Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Man Utd were forced into nightmare journey back from Fulham with miserable stars arriving in Manchester at 1.30am

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED stars had to be driven back home by coach after their Premier League match at Fulham.United defeated the Cottagers 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Lisandro Martinez’s winner at Craven Cottage.Manuel Ugarte was visibily upset after Manchester United’s hellacious trip backCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAlejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo had to endure a three-and-a-half-hour coach trip back to ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRasmus Hojlund saw Man Utd’s flight back from London getting cancelledCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMatthijs de Ligt and co couldn’t board the plane due to problems with the airlineCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Red Devils were scheduled to fly back to Manchester Airport but the flight was cancelled.Problems with the airline meant going back home by plane was no longer an option.And so Man Utd had to endure a THREE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR coach journey to Manchester.Ruben Amorim’s men faced Fulham at 7pm and the manager finished his post-match press conference at about 9.40pm.Read More on Man UtdThe team arrived back at Manchester Airport at about 1.30AM to get on their cars that they had parked nearby anticipating a flight back.Some players, such as Manuel Ugarte, seemed visibly frustrated after the horrendous ordeal.United are training on Monday despite the horrible journey, but have Tuesday off.Amorim will hold practice again on Wednesday morning before the three-hour flight to Romania.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThat is where they will take on FCSB on Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash as they look to seal a place in the top eight.That leads straight to the Last 16, which is quite important for United amid their ongoing woes in the Premier League.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’The Red Devils have plunged down to 12th place in the table, which means winning the Europa League poses as their best chance of gaining Champions League qualification next season.The club has dealt with off-field woes as well with fans furious following the rise in ticket prices.That led to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust issuing an open letter to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warning him about the negative effects of that decision.MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Erling Haaland is currently most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 22 despite prolific form

      by

      ERLING HAALAND (£7.9m) is currently the most transferred-out player ahead Gameweek 22.Even during rare fallow spells it’s rare for Dream Team managers to turn their backs on Manchester City’s prolific striker so it may seem utterly perplexing why his popularity is dipping now he’s back among the most in-form players in the game.Allow us to explain.Replacing Haaland is fraught with risk but perfectly logicalCredit: Dream TeamFirstly, it’s important to note that Haaland has quietly regained his best form in recent outings.The Norwegian poacher scored one and assisted another for a 15-point haul as Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat Chelsea 3-1 on Sunday.This followed a profitable Gameweek 20 when he scored against both Ipswich and PSG for a combined return of 21 points.At the time of writing, only Justin Kluivert (£3.6m) and Alexander Isak (£6.1m) have taken more points than Haaland from their last three outings.More broadly, goals in three consecutive games means the big No9 now has 24 in all competitions, the outright highest tally in the game.Haaland has banked 36 points in his last three outingsCredit: GettyClearly, Dream Team bosses are not ditching Haaland due to form issues.The reason he has already been removed from a few thousand teams is because of the schedule.Most read in FootballMan City have just one fixture to fulfil in Gameweek 22 and a difficult one on paper in the form of Arsenal at the Emirates – the Gunners are the only team yet to lose a home game in the top flight this campaign.Naturally, gaffers will be more interested in the four teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 22 because of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs: Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle.Isak will be a popular recruit for Gameweek 22Credit: ReutersSuch is Haaland’s pedigree, he may well breach Mikel Arteta’s defence and continue his prosperous form but the decision to replace him with a forward with better prospects in Gameweek 22 is an understandable one.Mohamed Salah (£8m), Cody Gakpo (£4.7m), Son Heung-min (£5m), Kai Havertz (£4.7m) and the aforementioned Isak all have 180+ points to their name plus two fixtures in the diary for Gameweek 22.And that’s just the forwards, Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) are among the strong midfield options prior to the next deadline.City assets will be popular again if they make the Champions League play-offsCredit: GettyOne thing to note is that while Man City currently have just one fixture scheduled for Gameweek 23 (against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup) that will change if they can secure a place in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs – a win at home to Club Brugge on Wednesday will do the trick.Should that come to pass, Guardiola’s side will play the first leg of the play-off in Gameweek 23 and the second leg in Gameweek 24.So why Haaland may disappear from a few teams this week, the shoe might be on the other foot soon enough.Plus, Gameweek 21 isn’t done yet with six fixtures still to complete – things can change very quickly in the world of Dream Team.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m not quite sure what he was doing’ – Harry Kane and Eric Dier make Bundesliga history but striker confused by pal

