Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd chiefs to ‘give Amorim much smaller budget than wasteful Ten Hag and hope he gets best out of two big signings’

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM will be expected to work on a much smaller budget than Erik ten Hag did at Manchester United, according to reports.Ten Hag, 53, spent more than £600million on transfers in barely two-and-a-half years as Red Devils boss.Ruben Amorim has been tasked with getting much more from the current Man Utd squadCredit: GettyErik ten Hag spent more than £600million on transfers at Man UtdCredit: GettyOver the last decade United have averaged five signings per summer.But according to the Telegraph, they are not planning to hugely reshape their current squad at the end of the season.Instead, club chiefs feel that new boss Amorim can get much more out of their current crop of players.Last summer, Ten Hag forked out nearly £200m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile during his reign he also spent £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.The latter two in particular are players that United chiefs hope Amorim can get a tune out of.Since the Portuguese’s Old Trafford arrival, Man Utd scouts watched his former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres score for Sweden over the weekend.But United bosses hope that Hojlund can deliver on his potential and begin to bang the goals in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua Zirkzee was among Man Utd’s summer signings this yearCredit: AlamyAmorim is set to take charge of his first match as Man Utd manager on Sunday.He will take his side to Ipswich Town, who grabbed their first Premier League win in 22 years when they triumphed 2-1 over Tottenham prior to the international break.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourSpeaking for the first time as Man Utd boss last week, Amorim admitted that he is not fazed by the weight of history at Old Trafford.He said: “It’s a great responsibility but you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.”If the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better. We are the engine of football — Manchester United is the engine of the Premier League in my opinion.”For a long time we haven’t won the Premier  League but United is the biggest club in England.”This is part of the history but it isn’t now, so we have to address that and try to win again.”All the people are hungry for success and this is the place I want to be because of that — because you can be part of something special.”Man Utd chiefs hope that Amorim can get the best out of Mason MountCredit: RexRamus Hojlund has shown glimpses of potential at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Poland 1 Scotland 2: Robertson marks landmark cap with stunning late winner after McGinn’s historic opener

