Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares60 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD looked in high spirits as he was spotted in Manchester United training for the first time since his transfer bombshell.Rashford has been linked with a January exit with half of Europe reportedly interested since admitting last month he wants “a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford joined Ruben Amorim’s training at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: GettyRashford was all smiles as he was pictured as part of the main groupCredit: GettyRashford and Kobbie Mainoo wrapped up warmCredit: RexRashford is ready to be called upon ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clashCredit: PAAmorim watched on as his players warmed upCredit: RexThe England international has not played for the club since December 12Credit: PADespite that, the 27-year-old was included in Ruben Amorim’s final practice ahead of Rangers’ Europa League trip to Old Trafford on Thursday.Rashford has reportedly been doing extra training sessions amid his nine-match absence.This is the first time he’s been pictured during that time.United have lost five of the nine games Rashford has been absent for.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd SunSport exclusively reported that Rashford is open to staying and fighting for his place.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to face Rangers if selected.But Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard reportedly still met with Barcelona executives in Lisbon on Wednesday.The England international has not played for the club since early December against Viktoria Plzen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was recalled to the squad to face Newcastle on December 30 but was an unused substitute.The 27-year-old was axed by Amorim for United’s 2-1 win over rivals Man City in December over his performances in training.’Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transferRashford has been excluded for nine matchesBut Rashford has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.After leaving him out again for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton Amorim doubled-down on his stance over the home-grown star.The boss, who called his side “the worst in Manchester United’s history”, stressed: “It is his choice (not to play).“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out because he is not playing.”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”The Old Trafford winger has also been linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.Although Kyle Walker’s pending move to Milan is set to end the Serie A side’s long-running interest in Rashford.Meanwhile, Antony, who has been linked with a loan move to Real Betis, trained as normal on Wednesday morning.Likewise, Chelsea and Napoli target Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who has been linked with Bayern, were spotted training.READ MORE SUN STORIESVictor Lindelof returned for the first time since storming down the tunnel against Spurs in the Carabao Cup defeat in December.While Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans were all absent.Rashford has also been linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC MilanCredit: PAToby Collyer was pictured enjoying a kick about with RashfordCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards names conditions to do Match of the Day NAKED as Alan Shearer forced to clarify awkward comment

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed he will do Match of the Day NAKED if one major condition is met.The Man City icon made the hilarious demands on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football.Micah Richards has revealed he’ll do Match of the Day naked on one conditionCredit: GettyIt forced Alan Shearer to clarify a comment he madeCredit: GettyRichards joined pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, who will step down as Match of the Day host this summer, for more football-related banter.Richards and Shearer are both expected to continue as pundits on the BBC show after it was confirmed that the trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will take turns presenting Match of the Day next season.The duo remain on the sofa Lineker for the rest of the current campaign.And Richards has now revealed there is one thing that will make him present without any clothes on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeaving Lineker and Shearer in stitches, Richards admitted he’d strip off if Newcastle pip Liverpool and Arsenal to the Premier League title.He declared: “If Newcastle win the league, I’ll do Match of the Day naked.”Lineker, who presented the show in his pants following Leicester’s title win in 2016, replied: “I wonder if they’d allow me to do one last show then if that was the case.”Shearer laughed: “F*****g hell, everyone would have to get wide screens for that night, wouldn’t they?”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then clarified: “I didn’t mean for that, I meant for his guns.”Lineker continued: “I’m going to start cheering Newcastle on now so they win the league. Micah’s promised.”Watch moment Luke Littler stuns Micah Richards into silence with brutal ‘I am the man’ jibe Shearer chuckled: “We don’t want that, man, do we? And we want Newcastle to win the league, we don’t want that idiot on our TVs with nowt on.”Richards went on: “Course we do. All oiled up, it would be fantastic. Be like Mr Motivator.”Lineker concluded: “Could you imagine? The viewing figures wouldn’t be the only thing that’s huge — your guns, Micah, your guns.” More

    • 238 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League star, 32, who earned millions playing for Newcastle now earns just £360 a week as an apprentice

