More stories

  • in

    Man Utd ‘set to join transfer race for £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo despite being on brink of Matheus Cunha deal’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to join transfer race for Bryan Mbeumo despite being on brink of Matheus Cunha deal, according to reports.Telegraph Sport reported that the 25-year-old Brentford forward is expected to be one of Amorim’s top targets.Brentford’s Mbuemo is set to be targeted by the team he beat on SundayCredit: GettyWolves striker Cunha is another target for the Manchester club – despite worries from Scholes – but plays mainly through the middle so does not take up the same space as Mbeumo.Mbeumo has scored 18 – three more than Cunha’s 15 – in the league this season and is rated at £60 million.The hefty price tag, alongside Cunha’s £62.5million release clause, could mean that United look to profits earned by the sales of loanees Rashford (at Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (at Chelsea) and Antony (at Real Betis).Mbeumo joined Brentford as a 19-year-old in 2019 from Troyes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was a part of the squad that got promoted to the Premier League in 2021 and started this Sunday as Brentford beat the Red Devils 4-3.Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted to Sky Sports earlier this season that the player could leave.He said: “If the price is right – and that’s going to be expensive – is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it.”I’ve said many times: we are a selling club.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordManchester United have suffered a disappointing season sat at 15th with three games to go and striker inconsistencies have been a big part of it.Injuries to players such as Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo have punctured their front line, reinforcements could be key to improving next season.Mbeumo’s league season in numbers More

  • in

    ‘S*** happens’ – Sky Sports forced to apologise after Cole Palmer swears before slamming trolls in awkward interview

    COLE PALMER admitted “s*** happens” after scoring in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool.The England star, 22, ended his 18-game goal drought with a stoppage time penalty against the newly-crowned champions.Cole Palmer spoke to Sky Sports after Chelsea’s win over LiverpoolPalmer, 22, ended his goal drought from the penalty spotCredit: GettyFollowing Chelsea’s 3-1 triumph, Palmer spoke to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison.During the interview, the attacker blasted his trolls, while pointing out his mental strength under adversity.Palmer said: “We played very well as a team. They’re the champions for a reason, but I thought we showed desire, good fight and we hurt them at times.”I felt normal [standing over the penalty]. S*** happens, I went three months without scoring but it gives me more fight to do well not just for myself, but for my team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Social media nowadays is full of idiots, so I don’t pay any attention to that.”To score today, I’m happy, but I’ve got to keep improving and try to reach new levels.”If you’re getting chances and not scoring… you’re letting your team down at the end of the day.”I feel like I’m mentally strong anyway so whatever people say, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve had it all the time growing up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.”Today, I felt like myself. I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward, playing free and when you have him [Moises Caicedo] next to you, it’s a dream.”Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates apologised for Palmer swearing following the conclusion of the interview.Palmer’s fellow former Chelsea and Man City star Daniel Sturridge backed up the Blues star after the match.Working as a pundit for Sky Sports, the ex-England striker said: “I appreciate how much he cares. When he does interviews he’s open about how he feels.”You can see how much pride he takes in football. It’s not about what everyone else thinks it’s about what he thinks. When you set your standards so high and you don’t get there, it hurts. I’ve been there.”When you play at a big club there is going to be critics but what I liked is that he doesn’t care about it.”Some things on social may slip through the cracks as people will send you a one-liner here or there but it’s best to concentrate on being the best you can be. He’s very proud of that.”His team-mates too, as they understand how hard he works. He’s an unbelievable player and all the top players in the world have gone through difficult periods.”‘FORM IS TEMPORARY AND CLASS IS PERMANENT’Jamie Redknapp added: “We always realise that form is temporary and class is permanent. He is too good to be impacted for a long period.”You could see it today, it was oozing out of him. He played with real freedom and was enjoying his game.”Chelsea took a third minute lead against the lacklustre champions via in-form Enzo Fernandez.Read More on The SunJarell Quansah’s own goal doubled their lead on 56 minutes, although Virgil van Dijk did pull a goal back late on.Following Quansah’s stoppage time foul on Caicedo in the box, Palmer was able to end his drought from 12 yards.Palmer was congratulated by several of his team-mates after scoringCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chelsea 3 Liverpool 1: Cole Palmer ruins Reds’ title party and boosts Champions League hopes after guard of honour booed

