Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace appeal for urgent help to find missing worker from club’s charity after he was lost in Dolomites

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE have appealed for information to help find a missing worker from the club’s charity.Aziz Ziriat, who works for Eagles charity Palace for Life, has been missing since January 1 alongside his friend Sam Harris.Crystal Palace have launched an urgent appeal for charity employee Aziz ZiriatCredit: X formerly Twitter / @PalaceForLifeZiriat has gone missing alongside friend Sam HarrisCredit: X formerly Twitter / @PalaceForLifeThe 36-year-old charity worker was last heard from on Wednesday while hiking in the Dolomites in Italy, when he and Harris’ phones last had signal.Ziriat and Harris, 35, missed their return flight home yesterday.The pair were last known to be near a hut called Casina Dosson which is near the town Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda, on Lake Garda.A post on Crystal Palace’s official X account appealed for help.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “A member of the Palace For Life staff and his friend have been missing since 1st January in the Dolomites.”If anyone knows the area, is able to support further or has any information that will help, please call 999 and reference CAD 0197/07 Jan25.”The same post was shared on the Palace Women’s team account.While a number of posts from the charity’s official account detailed descriptions, heights and the date of birth for both the missing persons.An image of a map has also been shared that shows a potential hiking route that Ziriat and Harris may have been taking.Most read in FootballFans are being urged to share images and information on their social outlets to increase the search. While the club and charity, which helps youngsters in South London, have said they will post updates online as they receive them.Police in the UK and Italy are aware of the incident and the Italian emergency services have launched a search in the area.If anyone has any information or is able to support further please call 999 and reference CAD 0197/07 Jan25 More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER has landed a new job… just as he holds talks about becoming West Ham manager.The former Chelsea boss emerged as the leading candidate to replace Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium this week.Graham Potter has landed a new job with the PFACredit: GettyWest Ham officials have reportedly held talks with him over the role and they are now waiting for a response before they finalise and confirm Lopetegui’s dismissal.It was revealed last month that Potter would be open to the job.But in the meantime, the 49-year-old has landed a new role with the Professional Footballers’ Association.Potter has joined the PFA Business School as course co-director for the certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe department looks at the emotional challenges players face during a season as well as the mental approach to matches and fatigue.According to the PFA website, the Certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership will “help students to develop their leadership skills in football and to encourage their players and team to achieve better results.”Reflecting on his own experience when discussing his new role, Potter said: “In the end education helped me become a better person and a better player.”In football sometimes you prepare all week and you lose a game and it doesn’t feel very good.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Whereas studying just gave me a sense that you can work and you can achieve something and nobody can take that away from you. You always have that qualification, you’ve always got it.”So it’s quite a nice balance in the volatile world of football.”Graham Potter in talks to replace West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui Potter has been out of work in management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023.He was dismissed by the Blues just seven months into his time at Stamford Bridge following a run of poor form.Prior to his stint with Chelsea, Potter spent three years with Brighton.The former left-back has also managed Swansea, Ostersund and Leeds Carnegie. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment new AC Milan manager whips out cigar and dances in repeat of iconic celebration after trophy win in second game

      by

      SERGIO CONCEICAO recreated his most famous celebration after guiding AC Milan to a trophy in only his SECOND game in charge.The Portuguese gaffer guided AC Milan to Supercoppa Italiana glory against their bitter rivals Inter on Monday night.Sergio Conceicao guided AC Milan to Supercoppa Italiana glory in only his second match in charge ofCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese gaffer was in jubliant mood in the dressing room and recreated his viral 2022 celebrationCredit: GettyHe puffed on an expensive-looking cigar as he danced with the trophyCredit: GettyMilan came from 2-1 down to win the match 3-2 thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham.And their epic comeback prompted Conceicao to recreate his incredible viral celebration after Porto’s title win in 2022.Conceicao puffed away on a cigar and bust-a-groove as he danced in front of the trophy.His recreation of the celebration, understandably, went viral.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne footie fan commented on the video: “I love Conceicao.”Another said: “Love the energy from Sergio Conceicao!”And another said: “Never want this video to end.”One remarked: “Proper gaffer!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSergio Conceicao celebrates winning the Supercoppa Italiana with his backroom staffCredit: GETTYAnother chimed in: “Proper gaffer.”Conceicao only took charge of Milan before the turn of the New Year, replacing the sacked Paulo Fonseca.Watch AC Milan star stitch up her OWN gory wound in incredible video thanks to side hustle as a DOCTORHe said of the triumph: “I am very happy for the players, because it was not easy.”The atmosphere wasn’t the best when I arrived, there wasn’t much time to work on the details before these two games and we were up against two top level sides.“The players were magical, they absorbed everything we discussed.”Clearly there are things we need to improve, but they are aware of that.”I feel that with humility, we can have some great months together in the Champions League, Serie A and to take Milan where it deserves to be.“Now we are happy, we celebrate and from tomorrow we will begin to focus on Cagliari.” More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace want two players in January transfer window but are under threat of having their team torn apart by rival

