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      Pep Guardiola rages at Kevin De Bruyne fallout rumours with star still benched amid Man City crisis

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      PEP GUARDIOLA hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne.The Belgian, 33, was out of the Manchester City side for two months with a groin injury but only made the bench for the last five matches.Pep Guardiola hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De BruyneCredit: ReutersWhen left out of the starting line-up in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher said it was “sad” and “something isn’t right between those two”.But sarcastic Guardiola snapped: “People say I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin?“No, I don’t want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third — I don’t want it!“Yes, I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPundit Gary Neville had claimed it was “bizarre and strange” to see KDB benched at Anfield.The ex-Manchester United star argued “something is definitely going on in the dressing room”.While Gary Lineker and former City defender Micah Richards also felt there could be an issue.But De Bruyne said last week that he was struggling as he felt pain when he kicked the ball due to his niggling problem.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Belgian spent much of the last two seasons on the treatment table.And ahead of hosting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, boss Guardiola says he cannot afford to rush him back — even though he is “desperate” to play him.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalThe Spaniard explained: “He has delivered to me the biggest success to this club.“But De Bruyne was injured for five months last season — and two months injured.“Like last season, it’s step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have him back to his best.”De Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitness — with his manager saying he took a big step forward in recent days.But Guardiola warned his return to the starting line-up will not solve all City’s problems after an extraordinary run of six defeats in seven matches.He added: “I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He’d love it, too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.“But you think I’m complaining for that? It’s just normal — it’s nature. He has played ten or 11 seasons of football with a lot of games.“I know he is desperate to help us — he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have.“But always I have said, he himself will not solve our problems.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Bruyne will be hoping to play some part as City look to halt their slump against Forest.Asked if the veteran was ready, Guardiola said: “He’s closer and getting better. The last few days was even better.”De Bruyne has only made the bench for the last five City matchesCredit: EPADe Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitnessCredit: Manchester City FC More

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      Incredible stats show telepathy between Saka and Odegaard, now Arteta wants them to emulate two legends of the game

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      MIKEL ARTETA has challenged Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to become Arsenal’s very own Andres Iniesta and Xavi.The Gunners skipper and playmaker Odegaard has forged a telepathic relationship with winger Saka down the right side of the pitch over the past few seasons – their side’s primary goal-scoring source.Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are a key duo for Mikel Arteta’s ArsenalCredit: GettyBarcelona’s Xavi and Andres Iniesta were one of the game’s great partnershipsCredit: GettyIn fact, since Odegaard returned from a two month lay-off with an ankle ligament injury last month, 51.4 per cent of their chances have been created down the right flank – the highest in the Prem.In their 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on November 23, they shared 36 passes between each other – the second highest combo between two players, excluding defenders, this term.And last season, they created 40 open play chances for each other in the Prem, passing to each other 322 times.Excluding centre backs, only Manchester City’s Rodri and Mateo Kovacic produced more.read more arsenalThe stats are there, but the trophies for Arsenal under Arteta – as of yet – are not, something that Barcelona legends Iniesta and Xavi collected at an alarming rate during their careers.Together at the Nou Camp, to name a few, they won seven La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.Alongside star names like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Neymar, that midfield duo were the threads that knitted everyone together – the consistent, reliable catalysts that kept Pep Guardiola’s Barca on the right track for European glory and historic Trebles year after year.This is what Arteta eyes for both Odegaard, 25, and Saka, 23 as the North Londoners aim to finally end their 20-year wait for a Prem title – especially with a mountain to climb this term currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAhead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United, when asked if he has seen a better relationship between two players, boss Arteta – a former Barca academy product – said: “Yes. I always think about Barcelona with Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. It was unbelievable.“They didn’t even need to look at each other.“Our two centre backs [William Saliba and Gabriel] naturally there is a chemistry there that is unbelievable.“So, we try to develop those more and more because there is something there that is very difficult to put a number to it.“But it’s close in a natural way and the more relationships you have make the team the better.”Arteta welcomes Ruben Amorim, 39, to the Emirates just weeks after the Portuguese coach took charge of Manchester United – drawing one and winning two of his first three games in charge in all competitions.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait Also in his late thirties when he arrived at his first job in the English football, Arteta knows what it takes to hit the ground running at a big club with results that demand patience and earn respect.Having been hired by Arsenal in December 2019 as a 37-year-old, asked what lessons he had for Amorim, Arteta – now 42 – explained: “How unpredictable the job is.“I jumped into a new job in the middle of the season in very special circumstances socially. Then we got hit by COVID.“You can plan whatever you want but football brings different things and you have to deal with it. Take it as it comes and deal with it.“But you can see his fingerprints [at United] in what he wants to do straight away. He’s been very clear with what he wants to do. What he did with Sporting Lisbon was remarkable after so many years.“Especially the way he did it and the way his teams are playing. It brings energy to a new club and the players which is always positive. But we have to focus on what we’re doing.”On whether United – currently 15 points off Liverpool – can still challenge for the title, Arteta added: “We are still very early in the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Any team that has got the capacity to put five or six wins in a row is going to be up there because it is so tough and you see very week how the teams are struggling to maintain winning, winning and winning.“So, I think anything I possible.” More