    CHELSEA welcomed Liverpool onto the pitch as tradition demands with a guard of honour.The champions of England returned the compliment by opening up their defence for Enzo Fernandez to stroll through and score within three minutes.Cole Palmer nets from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersPalmer is congratulated for ending his goal droughtCredit: ReutersAnd they granted the Premier League’s most frustrated forward in Cole Palmer the opportunity to end his 18 game dry run with the last kick of the game.So nice to see two of the Premier League’s modern giants getting on so well.With medals around their necks and absolutely nothing to play for except contractual obligations, Liverpool stepped aside and allowed Champions League chasing Chelsea to record an important victory with relative ease.You could even argue they actively helped them in the cause with the embarrassing, bungling nature of the second goal from which there was no way back. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEnzo Maresca’s team is the first to beat Liverpool since they clinched a 20th league title last Sunday. But don’t read too much into it.Maresca’s players remain fifth and still in a scrap for the fifth and final qualifying place for the top level of European competition next season.Liverpool are gone on this evidence. Boots packed away for a summer of self-congratulation with sandals at the ready. They’ll put more effort into the trophy parade in three weeks’ time.It wasn’t a fair contest even if Chelsea can take heart from their first Premier League win at home against this mob in seven years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFernandez, 24, celebrates his early openerCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez strokes Chelsea into an early leadCredit: RexAnd it should have been more than 3-1. A lot more. Palmer looked energised and played a key role in the opening goal. But having hit the inside of the post from an impossibly tight angle there looked no happy ending for Chelsea’s most naturally gifted player.’This guy is stupid’ – Moment Cole Palmer gets annoyed as Chelsea stars try to settle ‘100 men vs gorilla’ debateHe can now celebrate personal success after converting a penalty with the last kick of the game in a fitting finale to a lop-sided match. His first goal since January 14.And were it not for Nicolas Jackson’s three offside offences, the ending to the game would have been even more comfortable for The Blues.The contrast between Liverpool of last weekend and this was worth the entry price alone. Last weekend they went behind to Tottenham, only to fire up and hit five in response. That was never going to happen here with a team entirely switched off from the task in front of them.So much so that the formidable defence which has played such a part in this record-equalling title triumph self-combusted with a goal would not have looked out of place had it been conceded by hungover Sunday park players.Virgil van Dijk’s industrial clearance attempt from a yard off his line struck Jarell Quansah just a yard away and rebounded back over the line. Red faces all round to match the colours of the away team’s shirts. When Van Dijk grabbed a consolation in the dying stages from a corner there was a sense of personal redemption about it, because the game had gone from Liverpool by then.Chelsea double their lead courtesy of an own goalCredit: GettyMo Salah was barely given a sniff against his former clubCredit: GettyThe result for Chelsea is one of psychological benefit as much as numerical in the hunt for the top five.They went ahead through the kind of lightning strike counter attack that all fans love to see. Even more so here though with manager Enzo Maresca coming in for criticism over his sometimes slow and steady style of play.Romeo Lavia played a pass through the lines to Cole Palmer, who switched feet to feed Pedro Neto to his right.The Portuguese winger did not break stride as he dashed to the by line and spotted his skipper completely unmarked on the edge of the box.A deft cut back and Fernandez took a step forward and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.It was a sweeping passage of play from a team that has much to chase in the last weeks of the campaign.Chelsea are going to be fighting right to the last game of the season to earn their place back in the Champions League. Liverpool were given a guard of honour by Chelsea ahead of kick offCredit: ReutersVirgil van Dijk headed Liverpool back into the contest late onCredit: GettyLiverpool are the first and so far only Premier League team guaranteed their place in it next year.And already assured of the title, it must be almost impossible to motivate the players beyond their professional duty to turn up and roll a ball about for the cameras.It must be said that Arne Slot’s team does have a problem with Chelsea. Back in October they snatched a 2-1 victory over Maresca’s team at the same point of the weekend.But it was widely agreed they got away with it that day and found Maresca’s tactics and players particularly awkward to overcome before coming away with three points.That’s got to be a positive going forwards for a young Chelsea team that has found the consistency needed to achieve the things Liverpool have this season hard to come by.This win, however wonky it is, is the fourth in a row for Maresca. Of them all, the one at Fulham when they fought back in injury time, is the most significant.Read More on The SunThis win was nowhere near the toughest either. With European rivals Newcastle and Nottingham Forest still to come in the final three Premier League games, both are away, there will be sterner tests than facing the team metaphorically drunk on success. Van Dijk celebrates his late goalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Harry Kane celebrates with Bayern Munich team-mates as he FINALLY wins trophy thanks to Bayer Leverkusen draw

