More stories

  • in

    Ruben Amorim ‘tells Alejandro Garnacho to LEAVE Man Utd after informing squad of his own future plans’

    RUBEN AMORIM has reportedly told his Manchester United players he will remain at the club next season – but Alejandro Garnacho will not be. The under-fire manager offered to walk away without any compensation if the board and fans are no longer behind him. Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told by Ruben Amorim to find a new clubCredit: ReutersIt came in the aftermath of United’s 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham – who won their first trophy in 17 YEARS. But, the Old Trafford hierarchy are believed to be behind Amorim – who replaced Erik ten Hag in November. According to The Athletic, Amorim addressed players at the club’s Carrington training ground on Saturday to inform them of his own plans.And it was there that Garnacho is said to have been told to find a new team following a period of uncertainty at the club. READ MORE ON man utdThe Argentine was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by – despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign.United’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season.And Garnacho told Argentine press: “It’s hard for everyone. “The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league, where we didn’t beat anyone, that’s the truth. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.”Garnacho’s brother Roberto then caused a stir following the winger’s cryptic message in Bilbao. FIRE SALE at Old Trafford! EVERY Man Utd Star Up for Grabs — Even Mainoo & Garnacho!He posted a picture of a dejected Garnacho and wrote: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”The winger – linked with a move away in January – was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player.He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest in January.Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.GarnachoSunSport revealed how Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are among the most at risk of being sold in the summer. United remain in a financial mess and selling two of the first team’s biggest assets is now a priority to ease the pressure.Bruno Fernandes has also suggested he could leave but United will not want to offload their skipper.Other players such as Marcus Rashford and Antony, who have been on loan at Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively, will also be sold in what is likely to be a turbulent summer at United.Amorim was asked in his final pre-match press conference of the season whether he has sought to clarify Fernandes and Garnacho’s futures. And he said: “I will speak with my players but my focus is the last game. I don’t know what is going to happen.“We have a plan — we were prepared for both situations, with or without Champions League. Read More on The Sun”We have an idea what type of squad we want. Now we have to focus on the game, we now have the last game and we have time to address those situations.”Garnacho hinted at leaving after Europa League final defeatCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

  • in

    Championship play-off final delayed by sickening injury as Sunderland ace forced off before calling Wag down from stands

    THE Championship play-off final has been delayed because of an injury to Sunderland club captain Luke O’Nien.The defender dislocated his shoulder in the second minute.Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien was forced off with injuryCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe defender received treatment on the pitch for several minutesCredit: GettyO’Nien appeared to be in pain as he left the pitchCredit: PAThe match was delayed for around six minutesCredit: PAO’Nien injured his shoulder in an aerial challenge with Kieffer MooreCredit: PAThe club captain later joined in with the celebrations after Sunderland equalisedHis arm was held in a slingFollow the Championship play-off final with SunSport’s live blogThe incident occurred as he went to challenge Sheffield United ace Kieffer Moore for a header, with the striker almost scoring.O’Nien fell to the ground and immediately required treatment from the physios.He was attended to for several minutes and received oxygen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA stretcher was brought out onto the pitch but was not required, with O’Nien walking off.However the Black Cats skipper did appear to be in a lot of pain as he trudged off.He grimaced as he clutched his injured arm – play only resumed six minutes later. O’Nien was applauded off by the Sunderland faithful and was replaced by Chris Mepham.Most read in EFLBefore making his way down the tunnel O’Nien beckoned to his partner Georgia to join him.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe walked down the Wembley steps and greeted the Sunderland star, before escorting him down the tunnel alongside the medical staff.O’Nien later returned to the Sunderland bench and was spotted in tears.Sheffield United star targets a hat-trick of promotions ahead of £200m play-off final against Sunderland at WembleyBut his game was not finished as he rushed to the corner flag to join in with the celebrations after Eliezer Mayenda equalised for Sunderland after Tyrese Campbell’s first half opener. More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘unhappy’ after ‘discussions’ for him to play in Club World Cup are leaked by Infantino to IShowSpeed

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly unhappy after it was revealed to YouTuber IShowSpeed that he could play in the Club World Cup.Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed discussions are underway to involve Ronaldo in the new-look tournament.Cristiano Ronaldo could play at the Club World CupCredit: GettyGianni Infantino made the revelation to IShowSpeedRonaldo, 40, is out of contract at Al-Nassr at the end of the season but has been in negotiations to extend his stay.It has also been claimed there are no plans for Ronaldo to leave on loan.So Ronaldo’s representatives have expressed their disappointment over Infantino’s comments to IShowSpeed, according to The Athletic.Infantino told the influencer: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup…who knows, who knows.”Al-Nassr did not qualify for the revamped Club World Cup, with Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia’s only representative.They will compete against Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich alongside England’s two representatives – Manchester City and Chelsea.David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also qualified and Infantino hinted at who they could play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhen asked if Inter Miami are going to play against Real Madrid, maybe, Infantino replied: “Maybe, it could be.”The tournament kicks off on June 14 and ends on July 13, with the winner receiving up to £68million in prize money. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO More