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      Reading owner sued for £10m by ex-EFL chief after takeover bid collapsed despite lending League One side £5m

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      READING have been hit with a £10.3million compensation claim by former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig.The American lawyer told SunSport he lodged a claim in the High Court against Renhe Sports Management — the company through which Chinese businessman Dai Yongge owns Reading.Rob Couhig is seeking £800,000 in costs and £9.5m in potential lost profits after Dai Yongge withdrewCredit: RexCouhig is seeking £800,000 in costs and £9.5m in potential lost profits after Yongge withdrew from a £30m agreement to sell the League One club in September.After agreeing a purchase price last summer, Couhig lent the Royals around £5m to help with running costs.All the paperwork required to seal the deal was completed — other than Yongge’s signature.And Couhig was stunned to receive an email from the club in September telling him the deal was off.Read More on FootballYongge went on to enter exclusive negotiations with another buyer, whose identity has never been revealed.RSM have been approached for comment.Couhig insisted he had the interests of the League One club’s boss Ruben Selles and his squad at heart.He added: “I would much rather do a deal to take over the club than win these damages.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I really want the club to transact before January so we can get down to business. But no one at Reading has had the courtesy to pick up the phone to me and say, ‘We don’t like X, we want Y’.“I made it clear from day one I am not a bank. I was only lending them money to buy the club.Reading fans are angry as owner sells training ground to EFL rivals Wycombe “I feel terrible for Ruben and the boys.“I’ve tried not to be a distraction, which is why I’ve not said anything.“But enough is enough. I’m at my wits’ end and had to act.”Couhig has insisted all along his offer remains on the table.Ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee revealed Yongge has also rejected his bid to buy the club. More

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      Lionel Messi set to be edged out for MVP award by Premier League flop, 34, topping MLS goalscoring charts

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      LIONEL MESSI is set to be edged out for the MLS’ coveted MVP award by a Premier League flop who has topped the scoring charts.Messi enjoyed a stunning season in America with Inter Miami, helping his side finish top of the Eastern Conference.Lionel Messi could miss out on the MLS’s MVP award to a Premier League flopCredit: GettyThe Argentina captain also helped himself to 20 goals throughout the campaign.And he even bagged 16 assists along the way as well.However, it’s reckoned that Messi could miss out on the coveted MVP award, which is handed to the MLS’ best player.Inter Miami were expected to cruise to the league’s Cup final, where the ultimate winner of the season is decided.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut David Beckham’s franchise crashed out early in the knockouts, suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Atlanta United.It means the final will be contested by LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.And that could see Messi fail to land the MVP award.Instead, it’s reckoned that Christian Benteke could end up winning it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Belgian striker is best known by Premier League fans for spells at Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.Benteke netted 49 goals in 101 games for the latter.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunnedChristian Benteke is the top scorer in the MLS this seasonCredit: AlamyThe Belgian played for Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Aston VillaCredit: GettyBut his barren year at Liverpool resulted in just 10 goals from 42 matches.And at Palace, he only managed 37 goals in 177 outings.Yet Benteke has managed to finish top of the leaderboard for goals scored in the MLS this term.The hitman bagged 23 goals for DC United, who he joined from Palace in 2022.They only managed a 10th place finish in the Eastern Conference.And without Benteke’s goals, DC may very well have finished bottom of the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs a result, his contribution could be viewed in some quarters as more valuable than Messi’s, which occurred in a better team which ultimately underachieved.And it now remains to be seen if Benteke does scoop the award ahead of Messi, whose Inter Miami side will be part of Thursday’s draw for next summer’s Club World Cup. More

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      Leicester 3 West Ham 1: Van Nistelrooy triumphs in first game in charge but Lopetegui one step closer to Hammers axe

