More stories

  • in

    Shot-happy Alejandro Garnacho an option for Dream Team bosses in need of bold strategy

    TIME is running out for Dream Team managers who need to make moves if they are to achieve Mini League glory.The upcoming European semi-finals offer additional point-scoring opportunities and gaffers preparing a bold strategy for the next two Gameweeks should consider Alejandro Garnacho (£3.3m) when mulling over potential difference-makers.Capable of the sublime and the ridiculousCredit: Dream TeamStill in the infancy of his professional career, the Manchester United winger is far from the finished article.However, while he can be a source of frustration at times, it’s simply a fact he’s among the top ten midfielders in Dream Team right now.Garnacho, equally capable of the sublime and the ridiculous, has amassed 247 points via nine goals and 12 assists.This total puts him above the likes of Eberechi Eze (£4.8m), Brennan Johnson (£3.1m), Phil Foden (£5.3m), Justin Kluivert (£4m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) in the rankings.Garnacho boasts 21 goal involvements in Dream Team this seasonCredit: AFPThe Red Devils are one of just three teams set to fulfil four fixtures across Gameweeks 33 and 34.This coming Gameweek, they will travel to Bournemouth (Premier League) and Athletic Bilbao (Europa League).After that, they will face Brentford in London before hosting the La Liga stalwarts in the second leg of their European semi-final.The majority of Dream Team bosses will be sceptical of Man United’s prospects for the remainder of the campaign given how 2024/25 has gone to date.Most read in Dream TeamRuben Amorim’s side are currently 14th in the table, just two points ahead of West Ham in 17th.It’s understandable if gaffers are hesitant to rely on a team that have underwhelmed to such a degree but Garnacho might be able to produce healthy returns even if everything else crashes and burns around him.Amorim has problems to solve but his side remain active in the Europa LeagueCredit: PAIt looked for all the world that Amorim’s troops would be eliminated from Europe by Lyon in the quarter-finals before they mustered a spirited comeback of immense drama.Garnacho notched a double-digit haul across both legs against the Ligue 1 outfit.The most notable statistic regarding the Argentina international is his overall tally of 49 shots on target in 2024/25, a total only bettered by Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.2m).MOST SHOTS ON TARGET AMONG DREAM TEAM PLAYERS THIS SEASON (ALL COMPS):83 – Erling Haaland73 – Mohamed Salah49 – Alejandro Garnacho49 – Alexander Isak49 – Cole Palmer47 – Ollie Watkins44 – Matheus Cunha44 – Bruno Fernandes42 – Antoine Semenyo39 – Bryan MbeumoCritics would say Garnacho should have converted more of his shots into goals this campaign – a fair comment – but the level of threat he offers is encouraging.Shot-happy players make for very useful Dream Team assets.Dream Team’s top midfielderCredit: ReutersIt goes without saying that Bruno Fernandes (£7m) should be the first port of call for managers aiming to target Man United’s fixtures in the next two Gameweeks.The Portuguese playmaker is comfortably the leading midfielder in the game with 384 points to his name.Read More on The SunHowever, given Fernandes is the third-most popular player in his position, his returns may not shape Mini Leagues.Combining him and Garnacho in midfield offers a potential point of difference if Man United are able to score a few goals in the next fortnight.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford not ruling out shock Man Utd return with Aston Villa star to assess all transfer options

    MARCUS RASHFORD is yet to make a decision about his future – with a return to Manchester United still on the cards.The 27-year-old fell out of favour with United boss Ruben Amorim earlier this season.Marcus Rashford is not ruling out any options regarding his futureCredit: RexAfter being exiled from the Red Devils first-team squad in December, he was loaned out to Aston Villa the following month.Rashford has since made 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, scoring four goals and making six.Villa have the option to buy the Man Utd loanee for around £40million at the end of the campaign – but it is currently unclear whether or not they will trigger it.Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports, Rashford is not ruling out any options regarding his future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe possibility of returning to Old Trafford remains on the table.It has been reported that Rashford believes he could still have a future at United.The England forward will make a concrete decision about his future at the end of the season.He is also receiving interest from other clubs in England and across Europe.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Independent has reported that Rashford wants to join a Champions League side.However, he is against a move to London, which rules out Arsenal and potentially Chelsea.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi Barcelona have held an interest in the forward since January and could swoop in with an offer.Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be monitoring the situation.Should Rashford not return to Old Trafford, United have lined up potential replacements.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Red Devils are willing to go all out for Eberechi Eze this summer.Crystal Palace could demand around £50m for the 26-year-old.Reports have also suggested that United are closing in on a deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves.The 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause but the Red Devils are yet to trigger it.Man Utd are willing to go all out for Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersMatheus Cunha is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Burnley complete FOUR transfers just hours after winning promotion to the Premier League

