Soccer

ROY KEANE has blasted Alejandro Garnacho for his refusal to celebrate his goal against Leicester.The winger was on the end of criticism from a Manchester United fan outside of Old Trafford before the Europa League clash against PAOK.Alejandro Garnacho had a muted celebration after scoring against Leicester in Man Utd’s 3-0 winCredit: AlamyRoy Keane had a passionate response to the lack of celebrationIt sparked a passionate debate between himself and Ian WrightGarnacho, who was named in the starting XI for that game, went over to takes photos and write autographs for fans before the clash.However, one fan who recorded the interaction told him: “You’ve got to pass better today, yeah please? Pass better today, score a goal, and work on your first touch as well.”The 20-year-old responded by saying: “Why aren’t you playing?”Then during the next game against Leicester, Garnacho came off the bench to cap off a 3-0 win with a stunning finish into the top corner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Garncho had a muted celebration following the goal, with captain Bruno Fernandes explaining: “Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. “I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.”I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. “They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the Argentine’s lack of celebration has sparked fury from some former stars, including Red Devils legend Keane.Appearing on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane and co were asked: “What advice would you give to young players when they get hassled by their own fans?”‘That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanIn response, the 53-year-old fumed: “If you can’t celebrate a goal, there is something drastically wrong with this game. “Whatever has gone on off the pitch for any player – it could be family stuff – you work all week, you’re playing the game to score a goal.“When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”Ian Wright was more compassionate towards the youngster, saying: “For a 20-year-old, he’s still going through the journey of what he’s doing. “That [fans’ criticism] affected him to the point where he didn’t celebrate. That’s how much it affected him. He scored a great goal, but he’s worried about that. “It’s the saddest thing in the world when someone scores and they don’t celebrate because of something that has happened.”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?Keane added: “People make sacrifices to travel to watch Man Utd, he scores a brilliant goal, they are having a tough time – and if a younger player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man Utd, then get a job somewhere else.”If I’m working in a factory someone would give me stick in the factory.”You want a player to celebrate with the fans… Don’t listen to that idiot, there’s them f***ing idiots everywhere. But when you score a goal that should be gone in that moment.”If he’s going to be upset with that, get a different job.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Wright argued: “He’s probably playing in anger. He can’t not think about it [the fans’ criticism].”An impassioned Keane continued: “You’ve scored in front of 60-70,000 fans. He’s probably under pressure from outside sources. “Every player is under pressure from family, for tickets, your performances, your fitness, your contract.”There’s all sorts of pressures on players but for that moment, or for that weekend when you’ve scored a goal, you should be going, ‘Whatever happens for the rest of my life, if it finishes tonight, I’m going to enjoy this moment’.”Wright concluded: “He’ll probably get that as he gets older, he’ll learn from this experience and he may never do that again. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I don’t think he’s wrong to do that, because you know what the sad thing is that he didn’t celebrate for himself. And that’s because somebody affected him.”Garnacho is Man Utd’s top scorer this season with seven goals in all competitions. More

MANCHESTER UNITED icon Diego Forlan had an expectedly difficult professional tennis debut.The retired footballer, 45, has swapped the pitch for the court in a bid to play tennis at a professional level after excelling as a youngster.Diego Forlan has made his professional tennis debutCredit: GettyThe retired footballer played alongside Federico Coria in a doubles match on the ATP Challengers TourCredit: AFPForlan is known for a glittering career that saw him play for Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationForlan, who played for the likes of Man Utd, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, turned his attention to tennis after hanging up his boots in 2019.And the 112-time Uruguay international has grafted on the ITF Tour to rebuild his skills, competing in over 45 events and ranking No.108 in that category.But now the football hero has finally tried his hand at professional tennis, playing on the ATP Challenger Tour – tennis’ second tier circuit.Forlan played alongside Argentine partner Federico Coria in a game of doubles after receiving a wildcard for the Uruguay Open in Montevideo.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, the pair were beaten in just 47 MINUTES as opponents Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos smashed the debutant and his partner 6-1 6-2. Things started positively for Forlan and Coria as they held serve to start the match, but their Bolivian counterparts soon showed their experience and pulled away.Forlan’s partner, Coria, is no stranger to pro tennis.The 32-year-old had a career-high singles ranking of 49 and has beaten stars such as British No.1 Cam Norrie in recent history.Most read in FootballDiego Forlan’s football careerA brief look at the career of Diego Forlan..CLUB CAREER1998 – 2002: Independiente2002 – 2004: Manchester United2004 – 2007: Villarreal2007 – 2011: Atletico Madrid2011 – 2012: Inter Milan2012 – 2014: Sports Club Internacional 2014 – 2015: Cerezo Osaka2015 – 2016: Penarol2016 – 2017: Mumbai City2018: KitcheeINTERNATIONAL CAREERCaps: 112Goals: 36Assists: 13Major tournament appearances: 28FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking ahead of his debut Forlan acknowledged just how difficult facing seasoned pros would be, but hinted that he wanted to try his hand at it at least once to see what would happen.Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “I’m far away from those guys. For me, everything is positive.Watch Diego Forlan smash rival at tennis as former Man Utd star makes incredible career change”Playing with professionals, just for one game, you never know, but I know it’s difficult. I will enjoy.“It’s going to be in my club with so many people, good weather. “Having the opportunity to be, I don’t know if I’m the first, a professional football player and professional tennis player, just for one game, it’s a privilege.”Forlan’s pro debut saw him lose in just 47 minutesCredit: GettyThe star received a fantastic reception from a home crowd in UruguayCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