  • in

    James Maddison and Simon Jordan embroiled in public spat with talkSPORT pundit hailed for ‘brilliant come back’

    JAMES MADDISON and Simon Jordan have engaged in a public spat after Tottenham won the Europa League.Spurs ended 17 years of hurt and Maddison decided to use the triumph to hit back at some naysayers.James Maddison hit back at Simon Jordan over his criticismCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJordan had claimed Maddison was not good enough to win a trophyCredit: talkSPORTThat included talkSPORT pundit Jordan, who has been critical of the midfielder in the past.Maddison, who took part in Spurs’ trophy parade around the streets of North London yesterday, called out Jordan on X.He shared a video of his criticism, with Jordan captured saying: “If you want to win something you’ve got to bring players in who are able to operate at the highest level.”And I look at players like James Maddison. I think they’re good players, but I don’t think you win things with James Maddison.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe video then cuts straight to Maddison laughing as he sat on the pitch, medal in hand, next to the Europa League trophy.Maddison added a caption which reads: “Bookmarked it. Knew it would come in handy 😎🏆”Jordan then continued the spat with another dig, pointing out the fact Maddison did not play in the final – he was absent because of injury.He shared the Spurs line-up alongside the caption: “Fair point 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSome fans loved the retort with one commenting: “Brilliant come back 🤣🤣”Another said: “Simon Jordan is cooking.”Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesAnd a third added: “Anyone know why James Maddison giving it large when he didn’t play?” More

  • in

    Championship play-off final prize money 2025: How much do the winning team receive?

    THE Championship play-off final will take place TODAY with two of the second tier’s biggest sides battling for a spot in the Premier League.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will go head-to-head in the blockbuster Wembley showpiece this afternoon.Sheffield United are eyeing an immediate Premier League returnCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard’s last-minute header sent Sunderland through to the Championship play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Blades booked their place in the play-off final with a comfortable win over Bristol City in the semis.Boyhood Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder is looking to lead his side to an immediate return to the top flight.Sunderland’s route to the final wasn’t quite as plain sailing with Dan Ballard’s dramatic 122nd-minute header securing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry.The Black Cats have had four seasons in League One during their 8-year Premier League exile, but today could be the day they end their much-anticipated wait for a top flight return.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat is the Championship play-off final prize money?Sheffield Utd and Sunderland aren’t just battling it out for the right to play at Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates next season, but for the huge financial reward that comes with promotion to the Premier League.The winners of the Championship play-off final will receive a minimum of £200million – that’s £60m more than Southampton got last term.And the money doesn’t stop there, as whoever claims Premier League status will secure a share of the new domestic television deal, which is worth £6.7bn across four seasons.The Wembley winner will also receive centralised commercial fees, facility fees and merit payments.Most read in ChampionshipShould the play-off victor be relegated back down to the Championship, they would be entitled to parachute payments.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will also take home a share of the gate receipts from the Wembley play-off final, which is an estimated £2m.Past Championship play-off final prize moneyIt’s safe to say the value of winning the Championship play-offs has significantly increased over the years.In 2005, West Ham received £31m for beating Preston in the final – that’s a mammoth £189m less than this year’s prize.Here is a look at how the value of the Championship play-off final has changed in the last two decades:2025 – £200m2024 – £140m2023 – £170m2022 – £170m2021 – £178m2020 – £135m2019 – £170m2018 – £160m2017 – £170m2016 – £170m2015 – £120m2014 – £80m2013 – £120m2012 – £90m2011 – £90m2010 – £90m2009 – £60m2008 – £60m2007 – £60m2006 – £40m2005 – £31mWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be broadcast on Sky Sports.The matches will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have LIVE coverage of all three play-off finals as they happen. More

  • in

    David Beckham enters Gary Neville stadium ban row with brutal dig at Nottingham Forest