      by

      SITTING just five points above the relegation zone after 20 games, Crystal Palace are at a crossroads this month.A run of just one win from their first 13 Premier League games left boss Oliver Glasner under pressure.Crystal Palace’s season is not going as hoped after an awful start to the campaignCredit: PAOliver Glasner will want to strengthen – but he’s at threat of having his team weakenedCredit: AFPBut the Eagles have found their feet again, taking points from Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle, Aston Villa and, most recently, Chelsea.But with Palace 15th and with just four victories all season – a 20 per cent win rate – they face a critical few weeks.Can they strengthen in the transfer market? Or will they be ransacked of their top stars?SunSport take a look at just why Crystal Palace are facing a potentially make-or-break month.READ MORE SPORT STORIESWhat do Crystal Palace need?Glasner has made it clear that he wants two players this month in two positions.Crystal Palace endured a difficult start to the season following their superb finish to last term under the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager.Injuries to a number of key players, including Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze at times this season have also hampered progress.The Austrian wants to add a winger in order to add some depth to their forward line with Brazilian Matheus Franca also injured.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEddie Nketiah was signed in the summer and has been used across the front three but is yet to get going in South London.Palace are also in the market for a left-back this month as they look to find some cover for Tyrick Mitchell.Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand Mitchell remains the first-choice at Selhurst Park but Glasner has no senior cover at left-back.Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, 20, has been targeted to add some depth and challenge for a starting spot.Who is the perfect buy?Palace have already made it clear they want to sign Ben Doak – on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool – this month.The Eagles have seen a £15million bid knocked back by the Anfield club, who are holding out for up to £30m for the 19-year-old winger.It is hard to see Palace matching that, unless Marc Guehi ends up leaving for a big fee and the club have a lot more money to play with.Rayan Cherki, Lyon’s highly rated Frenchman, is also admired and with the Ligue 1 club needing to sell could be an option.However, there is plenty of interest in Cherki, 21, and it could take some convincing to get him to Selhurst Park.Who is more realistic?Palace have been tracking Millwall’s teenage winger Romain Esse for some time.The Lions will not want to lose the 19-year-old this month and there are questions as to whether he could come in and make an instant impact for Palace.There are also issues to be resolved over a deal with the player’s camp before anything can progress but Palace have a superb record of recruiting from the Championship and are looking to pull off another smart deal.How are the finances looking?There are no concerns over meeting the Premier League’s PSR rules at Palace.However, with the largest shareholder, John Textor, looking to sell his stake in the club there may be some hesitance to spend big this month.Textor has long been looking for a way out at Palace after his relationship with chairman Steve Parish broke down.Despite holding the smallest share, Parish has equal voting rights with all other shareholders and effectively has final say on decision making – which has been a frustration for Textor.A number of parties have explored buying out his share, or investing into his Eagle Football Holdings group.The American businessman, who also owns Lyon, Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek, is now in exclusive negotiations with a US-Saudi backed group for his 45 per cent share in the club.Could anyone be on their way out?At the start of the window few would have worried about losing anyone significant.But then Chelsea lost defender Wesley Fofana and suddenly took a look across London.READ MORE SUN STORIESRecalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan has been considered but, in even worse news for Glasner, the Blues have now set their sights on bringing Guehi back to Stamford Bridge.The Eagles will hold out for a huge price after managing to knock back interest from Newcastle in the summer, but no one will feel comfortable over his future until the window closes.If everything went to plan, how could Palace line up after the January window?Glasner would simply be delighted to keep his defence in one piece come the end of January – but if he could do that and bring in Ben Doak it’d be an excellent window More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Banned Chelsea star Mudryk ‘dumped by Russian model’ as she ‘jets off on romantic getaway with ex-Premier League star’

