the lead.Quite ironic that for all the chat of Guardiola changing the face of football and inspiring a tactical revolution with his pass-pass style, City were done by a long ball and a Kylian Mbappe lob.Pep’s teams have shown in the past that they are capable of reacting to a result, a performance, like that – but this is not a City team of the past.They’ve shown so many levels of vulnerability. They’ve become comfortable, soft.It was so difficult to win the trophies they have over the years, but they also had the luxury of people being in awe of them. Now, that awe has worn off and everyone wants to take them on.Liverpool certainly will. For years this was THE fixture – the decider for the title. Guardiola vs Jurgen Klopp. Two great sides going at it and it usually produced plenty of fireworks and drama.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe But right now, I fear for City. I really do. They could get done on their own patch. Will they be able to shake off that Madrid humbling and respond? You would have to argue: probably not.They have been well beaten by the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham already this season, but this one is going to hurt them the most if it goes the way it should.It seems silly to say given how good City’s squad still is and how much money they have invested, but which area of the pitch are they better than this Liverpool in?We all get excited about Ederson kicking the ball a long way, but Alisson is a better keeper. City’s back four is not better than Liverpool’s, nor is their midfield or front three.You would perhaps go with Erling Haaland, especially given the form of Darwin Nunez and his missed sitter in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.But let’s not forget, Diogo Jota also missed a very simple chance.But did I expect Nunez to score when he went through to an empty goal? No, I didn’t.It would have felt like a loss at Villa Park for Liverpool, and there is a chance City may turn up and give them another bloody nose, but I wouldn’t put my own money on that.This Liverpool, they don’t lose in the big moments. Arsenal fans will be hoping this is the start of the ‘wobble’. Some wobble this is, eight points clear with 12 games left.I wouldn’t have minded that sort of ‘wobble’ in my career. They’re in a perfect position knowing that even if it gets close towards the end, Arsenal still have to go to Anfield and win.I just don’t see how Liverpool lose the title from here, and if they do, it will make for a great f***ing column!Kylian Mbappe helped dump City out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez is the only Liverpool man to miss out in a combined XICredit: GettyTroy Deeney is backing Liverpool to get the job done at the EtihadCredit: Rex More

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      How Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be forced out of Man Utd THIS YEAR as club lose staggering £100m since Ineos takeover

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE could be forced out of Manchester United THIS YEAR.The British billionaire, 72, invested more than £1billion to take a 27.7 per cent stake in his beloved Red Devils little more than a year ago.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be pushed out of Manchester United this yearCredit: AlamyThe Glazer family reportedly have a deal which means they can sell up in six monthsCredit: PATo say it has been a tumultuous rollercoaster ride so far would be an understatement. Part of the minority takeover entrusted the running of the club to Ratcliffe from the Glazer family, who remain the majority owners.And he has wasted no time in making his mark with an overhaul of the board, a new manager, hundreds of redundancies and various unpopular money-making measures – from increased ticket prices to the staff Christmas party being cancelled.He has even made a start on plans for a brand-new £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium to replace the crumbling, leaking Old Trafford.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHowever, the Ratcliffe reign at Manchester United could be all over later this year.According to Bloomberg, the Glazers have the option to sell the club in six months’ time.And should they go ahead and proceed with it, they can force Ratcliffe to give up his United.The report does add that Ratcliffe would have the option to make his own bid first.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it is understood the Ineos chief not only wants to keep his stake – but increase it if the opportunity arises. It is unclear what the Glazers plan to do with the club.’Silence is deafening’ – Man Utd fans ready to protest at Arsenal clash and vow to ‘rise again to defend our club’The American family continue to own United from afar and keep a hands-off approach, even more so with Ratcliffe in charge of the day-to-day operations. Bloomberg state, though, that the Glazers were still happy with the state of the club at the end of last year.That is despite the club losing more than £100million in Ratcliffe’s first year and results on the pitch getting worse.Under new boss Ruben Amorim, United are 15th in the Premier League table.Internally, the ambitious plan is to win the title again by 2028. Off the pitch, the financial landscape is bleak.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityThey posted losses of more than £300m over the last three years to put them at risk of breaching PSR rules while debts now stand at approximately £700m.So even if the Glazers did want to sell, finding a buyer willing to take on the mess of Manchester United could be difficult.It would likely require another mega-rich state-backed bid – similar to the one that rivalled Ratcliffe from Qatar.And one speculative option could be for the Qataris to go back in for United – fronted by Nasser Al-Khelaifi.Al-Khelaifi, 51, is the chairman of beIN and the Qatar Sports Investment group – which in turn sees him president of Paris Saint-Germain.But troubles are brewing with PSG and this could in theory be an ideal opportunity for the Qataris to jump ship out of PSG and taking on a new challenge. Al-Khelaifi has clashed aggressively with rival Ligue 1 owners – even calling Lyon counterpart John Textor a “cowboy” in leaked footage from an online meeting.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also, according to Agence France Presse, been charged with complicity in an “abuse of power” case this month relating to a key vote.And finally, Al-Khelaifi – who has failed to deliver the Champions League since his appointment in 2011 – has expressed his frustration that PSG will leave the Parc des Princes and look for a new stadium after the city’s mayor confirmed it was not for sale. United are struggling on and off the pitchCredit: AlamyFans are unhappy with the way the club is being runCredit: AFPNasser Al-Khelaifi may see United as a new venture if he quits PSGCredit: AP More

