Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Scott Parker is shock candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham with Daniel Levy ‘massive fan’ of Burnley boss

      by

      SCOTT PARKER has emerged as a shock candidate for the Spurs job – if the club decide to axe Ange Postecoglou.The Australian could leave the North London outfit at the end of the season, regardless of whether he wins the Europa League or not.Ange Postecoglou could leave Tottenham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyDaniel Levy will have to find a replacement for the AustralianCredit: GettyScott Parker is a shock candidate for the manager job at SpursCredit: AlamySunSport can reveal a number of senior figures at Tottenham “hugely admire” the job Parker has done at Burnley this season.And despite difficult spells in charge of Fulham and Bournemouth in the Premier League, he remains one of the most highly-regarded young English coaches in the country.Spurs owner Daniel Levy is among those said to be a massive fan of former Tottenham star Parker.Levy is keen to cement his club’s reputation for playing an attacking brand of football alongside a history of bringing through young players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThese traits are central to Parker’s philosophy – but appointing him would be hugely controversial.That’s because if Postecoglou is axed, Spurs fans are already demanding a replacement with proven Premier League experience.Supporters’ message boards highlight Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as a preferred choice, and he remains a firm favourite with the bookies too.Marco Silva and Thomas Frank are also being tipped by many bookmakers, with Mauricio Pochettino repeatedly linked with a return to Spurs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAn insider told SunSport: “It’s going to be a big summer at Spurs. If they can win the Europa League, then it’s very unlikely that Ange will go anywhere.“He’ll have earned the opportunity to start the new season and to try and turn around Spurs’ fortunes in the Premier League.’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceMarco Silva and Andoni Iraola have been linked to SpursCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino has also been tipped for a stunning returnCredit: Getty“But if he gets off to a bad start then the noise will become unbearable and he could be out by Christmas.“There’s obviously a lot of talk and work going on behind the scenes at the club with contingency plans being put in place as to what life would be like without Ange.“And Scott Parker is a name who is being talked about more and more. The job he’s done at Burnley has underlined, again, what an excellent young coach he is.“There’s a view among many at the club that he could be a potential boss for Spurs, but the board know if they do replace the current manager they need to get the next appointment spot on.“It might be the case that it’s a bit early for Parker. But he’s definitely someone who might potentially end up in the Spurs dugout one day.“Spurs came very close to appointing Parker in 2021 when he was Fulham manager. But, in the end, he just missed out.”Many years have now passed, and he’s become more experienced, which has made him an even more attractive proposition.”Parker’s manager career by statsHere is a look at Scott Parker’s career by stats…Fulham, 2019–2021Matches – 105Wins – 37Draws – 25Losses – 43Bournemouth, 2021–2022Matches – 55Wins – 29Draws – 13Losses – 13Club Brugge, 2022–2023Matches – 12Wins – 2Draws – 6Losses – 4Burnley, 2024-presentMatches – 48Wins – 28Draws – 16Losses – 4 More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      How Pope Francis helped Arsenal complete signing of Danny Welbeck from Man Utd

      by

      POPE FRANCIS had an unusual hand in getting Danny Welbeck to swap Manchester United for Arsenal in 2014.The Pope died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke that led to coma and irreversible heart failure.Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday aged 88Credit: GettyThe Pope has an unusual part to play in Danny Welbeck’s move to ArsenalCredit: Getty – ContributorAs well as his incredible impact on so many people and his commitment to reshaping the Vatican’s ideas around LGBTQ+ rights, Pope Francis was known to be a big football fan.That love for the sport even meant he had a roundabout way of impacting Arsenal’s transfer business during the 2014 summer window.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was spending transfer deadline day in Rome as he had an appointment to meet The Pope as well as participating in a charity football match.In fact, the Gunners’ manager was even negotiating during his wait to meet The Pope as Arsenal tried to work out a late deal to lure Welbeck away from Old Trafford.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking at the time, Wenger said: “Meeting the Pope was an experience I did not want to miss.”I am a Catholic, so it was an experience, and one I accepted a long time ago.”Adding: “He is a great person. He shows humility and is available to meet for everybody, has a word with everybody.“He is also a football fan. He is a supporter of San Lorenzo in Argentina. You cannot be born in Argentina and not be a football fan.Most read in FootballArsene Wenger revealed that he was in Rome to meet The Pope during the 2014 transfer deadline dayCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He spoke with many Argentinians, so I wanted to be discreet and say, ‘it was nice to meet you and bye-bye’.”And even though it would seem that Wenger was kept busy by his meeting with The Pope, the legendary gaffer managed to get a £16m deal over the line for Welbeck.‘He’s perfect for Man Utd’ – Neville begs Amorim to re-sign flop strikerWenger even revealed that getting up early to meet Pope Francis actually helped him secure the Welbeck deal, explaining that it gave him more time to negotiate the transfer.He said: “In 2014 you can always be in touch with everybody even when you travel.”The advantage of that day was I had to get up at 6 o’clock in the morning for my flight and I was available the whole day.”It may not have been a direct involvement, but had Wenger not headed to see The Pope then Welbeck may have never laced up his boots for the Gunners.Arsenal fans will be thankful he did, as the striker became a cult hero at the Emirates – scoring 32 times in 126 appearances.His late goal against Leicester City in the 2015/16 season still lives long in the memory of many Arsenal fans, and he left the club in 2019 as a two-time FA Cup winner.Welbeck, 34, is now plying his trade with Brighton where he has scored nine goals and registered four assists in the Premier League this season – his best ever return in the competition.Welbeck won two FA Cups with ArsenalCredit: AFP – GettyHe is having his best ever season at Brighton this termCredit: Reuters More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Carlo Ancelotti ‘contacted’ over two new jobs if he leaves Real Madrid after Champions League disaster