    HARRY KANE celebrated with teammates in style after finally ending his wait for a major trophy.Bayern Munich landed the Bundesliga title after Bayer Leverkusen’s draw with Freiburg this afternoon.Harry Kane is finally a champion after Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga titleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/konradlaimer/?hl=enHe celebrated his first trophy victory with teammatesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/konradlaimer/?hl=enThe striker went on Instagram within seconds of the final whistle with a simple trophy postKane lived the night up with Eric Dier and coCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/Bayern paid tribute to their man with an amazing mock-upCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJPYxLFoIgW/And the former Tottenham star took to Instagram to toast the achievement seconds after the final whistle – with a simple emoji of a trophy.Kane, who missed Saturday’s 3-3 draw at RB Leipzig through injury, then celebrated his Bundesliga victory with teammates.Kane linked up with ex-Tottenham pal Eric Dier, who is leaving Bayern for Monaco this summer, captain Joshua Kimmich and former Arsenal forward Serge Gnabry to mark the achievement.He then sang Queen’s “We are the Champions” with other Bayern chums in a brilliant video on Instagram.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the German club later hailed their top scorer, who has 36 goals this season following his 44 strikes last term, with a mock-up of him drinking tea and dressed in a tuxedo while alongside the Bundesliga trophy.Bayern captioned it: “‘Deserved’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.”Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen needed to win on Saturday in order to make Bayern wait to see their spot as champions confirmed.But Maximilian Eggestein netted in the first half for the hosts – who jump into the Champions League places – before Piero Hincape put through his own net.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPremier League transfer target Florian Wirtz pulled a goal back and Jonathan Tah levelled in injury-time to make it 2-2 but it was not enough. With a draw, Leverkusen can no longer catch Bayern with just two games left to play.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future Kane sang ‘We are the Champions’ by QueenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/The England captain was overwhelmed with his first piece of silverwareCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/Bayern stars partied into the eveningCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/They were delighted to get their title back from Bayer LeverkusenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/And it means that, for the first time in his 15-year career, Kane is a champion.The England captain could have earned the accolade yesterday but Bayern were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by RB Leipzig.The Bavarian side had overturned a 2-0 defecit to lead with minutes remaining, only for Yussuf Poulsen to net with the last kick of the game. Kane missed the game due to suspension but had made his way down to the pitch from the stands to celebrate with his team after being given special dispensation.Bundesliga rules state that a suspended player can not be on the pitchside from 30 minutes before kick-off until 30 minutes after the full-time whistle.But Kane was left stunned pitchside as the title slipped through his grasp – if only for 24 hours. Kane joined Bayern from Spurs in 2023 with the aim of winning trophies.However, his debut season saw the German giants fail to win a single title for the first time since the barren 2011/12 campaign.The striker had to watch on as Leverkusen went invincible in the league while Bayern were dumped out of the Champions League and German Cup.Read More on The SunKane never won a major honour at Tottenham Hotspur despite reaching the finals of the Carabao Cup twice and the Champions League.The North London outfit lost the Carabao Cup final to Chelsea and Man City and the Champions League to Liverpool in 2019.Leverkusen blew their chances of catching Bayern at the topCredit: GettyKane failed to win a single trophy during his time at TottenhamCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Lionel Messi storms straight down the tunnel as Inter Miami team-mates celebrate on pitch after snapping losing streak