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      Romeo Beckham, 22, channels dad David’s infamous haircut in photoshoot for Interview Magazine

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      ROMEO BECKHAM copied his dad’s infamous haircut for his latest photoshoot.David Beckham, 49, had his fair share of different trims over the years. Romeo Beckham posed in front of the camera in his latest photoshootCredit: Interview MagazineBeckham rocked a mohawk in the snapsCredit: Interview MagazineOne photo even showed him shaving the side of his headCredit: Interview MagazineDad David Beckham famously sported the look in the early 2000sCredit: GettyBut arguably his most memorable look was back in the early noughties.That was when Becks opted for the iconic mohawk – with the sides of his head shaved and the strip of locks down the middle.The ex-Manchester United hero initially opted for the look ahead of the 2000 Charity Shield at Wembley – but it didn’t last long.Beckham had kept it secret by wearing a hat in training, at the team hotel and on the coach to the stadium but as soon as Sir Alex Ferguson saw it, he ordered the winger to shave his head immediately. READ MORE ON THE BECKHAMSThe footballer did bring it back – this time on the safety international duty with England.And now his second son Romeo has followed in his old man’s footsteps by replicating the hairstyle. Beckham Jr, 22, got in front of the camera for a modelling shoot with Interview Magazine.And in one of the pics he is even giving himself the haircut while topless and his right wrist strapped up in a bandage.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe mohawk section is shorter and wider than his dad’s version – but the resemblance is clear to see. In the other photos, Romeo is sticking his tongue out topless showing off his tattooos, lying on a bed both topless and fully clothed and standing beside a row of bicycles in jeans, a hooded zip-up and a black coat. David Beckham strips completely naked for steamy shower in racy new ad Romeo also looked the part in a trench coat with his bare legs revealing more of his inkings. Beckham Jr looked set to try and follow his dad into football, too.He started out in the Arsenal academy then had stints with Inter Miami and then Brentford but left the Bees in 2024. Beckham brought back the mohawk for the second time on international duty away from Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PARomeo showed off his tattoos in the Interview Magazine shootCredit: Interview MagazineHe also rocked some bold outfitsCredit: Interview MagazineBeckham Jr looked the partCredit: Interview MagazineHe is relishing his role as a modelCredit: Interview MagazineThis blue zip-up requires a certain level of confidenceCredit: Interview MagazineIt appears Romeo may have been tired for the shootCredit: Interview MagazineOne snap had Beckham lined up in front of some bikesCredit: Interview MagazineHe is catching his dad up for the number of inkingsCredit: Interview MagazineRomeo had a stint at Brentford but left at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      talkSPORT presenter opens up on 50-yard Premier League ‘clearance-goal’ after being forced out of Chelsea

