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      Bruno Fernandes takes swipe at Man Utd as he reveals he prefers playing for Portugal and the food is better

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has suggested that he prefers playing for Portugal over Manchester United.The 30-year-old admitted today that United’s current situation is “not positive”.Bruno Fernandes has suggested he prefers playing for PortugalCredit: EPAThe midfielder has endured a difficult start to the season with UnitedCredit: GettyThe Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with just eight points from seven games.They have also managed just two points from two in the Europa League.And the situation was made worse last week when club captain Fernandes received a red card against Porto.Amid the ongoing chaos at Old Trafford, the midfielder now considers international duty with Portugal a nice break away.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “It’s not a positive moment. We’re not winning games and the national team space is completely different.”I’ve felt very at ease, the dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.”It’s a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.”Fernandes went on to add: “It’s about improving as soon as I get there [Manchester].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Making the goals appear again because I’m a midfielder that scores a lot of goals and has over the years always shown a very high level of goals.”I have to live up to those expectations and to my standards. What I’ve been doing is not at all what I want for this season because I haven’t scored at the club yet.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs Tottenham”I hope that once I get there, I can score and help my club get back to winning ways and be at a good level.”Man Utd next face Brentford in the Premier League after the international break. More

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      Premier League set for THREE major broadcast changes with revolutionary new-look features including mid-match interviews

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      THE Premier League is set for THREE major broadcast changes, according to reports. And the new-look features would transform the way fans watch matches on TV.Broadcasters could get extra access to players and managers with new rulesCredit: GettyCameras in the dressing room could provide plenty more insightIt is suggested half-time interviews with a player or coach will be introduced.Interviews with players who have been subbed off and broadcasts inside the dressing room will also be added to the programming. Reports claim clubs must choose one of the three options for each Premier League game. Currently, media access to players is reserved for after matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Sky Sports and TNT Sports usually speak to one or two stars as part of their live broadcast programme – as well as Match of the Day.At least one player from every team is put up to speak to Premier League Productions.For the written press, they are not guaranteed to speak to any players – even though the footballers are obliged to go through the mixed zone.For the managers, though, they must speak to both the broadcast and written media. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGames that are live on TV usually see the pundits and presenter chat to the gaffers ahead of kick-off, too. But access to managers and players has historically been strictly off limits from kick-off to the full-time whistle. Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man UtdHowever, Sky Sports did speak to Marcus Tavernier late on in Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton on September 30. The unprecedented changes would give extra insight while the matches are going on.In other sports such as rugby and NFL, TV cameras have access to the changing rooms and regularly interview stars or coaches on the sidelines to get their verdict on how things are going. And football fans would no doubt relish the additional broadcast changes.One said on X: “It could add some excitement and insight during the matches.”Another wrote: “Interesting changes! It’ll be fun to hear insights right from the pitch!”A third added: “This is beautiful.”A fourth quipped: “United footage from the dressing room is going to hit numbers.”And a fifth joked: “Imagine being 5-0 down at half-time then you see journalists coming your way to ask you questions…”But others felt other changes were more pressing.One suggested: “We need post-match referee interviews before all this other nonsense.”Another replied: “Clubs will likely just send a player out at half-time for a generic interview. ‘Game of two halves’, ‘try and get the next goal’, ‘defend properly’ etc.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third typed: “This ain’t necessary.”And a final user simply responded: “No one wants this.”Extra access to Premier League stars would be a major draw for many fansCredit: Twitter / @footballontntPlayers only currently speak to the media after full-timeCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Referees are going after me because I’m playing in their home and they’re hurt’