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH star Harry Kane and Eric Dier made Bundesliga history by registering a famous goal.Kane, 31, and Dier, 31, go way back as they burst onto the scene during their time at Tottenham where they played together for nine years.Bayern Munich stars Harry Kane and Eric Dier made Bundesliga history togetherCredit: GettyKane and Dier became the first ever English players to combine for a Bundesliga goalCredit: GettyNow the England duo are playing at Bayern and have proven that their chemistry is still very much alive and well.So much so that the two pals made history on Saturday’s 2-1 win at Freiburg.Kane and Dier became the first ever English players to combine for a goal in the Bundesliga since records began in the 2004-05 season.The England captain opened the scoring after just 15 minutes when the defender collected the ball on the right flank and fed his former Tottenham team-mate.Read More on FootballThe star striker poked fun at Dier during his post-match interview claiming he was confused to see him playing so far up the pitch.Kane said: “I’m not quite sure what he was doing in that position in the first place. “Me and Eric are really good friends and it’s good to see him on the pitch.”He’s not played a lot this season but whenever he’s come in he’s done really well. Eric was rock solid again [against Freiburg]. Most read in BundesligaBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”I’m delighted for him that he picked up an assist and it was nice that it fell to me.”Kim Min-jae sealed the three points for Bayern just nine minutes into the second half.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starFreiburg hit back with Matthias Ginter in the 68th minute but the visitors held on and are now top of the table with six points separating them from second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. More

    • 238 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Funniest thing I’ve seen’ – Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace

      by

      ARSENAL fans think they’ve spotted Leandro Trossard making a “hilarious” comment about referee Michael Oliver during the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.Oliver has been the subject of much chatter since the match after controversially sending off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. Micheal Oliver showed Joao Gomes a yellow card for delaying the restart on SaturdayCredit: RexLeandro Trossard was approached Gomes to seemingly make a comment about OliverCredit: XTrossard appeared to say ‘that’s what he did to me’Credit: XBut it was his first yellow card to Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes that had Trossard passing comment on the Premier League official.Gomes, who was ultimately sent off for a second yellow card offence in the second half, was booked for delaying the restart in the first half.And Arsenal star Trossard was quick to try and intervene while the Brazilian protested his innocence to Micheal Oliver.Gomes was hoping to talk his way out of the booking, but Trossard reminded the 23-year-old that he had suffered the same fate against Man City earlier in the season.READ MORE ON ARSENALA clip of the Belgian forward appeared to show him saying to Gomes: “That’s what he did to me”.Trossard was sent off against Man City back in September after receiving a second yellow card for delaying the restart.Arsenal fans were loving their star’s hark back to the 2-2 draw and reacted on social media.One wrote: “Funniest thing I’ve seen today”.Most read in FootballLeandro Trossard was sent off by Michael Oliver after a second yellow card for delaying the restart against Man City this seasonCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “Trossard is low-key hilarious”.A third joked: “He said, ‘welcome to the club bro’.” Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardAnd a fourth posted: “I’m still laughing at this clip the next day”.Oliver would later send off 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip some 90-yards from the Arsenal box, sparking fury from former players and pundits across the football world.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed he was “fuming” about the decision, but remained calm enough to suggest that he won’t be complaining.Arteta told reporters that he hopes that an appeal won’t even be necessary and that the PGMOL will overturn the decision themselves as they did with Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham earlier in the season.Ian Wright claimed that the refereeing in the Premier League is “nowhere near it” in a video on social media.While Match of the Day host Mark Chapman claimed the red card was “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Alan Shearer blasted it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”He said: “As a referee, you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect.”How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen is beyond me.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off by Michael Oliver against Wolves on SaturdayCredit: PALewis-Skelly was dismissed for a foul on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver’s decision. No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”And BBC Five Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Even ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. Jheez lol”.While the comments on social media from fans went too far, with the PGMOL releasing a statement revealing Oliver had been subject to death threats and “abhorrent abuse”.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham confirm Ange Postecoglou WILL take press conference on Wednesday in huge hint on future