    BURNLEY have four players already through the door after confirming promotion back to the Premier League.The Clarets beat Sheffield United 2-1 on Monday to secure an instant return to the top flight.Marcus Edwards (right) is joining Burnley permanently after their promotionCredit: RexEx-Spurs star Edwards is one of four players joining after impressing on loanCredit: Getty Images – GettyScott Parker’s men are already hard at work preparing for the 2025-26 campaign. And all four players will be familiar faces to Burnley fans after turning out for them this season on loan. Marcus Edwards, Jaidon Anthony, Bashir Humphreys and Zian Flemming will all sign permanently after successful loan spells in the North West. Edwards has starred for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined with an obligation to sign permanently for £8.5million – provided the Clarets won promotion.Tottenham will benefit thanks to a 35 per cent sell-on clause they have on Edwards, who came through their academy.Edwards, who was once compared to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino, left Tottenham on a free transfer for Vitoria Guimaraes in 2019 – but with a 50 per cent sell-on included.That clause was then passed on to Sporting when Edwards joined the Lisbon giants for Vitoria in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe figure was then reduced to 35 per cent as part of Pedro Porro’s £40m move from Sporting to Spurs the following year.Edwards has made 15 appearances for Burnley since being farmed out to the Lancashire side, scoring two goals.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by securityThe Clarets’ promotion also sees them commit to buying Anthony from Bournemouth. Anthony has spent the entire season on loan in the North West and will now join permanently for £8m.Parker’s side will also be bolstered by the permanent capture of both Humphreys and Flemming.In total, the Clarets are shelling out almost £40m for the quartet.Burnley’s success this season was built on the back of a stunning defensive effort.Parker’s side has conceded just 15 goals in 44 league games and will now battle it out with Leeds for the title. More

  • in

    James McClean’s footballer brother under club investigation after online footage circulates of player at New IRA parade

    JAMES McClean’s footballer brother is under investigation at his club after being spotted at a New IRA parade in Derry on Easter Monday. Glentoran Football Club confirmed that it is “aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online” and said the club is “reviewing internally” the widely-circulated clip.Glentoran FC defender Patrick McCleanCredit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker PressFootage of Patrick McClean at the parade in Derry over the weekend has been circulating onlineCredit: Social MediaThe video of defender Patrick ‘Paddy’ McClean seemingly shows him walking in the same direction as a masked colour party made its way from Creggan to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside.During the parade, the PSNI made two arrests and seized items including a van, after officers were attacked with petrol bombs. However, there is no suggestion Paddy McClean was involved in any of the disorder, or was spoken to by police.In a statement, a spokesperson for The Glens said: “Glentoran Football Club is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online. “The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community.”The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time.”It is understood that around 150 people attended the gathering. Some of those taking part are understood to have been wearing masks and paramilitary-style clothing – despite a ban in place following a Parades Commission determination.Most read in FootballSenior officers have condemned the actions of those who caused trouble during the annual parade, which marks the 1916 Easter Rising. PSNI Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said that despite parade organisers’ claims that they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, “what we saw was the complete opposite”.She said: “From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination. “As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm.’UTTERLY SHAMEFUL'”Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street being closed for a time for public safety reasons. “Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.”This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. “We have no doubt about this.” Read More on The SunThe senior police officer continued: “Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St Joseph’s Place to change out of their parade clothing.”This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.” More

  • in

    Tragedy as footballer, 22, collapses and dies on pitch as club pay tribute to ‘inspiration to all who knew him’