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      JASON CUNDY turns the clock back to 1992 and the first month of the all-new Premier League.The 55-year-old former defender, who now works for talkSPORT co-presenting the Sports Bar with Jamie O’Hara, reflects on his freak ‘clearance’ goal from 50 yards to give Tottenham the lead at Ipswich.Jason Cundy talks THAT goal for Tottenham against Ipswich in 1992Cundy scored a fluky goal from past the half-way lineCundy is now a presenter on talkSPORTI would love to tell you I looked up, spotted Ipswich keeper Craig Forrest off his line, measured my shot from 50 yards and the ball flew in just as I had planned.But here’s the TRUTH of what really happened 33 years ago.I was just inside Ipswich’s half and the ball was played into a space which I thought was going to end up being a 50-50 challenge between myself and Jason Dozzell.My thought process was that I wanted to make sure I got to the ball as quick as possible to avoid there being any sort of contact between the two of us.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhat played out was Jason didn’t make the expected challenge by which time I was fully committed.My proposed tackle ended up being a completely freakish clearance  that ballooned in the wind and sailed over the top of a flailing Forrest in the Ipswich goal.As a defender, I didn’t score that many goals in my career — in fact this was my only one for Tottenham. But because it’s completely niche, this one resurfaces whenever a collection of madcap Premier League goals are replayed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s also odd how 30 or more years can blur certain moments . . . and facts too.It wasn’t until I looked back at this game to see that Tottenham were bottom of the table going into this game in the all-new Premier League.The Tottenham team take the INEOS Grenadier 4×4 for a spinAnd that this draw took us off the foot of the league. It took me by complete surprise because I had no recollection that we had started so slowly.I had joined Tottenham in March, 1992 back in the days when the ‘transfer window’ went on until March. The move came completely out of nowhere.Manager Ian Porterfield called me in and told me Chelsea had accepted an offer from Tottenham.  I wasn’t happy with the way it was  a ‘done deal’ and no one had even talked to me.But back then, if I had decided to turn it down I could have quite literally been thrown into the reserves and never played in the first  team again.I heard again from Porterfield shortly after that a meeting had been set up with Tottenham’s Terry Venables. And that was it.It was odd because Peter Shreeves was manager when I joined Tottenham with Terry taking training.Then we started 1992-93  with Doug Livermore and Ray Clemence in charge.Sadly, despite spending four years at White Hart Lane — with a couple of loan spells at Crystal Palace and Bristol City — my time at the club was blighted with injuries.By pure coincidence I ended up switching from Spurs to Ipswich in 1996 and so was back at the ground of this bizarre goal moment.It also meant that one of my new team-mates was Forrest — the unfortunate keeper who conceded my crazy goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESI have to say even before we became good friends I had so much sympathy for him for having to watch those endless repeats of the goal.It’s crazy to think that he played for 17 years, made 56 appearances for his country —  yet most people only remember him for either my strike or conceding nine at Manchester United in the Premier League! More

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      Ruben Amorim says sacked ex-Man Utd boss is doing a better job than him following horror start at Old Trafford

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      RUBEN AMORIM admits former Manchester United boss David Moyes is doing a better job than him.The Scot has sent Everton bouncing up the Prem in his  second stint in charge, with four wins in six games since replacing Sean Dyche in January.Ruben Amorim has admitted that former Manchester United boss David Moyes is doing a better job than himCredit: ReutersMoyes has endured a great manager bounce with EvertonCredit: RexBy contrast, Amorim takes his United side to Goodison on Saturday lunchtime on a nightmare run of eight Prem defeats in 12 games.Portuguese boss Amorim said: “The simple thing is that David Moyes is doing a better job than me.“It’s quite simple, small things like winning one game, winning two games, that belief. “The pressure is not the same but we have to give merit to the players of Everton and especially to the coach of Everton.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt is highly unusual for a manager to make such an admission.Moyes’ last game as United boss was at Goodison on April 20, 2014 — a 2-0 defeat eight months after succeeding the legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.He was sacked two days later.This weekend’s meeting will be the first since then that 15th-placed United have played Everton, who are 14th, while being beneath them in the table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMoyes lived to regret moving to Old Trafford but Amorim says he has no such feelings  — yet.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss wanted to succeed Erik ten Hag in the summer but part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team made it clear to him in November that is was now or never.Ruben Amorim apologises to Christian Eriksen for ‘misunderstanding’ after comments about Man Utd star’s heart situation Since then there have been only nine wins from 21 games in all competitions and Amorim admitted his stars have struggled to cope with his 3-4-3  system.He even blasted it was “the worst” team in United’s history.Amorim will have Christian Eriksen, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte back from injury as he looks to halt the slide.He said: “When you hear  four wins in my 14 league games for  Manchester United, you get really frustrated and angry.“But let’s move on and we can change that in the next game.”Moyes will not treat this game differently to any other.He said: “I faced them a lot when I was manager of West Ham, so it’s another game.“It’s a great football club but my job is to try to beat them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, United were handed a tricky Europa League last-16 tie against Spain’s Real Sociedad.Amorim said: “If I focus on the games against Real Sociedad and think about trophies, it is not the right way to do my job.” More