      by

      TOTTENHAM have dropped a huge hint that Ange Postecoglou WILL be in charge for their next game.The Spurs boss is under huge pressure amid a disastrous run of just one Premier League win in their last ten games. Ange Postecoglou is set to be in charge for Spurs’ next gameCredit: PAFans directed anger at club chiefs during yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to LeicesterCredit: GettyHis side’s next clash is against Elfsborg in the Europa League on Thursday. And the club have confirmed to SunSport that Postecoglou will be in front of the media at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.Spurs sit sixth in the Europa League table and a win against their Swedish opponents guarantees their spot in the Round of 16. Tottenham’s cup performances have taken some pressure off the under-fire boss, with them a goal up heading into the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool next Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in the Prem, they are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.There were boos from supporters and protests at chief Daniel Levy during yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester that left Postecoglou clinging onto his job.He also confronted a fan with a fierce death stare after a supporter shouted at him: “You’re taking us down. We’re going down with you.”Sacking the 59-year-old Aussie would reportedly cost the club £12million due to him having two-and-a-half years left on his £5m-a-year contract.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen asked if he reckons he will still be in a job for much longer, Postecoglou said: “Who knows. I reckon there is probably a fair chunk that will say no. “When you are the manager of a football club you can be very vulnerable and isolated. I don’t feel that.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou shows his dissagpointment after defeat to Leicester “I feel like this group of players are giving everything for the club. I have a group of staff that is really committed. I focus on that.”I have felt all along that the players are still very committed to what we’re doing. “That’s important to me, because I firmly believe in it.“This is as low as we’ve been so far this year but I still think that in these last three months we can do something really special and these players believe that.”On the defeat to Leicester, he said: “It hurts a lot. The players gave everything again. “We are going to look at a lot of things, but in terms of effort I can’t ask anymore of this group, things just didn’t go our way today.”I know it will turn. We’ll get some players back, we were short again today but in the next couple of weeks there’s some really important players coming back that I know will help this group.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Champions League star Radja Nainggolan arrested in investigation into cocaine smuggling as police raid 30 houses