      by

      AN EX-Premier League star who earned millions playing for Newcastle now earns just £360 a week as an apprentice.Sammy Ameobi earned an estimated £6.4m during his 11 year career that saw him make 264 appearances for teams across the top three leagues in the EFL.Sammy Ameobi previously earned millions playing for Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe made 70 appearances for the club in all competitions over six yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressLater in his career, the winger played for Nottingham Forest in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThis comes as the star avoided a driving ban after causing a hit and run road accident that left a teenage girl in A&ECredit: CavendishHowever, it as now been revealed that the former multi-millionaire footballer works as an apprentice, earning just £22,000 a year.This means the 32-year-old is now earning the equivalent of more than 26 times less what he was paid for, on average, during his footballing career.The star, who was with Newcastle United as a junior, made his first senior appearance for the club during their 2010/11 season.Ameobi’s first goal for the senior team in a friendly against Darlington in July 2011 sparked a pitch invasion by jubilant fans.Read More on FootballHe went on to make 52 more appearances for the team in the Premier League, with his best season in the top-flight being 2014-15.In that season the winger made 25 league appearances and scored two goals.Ameobi also appeared on loan for Middlesbrough and Cardiff City in the Championship during the 2012-13 and 2015-16 seasons respectively.After Newcastle were relegated to the Championship in 2016, he was sent out on loan to League One side Bolton Wanderers.Most read in FootballThere, he scored four goals across all competitions in the 2016-17 season and helped promote the team to the Championship.He also made four appearances at the tail end of the season for Newcastle United which saw them promoted back to the Premier League.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashAmeobi was then signed by Bolton on a free transfer in July 2017, making 91 appearances for the club across all competitions over the following two seasons, scoring 12 goals.The winger, who’s a devout Christian, made the move to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2018-19 season.There, he made 81 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions, before moving to Middlesbrough two seasons later.However, this move did not lead to any senior team appearances, with Ameobi leaving the club, and his football career all together, in July 2022.He had also played twice for the Nigeria U20s and five times for the England U21s before he committed to the Nigerian national team.His brothers Shola and Tomi are also both professional footballers, with Sammy playing alongside the former at Newcastle United.In August 2013, the pair were the first brothers in Newcastle’s history to score in the same game during a 2-0 win over Morecambe in the League Cup.Then, in 2014, Ameobi became the fastest scoring substitute from open play in the history of the Premier League when he scored after just eight seconds of the second half against Tottenham Hotspur.HIT AND RUN INCIDENTIt comes as the former star escaped a driving ban after he caused a hit and run road accident which left a teenage girl in A&E.Ameobi claimed he had been racing to get to work for his new £360 a week apprentice job when the smashed his Audi E-Tron with a personalised plate into Beth Egerton’s Citroen C1.The crash, which took place on November 12 last year at a roundabout during the morning rush hour, saw Ameobi flee the scene, leaving the 19-year-old in the wreckage.Beth’s vehicle was propelled into the path of coming traffic, according to her family, and she suffered undisclosed injuries in the crash.She was taken to hospital and her car was written off.Beth’s mother Vicky posted a public appeal for information, including the unique SAMM11Y number plate of his electric 4×4, helping to track down devout Christian Ameobi.She said in her appeal: “My daughter was just going to work minding her own business.”This individual needs to take accountability for their actions.’’Police also used CCTV footage of the accident to track Ameobi down, who also had no valid insurance to drive the luxury car.At Chester magistrates court, Ameobi, of Northwich, Cheshire pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident and having no insurance and was fined £240 with £181 in costs and victim surcharge. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.Val Tonkinson, prosecuting, said how the right wing of Beth’s car was collided with by Ameobi’s motor.The charge states that damage to Beth’s car included “dents to the wheel arch of the right hand side of the vehicle back and front” and the “right side wing mirror”.Ameobi, representing himself, said: “Obviously, what I did was wrong. I understand that. “It was completely out of character. I panicked at that moment to be honest with you.“I am not trying to make excuses for it. “He continued: “My wife and I were in the hospital with my son the night before. “He had choked on medication he had for eczema.“I did not get any sleep.”The star explained that he had begun his apprenticeship after “quite a long time” out of work due to “health issues”.Ameobi added: “I was rushing to get to work and worried about my son.“I just panicked at that moment. That is all that was.”The 32-year-old said he had insurance documents with him but that he had forgotten to inform his insurance company of a change in relation to his private registration.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmeobi had previously been fined £750 in 2019 for speeding after claiming there were “no trains” to catch to his then-new club Nottingham Forest.He had been caught hitting 80mph in a 40mph zone while driving his £189,000 Mercedes supercar in October 2018.Beth Egerton was taken to A&E after the accidentCredit: CavendishSammy Ameobi appearing outside of courtCredit: Cavendish More

    • 225 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Screams heard in tunnel’ after Benfica vs Barcelona clash with police forced to intervene in scuffle involving Raphinha