COLE PALMER joked he normally “just wears trackies” after dressing to impress for a GQ photoshoot.The Chelsea star, 22, got into some glad rags alongside fellow England star and Manchester lad Kobbie Mainoo.Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo featured in GQ MagazineCredit: Dan Martensen / GQThe pair rocked some bold outfits for the photoshootCredit: Dan Martensen / GQPalmer revealed he is far comfier in his trackiesCredit: GettyThe pair got kitted out in threads from designer fashion giants including Burberry, Dior and Louis Vuitton for the interview in a London studio as they rocked various bold blazers, sweaters and jeans.But after finishing their chats and snaps in the expensive and outlandish outfits, Palmer joked he was far more comfortable in his casual clothes. He said: “I just wear trackies.”Mainoo – himself far more accustomed to high-end menswear brands like Enfants Riches Deprimes, Chrome Hearts and Bottega – was quick to try and give his new pal some credit. READ MORE ON COLE PALMERHe replied: “I’ve seen you in jeans, bro.”Palmer, however, is not afraid to splash the cash.The £130,000-a-week man revealed he did buy himself a platinum and ice-blue Rolex Daytona watch after his first England cap.And then he picked up a £190,000 Lamborghini – a far cry from his Wythenshawe upbringing. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Palmer has not forgotten where he came from, and recently went back to his old youth clubs to donate boots.Palmer recalled: “When you’re growing up, you don’t really have much, do you know what I mean?Cole Palmer stars in video to tackle London homelessness as Chelsea launch Wrap Up Warm campaign“I remember wanting boots off my dad and he wouldn’t get me them, and that. You’re living in council houses. So just to try and give back when you get to this position is nice.”Despite both growing up in Manchester, Palmer and Mainoo did not become pals until Euro 2024.They bonded over playing padel and table tennis in the camp in Germany. It was a tournament that ended with Palmer replacing Mainoo with 20 minutes to go in the final against Spain – and scoring the equalising goal that had every England fan dreaming of what might have been – before both men were called in for drugs testing.I’ve seen you in jeans, bro.Kobbie MainooBut though the goal is etched into the memory of most, the Chelsea forward admitted he does not really recall what happened. Palmer has gone from strength to strength since his £40million transfer from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge – becoming the key cog under Mauricio Pochettino and now Enzo Maresca. He kickstarted this season with seven goals and five assists in his opening nine Premier League games.But despite playing the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, he joined eight others in withdrawing from England’s Nations League squad – prompting an angry reaction from skipper Harry Kane.Palmer, though, is desperate for a break – namely the return of the winter break. Asked about the January respite, he said in the GQ Magazine interview: “Yeah. The more breaks the better.”People will start getting injured more.”Mainoo concurred: “It’s a crazy amount of games.”Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalRobert Sanchez – 6Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.Malo Gusto – 6Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.Wesley Fofana – 7Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.Levi Colwill – 6Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.Marc Cucurella – 7Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.Moises Caicedo – 6Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.Romeo Lavia – 6A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.Noni Madueke – 6Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.Cole Palmer – 6Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.Pedro Neto – 7Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. Nicolas Jackson – 6Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.The Manchester United midfielder and FA Cup winner recently moved out of his family home into his own pad. Palmer’s parents, meanwhile, have got a shining reminder of their son’s achievements during his bit-part role in the Treble-winning season for City before his move to London.The forward kept hold of his PFA Young and Chelsea Player of the Year trophies at his own place and hopes to add to his cabinet – but the City successes are back with mum Marie. Palmer said: “I give them to my mum. “I wanted to restock. Clear them out so I can stock up again.”The feeling you get when you win… you just want it again. “You don’t want to stop and never get that feeling again.”The feeling you get when you win… you just want it again.Cole PalmerIt is a feeling he would have had in the Premier League again last term if he stayed at the Etihad – but whether he would have been involved much remains unlikely, even after Riyad Mahrez’s exit.Instead, he left and it paid off as he earned his own personal breakthrough.Explaining the deadline-day transfer to Chelsea, Palmer said: “I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee’.”Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.” READ MORE SUN STORIES“I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.”I messaged the group chat and said, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”Palmer dressed to impress in front of the camerasCredit: Dan Martensen / GQMainoo is used to wearing designer brandsCredit: Dan Martensen / GQPalmer gave most of his medals and trophies to his parentsCredit: Getty More