      by

      POLAND skipper Piotr Zieliński could have been forgiven for asking Andy Robertson for a selfie.Robbo’s last gasp header was as good as any goal Cristiano Ronaldo ever scored.Andy Robertson powered home a header to win the match for ScotlandCredit: Kenny RamsayIt was his first Scotland goal in five years – and on his 80th capCredit: EPAOn a night of mind-boggling high drama, the Scotland skipper’s late, late winner in Warsaw a full three minutes into stoppage time saw Steve Clarke’s side avoid Nations League relegation.The second spot dream was snatched away by Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Portugal.But on his 80th cap, the Liverpool left-back gave the travelling Tartan Army the victory to go with a spirited and gutsy display now meaning third place and a March play-off to in group A1.John McGinn fired the team ahead before Poland levelled. But in the dying seconds Robertson struck with a brave, bold header into the roof of the net.It was no more than Scotland deserved.HOW THEY RATEDCraig Gordon – recovered from a bug to win 79th cap and Scotland needed him at times. Tipped over shot from Piatkowski, saved from Swiderski then blocked Buksa. No chance with Piatkowski’s drive though. 7Anthony Ralston – Celtic right-back found it tough against Croatia but put in a decent shift last night. Read the game better and less rushed. Tired in second half and subbed. 6John Souttar – shaky at times for Rangers but grown into Scotland’s best defenders over the last four fixtures. Rock solid again. Incredible second half block then great cross for winner. 9Grant Hanley – subbed at half-time in the draw with Croatia but the Norwich defender kept his place ahead of replacement McKenna. Used experience and football brain to deal with Polish frontmen. 7Andy Robertson – only Leighton and Dalglish have more caps than the 80-cap skipper now. Clumsy early tackle and got away with slack pass which Swiderski should have scored from. Brilliant header for winner. 7Billy Gilmour – little midfielder didn’t have his shooting boots on against Croatia but cracked great effort from distance off the bar. Ball to Doak to tee up opener. Kept on going in tireless display. 7Kenny McLean – now two caps short of Hall of Fame, Norwich man kept his place in deep midfield role and kept play moving well in steady performance. Booked for challenge on Szymanski. 7Ben Doak – Clarke tried to fool everyone he might not start but was always going to be there. Took three minutes to create opener. Looked threat whenever got on the ball. Surprisingly subbed. 7Scott McTominay – great touch from the Napoli man set himself up for a shot which Skorupski saved then saw goalie tip brilliant effort onto post. Blazed tougher chance over then hobbled off. 7John McGinn – returned to starting line-up after scoring 19th goal on Friday. Took three minutes to hit No20 to cap superb display. 8Lyndon Dykes – back in to lead the line from the start for 42nd cap. Has only scored once for Birmingham. Crashed shot past post then saw header brilliantly saved then replaced by Shankland. 6SUBS: Lawrence Shankland (3) struggled for goals with Hearts and no chances last night, Ryan Christie (5) could feel hard done-by after being dropped. Booked soon after coming on in good runout, Ryan Gauld (4) in preferred central role after replacing McTominay and showed neat touches, Nicky Devlin (4) won second cap, Stuart Armstrong (2) on late.The whole Ben Doak could be dropped line from Clarke turned out to be one big ruse.A bluff.Most read in FootballA wind-up.There was no way in the world the on-form 19 year-old was going to be left out for this one.Scotland No2 John Carver on the REAL Steve Clarke, Euros disappointment, THAT Ronaldo tantrum & Souness bust-upClarke was just stringing everyone along with all that stuff about what the teenager can’t do. Right?Because if he was seriously thinking about kicking off with the wee man on the bench then he was guilty of over-thinking things like he’s done too often in the past.Doak had to play. Pure and simply. He was the outstanding man of the match against Croatia at Hampden because of the fearless way he terrorised a £77million defender.No-one in their right mind would have dropped him.The supposed argument that a super-fit kid cannot play two games three days apart is just nonsensical.Had Clarke seen it differently, it would have been an incomprehensible, unfathomable, dereliction of duty. A decision that would have been difficult to forgive and forget.But let’s play along with the idea he Doak was always going to start.The two changes Clarke did make to his starting line-up saw super McGinn and Lyndon Dykes return at the expense of Ryan Christie and young Tommy Conway.Again, there wouldn’t have been many supporters unhappy with that.McGinn has battled through a period of on-off form which has brought some criticism from certain quarters.But his goal against Croatia at Hampden on Friday was a timely reminder that he’s still got plenty to offer this Scotland team.And his strike here took his international tally to 20.Doak was at the heart of it.His run into the box saw him picked out by Billy Gilmour before his cut-back put the ball on a silver salver for McGinn.It was on his weaker right side, but the Aston Villa star calmly rolled his shot into the far corner of the net.Poland were stunned and had chances to level the game in the first-half.Craig Gordon shook off a virus to play and he made four really good stops to keep Scotland ahead.Were Clarke’s side fortunate at times? You bet they were.The home side threatened time and again and really ought to have scored at least once before the break.But was it backs to the wall from a Scotland perspective? Was it hell.Twice the Poland woodwork was rattled to go 2-0 ahead.First Gilmour unleashed a shot from outside the box which looked destined to dip over goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski  and find the net.But agonisingly the ball struck the bar.That was on 33 minutes and Scott McTominay had a decent chance four minutes later with his shot blocked.It was then that news came through from Croatia that Portugal were winning – just the update thew whole of Scotland wanted.With another goal needed, Clarke’s side did everything to get it.Three minutes before the interval McTominay drilled a low shot which was tipped onto the post by Skorupski.It was agonising.There had been other near misses too for Scotland, like Dykes smashing a shot into the side-netting from a tight angle.Poland were always dangerous, though.John Souttar was outstanding all night at centre-back and had to make an unbelievable goal-line clearance right at the start of the second-half.Scotland were giving it everything all over the pitch.There was never any sign that they were settling for the 1-0 in the hope that Portugal would score again.They kept pressing for another goal.A break forward led by McGinn almost brought it, but for a last ditch block at the near post.It was all or nothing and soon it was nothing.In 58 minutes it was Poland who hit the net with a blasted shot Gordon couldn’t get near.Kamil Piatkowski simply couldn’t have struck the ball any sweeter to find the top corner. In terms of claiming second spot, at that stage it meant nothing.Portugal were still winning and a strike for Scotland would see them finish runner’s up to Portugal by the NINTH tiebreaker, away wins.Clarke took off Doak for the closing stages with changes made to inject more energy and grab a goal.Dykes almost got it.He had a header brought with another fingertips save from the Poland No1 just when it looked he was beaten.Soon it emerged that Croatia had equalised in Split.Still Scotland didn’t give up.Substitute Christie could have scored to make it it 2-1 but his diving header was easily saved.But in the third minute if stoppage time, Robertson scored.READ MORE SUN STORIESA hopeful ball into he box was attacked in the air like never before as he won the game for Scotland.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville slams former player over story of his Salford exit