      by

      CARLO ANCELOTTI has reportedly been contacted over two new jobs if he leaves Real Madrid.The legendary Italian manager appears set to be on the way out of the Santiago Bernabeu following a disappointing season.Carlo Ancelotti could be on his way out of Real MadridCredit: RexHe has reportedly been contacted over a return to AC MilanCredit: ReutersHe could also replace Claudio Ranieri at RomaCredit: GettyAncelotti, 65, has enjoyed great success with Los Blancos since returning to the club in 2021.He has won two Champions League titles during his current reign, but the current season has been a failure.Real were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition by Arsenal and are seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.The veteran technician will not be short of offers if he does leave the club at the end of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLa Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that AC Milan have contacted him over a return to the San Siro.Ancelotti won the Serie A and Champions League titles twice with the Rossoneri as manager between 2001 and 2009.He also enjoyed success at the club as a player, as he won domestic and European titles with the club.Milan is not the only team to have reached out to the former Everton boss, according to the report.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt is claimed that AS Roma are also interested in Ancelotti to replace Premier League title winner Claudio Ranieri.The Leicester City legend was hired by Roma for the second time in his career in November.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal He has won 42 trophies as a player and managerCredit: GettyXabi Alonso has been linked with replacing Ancelotti at Real MadridCredit: GettyRanieri, 73, came out of retirement to help the capital-based side after Ivan Juric was sacked.He has since helped the I Giallorossi climb back up the Serie A table and into sixth place.Roma are currently on a 17-game unbeaten streak in the league, with the last loss coming at Como in December. Meanwhile, Ancelotti has admitted he is relishing the pressure in Spain.Real face Barcelona in an El Clasico Copa del Rey final on Saturday, the club’s last chance of silverware this season.He said: “The club is aware that it has been a more complicated year than last year.”Together we manage the difficulties. The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, very happy, with a lot of pressure, but that’s how it always is.”You see success very close and it’s normal for stress to increase, but stress is fuel for me, it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy to think about more things.”As long as I continue to get up in the morning, everything is fine.”Read More on The SunMeanwhile, former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is one of the favourites to replace Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.It is believed that Real chiefs have already sounded out Alonso about taking over at the club.Inside Ancelotti’s trophy cabinetCarlo Ancelotti has won a stunning amount of honours during his playing and managerial career…Playing career:RomaSerie A x1Coppa Italia x4AC Milan Serie A x2Supercoppa Italiana x1 European Cup x2European Super Cup x1Intercontinental Cup x1Manager career:JuventusIntertoto Cup x1AC Milan Serie A x1Coppa Italia x1Supercoppa Italiana x1Champions League x2Super Cup x2Club World Cup x1ChelseaPremier League x1FA Cup x1Community Shield x1Paris Saint-GermainLigue 1 x1Real Madrid LaLiga x2Copa del Rey x2Supercopa de Espana x2Champions League x3Super Cup x3Club World Cup x2Intercontinental Cup x1Bayern Munich Bundesliga x1DFL-Supercup x1 More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘to work on £92.5million double transfer swoop for Cunha and Delap NOW to conclude deal in first summer window’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are eager to finalise deals to sign Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, according to reports.Ruben Amorim wants to revamp his attacking options this summer and the two forwards have been earmarked as key targets.Man Utd want to wrap up a deal to sign Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils intend to activate Liam Delap’s £30m release clauseCredit: GettyDelap is United’s No1 transfer target ahead of the summer window, and will be available for just £30million once Ipswich are relegated.The Red Devils intend to trigger his release clause as soon as they are able to, according to the Daily Mail, and will do the same with Cunha’s £62.5million buyout fee.United are said to have fought off interest from Newcastle to land Cunha, 25, who was spoken to by Amorim in the Old Trafford tunnel last Sunday.Delap, 22, does have other suitors too however, most notably Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd although his buyout clause is £30m, add-ons are expected the make the deal a lot pricier.That means a large chunk on the budget could be spent on the pair, with Amorim understood to be planning on deploying them both in his starting line-up, with Cunha as a No10 alongside Bruno Fernandes.Victor Osimhen also remains an option but would cost upwards of £70m.United could reportedly let Rasmus Hojlund leave to Napoli as part of the deal, while Napoli are also interested in Alejandro Garnacho.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Argentine winger could leave this summer and his transfer fee would secure pure profit for the Red Devils since he is an academy graduate.Chelsea hold an interest in Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – another academy player who would guarantee pure profit.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd United could be open to letting the midfielder leave along with Casemiro.And finding suitors to sign Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony on a permanent basis is also on the priority list this summer. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I find it very difficult to dress’ – Laura Woods shares rare update as TNT Sports host wows in pink dress