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      THE more things change the more they stay the same – as long as Jamie Vardy is around.The 37-year got Ruud van Nistelrooy’s reign off to the perfect start with a second minute opener – the SIXTH time he has got a new Foxes boss off the mark.Ruud Van Nistelrooy got off to winning ways as Leicester bossCredit: GettyJulen Lopetegui faces the West Ham sackCredit: RexVardy also christened Claudio Ranieri, Craig Shakespeare, Claude Puel, Brendan Rodgers, Steve Cooper’s Leicester careers with their opening goals.Van Nistelrooy will thank his luck that he has Vardy and Julen Lopetegui will curse his that he doesn’t have a Hammers equivalent.His side bossed much of this game yet couldn’t put away a string of chances and long before full-time disgusted Hammers fans were singing: “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” at their Spanish boss.Van Nistelrooy was able to celebrate a second half clincher from Bilal El Khannouss and it could have been even worse had sub Bobby De Codova-Reid’sphantom ‘third goal’ not been disallowed by a narrow VAR offside call.READ MORE IN football Van Nistelrooy received a warm rather than rapturous reception from his new support.It was as if Leicester fans were cautiously weighing him up before deciding whether they were having him or not.Van Nistelrooy looked a little lost as the applause and cheers soon faded – so he ended up reaching out and shaking the paw of club mascot Filbert Fox!Yet incredibly, less than two minutes later the Dutchman was punching the air in delight as his players gave him the perfect welcome with a speedy goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLeicester worked the ball neatly down the left then played it inside to Bilal El Khannouss who looked up and spotted Jamie Vardy haring off.He slid the ball through for the veteran to chase and the 37-year-old sprinted clear of West Ham’s high defence to race through on goal.As Lukasz Fabianski advanced Vardy kept his cool to clip a right footer around the Polish goalie to find the far corner of the net.The celebrations were initially cut short by a flag raised by far-side assistant ref Marc Perry, who reckoned Vardy was offside.However the official made the same mistake as the Hammers ridiculously high back-line – they simply didn’t give enough respect to Vardy’s pace.After a lengthy VAR check it became clear that Konstantinos Mavrapanos’s trailing leg had played Vardy onside and the goal was given to a huge roar from home fans as Van Nistelrooy applauded.Whatever Leicester boss is in charge it doesn’t take them long to appreciate Vardy’s worth.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring for LeicesterCredit: GettyVardy celebrates his openerCredit: PAIncredibly the 37-year-old has now scored the first goal for SIX different Leicester managers among his 195 club goals.The old Fox almost added a second six minutes later when he raced onto a Victor Kristiansen pass but this time Fabianski managed to stay big and deflect his shot into the side netting.Things looked bleak for under pressure Hammers boss Lopetegui but in fairness his players rallied for him.They absolutely dominated the rest of the half as they peppered Mads Hermansen’s goals with 20 shots to Leicester’s three by half-time.But the thin blue line held firm.Jarrod Bowen curled a shot around Kristiansen but Hermansen reacted brilliantly to beat it away.Then Danny Ings header deflected off James Justin but bounced off the post before Vestergaard hurled himself in front of Kilman to block his rebound.West Ham fans then celebrated an equaliser – only to be mocked by Leicester fans who could see Soucek’s header had rippled the side net.Bilal El Khannouss doubled Leicester’s leadCredit: GettyEl Khannouss celebrates his goalCredit: GettyBowen’s centre then found no takers before the England winger brought out more heroics from Hermansen who thwarted him again.Somehow Leicester made it to the break with their lead intact.They continued to ride their luck after the restart as Hermansen produced more heroics to claw a deflected Kudus shot over.West Ham thought they had levelled after 58 minutes when sub Crysencio Summerville’s skied effort was missed by Hermansen and dropped behind him into the Leicester net.But referee Josh Smith reckoned Tomas Soucek had impeded the goalie and VAR agreed – although it was hard not to sympathise with Hammers fans who reckoned they had been robbed.Their miserable night was completed when the Foxes wrapped up the points with a sucker punch break.Kasey McAteer picked out El Khannouss in the box and the Moroccan international steered a right footer beyond Fabianski.Lopetegui’s night was summed up when Summerville touched a Bowen cutback beyond Harmansen, only to be denied by Conor Coady who toes the ball off the line.As West Ham crumbled Patson Daka sprinted clear of the Hammers’ snail-paced defence to lash home a third.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt sealed a perfect start for Van Nistelrooy but could well mark the end for Lopetegui.Not even a stoppage time header from Niclas Fullkrug is likely to save the Spaniard now.Patson Daka got a third for the FoxesCredit: RexDaka wrapped up all three pointsCredit: RexNiclas Fullkrug pulled one back for West HamCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd star Luke Shaw posts heartbreaking injury update with defender set for ANOTHER spell on the sidelines

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setback that has left him “absolutely devastated”.Shaw, 29, had just returned to action late last month following a lengthy spell in the sidelines due to problems with his knee and calf.Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setbackCredit: GettyShaw issued a heartbreaking message to Man Utd fans regarding his latest injury blowCredit: Instagram @lukeshaw23Shaw had just returned to action for Man Utd after a previous bout with injuryCredit: PAThe full-back made three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness.However, the England international suffered another minor injury after the weekend.Shaw issued a heartbreaking message to fans outlining the painful impact this devastating setback has had on him.The defender vowed to come back stronger as soon as possible to help United.Read More on Man UtdShaw posted on Instagram: “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.”I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.”I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time..”But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAccording to Manchester Evening News, Shaw suffered a muscle injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks.That means new Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim will be without the left-back against Arsenal.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’The Red Devils face the Gunners on Wednesday at the Emirates in a crunch Premier League clash.Under Amorim, the Manchester giants are undefeated with two wins in his first three matches in charge.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Ipswich 0 Crystal Palace 1: Mateta the match-winner as Eagles soar clear of Prem new-boys in basement battle