      by

      GARY NEVILLE has slammed a former Salford City star over his exit from the club.Jordan Hulme left the Ammies in 2017.Jordan Hulme left Salford City in 2017Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe claimed Gary Neville said his time at the club was upCredit: AFPHulme, 33, insisted that Neville told him he would never play for the club again.He told the I Had Trials Once podcast: “[I told Neville]’If you tell me there’s a slight chance then I’ll stay’.”And he was like, ‘There’s no chance. You’re not playing for us again’.”I had a £60,000 contract, so I got my head right, and I’m like ‘, Right, let’s take f*****g £40,000 off the b******s’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So I went in and came out with £8,000. That’s all they was offering me.”Hulme went on to claim that Neville and the club explained that they knew his wage and would have been willing to pay him to “sit in the stands”.He continued: “So I was saying, ‘No I want more’ and he was like, ‘We know what you’re on’, because I signed a s**t contract.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They were saying to me ‘we know what you’re on. Do you think we are a***d about paying someone £450 a week for you to sit in the stand?’.Most read in Football”So that was their get out. But at 26, I was coming into my prime, and I did not want to do that.”‘He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title predictionFull transcript of the conversationHere is the full transcript of Jordan Hulme’s claims over his exit from Salford City…Jordan Hulme: “So I rang Gary Neville to say like ‘don’t. If you tell me I can stay and fight for my place, I will train every day. I am not bothered if I am not in the squad for the first few, but if you tell me there is a slight chance, then I’ll stay’.”He was like ‘there’s no chance. You are not playing for us again’.Host Gareth Seddon: “Did he? is that what he said to you?”JH: “Pretty much yeah.”Mike Phenix: “Did you get a payup?”JH: “Yeah I did, what did I have? A £60,000 contract.”And I am like, let’s take £40k off the b*****s. So I went in and came out with £8k.”GS: “Why?”JH: “That is all he was offering me. So I was saying no I want more.”MP: “You should have stood your ground there.”JH: “No, because he was saying, because I signed a s**t contract. They were saying ‘We know what you’re on. Do you think we are a***d about paying someone £450 a week sit in the stands. That’s fine you can sit there.'”So that was their get out thing.”Hulme claimed on the podcast that he spoke to NevilleCredit: X/ IHadTrialsOnceHulme then joked that he went on a trip to Ibiza after leaving Salford.SunSport have seen the video and can confirm that Hulme was talking about Neville.Neville has also been approached for comment. The Man Utd legend has since claimed on social media that the conversation “never happened at all but sounds great”.Former Salford joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have admitted they spoke to Hulme.Johnson wrote on X: “Nope, it was me and Bernard Morley that sat down with Jordan, not Gary. Although, I can also confirm it was Gary Neville that sacked us, the ruthless, horrible sod!”Morely insisted that Hulme had “got his wires crossed” when he told the story.He added: “Gary, if Jordan said it was raining outside, I’d go and check.”As good as lad and footballer he is, I think he’s got his wires crossed with this.”Neville joined forces with former Manchester United team-mates Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville to purchase a stake in Salford back in 2014.They have since helped the club climb up to the football pyramid and into League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESNeville recently, though, has taken a step back from his operational role due to his media commitments elsewhere.The eight-time Premier League winner works as a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports alongside his role for Salford.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Nicolas Pepe’s rumoured girlfriend and adult film star Teanna Trump?

