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A MANCHESTER UNITED fan group is planning a mass sit-in protest at next weekend’s derby. The action from The 1958 comes amid growing unrest among the Red Devils’ supporters over the club’s ownership. More
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney slammed Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line-up in the FA Cup.Forest defeated Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium to punch their ticket to the semi-finals at Wembley and challenge for their first piece of silverware in 35 years.Wayne Rooney criticised Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirot SantoCredit: AlamyManchester United legend Wayne Rooney slammed Nuno’s starting line-up at BrightonHowever, Nuno opted to bench key players, such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Ibrahim Sangare, while giving starts to the likes of Danilo and Nicolas Dominguez.Rooney was left “shocked” with the Portuguese tactician’s decision with Forest considered a favourite to lift the FA Cup with all of the Big Six out, bar Manchester City.The pundit, who underwent some hapless stints as manager of Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth, understood Nottingham’s bid for Champions League qualification.However, Man Utd’s record goalscorer, who won the FA Cup in 2016, was adamant key players need to maintain momentum.Read More on FootballRooney told the BBC: “I’m shocked. I think the FA Cup is such a prestigious tournament and to rest players in the quarter-final when you’ve got a great opportunity to get to the semi-finals… “They’re trying to get into Champions League football which is fine, it’s great.”But as a player, you want to play, you want to get momentum, you want to keep trying to win games.”To leave players out… If I was a fan, I’d be fuming. You want to win silverware and this is a great opportunity.Most read in FA Cup”To leave players out when they’re not guaranteed to win the game on Tuesday is beyond belief for me.”Nuno, who lost top scorer Chris Wood to a hip injury during the international break, addressed his choices before kick-off.’I’m not playing for you’ – Wayne Rooney could’ve played for different country before breaking England goal recordThe ex-Tottenham boss explained cup competitions are always a great opportunity to use players who don’t get enough minutes in the Premier League.Nuno said: “Look, the cup is always a good chance for players that work so hard and don’t have minutes in the Premier League, so we keep this idea.”Taiwo [Awoniyi] has been working good and Danilo has been working good. Players deserve their moments.”Nuno won’t be looking back at the quarter-final with any significant regret as his choices paid off and he sent Forest to the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. More
ALAN SHEARER has paid an emotional tribute to his dad – as Newcastle celebrate ending 70 years of hurt. The Magpies legend joined tens of thousands of fans at a bus parade on Saturday to toast the club’s Carabao Cup success. An emotional Alan Shearer has paid tribute to his late fatherCredit: GettyThe Newcastle icon celebrated the Toon’s Carabao Cup triumph at a bus parade in the cityCredit: GettySupporters packed out Newcastle city centre to celebrate the club’s first domestic trophy since 1955Credit: GettyShearer teared up as he admitted he wished his father was alive to see the triumphEddie Howe’s side beat Liverpool 2-1 a fortnight ago to secure a first domestic trophy in 70 years. Thousands of supporters packed the streets of Newcastle to welcome their heroes back to the North East. And former Toon striker Shearer was among the emotional crowd outside St James’ Park.The 54-year-old grew up a Magpies fan in nearby Gosforth, with his passion for the beautiful game fueled by his dad Alan. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShearer’s father passed away last year aged 80 following a battle with cancer. Alan Sr was just 11 years old when Newcastle last won a domestic trophy in 1955. England hero Shearer revealed his dad had been present at Newcastle’s last trophy before the Carabao Cup, when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969. Choking back tears on stage after the parade, Shearer said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May. Most read in Sport”He was lucky enough to be at the final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.Ant and Dec lead Newcastle stars’ bus parade as hundreds of thousands line streets to celebrate their heroes”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Shearer admitted to shedding a tear at Wembley as Toon held on despite a late Liverpool rally. He told the Rest is Football Podcast: “I must admit, I had a tear or two [in my eye] when the final whistle went because I thought of my old man.”I just wish he’d been there yesterday. But he’d been looking down.””Even in his last few days, he was on about Newcastle and how he wanted them to do well and win the trophy and what have you.” He would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.Alan Shearer on his dadShearer opened up about his dad’s influence in a powerful column last year.Writing in The Athletic, he said: “Without my dad here, part of me feels lost and untethered and I hope you can understand. “Without wishing to be too maudlin, perhaps you might think of him when the Match of the Day theme sounds this weekend. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know I will. And, if it’s right and feels appropriate, think of your family, too.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough – very tough.” More