      by

      POLICE were forced to intervene after a mass brawl reportedly erupted between Barcelona and Benfica players.The Catalan giants staged an incredible comeback from 4-2 down to win 5-4 in the Champions League last night.Raphinha was involved in an altercation with Benfica players and the police supposedly intervenedCredit: RexBarcelona won the match with a controversial 96th minute winnerCredit: GettyBarca’s win was not without huge controversy as Benfica were adamant they should have had a penalty in 96th minute.But the referee did not give it and Raphinha immediately went up the other end to score a last-gasp winner.After a lengthy VAR stoppage, which would in effect decide the match in either way, the hosts’ spot-kick claims were denied and Barca’s goal stood.Emotions ran high at full-time and tempers supposedly boiled over in the tunnel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was reportedly a brawl between Barcelona and Benfica players and “screams” were heard.Police allegedly had to intervene, escorting Raphinha away and guarding the doors to both teams’ dressing rooms.Asked about the incident by Movistar, the ex-Leeds star said: “I’m a person who respects everyone, but when I was leaving the pitch there were people who insulted me. “I returned the insults. I know I shouldn’t do it, but I returned the insults. In the end we all got heated. Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”They could have understood the situation, but they preferred to insult me. “I’m a person who doesn’t take anything home, what they say to me, they’re going to hear it too. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game “It was something that happened, we were all heated, but it’s normal in football after the end of a match like this.”In the crazy game, three penalties were given, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny wiped out his own team-mate as Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis netted a hat-trick and Barca star Ronald Araujo scored an own goal.Before his winner, Raphinha made it 4-2 with an effort called “the weirdest goal ever” by fans.Benfica stopper Anatoliy Trubin booted the ball up the pitch but it hit the Brazilian winger’s head from 25 yards out and flew into the open net.At full-time, the Portuguese club’s manager Bruno Lage delivered a passionate team talk on the pitch.Wojciech Szczesny charged out of his goal and wiped out his team-mate to leave Benfica with an open goalCredit: TNT SportsRaphinha scored a header from outside the box after re-directing the keeper’s clearanceCredit: TNT Sports More

    • 175 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      Dream Team bosses making rookie mistake by recruiting hat-trick hero Justin Kluivert this week

      by

      JUSTIN KLUIVERT (£3.3m) is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 21.This may seem logical given the Dutchman is the most in-form player in Dream Team right now but are the gaffers in question making a rookie mistake?Chasing points is often a futile endeavourKluivert produced a sensational performance at St James’ Park on Saturday.The Bournemouth midfielder bagged a hat-trick and provided an assist as the Cherries registered one of their most impressive away victories in the top flight.Come the final whistle, with Newcastle vanquished 4-1, Kluivert left the scene with the match ball under his arm and 25 Dream Team points richer.At the time of writing, he is Gameweek 20’s top performer.More broadly, he’s plundered 49 points across his last three outings having also scored against West Brom and Chelsea.Hat-trick heroCredit: GettyIt’s also worth noting his masterclass against the Magpies was his second hat-trick of the campaign – he converted three penalties against Wolves back in November.Kluivert’s tally of 11 goals is only bettered by four other midfielders at this stage of the season.The 25-year-old deserves plenty of praise for his efforts but Dream Team bosses rushing to recruit him this week are probably chasing lost points.Most read in FootballTransferring him into your XI ahead of Gameweek 19 would have been a masterstroke of sheer genius but what’s done is done.If you use a transfer to enlist Kluivert this week then you’re backing him to provide plentiful points throughout the upcoming Gameweeks.And while he certainly has form on his side, the schedule paints a more pessimistic picture.Bournemouth face tough opponents in their next two outingsCredit: RexBournemouth are due to host high-flying Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 21 before they welcome league-leaders Liverpool to the Vitality Stadium in Gameweek 22.Andoni Iraola’s side have proved themselves capable of stunning upsets but recruiting a player just before they face two of the Premier League’s top three is likely to be counterproductive.Not only will Kluivert be up against two parsimonious defences in the next two Gameweeks, he’ll be on the wrong side of a fixture deficit as well.Come the end of Gameweek 22, Bournemouth would have played twice in the same time Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Manchester United would have fulfilled three fixtures; while Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham would have played FOUR times.Kluivert’s best returns may be behind himCredit: GettySimply put, Kluivert will have to produce something extraordinary to satisfy the gaffers recruiting him this week – it’s a low-percentage strategy.For those keen on the second-generation star, he might be a smart differential option ahead of Gameweek 24, when the Cherries travel to lowly Southampton, before Gameweek 25 brings a rare double header against Wolves and Brighton.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

    • 225 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd boss Solskjaer reveals he took Besiktas job over bizarre coincidence that’s all down to his daughter