      by

      ARSENAL flop Nicolas Pepe has found some form competing for Villarreal in La Liga.And life off-field appears to be going well too – after he was romantically linked with adult entertainment star Teanna Trump.Rumours are swirling that Nicolas Pepe is seeing adult film star Teanna TrumpCredit: GettyA pic of the pair enjoying dinner together was shared by the winger’s sisterCredit: InstagramIvorian professional footballer Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for a club-record fee of £72 million.Despite high expectations, he struggled for consistency and didn’t perform at the level required of him.He spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Nice in Ligue 1, where he showed some improvement in form.In August 2024, Pepe, 29, joined Villarreal on a free transfer after a brief spell playing in Turkey with Trabzonspor.read more on nicolas pepeHe signed a two-year contract with the Spanish side.Who is Teanna Trump?Real name Keanna Nichele Jones, Teanna Trump is an American adult film star and social media personality.Born on August 19, 1995, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she entered the adult entertainment industry in 2014 at the age of 18.Teanna went on to become a well-known figure in porn, but now focuses on self-made content using subscription site OnlyFans.Most read in FootballShe claims she hasn’t worked with a porn website since March 2020.Teanna has amassed a huge following on various social media platforms.Porn star Teanna Trump visits Wimbledon to cheer on fellow American Chris Eubanks but is left disappointedAs of November 18, 2024, she has a whopping 1.4million followers on Instagram.Teanna is rumoured to be in a relationship with former Gunner Nicolas Pepe.EvidenceShe has been rumoured to have been dating the football star since sometime in July 2024.In November 2024, Pepe posed for a picture with Teanna while out for dinner — and the footballer’s sister Corrine shared the picture on Instagram.Pepe used to play for ArsenalCredit: GettyTeanna was spotted in the VIP section at Villarreal’s Estadi de la Ceramica during their first game of the season — a draw with Atletico Madrid.She also posed for a selfie wearing a Villarreal shirt while watching one of Pepe’s games.It has also been claimed that the two have holidayed together since rumours of their romance emerged.And the Mail reported that Teanna has been seen with Pepe’s children on her private Snapchat channel.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther hints at their potential relationship include Pepe having the 29-year-old as his phone background, as well as photos of the pair visiting an aquarium in each other’s company.While neither Pepe or Teanna have officially confirmed or denied their relationship, the restaurant selfie is the latest in a string of cryptic hints suggesting the pair are involved. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Conor Gallagher leaves family of girlfriend Aine May Kennedy ‘unimpressed’ after debut England goal

      by

      CONOR GALLAGHER risked irritating his missus’ family with his maiden goal for England.The Atletico Madrid star, 24, struck for the first time in 21 caps with his nation’s third in Sunday’s 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.Conor Gallagher scored his first England goal versus IrelandCredit: GettyHis stunning Wag Aine May Kennedy put a touching message on social mediaCredit: InstagramAine hails from Ireland and joked her family would not have been celebratingCredit: InstagramGallagher has Irish heritage himselfCredit: InstagramThe couple met when they were teensCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedyHis partner Aine May Kennedy took to social media to celebrate his milestone, posting with four heart emojis: “First England international goal. So proud of you.”You dream of these achievements and you never ever stop pushing yourself.”But she then followed it up with: “Not sure all my Irish family are too impressed”.Aine, 27, is a model and she is believed to have met Gallagher when they were teenagers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe midfielder has Irish roots himself and is also eligible for Scotland.Gallagher was not the only England man whose first Three Lions goal may have caused an uncomfortable family conversation.Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on debut off the bench to round off the rout, is the future son-in-law of Ireland legend Roy Keane.The Southampton defender, 22, is engaged to the former Manchester United captain’s daughter Leah.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeane was at Wembley on punditry duty and was asked about Harwood-Bellis, cheekily replying: “It’s not done and dusted yet, things can change really quickly in the Keane household.”But he also added: “It’s nice for him, it’s good for him to make his debut.”He is a really kid good and his family have done a great job.”Roy Keane in heartfelt tribute to future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after ‘bittersweet’ England goal vs Ireland_1England ratings vs IrelandEngland’s newbies put on a five-star second half performance to hammer ten-man Ireland.No fewer than four young Lions bagged their first international goal during the 5-0 win.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the England stars at Wembley.Jordan Pickford: 6Matched the great Gordon Banks by reaching 73 caps. But the Everton stopper was pretty much a spectator as Ireland showed little ambition in attack.Tino Livramento: 7Became the seventh player across Carsley’s three England camps to be handed a debut. It was his cross which caused panic in the Irish defence, allowing Gordon to volley home his first England goal. Kyle Walker: 6Played at centre-back in back four for his 93rd cap. Headed an early chance over, had a couple of scares before the break before being withdrawn just after the hour when the game was up for the visitors.Marc Guehi: 7Was a little clumsy with a challenge on Evan Ferguson inside the box before the break, but nothing was given. Set up a first England goal for his best mate Gallagher with a flick-on from a corner during the goal blitz at the start of the second half.Lewis Hall: 7Admitted to nerves before his debut on Thursday but did not seem to have any here on his first start, playing alongside his Newcastle colleagues Livramento and Gordon. Could this be the start of a long England career for one of our few natural left-backs?Conor Gallagher: 8Was given the nod ahead of Angel Gomes for the second successive game and capped it with his first England goal by poking home Guehi’s flick just before the hour. England’s confidence at that point was summed up by Gallagher attempting a rabona.Curtis Jones: 7Tidy, if not hitting the heights of his magnificent debut three days earlier. But overall, another success story of the brief Carsley era which has given Thomas Tuchel plenty more options to consider.Noni Madueke: 7His final ball was not quite there compared to his man-of-the-match performance in Athens. But the Chelsea man still caused Ireland all manner of problems with the explosive way he runs at opponents.Jude Bellingham: 9 STAR MANEffectively had three assists as he won the penalty for Harry Kane’s opener – which led to Scales being sent off – and teed up goals for subs Bowen and Harwood-Bellis. A brilliant display from the Real Madrid superstar. How lucky we are to have him. Anthony Gordon: 7Lovely volley for his first England goal and you could see how much it meant to him with his celebration. Caused Ireland issues with his direct running in a promising display.Harry Kane: 7A ponderous first half led to genuine questions over his suitability to this team… but then he showed why he is still the man with a stunning ball to Bellingham in the build-up to the opener.Stuck away the resulting penalty when Bellingham was tripped for his 69th England goal.SUBS:Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on for Walker, 62): 8Followed up Jones’ feat in Greece of netting on his England debut as he brilliantly headed home Bellingham’s fine cross to make it five.Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon, 74): 7Looked confident when coming on and ready to cause more misery against the tired ten men of Ireland. Would have had an assist had Jarrod Bowen put away his cutback.Dominic Solanke (on for Gallagher, 74): 6Almost diverted in his first England goal from fellow sub Bowen’s cross but was beaten to it, just, by the defender.Jarrod Bowen (on for Madueke, 74): 8Crashed home his first England goal with his first touch, seconds after coming on, to make it 4-0.Angel Gomes (on for Jones, 79): 6Tidied up and looked comfortable again in possession. Booked. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans slam the Glazers after it’s revealed they’ve only invested £45m of their own money in 20 years of ownership