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      Politicians are bad at running trains, building cars & installing phones – why would they be better at running football?

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      THERE are plenty of things wrong with this country. Our schools, trains and courts are underperforming.The Football Governance Bill is a prime example of unnecessary regulation by politicians seeking to showcase their man-of-the-people credentialsCredit: GettyNo foreign equivalent comes close to the popularity of the Premier League, which is watched by an incredible two billion people all over the worldCredit: GettyWhy tinker with what is working well? Why regulate something that, without ­regulation, has become England’s most popular export?Many civil servants have not bothered to return to the office. Our healthcare system is pitied around Europe.But our football leagues are world-beating.No foreign equivalent comes close to the popularity of the Premier League, which is watched by an incredible two billion people all over the world.Indeed, not only is the ­Premier League the most ­popular in the world; the lower tier English Football League is sixth.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhy tinker with what is working well? Why regulate something that, without ­regulation, has become England’s most popular export?The Football Governance Bill, currently in its final stage in Parliament, is a textbook example of needless and ­meddlesome regulation by politicians wanting to flaunt their man-of-the-people credentials.Price of failure It is a non-solution to a non-problem which is bound to have unintended consequences. MPs are using a sledgehammer to miss a nut.Most read in FootballThe new law will create a new ­regulator with 250 staff. (So much for Keir Starmer’s claim that we should focus on growth.)Those staff will be able to tell clubs where they play, in what strip and on what terms.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format They will even be able to commandeer some of their assets to give to other clubs.This is more shocking than people realise.It won’t be long before the state is telling clubs what they must do in terms of gender quotas, Net Zero, ticket prices — you name it. It is one thing for successful clubs to make voluntary ­“parachute payments” to those facing relegation. It is quite another for the Government to help itself to their cash.Regulators never offer to reduce their role. They always want more power. It won’t be long before the state is telling clubs what they must do in terms of gender quotas, Net Zero, ticket prices — you name it.To what problem is this measure a ­solution? Are our clubs facing ruin? Far from it.The taxes they generate are bigger than the employer National ­Insurance rise, the extension of VAT, the farm estate tax and the scrapping of Winter Fuel ­Payments combined.English clubs are successful precisely because the price of failure is high.Two events are cited by ­supporters of the law. One did not happen at all and the other was much less of a problem than is claimed.The one that did not happen was the proposal for a European Super League in 2021, a breakaway group of 20 top clubs, six of them English.Among other things, it is now proposed that clubs should monitor the diversity of their season ticket holders. There was a backlash, and the idea was dropped within weeks.But not before MPs had jumped on the Something Must Be Done bandwagon.The one that did happen was the bankruptcy of Bury FC, which was ­traumatic for many in the town.But Bury is still playing at the same ground and in the same colours — albeit as a new legal entity that must work its way back up from the lower leagues. All that happened without any regulator. Indeed, of all the teams that were in the ­Football League in the Sixties, not one has disappeared.Is one case really enough to justify handing control to the government? Apparently so.The financial collapse of Rangers in 2012 might seem a bigger deal but ­Scotland is outside the scope of this Bill and, in any case, the Gers have also climbed back.The legislation started life under the Conservatives, and has been beefed up by Labour since the election.Create problemsAmong other things, it is now proposed that clubs should monitor the diversity of their season ticket holders.Of course it is. This is how all ­regulators operate.They start with a limited role — in this case, stopping the financial collapse of a club — and end up extending their powers across the board.Let me make a prediction. This regulation will fail in its own terms, creating more problems than it solves.If MPs think that fans are angry now about the occasional rogue proprietor, just wait until they see the relative decline of English football and turn their anger, not against the occasional absentee owner, but against the ­politicians who foisted the ­system on them.The worst sequence in politics goes like this: “Something must be done. This is something. Let’s do this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPoliticians were bad at ­operating trains, building cars and installing telephones. What makes them think they’ll be any better at running football?Bury FC’s bankruptcy was traumatic for the town, but the club was ultimately saved by fans – not meddling politiciansCredit: AlamyAmong other things, it is now proposed that clubs should monitor the diversity of their season ticket holders.Credit: AFP or licensors More