      by

      RADJA NAINGGOLAN has been arrested as part of an investigation into smuggling cocaine, according to reports. The 30-cap Belgian midfielder, 36, joined second-tier Lokeren-Temse in his homeland last Tuesday. Radja Nainggolan was arrested on suspicion of smuggling cocaine days after his Lokeren-Temse debutCredit: RexThe footballer had been open about struggles with drink and smokingCredit: instagram @sena_asbhoelNainggolan marked his debut on Friday by scoring an Olympic goal directly from a corner to rescue a 1-1 draw.However, reports in Belgium on Monday morning revealed the former Roma and Inter Milan star was detained by police as part of an investigation into smuggling drugs from South America via the port of Antwerp.Approximately 30 houses were raided in the areas of Antwerp and Brussels as part of the sting. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office said: “The federal judicial police of Brussels carried out thirty house searches on Monday morning in the context of a file from the Organized Crime department of the Brussels public prosecutor’s office. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The house searches mainly took place in the province of Antwerp and in Brussels.”The investigation concerns suspected facts of importing cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium.”We can confirm that the footballer RN (Radja Nainggolan) was deprived of his liberty in the context of that case. “Given that the interrogations are currently underway, and in compliance with the principle of presumption of innocence, no further comment will be made at this stage.”Most read in FootballGVA in Belgium added that Nainggolan’s lawyer Omar Souidi is on his way to support his client.The report also states that the footballer had his Smart Brabus car towed away amid the house search in Antwerp on Monday. ‘Smashed’ Radja Nainggolan causes stir with Instagram live video of him drinking and smoking on New Year’s EveHis new club confirmed their star signing missed training and will miss Tuesday’s match – but was ineligible anyway because it was a rearranged match from earlier in the season.Lokeren-Temse said: “Since the investigation is still ongoing, the police services do not want to and cannot make any further comment. “They respect the principle of presumption of innocence.”As a club, we agree with this. We can only confirm that the player was absent from training this morning.”Nainggolan, who scored at Euro 2016, has had a chequered career with various controversial moments and has openly admitted his struggles with alcohol and smoking. In 2017, he had his driving license withdrawn after driving at four times the legal alcohol limit. The four-time Serie A team of the year star then made headlines when he went live on Instagram on New Year’s Eve the same year drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and swearing.The next day he apologised for his behaviour and admitted he “overdid it a bit” and “did not intend to set a negative example”.In 2018, Nainggolan reportedly lost hundreds of thousands of euros at a Monte Carlo casino and then was mugged by thieves who stole passbooks and cheques for €150,000 (£126,000). The midfielder was banned indefinitely by Antwerp in 2022 for vaping on the bench with an e-cigarette – a week after another arrest for driving offences. ‘NOT ASHAMED’Nainggolan had a brief stint at SPAL in 2023 – where he declared he could take to the field after 20 shots the night before.Sporting director Walter Sabatini claimed the midfielder could play after eight shots.But the footballer said: “Sabatini? I called him and told him that eight shots weren’t enough… I can also drink 20 and then I go out on the pitch anyway.“He loves me, he’s always advised me to have a quieter life. He thinks I would have a better career. But I don’t agree, on the pitch I gave it my all.“As a boy I suffered, my family was poor, I made great sacrifices to become a footballer. And now, I don’t give up living, also because nature has given me a body that isn’t affected by the shenanigans I’ve done.“Everywhere I did shenanigans. At Roma I arrived late, there were videos in which I was not very lucid in the evening and then that famous New Year’s Eve at my house…. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.“Maybe that was the craziest night. Well, my videos drunk, smoking and saying words out of place went around the world. I was attacked by everyone, Roma went on a rampage. And they were right.”On his smoking habits, Nainggolan added during his Roma spell: “I’m not ashamed because I smoke and I’ve never hidden this habit of mine.”I know I should set a good example, I have kids… But I’m just a footballer, I do my job. Everyone knows that I smoke and I can’t hide it, but I’m not ashamed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, between his time at SPAL and joining Lokeren-Temse this month, Nainggolan played ten league games for Bhayangkara – a team based in South Jakarta run by the Indonesian police. Nainggolan has two daughters, Aysha and Mailey, with wife Claudia Lai, who overcame a cancer diagnosis in 2019.Nainggolan won Serie A with Inter Milan in 2020-21Credit: GettyHe starred for Belgium at Euro 2016Credit: Reuters More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Annie Kilner ‘p***ed off’ at Kyle Walker over shocking gaffe in Italy move – as pair locked in rows over Lauryn Goodman