      by

      CHELSEA star Mykhailo Mudryk has been handed more agony on top of his doping suspension.The Ukrainian international has reportedly been “dumped” by a Russian model.Mykhailo Mudryk has reportedly been dumped by a Russian modelCredit: GettyInfluencer Violetta Bert has reportedly broken up with the Chelsea starCredit: InstagramIt’s claimed that Bert has moved on to another footballerCredit: InstagramMudryk, 24, is currently out of action after he was hit with a provisional suspension after he provided a positive result for an A-sample in late October.Mudryk and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive – potentially leading to a FOUR YEAR ban.The winger has denied any wrongdoing, but hasn’t played for The Blues since November.Life away from the pitch appears to have taken a hit too, with lifestyle social media page Game, Set & Match claiming that he has been dumped by fitness model Violetta Bert.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMudryk had been linked with Bert in recent months, but hadn’t gone public with their relationship.And now it’s claimed that Bert has ditched Mudryk to head on a romantic getaway with former Premier League star Weston McKennie.US international McKennie, 26, currently plays his football with Juventus, but previously spent six months on loan in the Prem with Leeds United.It’s reported that McKennie and Bert have jetted off to France to head on a romantic getaway at world famous ski resort Courchevel. Most read in FootballBert has reportedly gone on holiday with Weston McKennieCredit: AlamyMcKennie used to play for Leeds UnitedCredit: GettyBert shared snaps of a trip to the alpsCredit: Instagram @violetta.bertMcKennie has deleted similar pictures from his InstagramCredit: Instagram @violetta.bertHow long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe pair both began following each other on social media in October and have been exchanging likes on their posts since then.While they both shared snaps of their holiday in the French Alps online, only for McKennie to swiftly delete his from his account.Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A It’s worth caveating that neither McKennie or Bert appeared in each other’s posts, however they did share pictures from the same locations.It’s not clear if the pair are officially dating at the moment.Bert, who boasts 779,000 followers on Instagram, has also unfollowed Mudryk on Instagram.Mudryk’s reported heartbreak comes as his long wait continues for a decision on his ban.The star has failed to live up to his £88m transfer to Stamford Bridge in 2023, and would go down as a catastrophic acquisition if he is banned long-term.After his positive test was initially announced, Mudryk defended himself on Instagram.He wrote: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.”This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.”I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has publically declared the club’s backing of the forward too.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We support and we trust Misha. Trust means that we believe Misha.”We support Misha and then we see. We are all sad. Me, the club, the players, we are all there.”What drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder.Bert has almost 800,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe has unfollowed Mudryk on InstagramCredit: InstagramMudryk is currently suspended pending a doping ban investigationCredit: AP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson can’t stop smiling as he remembers ‘special’ Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps in emotional tribute

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON led tributes to “special” Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps on the day of her funeral.Phipps, a much-loved figure behind the scenes at Old Trafford, passed away last month at the age of 85.Sir Alex Ferguson could not help but smile when reminiscing on his memories of Kath PhippsCredit: The SunSir Alex, pictured here with Kath, had a close bond with the much-loved United receptionistPhipps worked at United for 55 years dating back to the 1960sCredit: GettyThe receptionist worked for United for 55 years – dating back to the 1960s when Sir Matt Busby was manager.She had a lasting impact on some of the club’s biggest legends – including Sir Alex and David Beckham.And those icons were among the vast number of guests in attendance at her funeral on Monday.Club legends Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson and Roy Keane were also among the mourners at Manchester Cathedral, as well as Ruben Amorim and the entire current men’s first team.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIn addition, several academy stars attended, as did Marc Skinner, Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone on behalf of the women’s team.Sir Alex was thrilled to see so many players past and present at the funeral as he paid tribute to Phipps.Reflecting on her time at the club, Ferguson said: “55 years! I did 26 and I thought that was unbelievable!”She was a fantastic person and I’m glad that all the players turned up. She would appreciate that.” Most read in FootballThe Man Utd first team squad attended her funeralCredit: SplashDavid Beckham was also in attendanceCredit: GettyFergie also admitted the beloved receptionist would be “happy” with United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.He explained: “I was pleased the team got a result last night… Kath would be happy with that.Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United'”When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and content. I thought she had a Coke to drink.”She told me it was a Bacardi and Coke. I asked her what the doctor would think about that. She said, ‘I haven’t asked him.’”It is unusual to have someone who is so committed and who loved people so much.”The people you see here today are here to honour a very special person.”Ferguson could not contain a smile when reminiscing on the time he spent with the beloved Old Trafford icon because of how much she meant to both him and United.He also read a touching eulogy in her honour and said: “I wanted to do that but I was nervous because she deserved something really special.”Peter Schmeichel was among the mournersCredit: GettyPaul Scholes was also thereCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Every Premier League club’s ticket prices compared including Man Utd’s unique strategy and sky-high Arsenal season costs