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      Leicester 0 Brentford 4: Woeful Foxes set embarrassing Premier League record as Bees run riot at King Power

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      IF YOU wanted confirmation that Leicester City are heading back to the Championship  — this was it.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s beaten Foxes became the first team in top-flight history to suffer SIX defeats in a row at home in the same season without scoring a single goal during the run.Leicester lost their sixth home match in a row without scoring a goalCredit: PABrentford won 4-0 at the King PowerCredit: GettyPressure is building on Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: ReutersThis was just all too easy for Brentford, who were three goals up before the break.And the crowd reaction was predictable as fans turned on the club’s board again after the Foxes’ season went from bad to worse.Some supporters were leaving their seats before the half-hour mark as Brentford scored at will and had an effort disallowed for Keane Lewis-Potter’s handball.Quite where this leaves the club now is unclear.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSurvival is still possible — but not with this kind of chaotic defending.It is difficult to see where Leicester’s next win is coming from.But, tellingly, fans are not yet calling for Van Nistelrooy’s head, although he is no better than previous manager Steve Cooper, who was sacked to make way for the Dutchman.Supporters want change — in particular director of football Jon Rudkin, who has been targeted continually from the stands.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother managerial change would seem pointless with this squad, so Van Nistelrooy will have to beat the odds if Leicester are to stay up.By the end of the game, the storm clouds were gathering at the King Power Stadium as heavy rain fell, which pretty much summed up the state Leicester are in at the moment.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingBut the Bees’ dominance cannot be ignored and summed up their run of form away from home.This was a fourth win in a row on the road for Thomas Frank’s side — and they are unbeaten in five away trips.Ironically, Leicester started well and could have had two goals in the first five minutes.Keeper Mark Flekken had to save well from Woyo Coulibaly, on his full debut, and skipper Jamie Vardy after a pacy break from the Foxes legend. But that was as good as it got for Leicester as Frank’s men picked them off.Brentford took a 17th-minute lead when Boubakary Soumare lost the ball and Mikkel Damsgaard floated a pass through for Yoane Wissa to score from inside the six-yard box.Vardy brought another save from Flekken but Brentford were two up after 27 minutes thanks to a superb finish from Bryan Mbeumo from the edge of the area.A few Foxes fans chanted, “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” and their mood was not improved as the Bees added a third five minutes later.Mbeumo’s free-kick was lifted into the mix and Christian Norgaard headed in.Coulibaly’s frustration boiled over as he wiped out Norgaard with a reckless tackle but only a received a yellow card.He was lucky not to see red and Van Nistelrooy took him off at half-time. Brentford could have had more — Kristoffer Ajer headed against the post and Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen stopped Wout Faes from scoring an own goal.There were ironic cheers from home fans after 55 minutes when the ineffective Jordan Ayew was replaced by Facundo Buonanotte.Hermansen pulled off an excellent save from sub Yehor Yarmoliuk’s header but the Bees’ fourth finally arrived with two minutes left.Mbeumo’s effort was saved but sub Fabio Carvalho forced the ball over the line — sparking angry words between keeper Hermansen and team-mate Soumare.READ MORE SUN STORIESBy the end, thousands of Leicester supporters had left the stadium with the faithful Bees singing “we’ve got more fans than you” and “you’re getting sacked in the morning”.And as Frank’s men coasted to an impressive win, Van Nistelrooy looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders as he trudged back to the dressing room.Yoane Wissa bundled in the opener for the BeesCredit: AlamyBryan Mbeumo curled home for 2-0Credit: RexChristian Norgaard headed in the third on 32 minutesCredit: RexFabio Carvalho wrapped up the win with a fourth just before the endCredit: RexIt could have been worse as Keane Lewis-Potter had a goal ruled out for handball and the Bees hit the postCredit: ReutersWissa and Mbeumo linked up once againCredit: ReutersPlenty of fans walked out earlyCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy is not having things his own wayCredit: ReutersLeicester are enduring a nightmare run of formCredit: PA More