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA delivered a finish to warm Crystal Palace hearts on a bitterly cold night.The French striker’s clipped goal, teed up by Eberechi Eze, secured a crucial second win of the season at Portman Road.Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winner at IpswichCredit: PAIt is Palace’s first victory in over a month, lifting the Eagles three points clear of danger ahead of a horror run.Oliver Glasner was not in the last chance saloon when it came to his job but with Manchester City, Brighton and Arsenal up before Christmas the Austrian will have known a result was desperately needed.At the end of last season Glasner would have looked at a run like this and licked his lips, ready to defy some doubters and bloody the noses of rivals and big clubs.But this side are still such a long way from the one which ended the last campaign with six wins from seven games.READ MORE IN footballMateta’s return to the scoresheet with his fine finish after five games without a goal is welcome.But the Eagles still lack real pace and danger in the final third.Eberechi Eze always offers something and was creative again at Portman Road, while summer signing Ismaila Sarr has flashes of inspiration. But it is not enough.It seems unlikely that this result will spark a run away from the relegation scrap just yet, but when the competition is so poor each point is even more precious.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIpswich, then, will sense somewhat of a missed chance and must continue their wait for a first Premier League home win for 22 years.Kieran McKenna’s side are full of pace and endeavour but lack composure when it matters most.It took over half an hour for the first shot on target of a drab opening 45 minutes to materialise.Both sides had threatened good football but neither had managed it – a sign of why both are in trouble – until Mateta fed Eze on the break.The England man broke through one-on-one but his tame finish was straight at keeper Arijanet Muric.Dean Henderson had been having an equally quiet evening at the other end, until the final moments of the first half when Harry Clarke met a corner at the near post which found the keeper’s midriff.Glasner hooked Cheick Doucoure, a red card in waiting, for Jefferson Lerma at the break and Palace looked improved after the restart – soon nudging ahead.Ipswich had not had much to deal with in the first half but struggled when the Eagles finally posed a threat.Eze found space inside the Town half and was allowed plenty of time to roll a ball through to Mateta.The Frenchman easily shrugged off a tumbling Jacob Greaves and dinked a fine left-footed finish over Muric.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateta should have had a second minutes later when, again fed by Eze, he saw a low shot denied by the Ipswich keeper.McKenna made a trio of changes to try and liven things up and one of those, Nathan Broadhead, came close to turning a Greaves header in at the far post but the ball hit the post and ricocheted behind off him.Mateta’s opener was enough to separate the sidesCredit: ReutersIt gave Palace breathing space above the Prem dropCredit: PA More

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      Premier League clubs circling for European star who ripped Man City to shreds during stunning Champions League comeback

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      FEYENOORD striker Anis Hadj Moussa is emerging as a January target for Prem clubs.Algeria international Moussa, 22, is in his first season in Rotterdam after a £3million move from Belgian second-tier side Patro Eisden.Leicester and Tottenham are eyeing Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa, who impressed Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyMoussa stood out during Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester CityCredit: PAParis-born Moussa, a left-footed right winger, was outstanding as the Dutch side came back from three down to extend Manchester City’s winter misery in last week’s Champions League draw.Feyenoord sporting director Dennis te Kloese went up to the wideman in the Etihad tunnel at the end of the match and joked: “You’re no longer part of our team. Go to City’s dressing room, I’ve sold you to them.”And now Moussa is attracting interest from a host of Prem clubs seeking a January upgrade when the transfer window opens – with Feyenoord ready to sell if they receive offers in the region of £10m. Liverpool boss Arne Slot sanctioned his signing by Feyenoord before he left the club to move to Anfield while Leicester and Tottenham are among other clubs who are tracking him.Read More on FootballMoussa’s agents Mohammed Dahmane and Hamzah Sadiek have flown to the UK to drum up interest in the hope of securing a deal in the next few weeks.City led 3-0 against Feyenoord by the 53rd minute last week at the Etihad with a brace by Erling Haaland and a goal by Ilkay Gundogan.However, Moussa hit back in the 74th minute before Santiago Gimenez made it 3-2 and David Hancko equalised one minute before full-time.City boss Pep Guardiola was absolutely devastated after the match as he appeared for his post-match interview with red scratches on his forehead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat poor result extended the reigning Premier League champions’ winless streak to six, which became seven after Sunday’s loss at Liverpool.Moussa counts a total of four goals in 14 appearances with Feyenoord this season.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyThe forward also has two goals in four Champions League appearances. More