      by

      THE cost of following our favourite football teams is on the rise.The heartbreaking truth is that legions of loyal fans are being priced out of the stadium.Arsenal fans can certainly bemoan sky-high season ticket costs – but are there bargain one-off tickets to be hoovered up?Credit: GettyMan Utd implement a unique ticket policy when it comes to single tickets – but fans aren’t happyCredit: ReutersIn fact, some Premier League season tickets are on sale for more than £3,000 – the equivalent of £160 per home game.And while that’s the upper-end of the spectrum, it’s a worrying trend for fans of elite English football.Nevertheless, there are still some bargain tickets up for grabs – either single or season – if you know where to look.So SunSport has run down every Premier League club’s cheapest and most expensive tickets, including a handy table below, according to data from Ticket Compare.READ MORE SPORT STORIESLet’s start with the good news… for just £26.50 you can head to Molineux to catch a glimpse of Wolves, with Brentford, Bournemouth and West Ham offering £30 single tickets.Even Arsenal have some matchdays available for just £30.30.However, the Gunners also offer the second-most-expensive single tickets, with some going for £141 – behind only Fulham’s £160 offering.Manchester United offer a unique take on single tickets – with every seat available for £66 following a recent price hike which led to a furious rant from club legend Paul Scholes, with fans slamming Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co for “exploiting loyalty”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo while a trip to Old Trafford is the priciest cheap ticket, it’s also one of the more affordable options for the best seats in the house.Everton, Chelsea and Fulham are the only other teams whose cheapest single ticket costs £50 or more.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionPaul Scholes reacts to Man Utd ticket price hikeHow can you ask Manchester United fans to pay more money with what is on the football pitch?£66 for a ticket is ridiculous. If you think of Manchester, there are so many deprived areas.Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself is from Failsworth, which is a deprived area.If you take one kid with you, that is £120, if you take a family, you are looking at £300-400 – it is just not right.Where do these owners get the front to put ticket prices up?For the value – we’re probably having our worst ever Premier League season and they’ve got the cheek to put the prices up.There is nothing positive happening with that football club. The team look bang average. They are not doing anything for fans.If we have got Sir Jim Ratcliffe, compared to all these American owners, who has been a United fan since growing up in an area in Manchester – he is still hiking prices up.It just shows that they don’t care.On the flip side, Ipswich (£48) and Bournemouth (£49) are the only clubs whose most expensive one-off ticket costs less than a red note.Fulham (£160), Arsenal (£141), Tottenham (£109) and West Ham (£105) prove that London clubs charge the most for the top-end day tickets.But what about season ticket costs?The Hammers actually have the most-affordable season ticket – available for a mere £345 – a delicious £18 per home game at the London Stadium.Only Brentford (£494), Ipswich (£381), Leicester (£404), Man City (£425) and Southampton (£499) have offerings of under £500 for the full 19-game home schedule.Incredibly, Arsenal’s CHEAPEST season ticket is the league’s costliest at a whopping £1,073 – more than three times as expensive as West Ham’s bargain offering.At the other end of the scale, Fulham (£3,000+), Tottenham (£2,367) and the Gunners (£2,050.50) are miles ahead when it comes to the most-expensive options.READ MORE SUN STORIESWorryingly, a total of NINE Premier League clubs charge over £1,000 for a top-end season ticket.West Ham (£1,720), Leicester (£1,289), Newcastle (£1,163), Man City (£1,122), Man Utd (£1,057) and Chelsea (£1,015) are the other six.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford targeted by Man Utd’s Premier League rivals in shock transfer with Dortmund also joining race

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD is being eyed by multiple Premier League clubs, it’s been claimed.Borussia Dortmund are also reported to be in the hunt for the Manchester United striker.Marcus Rashford is on course to leave Manchester United next summerCredit: GETTYSeveral Premier League clubs are said to be keen on signing the England internationalCredit: AFPThe Man Utd hitman sensationally revealed last month that he’s looking for a “new challenge”.Rashford was immediately linked with several clubs abroad, including Paris Saint-Germain and Italian duo AC Milan and Juventus.But Prem teams are now said to also be interested in him.The Athletic claim “Premier League suitors are weighing up” a winter bid for the wantaway striker.They also claim United’s domestic rivals will have to battle German giants Borussia Dortmund to land the England international.Rashford, 27, stunned the Old Trafford faithful by revealing his intention to leave the club in an unauthorised interview.The striker dropped the bombshell after being exiled by new Red Devils gaffer Ruben Amorim.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.'”You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS “If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.Amorim bears no ill will towards Rashford but believes his stunning interview was ill-advised.He told Sky Sports: “It is a hard situation.”I understand these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player. “They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus.”The Portuguese added: “At the moment I’m focused on improving Marcus.”We need a talented guy like Marcus. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”United will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal in their FA Cup third-round clash. More