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      ‘I’ve left there with a mural’ – Wilfried Zaha has no regrets over Crystal Palace exit despite two failed transfers

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      WILFRIED ZAHA has no regrets as he embarks on his American adventure in Charlotte.The Crystal Palace legend, 32, is now a Major League Soccer player following two years on the move.Wilfried Zaha is starting his journey with MLS side Charlotte FCCredit: CHARLOTTE FCZaha scored ten goals for Turkish giants Galatasaray after leaving the Eagles on a free transfer in 2023, before heading out to Lyon in France for the first half of this season where he made only six appearances.Having cut that loan short he has landed in MLS, convinced by Charlotte boss Dean Smith to make the switch to North Carolina.The Ivory Coast international admits things did not work out after leaving Palace, where he played 458 times and is the club’s third-highest appearance-maker behind Jim Cannon and Terry Long.However, he is convinced he is still the same player who earned himself a mural on the side of a house next to Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForward Zaha joined the Eagles academy at the age of eight and went on to have a stunning career with them, scoring 68 of his 90 goals for the South London side in the Premier League after making his first-team debut in March 2010.He said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.“I feel like there’s nothing more I could have done really.“I’ve gone to Turkey, I’ve managed to play Champions League, score a Champions League goal. So I’m just ticking boxes of things that I’ve wanted to do from a child.Most read in FootballZaha was honoured with a mural at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe star scored 90 goals and registered 52 assists in 458 games for PalaceCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I’ve managed to do that and things happen. All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell completes loan transfer to Crystal Palace“These are just experiences that make me who I am, make me stronger. So it’s a thing where it happens, I move on from it and do the best that I can.“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards. So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do. “Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.”After a couple of difficult years, there is some hope Charlotte can offer the feeling that Palace did when Zaha returned from his failed move to Manchester United.Speaking about the last two years, he added: “I don’t really have any animosity. It is what it is. I’m only going to give back the love that you give me.“If you give me love and give me the opportunity to repay you, then I’ll do that. It just hasn’t worked out over there.“I’ve come here, I’ve been welcomed, I’ve been shown so much love. All I can do is repay you on the pitch. That’s what I’m here to do.”Zaha had seen little of MLS before being approached by former Aston Villa and Brentford manager Smith at a London hotel last year about a potential move.Former Palace team-mate Christian Benteke won the Golden Boot at DC United last season, and Zaha started watching the odd game following the Belgian’s switch.Zaha’s former Crystal Palace teammate Christian Benteke is now playing in the MLSCredit: ReutersThe D.C. United striker finished top scorer last season, ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis SuarezCredit: APHe has also been swatting up on his new pals, including ex-Burnley man Ashley Westwood, by watching YouTube clips.Having Smith and Westwood at the club was an attraction, and the winger also consulted Palace’s American defender, Chris Richards.Zaha added: “I’ve tuned in a bit more because of my friend Christian Benteke. The standard is definitely getting a lot better. So many players are coming here and the world is paying attention.“I was on YouTube just watching the Charlotte games. So I was just seeing what the team’s like and positives and stuff like that.”While he is Stateside, Zaha will also be keeping an eagle eye on AFC Croydon Athletic — the non-league club he part-owns with rapper Stormzy.Croydon won promotion to the eighth tier — the Isthmian League South East Division — in their first season at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore Zaha begins the MLS campaign with Charlotte at Seattle Sounders in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time — and looks forward to tangling with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next month — he needs to find some clobber!Zaha, who is staying in a Charlotte hotel, said: “I’m scrambling with clothes right now. That’s what I’m waiting for. My clothes — and my family, that’s about it. I’m good to go.”Zaha co-owns AFC Croyden Athletic with rapper StormzyCredit: Getty More