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim is considered one of the brightest young managers in the world.Bursting onto the scene in 2021 when he ended Sporting Lisbon’s 19-year title drought, he quickly started receiving interest from the best clubs and that intensified after winning the Primeira Liga once more last season.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim used to be the ‘changing room clown’Credit: AFPThat is according to Amorim’s former team-mate Roderick MirandaCredit: GettyMiranda never throught Amorim would switch to coachingCredit: RexHowever, one former team-mate of the Portuguese head coach remembers him more for his dressing room pranks than his tactical nous.Roderick Miranda and Amorim both started out at Benfica’s academy and spent seven years together as part of the European giants’ fold.And Roderick, 33, never thought he would ever see his former team-mate switching to coaching and experiencing so much success.That is because the former Wolves defender, who currently plays for Melbourne Victory, remembers him as the “changing room clown”.Read More on Man UtdHowever, upon reflection, the centre-back thinks Amorim’s rise makes sense as he was a very intelligent midfielder with a “great understanding of the game”.Roderick told Flashscore Australia: “I never thought he’d become a coach! “Not because of his football skills or his intelligence, but because he was the changing room clown.”He had a really fun personality and was always doing something to make people laugh.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”When I heard he started as a coach I was a little bit surprised and wondered how the guy I played with could become so serious!”But he was a very intelligent player. He could play in many different positions, so maybe that’s why he’s a brilliant coach, because he has such a great understanding of the game.”Ed Sheeran reveals he was ten pints down before awkward Sky Sports moment that left Ruben Amorim looking fuming Amorim has struggled this season with United, who are set for their worst ever Premier League finish as they are currently 13th in the table.However, the Red Devils boss still has the boardroom’s trust and will get the chance to build the team to his liking this coming summer. More
NEWCASTLE have celebrated ending 70 years of hurt in epic style – with the help of some familiar faces. Geordie icons Ant and Dec led the celebrations as thousands of Toon fans lined the streets for a parade following last week’s Carabao Cup success.Ant and Dec presented live from the Newcatle bus during the Toon’s trophy paradeCredit: Sky NewsNewcastle’s stars took to the streets to celebrate their Carabao Cup triumphCredit: PAThousands of fans packed out the city centre and outside St James ParkCredit: PAThe TV icons interviewed emotional Newcastle playersCredit: SkyA huge banner of boss Eddie Howe was unveiled prior to the paradeCredit: GettyEddie Howe’s men won their first domestic silverware since 1955 after seeing off Liverpool at Wembley.FOLLOW OUR NEWCASTLE PARADE LIVE BLOGGoals from Dan Burn and Alexander Iska secured a historic 2-1 win and ended the Toon’s seven-decade trophy drought. Fans hit the streets in both London and Newcastle in the hours after the match. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTens of thousands more joined a huge bus parade on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the win.TV stars Ant and Dec were spotted almost in tears at the Home of Football during the triumph a fortnight ago.And the emotional pair were on the edge again as the Toon Army packed out the city centre. They bagged prime seats for the parade, joining the players on two open-top buses. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnt was heard screaming after seeing the crowds: “Look at that! This is absolute brilliant chaos.”We’ve got flares at the back of the bus, lads and lasses!”‘I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeAddressing his sidekick Dec, he added: “Big question is though, are we going to cry like we did at Wembley on the day they won?”The pair replied in unison: “Probably!”A huge poster of Howe was unveiled outside St James’ Park just moments before the buses left to begin their route, hanging from a nearby building.Fans let off flares and waved massive flags, with chants of “Shearer, Shearer!” heard outside the ground. The crowd were treated to a full match replay of the final ahead of the parade.And Newcastle players took to the stage to speak to supporters once the buses completed their one-mile route.Ant and Dec took turns to interview the players, who were noticeably moved by the size of the crowds.Jacob Murphy gasped: “It’s unbelievable. Oh my God!”There