      by

      ANNIE Kilner was “p***ed off” at Kyle Walker over a shocking choice made amid his Italy move, a source claimed.The long-suffering wife and mum-of-four was due to fly out to see the England defender, 34, unveiled to the AC Milan fans.Annie Kilner was ‘p***ed off’ at Kyle Walker over a shocking choice made amid his Italy moveCredit: Paul Edwards – Commissioned by The SunThe mum-of-four showed of her new hairdo after she pulled out of joining her hubbyCredit: annievkilner/InstagramKyle, on loan from Man City, reportedly blocked Lauryn from renting the £2.4million Sussex pad he ownsCredit: GettyBut the 31-year-old stayed at home amid a row with Kyle, over his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.The footballer’s choice to fly his mates over before Annie is also understood to have fuelled tensions.In reported retaliation, Annie showed off her figure in a silver bikini top while partying with friends instead of jetting out to see her hubby.One source said: “Annie was supposed to go on Friday but Storm Eowyn put it back until Saturday.“Then a row over Lauryn and her future plans blew up and Annie did a full 180.”She was also p***ed off he flew his friends out before her.“So she went on a girls’ night out and posted the pictures as a big ‘f*** you’.”Annie filed for divorce last August and wants half of his £27million fortune.Most read in FootballBut now she is now set to move to Milan with Walker, in a bid to re-kindle their marriage.The hope is to start afresh by moving away from Cheshire – and Lauryn Goodman — the mother of two of his children.Kyle Walker takes England legend’s old shirt number after completing ‘incredible’ AC Milan loan transferThe source added: “Annie still expects to join him and says it’s to keep the family together, but they are still very much heading towards a divorce.”There are those around them that think the distance between them at the moment is the best thing all round. Kyle already seems a lot happier in Italy.”Another source told The Sun: “Annie has made it clear to friends she is making the move to Italy for the sake of her family, telling them, ‘I’m doing it for the boys’.”Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle’s sex scandals and drama with Lauryn is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.”It’s been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.The insider added: “Annie is still intent on going through with the divorce, which Kyle won’t oppose, but the longer they remain together, the more chance they have of eventually reconciling against the odds.“Kyle accepts that he is taking his problems with him and won’t ever escape what he has done.“This is an opportunity for him to get some breathing space and for the couple to work out their next steps.”Meanwhile, friends of the Walker family have expressed concerns Lauryn will follow the footballer for the sake of their kids — Kairo, four, and one-year-old ­Kinara.But a source claimed Annie feels “terrorised” by the long and bitter feud. Kyle allegedly blocked Lauryn from renting out her £2.4million Sussex pad, which he owns, to stop her moving abroad.The insider added: “They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape Lauryn.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Because of what he’s done, she is going to be in their lives for a long time to come and there’s nothing they can do about it.“It’s all Annie thinks about. She feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do next.”Annie was due to fly out with their four kids to see Kyle unveiled to the AC Milan fansCredit: GettyFriends of the Walker family have expressed concerns Lauryn will follow the footballerCredit: instagramKylie pictured chatting with ex-AC Milan star Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Lisandro Martinez and Adama Traore’s heated feud as Fulham star carries on row after defeat to Man Utd

      by

      THE HEATED feud between Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore continues.Martinez, 27, and Traore, 29, locked horns in Sunday’s Premier League clash between United and the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore extended their rivalryCredit: APMartinez trolled Traore in August when he overpowered him in their first meetingCredit: PATraore caught wind of Martinez’s comments and vowed revengeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/adamatrd37/It was the second meeting between the two teams after August’s Prem opener at Old Trafford that saw Man Utd prevail 1-0 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s winner.Martinez and Traore were locked in some intense challenges on the pitch during that season opening fixture.At some point the centre-back’s 5’9″ frame somehow managed to overpower his heavyweight Fulham opponent.The Argentina international went on to rub it in with a cheeky statement during a post-match interview.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, who’s nicknamed ‘The Butcher’, said: “I sent him back to the gym. I learned from the first one where he killed me, I killed him back. He is difficult to play against and I learned from the first situation.”Traore caught wind of the Argentine’s comments and hit back on social media.The winger posted a pic of himself training and tagged Martinez with an ominous warning and a winky-face emoji.Traore posted: “Don’t worry we will meet again.”Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe ex-Wolves star kept his promise as he got the better of some intense challenges with Martinez during Sunday’s meeting.Things looked at risk of boiling over when Martinez went in two footed on his much larger opponent.Fulham boss Marco Silva regrets ‘cruel’ loss to Man Utd Bizarrely, it was Martinez who crumpled to the floor following the dangerous tackle.Traore took a swipe out of the defender on social media after the match by sharing a cheeky snap.It showed the forward walking back to his half with the Man Utd ace left on the floor writhing in pain following the clash between them.Traore posted the following casual caption on Instagram: “Tough loss. We deserved more, but we will keep working hard and improving.”Nevertheless, Martinez got the last laugh during the latest chapter of their saga as he scored the winner on 78 minutes to lead United to an important 1-0 victory in west London.Martinez celebrates after his winning goal gave Man Utd a 1-0 winCredit: GettyMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. More