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      MARC Cucurella believes English crowds and referees are out to get him – after his exploits at Euro 2024. The Chelsea full-back helped Spain to a 2-1 win over Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in July’s Euros final. Marc Cucurella believes England is still “hurting” after Euro 2024 heartbreakCredit: GettyThe Chelsea full-back has picked up five bookings in just seven games this seasonCredit: AFPThe 26-year-old helped Spain beat England in July’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: ReutersCucurella proved to be a divisive figure in the Spanish camp during their run to glory. German fans roundly booed him throughout the knockout stages after a penalty incident in the quarter-finals.The 26-year-old began the Euros being branded Spain’s “weak link” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.But he had the last laugh, being named in Uefa’s Team of the Tournament and assisting Mikel Oyarzabal’s dramatic late winner against England. READ MORE ON CHELSEAVideo of Cucurella singing during Spain’s raucous celebrations quickly went viral after taming the Three Lions. He stood on top of a table, serenading his teammates with a fan song about drinking beer and besting Man City striker Erling Haaland.Since returning for the new season, Cucurella has made just seven appearances for Chelsea. He has picked up five yellow cards in the process – as well as receiving plenty of lip from the terraces – leaving him convinced the English game holds a grudge.Most read in FootballThe Blues star told Spanish outlet COPE: “You have more impact – people know you more [after winning the Euros]. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Being champion of the Euros is historic and you will always take it with you.“I’ve already been suspended for five yellow cards and I’ve committed [only a] few fouls.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed'”They’re going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away. “It’s normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I’m playing at their home.”It’s normal, they’re hurt.”Cucurella began his career at Barcelona, but failed to break into the first team at the Nou Camp. He forged a career at Getafe before moving to the Premier League in 2021 to join Brighton. Cucurella was filmed dancing and singing following Spain’s historic winCredit: XHis lightning-fast counter-attacks and flowing locks made him an instant cult hero on the South Coast.And the Seagulls made a huge profit on the full-back as Chelsea swooped with a £55million offer in August 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESCucurella picked up his most recent booking in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. He will now miss the Blues Premier League clash with Liverpool on October 20. More

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      Emotional moment England star Dean Henderson stands alone during minute’s silence for former team-mate George Baldock

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      ENGLAND keeper Dean Henderson stood alone during Wembley’s minute’s silence for his former team-mate George Baldock.Baldock was found dead in his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night when he drowned in his swimming pool at the age of 31.Dean Henderson stood alone during the minute’s silence at WembleyGeorge Baldock tragically passed away on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe period of silence was observed at Wembley on Thursday night before Greece claimed a shock 2-1 win over England.Before the match, as the hush descended over the ground, Three Lions keeper Henderson was seen standing on his own.Henderson spent two years with Baldock at Sheffield United during a loan spell from Manchester United.They earned the club promotion to the Premier League in 2019 after finishing second in the Championship.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCKAnd Henderson paid tribute to Baldock prior to the match.Speaking on Instagram, he said: “Devastated to hear the news today.”A friend, great teammate, great player and also a great family man.”Sending all my love to all the family. RIP brother ❤️.”Most read in FootballGeorge Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)ITV pundits Roy Keane and Ian Wright also paid tribute to Baldock ahead of England’s clash with Greece.Wright, 60, worked with Baldock while working as a first-team coach at MK Dons under Karl Robinson.Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England The Arsenal legend said: “Terrible news, shocking news. In this time you cannot help but think about his friends and family, family obviously.”It was devastating news. I spoke to Karl Robinson last night, he was devastated.”Asked what sort of character Baldock was, Wright added: “Hard-working, determined.”Obviously like you mentioned it was down at MK Dons and he was somebody you always thought, the way he applied himself, he was probably going to go to where he wanted to get to, the Premier League.”And he did. Like I say, I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”On how hard it would be for the England and Greece players who knew Baldock, ex-Man Utd captain Keane added: “It will be. It’ll be a big shock to the players of course.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I remember watching a lot of him at Sheffield United, very tenacious, played with huge energy and was always up for a battle.”But the players will have to react, they’re professional. And they’ll have to go out and try to put on a good performance for him.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Chelsea transfer target opens up on failed move and says ‘God didn’t want it’ but admits he was ‘close to signing’