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left shocked after discovering just how much the Glazer family has put into the club.The Glazers acquired a controlling stake in United almost 20 years ago after taking over from Irish investors JP McManus and John Magnier.The Glazer family has invested just £45m of their own money in Man Utd since buying the clubCredit: AFPSir Jim Ratcliffe purchased 25 per cent of United this yearCredit: GettyThey had already owned around 30 per cent of the club, however that increased to 57 per cent once the deal was completed.Scottish entrepreneur Harry Dobson then handed over his share to up the Glazers’ ownership to 62 per cent.By June 2005 they owned 98 per cent of shares and control of Man Utd – much to the dismay of fans.Fast-forward to 2024 and supporters are STILL unhappy with the American family.Read More on Man UtdMan Utd have endured a steady descent since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford in 2013.Last season they suffered their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing eighth in the table with a negative goal difference.But they managed to salvage a spot in Europe by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May.Many fans have put the club’s disastrous fall-off down to the Glazers and their lack of investment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPremier League owners investmentAnd they might have a point.A report from The Athletic has revealed that just £45million in funding has come from the Glazers over the last two decades.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’Fans have been left furious as a result, with one person writing: “£45million in almost 20 years from the Glazers is absolutely criminal.”In comparison, the owners of newly-promoted Ipswich Town have put £83m into their club.Southampton’s owners have pumped £85m into the Saints and Bill Foley has put £93m worth of funding into Bournemouth.Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has continued to spend big since joining the club in 2022.In just two years, the American billionaire and BlueCo have pumped a whopping £146m into the Stamford Bridge side – more than three times the amount the Glazers have personally invested.Man City’s owners have also spent an eye-watering amount since taking over in 2008.CFG has put £1.3BILLION worth of funding into the club – and the Cityzens have certainly been reaping the benefits.In what could perhaps be considered the biggest surprise in the findings, Fulham boss Shahid Khan has invested £788m of his own money into the Cottagers.Not only has he continued to invest in the squad, he also recently put aside a huge chunk of money to develop part of Craven Cottage.Similarly, Everton chief Farhad Moshiri has invested £750m into the Toffees since 2016 – most of which has gone into the club’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium.Despite the lack of investment, Man Utd have been pushing to turn things around since Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe British billionaire purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club at the start of the year and has since taken over football operations.Ratcliffe has been a key figure behind some major changes at Old Trafford recently – including the dismissal of Erik ten Hag and the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans praise Premier League cult hero Javier Mascherano after he pleads with referee for bizarre rule-change DURING game