      by

      LAURA WOODS has given a heartfelt update as she celebrated a friend’s wedding.Woods shared some glamorous photos from the event alongside fiancé, Adam Collard and baby boy, Leo Ernie Collard.Laura Woods shared a heartfelt update as she celebrated a friend’s weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/She shared pictures of herself alongside Adam Collard and baby LeoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods revealed she has ‘struggled to dress’ since giving birth to baby Leo in JulyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods has 749,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The award-winning presenter gave birth to Leo in January after announcing her pregnancy last July.Woods has taken a step back from life in the spotlight and regular social media posts as she gets to grips with being a new mum.After recently celebrating Mother’s Day, the 37-year-old was seen celebrating the marriage of one of her friends.She was seen wearing a stunning pink bridesmaid dress, while Collard and Leo looked dapper in their own sharp suits.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSBut Woods saved a special shout-out to the makers of her bridesmaid dress as she revealed she has had difficulty dressing since becoming a mum for the first time.Taking to her Instagram, where she has 749,000 followers, she said: “This bridesmaid dress is from Six Stories btw. Not a gift, I brought it and loved it. “Actually wore two of theirs! They’re a lovely business so wanted to give them a shoutout.”Woods continued: “I find it very difficult to dress since having my little man, unless it’s in a tracksuit.Most read in Football”So very grateful I found them.”She then also shared who made the suit jacket for baby Leo, adding: “And House of Cavani made this little jacket for Leo.”Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post Pregnancy Myths explainedThere are a lot of strange myths around pregnancy – and some of them may surprise you…Is it okay to eat prawns when you’re pregnant?Can you have sex during a pregnancy? Can you get a tattoo while you’re pregnantIs it safe to take paracetamol when you’re pregnant?Can you eat mozzarella when you’re pregnant? More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Sonia Bompastor urges Chelsea to bounce back from ‘tough’ Barcelona loss by widening lead over WSL rivals