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      CHELSEA transfer target Samu Omodorion reveals he came close to joining in the summer but believes God did not want it to happen.The striker was subject to transfer interest throughout the window and eventually joined Porto on loan from Atletico Madrid.Samu Omorodion has opened up about his failed move to ChelseaCredit: ReutersHe has got off to a good start at his new club with seven goals in seven games, including three in the Europa League.Omorodion, 20, expressed his gratitude to Porto for giving him an opportunity and suggested his proposed move to Chelsea just was not meant to be.He told Spanish outlet RTVE: “I had a very difficult summer.”We had a really bad time because in the end everyone knows that I was close to signing, but it’s true that if it didn’t happen, it was for a reason, because God didn’t want it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m also very grateful to Porto for giving me the opportunity when things looked at their worst, and I’m very happy with where I am now. “I’ve left the past behind and now I’m focused on what’s coming to me.”Chelsea were reported to be interested in securing a deal for Omorodion when they were trying to push through Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico.The Spanish side were in need of cash to sign the midfielder so looked set to sanction a £35million sale of Omodorion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever the move collapsed after Chelsea reportedly tried to buy 50 per cent of Omorodion’s image rights.Omorodion later joined Porto with the Blues signing another Atletico star Joao Felix instead.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squad More

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      What Sir Alex Ferguson ruthlessly told Man Utd stars after Aguero’s iconic goal won Man City the Premier League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has recalled exactly what Sir Alex Ferguson said after rivals Manchester City won the Premier League title back in 2012.City snatched the Prem trophy straight from the hands of Ferguson and Co on a dramatic final day twelve years ago.Man Utd narrowly missed out on the Prem title to Man City in 2012Credit: GettyPhil Jones has opened up about the defeatCredit: EPASir Alex Ferguson was left furiousCredit: Getty – ContributorRio Ferdinand has recalled what the United boss saidCredit: GettyUnited provisionally held the top spot following a 1-0 win over Sunderland – while Roberto Mancini’s side were level at 2-2 with Queens Park Rangers.However, Sergio Aguero scored a last-gasp winner for City to clinch the league title.Man Utd players went from delight to despair within a matter of moments at the Stadium of Light.Recalling the occasion with Ferdinand on his Rio Presents YouTube channel, ex-defender Phil Jones explained: “We’re away at Sunderland, we win the game 1-0. Our game’s finished and I walked off the pitch, and Berber’s [Dimitar Berbatov] gone to me, ‘it’s done, it’s done,’ so I think we’ve done it.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So I’m thinking, we’ve done it, we’ve won the league.”And anyway, as it transpires the game’s not finished. Then, obviously, I can’t even name him, goes and scores and that was it.”The feeling… I’ve never been in a dressing room like that before. Never.”He was then asked about Ferguson’s reaction, to which Ferdinand chimed in to reply: “He said, ‘you experienced players, you’ve run this course, you’ve been here.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”‘But you young ones,’ and he named you, Chris Smalling, Welbs [Danny Welbeck], Clevs [Tom Cleverley] etc.”He went, ‘you listen now and you remember the faces out there,’ because the Sunderland fans were laughing at us and they were cheering when the goal went in.Rio Ferdinand rang Wayne Rooney and asked ‘how are you allowing this-‘ about two Man Utd stars’ behaviour”So he said, ‘you remember their faces, you remember what it’s like and you remember this feeling here, now, the day you come back into pre-season next season. You don’t let that happen again.'”And we won the league the next season.”Man Utd went on to win the Premier League in 2013 to end Ferguson’s 27-year spell as manager on a high. More

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      Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde to marry partner Danny Graham in lavish ceremony hosted at Special One’s £2million farm