      by

      JAVIER MASCHERANO begged officials to implement an incredible rule change during Argentina Under-20s’ clash with Bolivia.The former Liverpool, West Ham and Barcelona star now coaches the Argentine Under-20s, having hung up his boots in 2020.Javier Mascherano begged for the officials to change their mindCredit: twiiterMascherano, 40, coaches Argentina’s Under-20sCredit: APOver the weekend, his side hosted Bolivia in a friendly match.Argentina took an early lead, before things threatened to get ugly for their visitors.After 13 minutes, Bolivia’s Nathan Tito was red carded for a challenge from behind on Lautaro Millan.As Millan, who plays his club football for Independiente, was treated by medical staff, Tito trudged off the pitch.READ MORE IN SPORTRather than play against 10 men, however, Mascherano was determined for the friendly match to remain 11 vs 11.In incredible footage, the 40-year-old could be seen pleading with the referee and fourth official to allow Bolivia to bring a substitute on for Tito.Amazingly his wish was granted, with the visitors allowed to carry on with a full compliment of players.The unusual incident was later cleared up by the local broadcast.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It has just been agreed between both delegations, at the request of coach Mascherano, that Bolivia introduces another player to ensure the match stays balanced at 11-a-side,” a statement read.As it happened, being allowed to continue with 11 players didn’t do Bolivia much good, as they still went on to lose 4-0.Javier Mascherano breaks down as he says goodbye to Barcelona to join Chinese Super League But fans loved Mascherano’s gesture.One wrote on social media: “Man cares more about coaching his team properly than getting an easy win. Elite mentality.”While a second gushed: “Smart guy, cares more about coaching than winning a friendly.”A third added: “Fair shout in a friendly isn’t it, you want to be tested otherwise there’s no point.”Argentina are currently preparing to compete at the South American U20 Championship in January.Mascherano will be hoping to improve his side’s fortunes in Venezuela, after they failed to make it out of the group stage last time around.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd send scout to watch Viktor Gyokeres score for Sweden as Ruben Amorim hopes to land top transfer target

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED had eyes on Viktor Gyokeres on Saturday as Ruben Amorim’s top target scored his fifth goal of the Nations League campaign.The Sporting Lisbon striker put on another impressive display as he found the back of the net for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Slovakia.Viktor Gyokeres scored in front of a Man Utd scout for SwedenCredit: RexRuben Amorim appears keen on bringing him with him from SportingCredit: GettyUnited sent Sergio Souza — one of their top Scandinavian talent spotters — to Stockholm for the clash and he barely had time to take his seat before Gyokeres struck in the third minute.The former Coventry City star raced onto an Alexander Isak through ball before shooting across Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka into the bottom corner.Souza revealed his presence at the game in an Instagram video post during the national anthems, although he was no doubt busily scribbling notes by the time Gyokeres had set the stadium alight with his latest strike.The 26-year-old is on pace to outperform his incredible 43-goal debut season in Portuguese football, having hitting the back of the net 23 times for Sporting this term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis 16 Primeira Liga goals are double the amount of any other player in the league and he has also netted five Champions League efforts in four games so far.Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are stepping up their interest with Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos having reportedly already reached out to the his representatives.Bayern Munich have also been tipped to enter the bidding if they look to move Harry Kane on in the summer.But United potentially hold an ace up their sleeve with Amorim in place at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen asked about a potential move to Man Utd, Gyokeres said: “He probably has some strikers there already, so we’ll see. No, he hasn’t [asked me to join him].“It’s fun but nothing I attach any importance to because it’s talk and nothing concrete.”Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd Gyokeres added: “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here. “We will see [about a new club] when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial, and there will be also other factors.”United are currently struggling for goals with their two centre forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, having managed to score just three goals between them all season.On signing players from his old club, Amorim said: “In January I’m not going to get anyone from Sporting.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More