    LIONEL MESSI stormed straight down the tunnel after Inter Miami’s win over New York Red Bulls.The Argentine superstar netted his side’s fourth goal with a brilliant goal in the 4-1 win.Lionel Messi stormed off the pitch after Inter Miami’s win over New York Red BullsCredit: https://x.com/FrancoPanizoHe did not join his team-mates in celebrating the winCredit: https://x.com/FrancoPanizoThe victory broke Inter Miami’s three-game losing run across all competitions.Messi was joined on the scoresheet by Luis Suarez as well as Fafa Picault and Marcelo Weingandt.But at full-time, the World Cup winner was not in the mood to celebrate with his team-mates.The Inter Miami stars lapped up the celebrations with the fans at the Chade Stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made his way straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room.Messi did appear to be struggling with apparent fatigue in the second half of the match.There is yet to be an official explanation for the forward’s quick exit from the pitch.The win for Inter Miami followed on from their exit from the ConcaChampions by the Vancouver Whitecaps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe three points have put the club fourth in the Eastern Conference in the MLS.Meanwhile, head coach Javier Mascherano hailed the win after the game.Lionel Messi has sent fans into a frenzy by launching a treasure hunt as superstar footballer launches new drinkHe said: “We needed this victory after three defeats, and to have some very good feelings again.”In the first half, we had an effectiveness that we haven’t had in several games, not just that we had a lot of [goalscoring] situations.”And then we attempted in the second half with the last post entries, to manage the ball better, to control the match better.”Not to be as direct, because the last 15, 20 minutes of the first half, we lost possession of the ball, they grew and they progressed on the field.”We were trying to avoid giving them control of the game.”There are six more league fixtures before Inter Miami’s Club World Cup campaign kicks off in June.The team will face Al-Ahly, Porto and Palmeiras in the group stage. More

  • in

    Atalanta fan, 26, dies after being ‘stabbed in the back’ in violent clashes with Inter Milan supporters as man arrested

    AN ATALANTA fan was reportedly stabbed to death in a violent clash with Inter Milan supporters.Italian media claims the clash between the two sets of fans occurred on Saturday night in Bergamo.Atalanta fans paid tribute to a supporter who died after being stabbed by an Inter Milan fanCredit: ReutersThe groups collided at a pub in violent scenes, with the fight then spilling out onto the streets.But tragedy struck when a 26-year-old Atalanta fan was stabbed in the back.Emergency services were called and arrived swiftly.But they were unable to save the stricken Atalanta fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPolice found a knife close to the deceased.A suspect in his late teens was also arrested.And Atalanta fans paid tribute to the stabbed supporter by unfurling a banner ahead of Sunday’s 4-0 away win at Monza.Neither club has commented, with Inter Milan beating Verona 1-0 at home yesterday.Most read in FootballThe incident occurred ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona on Tuesday.The two sides will clash at the San Siro after an epic first leg in Spain.It finished 3-3, with Inter going ahead after just 30 seconds and doubling their lead soon after.But Barca battled back to keep themselves in the tie, with the winner going on to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final. More

  • in

    Lucas Paqueta appears to break down in TEARS after getting yellow card as West Ham star faces lifetime ban

    WEST HAM star Lucas Paqueta was in tears after being booked against Tottenham this afternoon.The Brazilian, 27, was shown a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver following a late challenge on Spurs sub Mikey Moore.Lucas Paqueta was devastated after being bookedCredit: GettyTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • in

    ‘Absolutely embarrassing’ – Joey Barton does a Steve McClaren with French TV interview on return to Marseille

    JOEY BARTON was branded “absolutely embarrassing” by fans after doing a Steve McClaren on French TV.Barton spent one season on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille during the 2012/13 campaign.Joey Barton’s dodgy French accent saw him blasted by fansCredit: Olympique de MarseilleThe Marseille icon did his best impression of Steve McClarenCredit: GettyThe 42-year-old, found guilty of kicking his wife in the head in March, became a fan favourite with 33 appearances in all competitions.And Barton, who last month lost part of his libel case against Eni Aluko, was involved last night as Marseille icons gathered for an in-house legends match at the Velodrome.The likes of Didier Drogba, Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri were all involved.And before kick-off, Barton was interviewed on live French TV over an infamous clash with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Swede played for Marseille’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain at the time and ended up in a scrap with Barton.The Englishman mocked Ibrahimovic with a ‘big nose’ gesture.But as Barton relived the moment, he produced his very own McClaren-esque moment by speaking English in a French accent.Former Three Lions boss McClaren notably spoke with a Dutch twinge while managing FC Twente in 2008.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Barton could not resist having his own accent on French TV.He said: “It was a big game, Ibrahimovic was very physical. The coach said to me I must defend him.Joey Barton charged after ‘comparing Eni Aluko to Fred & Rose West’ – as he slams ‘Banana Republic’ legal system“Zlatan spoke very badly to me. Everywhere I go Marseille fans speak to me, they don’t remember the football, just the gesture!”Fans at home were quick to react to Barton’s bizarre voice.One said: “Absolutely embarrassing.”Another declared: “How is he a Marseille legend?”One noted: “Says everything about Marseille this.”Another added: “Joe been watching ‘Allo ‘Allo all week.” More