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      TORRENTIAL rain looks set to put a dampener on Jose Mourinho’s daughter’s wedding in Portugal tomorrow.Matilde Mourinho and her fiancee Danny Graham are set to tie the knot tomorrow at a family farm in Azeitao near the Fenerbahce football manager’s native city of Setubal with 300 guests expected to attend.Matilde Mourinho is set to marry Danny GrahamShe is the daughter of Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe manager is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfatherCredit: Rex Features300 guests are expected at the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The 28-year-old stunning jewellery designer admitted ahead of the ceremony she was hoping for good weather, saying: “Obviously, I don’t want it to rain.”But her wish for her big day looks set to come unhinged 24 hours before she says: ‘I do.’Weathermen are predicting heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms for tomorrow.A yellow weather warning is currently in place for Setubal and the surrounding area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the positive side the sun is expected to shine on the happy couple for the post-ceremony second day of their weekend celebrations at a country estate in Azeitao called the Herdade do Peru.London-based Matilde, who has been dating her partner since 2016, spoke about her hope the rain would stay away on podcast ‘By Annabelle.’She added: “I am so happy at the idea of having all my friends and family together to celebrate in the same place.“It’s non-negotiable that my friends and family are there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The day can be as perfect as you dream it can be, but if the people who you would want to share it with are not there, then it’s not worth it.”Tomorrow’s event has been dubbed the wedding of the year by Portuguese press.Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde wins award for her jewellery company Mourinho has hinted at getting a tattoo to celebrate having a grandchild when the time comesThe couple have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The guest list has not been released for the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/As well as the official ceremony at the Mourinho family’s POUNDS two million home in Azeitao and Sunday’s post-wedding get-together at Herdade do Peru, a pre-wedding dinner for around 80 guests has also been organised for tonight at the pretty town’s Jose Mario da Fonseca Museum House.An official guest list has not been revealed ahead of the wedding.Graham is not to be confused with former Swansea City star Danny Graham.Matilde’s partner is a director and co-founder of a property consultancy company called “Agace and Graham”.She has also found her own success away from football despite the fame of her father.She graduated with a Master’s degree from Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in 2021.Portuguese TV station CMTV reported earlier this month the Mourinho home in Azeitao is one of several properties he is said to own in Portugal.It had undergone major refurbishments ahead of the wedding so the ceremony could be staged there.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has previously spoken about becoming a grandparent.He admitted that he would add to his trophy tattoos with one to celebrate the birth of a grandchild.He said: “This one I promised everyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The idea was to get a unique tattoo that only I could have: the three European cups won.”The next one I might get if my son or daughter had a baby girl or boy; it would be a special gift, and a tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate it.”Matilde Mourinho – Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/ More

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      Jamie Vardy and wife Becky take secret flight to Bahrain in huge transfer hint over Leicester legend’s next club

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      JAMIE VARDY and his wife Becky secretly flew to Bahrain this week as Saudi football clubs continue to clamour to sign him.Insiders said Vardy, who is set to leave Leicester next summer, flew out to the country where fellow Brit Steven Gerrard lives.Jamie Vardy could be set for a summer move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyVardy and wife Becky have shared pictures of them in the Middle EastCredit: InstagramVardy snubbed a move to Saudi last yearThe couple stayed at the Four Seasons hotel in the country, which is next door to Saudi Arabia.A source said: “Jamie and Becky went to Bahrain this week to check it out.“He is in demand from Saudi clubs and while he’s still playing the field he could see what it would be like to possibly live out there.“Bahrain is an hour or so drive from some of Saudi’s big clubs and it’s an amazing country, with a culture very similar to that in Dubai. It’s super relaxed and very glamorous.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“While it was a holiday for them both, and involved a trip to Dubai too, it gave Jamie time to think about what he could do next after he leaves Leicester next summer.“People who know them have joked about a deal in Saudi could easily pay off Becky’s Wagatha Christie bill.”Vardy, who has been with Leicester since 2012, turned down a move to Saudi last summer when he still had a year left on his contract.Clubs, including Khaleej, made a bid for Vardy but he rejected the deal because he didn’t think a move would suit his family.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe family could finally be set to leave England for the Middle EastDespite the rejection, it was reported that Saudi dealmakers were speaking with intermediaries working on Vardy’s behalf to try and negotiate an offer.It is believed a deal struck with Vardy could net him £4million a year.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsClubs including Al-Shabab and Al-Qadsiah were reported to be pursuing Vardy.Former Liverpool star Gerrard manages Al Ettifaq and lives between Saudi and Bahrain – which is favoured by Wags because of its more relaxed laws.His wife Alex enrolled their three youngest children into an exclusive English language school in Bahrain and regularly posts pictures online of her in fancy restaurants.Their home in Bahrain is just a one hour drive from Saudi, where Gerrard’s team are based.Earlier this year, Gerrard’s former Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson quit Saudi after six months with Al Ettifaq. More