are not too many words to describe this. It’s amazing!”Boss Howe added: “Wow. This is just incredible. I feel like a competition winner!Ant McPartlinSky Sports”There’s people hanging from lamp posts and standing on bus stops.”But we knew the people of Newcastle would come out and support us.”Thanks to you both [Ant and Dec] for being a part of it, too.”Ant replied: “I feel like a competition winner!”Focusing on Newcastle’s lengthy wait for a trophy, Howe continued: “Part of your brain hopes that one day you might win something, but at the time we were in a relegation battle.”This is beyond what we thought we could do.”There is no other city like this one for football.”Toon legend Shearer was visibly emotional as he was invited up to address the adoring locals. Paying tribute to his dad Alan, who died aged 80 last year, the ex-England striker began to well up.He said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.”He was lucky enough to be at the final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Alan Shearer was visibly emotional as he addressed the crowdCredit: GettyBruno Guimaraes delighted the crowd by signing X-rated chants about SunderlandCredit: AFPNewcastle’s players were in the mood to party – and couldn’t resist a dig at neighbours Sunderland in the process.Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes led the crowd in a chant for teammate Sandro Tonali.In the X-rated song, supporters sing that the Italian “hates f***ing Sunderland”.Bruno took the mic and belted out the song, with his laughing teammates bouncing around behind him. After Newcastle’s historic triumph at the Home of Football, the 27-year-old called it among the “best days” of his life.A tearful Bruno said: “I wanted to put my name in the club’s history. We can now say we are the champions again.”It is one of the best days of my life. I don’t have any words. They [the fans] deserve it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”People have grown up and not seen Newcastle as champions, I am so happy. This is one of the best days. We deserve this. It is unbelievable.”This is my second home. Relegation, Champions League and now champions. I am so emotional today.”Players danced and celebrated with the Carabao Cup along the one-mile long routeCredit: AFPOne fan fired up a flare after climbing Alen Shearer’s statue outside the stadiumCredit: GettySupporters were treated to a re-run of the final prior to the bus paradeCredit: ReutersHuge flags were unveiled along the routeCredit: Getty More
REAL MADRID flop James Rodriguez lashed out at Fifa after his current club were kicked out of the Club World Cup.Rodriguez, 33, now plays for Mexican outfit Leon, qualified for this summer’s competition and were placed in Group D with Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis.James Rodriguez lashed out at Fifa after his current club Leon was kicked out of the Club World CupCredit: GettyRodriguez described the decision as a ‘grave injustice’ and claimed football will be ‘stained’Credit: ReutersAccording to The Mail, however, the Liga MX giants were removed from the Club World Cup due to a breach of Fifa’s regulations regarding multi-club ownership.Leon and Mexican rivals Pachuca are both owned by Grupo Pachuca, and thus their participation was challenged.Rodriguez’s side will be replaced by Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense, while Pachuca will remain in the competition. The Colombia international, though, is raging with that decision, which he described as a “grave injustice”.Read More on FootballThe former Everton ace also stated that Leon’s replacements Alajuelence as well as football as a whole will be “stained”.Rodriguez said: “I think it’s a grave injustice. We all believe that. We won on the pitch.”The club and the players are hurt by this. Thinking about this, if we’re out, it’s not fair. “The team that would replace us would be stained, football would be stained.Most read in Football”So many fans have planned to travel to the tournament, how do you tell them that they can’t go? I have a lot of questions about all this. It’s odd. “I think Fifa has to get their things together. Football is stained by this.”Glamorous Colombia fan who went viral for going braless in eye-popping outfit sends message to ‘hottie’ James RodriguezRodriguez joined Leon in January and one of the key motivations behind his move was to play in the Club World Cup.But the playmaker, who is on a one-year contract, stated that he is “happy” with his current team and suggested he wishes to stay regardless.Rodriguez added: “I’m happy to be here. Whether or not we play in the Club World Cup does not change the fact that I want to stay here.”This is something new for me. I never qualified for a Club World Cup, and weeks before they tell you that you are out. I hope Fifa can do something.”More criticism piles upLeon share Rodriguez’s anger and addressed their elimination with a stern statement.It read: “Club Leon expresses its disagreement with the decision made by FIFA, which could exclude us from the next Club World Cup. “In recent months, we have presented each piece of evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon operates autonomously in all economic, administrative, and sporting aspects.”Should Club Leon be prevented from participating in the 2025 Club World Cup with the same rights with which it earned a place on the pitch, we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent possible in the highest sporting courts.”The restructured Club World Cup competition has attracted immense criticism from players, pundits and fans for several reasons.One of them was the fact that it will take place this summer after a busy season and could lead to exhaustion for a raft of players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe competition also came under fire when Inter Miami qualified despite not winning the MLS, with many claiming it was down to Fifa attempting to get Lionel Messi in the revamped tournament.The world governing body’s president Gianni Infantino pointed to Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the American club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification. More
FANS called it the most random transfer in history.But Victor Wanyama’s shock move has turned into a NIGHTMARE on his debut for Dunfermline.Victor Wanyama suffered a nightmare debut for Dunfermline as he was sent off after less than 20 minutesCredit: SNSThe Kenyan was shown a straight red for handball by referee Iain SneddenCredit: SNSNew Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon couldn’t believe what he was seeing as his debut match in charge turned sourCredit: SNSThat’s because the Kenyan was shown a STRAIGHT RED CARD just 19 minutes after coming off the bench for his first appearance under Neil Lennon.The 33-year-old former Tottenham player was sent straight off by referee Iain Snedden for a handball.Wanyama’s new side, who play in the second tier Scottish Championship, were already 2-0 down to Ayr United when the midfielder received his marching orders.And Ethan Walker added a late third for Ayr to rub salt into Wanyama and Dunfermline’s wounds.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESThe result lifted the hosts back above Livingston into second place in the hunt for promotion to the Scottish Premiership.But Dunfermline remain two points adrift of Hamilton and sit ninth, inside the relegation play-off spot.Wanyama had been unemployed for the last two months following the expiration of his contract with MLS side Montreal Impact.But the cult Premier League hero, who played for Spurs and Southampton in the English top flight, is no longer a job seeker after inking a surprise deal with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline.Most read in FootballA club statement read: “DAFC are delighted to announce the signing of Kenyan international, Victor Wanyama, on a deal until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.”Wanyama’s move to East End Park has stunned footie fans, one of whom said: “Nahhh that’s crazy.”Another said: “What is football?”And another said: “This is surely the most random transfer of all time.” More
HULL CITY’S Alfie Jones netted one of the most bizarre own goals of the season – to throw open the Championship relegation battle.Luton Town secured a priceless 1-0 win at the MKM Stadium to move to within three points of the Tigers.Luton Town were gifted a calamitous own goal during their 1-0 win at HullCredit: GettyLewie Coyle booted the ball into the face of Alfie JonesThe ball then flew towards the goalJones saw the ball cannon back off his face into the net 12 minutes into the second halfCredit: X @SkyFootballThe Hatters arrived for the early kick-off on Humberside after a morale-boosting 2-1 comeback win at Cardiff before the international break.And they couldn’t have been gifted a more fortunate goal than the one provided by the hosts moments into the second half.After a goalless first 45 minutes, Hull boss Ruben Selles would have been looking for his team to push on and collect three big points.But things unravelled just 12 seconds after the restart as Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski made a long, hopeful punt upfield.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLewie Coyle ran over from right back to cover, attempting to smash the ball away from danger inside his own box.Coyle saw his thunderous clearance sail straight into the head of Jones, with the ball flying back towards goal and past stricken stopper Ivor Pandur.One fan groaned on X in response to the goal: “The most Hull City own goal ever.”Another laughed: “Reminder these guys get paid to play football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third added: “Sunday league level.”And a fourth said: “One to erase from the memory ASAP… tough day for the Tigers!” ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatLuton have endured a tough first season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League last year. The Hatters sacked Rob Edwards in January, bringing in Matt Bloomfield from Wycombe. They have now won three of their last five in the league, pulling to within three points of safety.Hull’s defeat was their first in four games.The Tigers are now looking over their shoulder, with a resurgent Derby gaining fast after three-straight wins. More