    A 22-YEAR-OLD footballer tragically died after collapsing on the pitch before a second-tier match.Durban City defender Sinamandla Zondi collapsed during a warm-up prior to the club’s match against Milford FC on Tuesday.Durban City defender Sinamandla Zondi passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a warm-upCredit: Durban City FCHe was subsequently rushed to hospital, where he later passed away.The second-tier match between Durban City and Milford was abandoned at half-time when both teams received the news that Zondi had died.A statement from his club read: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi, aka Sgora, a loved member of the Durban City family.”Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer, he was a teammate, a friend, a brother, a son and an inspiration to all who knew him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone affected by this tragic loss.”We will continue to support those close to him during this difficult time.”Zondi’s cause of death is currently unknown.The young footballer made his professional debut in 2021 and had been a regular for his club this season.Most read in FootballDurban City are currently on track to be promoted to the top division of South African football.They had been trailing 1-0 to Milford following a penalty when the match was suspended. More

  • in

    Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 25% boost on your winnings

    ARSENAL welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates tonight, looking to keep their very slim title hopes alive.Punters who register an account with BoyleSports and stake a tenner on the midweek Premier League game will be rewarded with £30 in football free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus!BoyleSports are also offering customers an extra 25% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!Get £30 in free bets, £10 casino bonus PLUS 25% winnings boostFind The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim…BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website HERE*Register a new account and depositPlace a qualifying bet of £10 or more at odds of Evens or greaterRemember, your qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of account openingOnce that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusBoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*Not got a BoyleSports account? No Problem!Simply visit the BoyleSports website and register for your brand new account.Deposit at least a tenner and then place a tenner or more on any football betting market at odds of Evens or greater.Once that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus.You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special, which offers all customers an extra 25% on their Bet Builder winnings – claim that HERE*BoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Digital customers only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. Available on one bet per selected event. 25% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

  • in

    Man Utd star’s brother leaves Sunday League match at half-time before desperate dash to Old Trafford to watch his debut

    THE brother of Manchester United starlet Tyler Fredricson was forced to leave his Sunday League match early in order to catch the 20-year-old’s first team debut at the weekend.Academy graduate Fredricson earned his first start for United against Wolves at Old Trafford.Tyler Fredricson made his first start for United at the weekendCredit: AlamyHis parents and girlfriend were in attendance – while his brother made a mad dash from his Sunday League matchCredit: AlamyHis girlfriend, Brooke, and his parents all watched on from the stands – but his brother almost didn’t make it.That’s because he had his own match to play.The Daily Mail has revealed that Tate Fredricson decided to play the first 45 minutes of his Sunday League match for Stockport District League side Higher Poynton before completing the late 14-mile dash to Old Trafford.Tate left with his team 1-0 down at half-time but later found out that Poynton turned it around to win 3-1 after the opposing team went down to eight players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was a memorable day for the Fredricson family, even though Man Utd lost 1-0 to Wolves.Pablo Sarabia scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute with a free kick just outside the United box.Amorim praised Fredricson for his debut performance after the match.He said: “Tyler [Fredricson] played really well, also [Harry] Amass played really well and they deserve better.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”We were the better team, we played well and created chances but then again, one opportunity for the opponent at the end and they scored.”What I felt today is that they deserved a better memory from their first games.”Fredricson had an impressive debutMan Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table.They next face Bournemouth in the league on Sunday. More

  • in

    Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals son’s name was inspired by former Man Utd team-mate who tragically died

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY named his son after a former Manchester United team-mate who has passed away.The Leicester boss played at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2006 and had many big-name team-mates to draw inspiration from.Ruud Van Nistelrooy told The Overlap his son is named after Liam MillerCredit: YouTube/The OverlapMiller passed away in 2018 following a battle with cancerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLiam van Nistelrooy has penned his first professional contractCredit: Instagram @psvBut one player who left a bigger mark than most was Liam Miller, who died in 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.Van Nistelrooy, 48, revealed he called his son Liam, who was born in 2008, after playing with the midfielder at United.He told The Overlap: “We played with Liam at United. Liam Miller. “I remember that name and I liked the name.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDVan Nistelrooy confirmed it was Miller whom he drew his inspiration from, before going on to share how proud he was of his son.Miller, who made 22 appearances for United, passed away aged 36.He moved to Old Trafford from Celtic in 2004, joining on a free transfer.A match was played between the two sides in tribute to Miller following his passing – Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs featured for the Red Devils.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordLiam Van Nistelrooy penned his first professional contract with PSV this month.The striker has tied down his future to the club his dad played for and managed on a deal until 2028.Meanwhile, a former England boss has emerged as a candidate to replace Van Nistelrooy if he leaves his post at the KP Stadium.Ruud Van Nistelrooy speaks after Leicester relegated to the Championship More