    DAVID BECKHAM weighed in on Gary Neville’s stadium ban with a cheeky dig at Nottingham Forest’s expense.Forest sensationally BANNED Neville from commentating at the City Ground on the final day of the season.Gary Neville was banned from covering Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea at the City GroundCredit: GettyNeville slammed Evangelos Marinakis for his public row with Nuno Espirito SantoCredit: Sky SportsDavid Beckham could not resist the cheeky dig at Forest’s expenseCredit: PAThe East Midlands outfit – who could still clinch Champions League football – blocked Sky Sports’ media accreditation request for Neville.The bombshell decision came after the former Manchester United defender criticised Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.Neville labelled the Greek businessman’s public row on the pitch with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the 2-2 draw with Leicester as “scandalous”. In a shock response, Forest refused to allow Neville to take to the gantry for the crunch clash with Chelsea in their Premier League finale. READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLENeville, 50, took to Instagram to break his silence and express his “disappointment” at the “unprecedented action”.And his close pal Beckham could not resist piling in on Forest.Becks, who co-owns Salford City with Neville, replied to the Instagram post with a brilliant comment.The ex-England captain, 50, quipped: “Must of been something to do with that 7-1 game back in the day,” followed by a laughing emoji.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment undoubtedly referred to United’s thumping win over Forest at the City Ground during the Treble-winning season in February 1999 in which both Beckham and Neville played the full 90 minutes.Incredibly, though, the result was actually 8-1 – as Beckham appeared to lose count of the score. Why these WILD Chris Wood & Morgan Rogers stats could spell disaster for Chelsea & Man Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerDwight Yorke and Andy Cole scored two each before a sensational late quadruple from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Beckham’s comment racked up 26,000 likes by Saturday lunchtime.Jamie Carragher also got involved, simply typing a series of laughing emojis on the post while one fan joked: “Gary Neville and Bonnie Blue both banned from the City Ground,” in reference to the controversial adult content creator’s lifetime suspension. Neville added in his social media statement: “I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.While Forest have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 monthsGary Neville”Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision. “Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”Sky chiefs are furious and are standing with Neville following Forest’s decision, and have totally revised their coverage plans for the final game of the season.A spokesperson told SunSport: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.Read More on The Sun“This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.”As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in West London.”Beckham made reference to a thumping Manchester United win in 1999Credit: InstagramBeckham lost track of how many goals United stuck in Forest’s netCredit: GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer scored four in a late blitz as the Red Devils won 8-1Credit: PA:Empics SportBecks joined in the celebrations during the Treble-winning seasonCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emerges

    SUNDERLAND fans were blasted for the “absolutely disgusting” state they left Trafalgar Square in.Black Cats supporters gathered in central London on Friday night to party ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.Sunderland fans left Trafalgar Square in a messCredit: X formerly TwitterBottles, cans, bags and litter were strewn across the floorCredit: X formerly TwitterThere was a major clear-up job left behindCredit: X formerly TwitterRival fans hit out at their Black Cats rivals for their selfishnessCredit: X formerly TwitterSunderland supporters took over Trafalgar Square on FridayCredit: ReutersThe game kicks off at 3.01pm – the one minute later due to an initiative with the Every Minute Matters, encouraging supporters to learn the life-saving skill of CPR.Regis Le Bris’ side face Sheffield United in the £190million match desperate to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And their fans made the most of their trip to the national stadium – by descending on Trafalgar Square the night before the big game.Thousands of Sunderland supporters gathered at the iconic London landmark to get in the mood ahead of the final – with some even getting in the fountain. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut after everyone had gone, video footage of the aftermath emerged – and makes for shocking viewing.The entire square was left littered with cans, bottles, plastic bags and other rubbish.In the video, a man can be heard saying: “Aye we’ve got to do better than this.”And plenty of football fans took to social media to slam the Sunderland fans for their selfish, horrible attitude and antics.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne labelled it “embarrassing”.Another wrote: “It looks awful.” Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliA third replied: “Absolutely disgusting – @SunderlandAFC you should be ashamed of it, your club should be billed for the cleaning up.”And a final user simply wrote: “Vile.”In 2023, Newcastle fans were praised for helping clear up their mess at Trafalgar Square ahead of the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.And Crystal Palace supporters drew similar adulation for the way they played their part to tidy the rubbish after last week’s jubilant FA Cup final.Sunderland saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in dramatic fashion to book their spot in the play-off final – with the winning goal in the 122nd minute.Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham is hoping to enjoy his moment in the Wembley spotlight – a year on from his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy under the arch.For team-mate Enzo Le Fee, it promises to be an emotional day.He bravely opened up on finding his father dead in bed after he had taken his own life.Read More on The SunOn the other side, Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore is relishing his chance to finally play on the hallowed turf – and is desperate to secure a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League.And Premier League clubs will be supporting the Blades because victory for them would ensure a bumper £39m cash bonus windfall due to the parachute payments. Thousands of supporters gathered in central LondonCredit: The Mega AgencySome even got in the fountainCredit: ReutersThis fan held a flare in his mouthCredit: ReutersSunderland fans stayed put until after darkCredit: ReutersThe Black Cats followers will be hoping for more partying after the play-off finalCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

    SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More