      by

      SONIA BOMPASTOR insists Chelsea “will never give up” as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League defeat. And the Blues head coach is uncertain whether striker Sam Kerr will return to action before the end of this season.  Sonia Bompastor wants her players to focus on the future with the team returning to WSL action following a Champions League semis first leg loss to BarcelonaCredit: GettyCatarina Macario is among the players likely to be in action for Chelsea when they host Crystal Palace at KingsmeadowCredit: GettyThe Blues hope to register win ahead of their Stamford Bridge duel with Barcelona in the second leg of Champions League last four tieCredit: AlamyThe WSL leaders host Crystal Palace on Wednesday in their first top-flight clash following their 4-1 Champions League semis first leg loss on Sunday. A tough result that left their quadruple hopes and target of winning the contest this season hanging by a thread. While they hope to pull off a huge comeback in their European tie, Chelsea are also focused on claiming an eighth WSL title and sixth FA Cup.  Bullish Blues chief Bompastor, 44, whose team have lost just twice so far this term, said: “It’s always tough to lose especially when you are Chelsea as it’s something you don’t experience a lot.  Read More Football Stories”I will never give up and my players will never give up. This is our mentality. We want to achieve a lot this season. “We have three more competitions to play in, hopefully, until the last moment in the season, but everyone is ready for that.”I have depth in my squad. So every player is ready to compete in every competition, every game we have to play.”While Chelsea do have depth two influential players currently out of action are forward Lauren James and striker Sam Kerr. Most read in FootballThe creative flair and attacking threat James brings was missed by her side during their clash with Barcelona.And her club pal Kerr is continuing her recovery from a knee ligament tear she suffered during a winter training camp in January 2024. When asked about the potential of a Kerr comeback before this season ends, Bompastor added: “I’m not in a position to give any time frame on her return.”I know she won’t be involved in the game this weekend.”After tomorrow’s clash the WSL leaders host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and hope to overcome a three-goal deficit in the decisive leg of their Champions League tie. In addition to being a confidence boost, a defeat of the bottom-placed Eagles would also restore Chelsea’s six-point lead at the summit. Rivals Arsenal are currently second and three points. Bompastor added: “Monday was a difficult day for everyone – staff and players. “But I told my players now we need to look at the future. Palace, who are bottom of the WSL and seven points off Aston Villa, have won just two of their 18 league games so far this termCredit: Alamy”We want to go back to top of the table six and points ahead of Arsenal, that’s the main focus.Read More on The Sun”The only thing we can control now is the future. “We need to show a reaction in this game, that’s the main thing and the most important thing.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      How Ruben Amorim can shake up Man Utd by signing modern-day Eric Cantona in maverick with questionable temperament

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing up a maverick with a questionable temperament to reignite their misfiring forward line.He plays just behind the striker, weighs in with his fair share of goals and possesses the guile to provide assists for others, too.Cunha gets in a tussle with a member of Ipswich Town’s backroom staffCredit: GettyCantona kung fu kicked a supporterCredit: REXAt 25, he has plenty of experience both here and overseas and is a real crowd favourite — although he never seems to be far away from controversy.Sound familiar?There will only ever be one Eric Cantona in the eyes of the Stretford End, of course.But United’s interest in Wolves’ Brazilian talisman Matheus Cunha has some fans wondering if he could be the man to revive them — just as King Eric did when he joined the club in 1992 at age 26.Read more FootballOld Trafford got a good look at the ace — who has a £62.5million release clause — on Sunday in a forgettable game and liked what they saw. It was Cunha who used his skills to win the free-kick which Pablo Sarabia converted superbly in the 77th minute to guarantee Wolves’ Prem safety.And with that now secured, talk over where the ex-Atletico Madrid man could go next has heated up.Red Devils coach Ruben Amorim made a point of having a natter with Cunha in the tunnel following the Easter Sunday encounter.Mind you, he had nearly let the cat out of the bag in his pre-match press conference.Most read in FootballCunha scraps with Kerkez after Wolves’ FA Cup tie with BournemouthCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking about the clash with his fellow Portuguese boss Vitor Pereira, Amorim said: “He has real quality players, Cunha and all these guys.”When asked if that meant he could be a target for United, Amorim hastily backtracked, adding: “I just gave the example because I remembered about Matheus — he’s scoring a lot of goals. Just that.”How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueThe forward has 16 goals in all competitions for Wolves this term — with 14 in the Prem, which is a couple more than he got last season.Compare that to United, who have managed ONE goal in four top-flight games since last month’s international break.Cunha has played in Germany and Spain and is now showing in his second full season in English football what he is about.Wolves also play a similar system to United, so he would be able to slot straight into that hole behind the main striker.It all sounds too good to be true — but there is the other side to him.He clashed with a member of Ipswich’s security staff after a home defeat in December, pulling off his glasses and appearing to elbow him.It is a far cry from Cantona’s infamous kung-fu kick at Crystal Palace in 1995, though.The 13-cap star also received a four-game ban following his red card for a wild attack on Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez during an FA Cup tie last month.Wolves fans love him despite his imperfections but he even tested their patience recently.Even though he only signed a new contract at Molineux in January, he suggested in an interview that he may look elsewhere to fulfil his ambitions.Cunha said: “Now, we’re close to staying up. But I’ve made it clear I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”He quickly claimed his comments had been misinterpreted and he wants to move forward with Wolves.Plenty can still happen before Cunha — who turns 26 next month — is paraded on the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams.Qualifying for next season’s Champions League will have a huge impact on United’s summer budget.Attracting players of Cunha’s quality will also be helped if they return to Uefa’s top table next season.Read More on The SunUnited may still need to clear some space on their wage bill and Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho could be sold to make room.But after witnessing his team draw a blank for the 13th time this season, Amorim is looking at a revamp — and he hopes Cunha could be at the centre of it. More