      by

      FORMER Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that his daughter was behind his return to management last week.Solskjaer was announced as the new boss of Turkish giants Besiktas on Friday, taking his first job in management since being sacked as United boss back in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the new manager of BesiktasCredit: GettySolskjaer has claimed a coincidence to do with his daughter convinced him to take the jobCredit: PAThe 51-year-old Norwegian spent over three years away from the game after his high-profile exit from the Theatre of Dreams.And now he’s admitted that it was a bizarre coincidence to do with his daughter that gave him the confidence to get behind the wheel once again and give management another crack.Speaking to Turkish media, he said: “This project seems a little bit like Man United for me.”We were sixth, then third and second. Step by step. I’ve been following United and it’s difficult when it goes down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I had many offers but it had to be the right offer worth me moving away from my perfect life. You need to feel the heartbeat racing again. Do you have the energy? The project feels so right for me.”Besiktas is not just a football club, it’s a sports club.”One thing: my daughter was born on March 3, 2003. If we go back in history, March 3, 1903 was the foundation of Besiktas, so I think this is a sign as well. “She sent me a message and this is the right one.”Most read in FootballSolskjaer’s managerial recordOle Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to management after four years out.But how has the Manchester United leged fared at his previous clubs?Molde FK (First Spell): 2010 – 2014Games: 122Wins: 68Draws: 24Losses: 30Win Percentage: 55.74%Cardiff City: 2014 – 2014Games: 30Wins: 9Draws: 5Losses: 16Win Percentage: 30.00%Molde FK (Second Spell): 2015 – 2018Games: 118Wins: 66Draws: 19Losses: 33Win Percentage: 55.93%Manchester United: 2018 – 21 November 2021Games: 168Wins: 91Draws: 37Losses: 40Win Percentage: 54.17%CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSolskjaer replaces Holland legend and ex-Arsenal star Giovanni van Bronckhorst – who was axed last month – in Istanbul.Iconic super-sub striker Solskjaer helped guide United to a second-place finish in the Premier League and reached a Europa League final during his near-three-year reign at Old Trafford.‘Don’t tell anyone!’, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson said to make him stay at Man UtdAnd he has promised not to pinch any of United’s players away from Manchester this month when quizzed about rumours linking Casemiro and Marcus Rashford with a move to Turkey.He said: “I’ve come from Manchester United, so there will be transfer news like this.”Casemiro and Rashford are very good players, but I haven’t had any contact with them.”I enjoyed my time at Manchester United. That chapter is closed.”Solskjaer will take charge of his first game for Besiktas tonight as he faces a Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao this evening.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

    • 238 Shares54 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd draw up four-man striker shortlist including Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo if one of three stars leave

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up a four-man striker shortlist, according to reports.But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been frozen out at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersSelling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford’s £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are keen on Garnacho, meanwhile, with the Blues also holding an interest in Mainoo.According to the Mail, Man Utd scouts have been tracking Prem trio Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Lille striker Jonathan David is also on their radar.Former Man City academy kid Delap has impressed for Ipswich this season, the 21-year-old scoring eight times for the Tractor Boys.Mbeumo, meanwhile, has 13 Prem goals for Brentford this term, with Cunha, 25, managing 10 for strugglers Wolves.David, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored 11 times in Ligue 1 this term – in addition to Champions League strikes against Real Madrid, Atletico, Juventus and Liverpool.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLiam Delap has impressed for Ipswich this seasonCredit: GettyBryan Mbeumo has bagged 13 times for BrentfordCredit: RexMatheus Cunha has impressed despite Wolves’ strugglesCredit: AlamyJonathan David is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyShould the Red Devils manage to flog one of their homegrown trio, United could make a late striker swoop.United are said to be demanding around £75m for Garnacho.Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town While they want a higher fee for Mainoo.Rashford could head out on a loan, with a deal largely dependent on whether they can find a suitor who will take on most of his £315k wages. More

    • 163 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      What do Arsenal need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League Last 16?

      by

      ARSENAL are among the favourites to advance straight into the Champions League’s Last 16.The Gunners are fifth in the League Phase table with eight points separating them from high flying Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand.Arsenal might need only one more win to advance to the Champions League’s Last 16Credit: GettyThe North Londoners have two more games to go in the revamped first round consisting of 36 teams.Mikel Arteta’s men face Dinamo Zagreb tonight at the Emirates and then visit Girona on January 29.Arsenal have amassed 13 points from six matches of which they won four and lost only once.Just one more win from the final two games could send the Premier League giants straight into the Round of 16.Read More on ArsenalThe teams who finish in the top eight spots automatically qualify for the Last 16.And those who find themselves between ninth and 24th place will face off in the play-offs to determine the other eight teams that make it to the next round.Arsenal are currently five points ahead of Dinamo, who are 25th in the Champions League table.Opta found that in 99 per cent of their simulations, teams who collected 10 points made it into the play-off round, which means Arteta and co might already be guaranteed at least a spot in those.Most read in Champions LeagueEven nine points proved to be enough in 69 per cent of the simulations, which were run 50,000 times.But Arsenal will want direct qualification for the Last 16.16 points proved to be enough in 98 per cent of the available scenarios.Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator to put Gunners in driving seat but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s sideAnd 15 points were sufficient for eighth place in 73 per cent of the simulations. On the other hand, 14 points were enough in just 28 per cent of the supercomputer’s simulations.That means 15 points could be the magic number for Arsenal to avoid two crunch clashes amid their gruelling bid for a first Premier League title since 2004.That would mean one win from their final two games will likely be enough. More