Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Very good progress’ – Mikel Arteta delivers major Bukayo Saka injury update with Real Madrid showdown just weeks away

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has offered an injury update on Bukayo Saka. Saka suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in December. Bukayo Saka picked up his injury in DecemberCredit: GettyHe underwent surgery in DecemberCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87He is back solo training againCredit: GettyHe had surgery before the new year with the recovery period being estimated at between 10 to 12 weeks.But a month ago, it was revealed Saka would be out for a further eight weeks, ruling him out till April. The winger is already back on the grass doing individual drills – setting him up for a return to competitive first-team training. Saka took part in light training during Arsenal’s mid-season trip to Dubai in February. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArteta said: “He is going to be here [at the Arsenal training ground], hopefully more with ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own.”Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a very good progress I would say. Most read in FootballArsenal ratings vs PSV as Raheem Sterling shines with more confidence but rusty Ben White makes mistakesRAHEEM STERLING provided two assists as Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV in the second- leg of their 9-2 aggregate Champions League last-16 win.The Gunners set up a Champions League quarter-final showdown with 15-time European champions Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties.Mikel Arteta took the chance to rotate following last week’s 7-1 first-leg win, naming a much-changed side which included Kieran Tierney on the left wing and Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield.Sterling was also handed a rare start and set up both Arsenal goals in an eye-catching display, first for Zinchenko, and then for Declan Rice before half-time.Ben White struggled during his first start since November after minor undergoing surgery, while Jorginho took over captaincy duties from Martin Odegaard who was named on the bench.Here SunSport’s Dan King delivers his Arsenal player ratings against PSV from the Emirates. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”Arsenal – who host Chelsea on Sunday – welcome Real Madrid to the Emirates in the Champions League quarter-final on April 8.Eight days later, they travel to the Spanish capital for the second leg of the last eight tie with Saka in a race to be fit. The England international joins Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the Gunners’ injury list. Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Never won anything’ – Jim Ratcliffe slams Man Utd over David Moyes decision and gives 2 reasons he was destined to fail

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE slammed Manchester United’s decision to appoint David Moyes as manager.Moyes took over at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.David Moyes lasted less than a year as Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPASir Jim Ratcliffe slammed the appointmentCredit: AlamyFerguson was a key figure in the selection process for his successor.But his fellow Scot struggled to have the impact many hoped – and he was sacked by April after less than a year in the dugout.And minority owner Ratcliffe hit out at the appointment as he highlighted two reasons why Moyes was destined to fail.Ratcliffe told The Times: “Look, I like David Moyes, and I think he’s a really good manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”But to go from Sir Alex Ferguson to Moyes is not where I would have gone. “Moyes stepped into the shoes of Ferguson, who’s won the Premier League 13 times, who won the Champions League twice and then you’re handing over to a guy that has never managed big players and had never won anything. “He’s not necessarily got the personality to stand in front of them all.”But despite being one of Britain’s richest people and supporting United since he was a boy, Ratcliffe’s spell has not gone down well with fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe bought his £1billion stake in his beloved Red Devils in December 2023 and has been on a huge cost-cutting drive since – including hiking ticket prices, making redundancies and cancelling the staff Christmas party.And now Ratcliffe has responded to the criticism by threatening to walk out on the club if it continues.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium He added: “It can be unpleasant. And I’ve probably failed on the having fun front. I mean, I can put up with it for a while.”I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make at the moment.”So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this.”They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.“We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity”But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”Ratcliffe also singled out the previous regime for allowing the state of United to slip down.He said: “I wouldn’t have tolerated Ed Woodward, or Richard Arnold.”Richard was a rugby man, he didn’t even understand football. Ed didn’t have the credentials to manage the club.”He was a merchant banker, an accountant. He wasn’t the chief executive.”The management of Manchester United have been given a huge amount of rope.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The owners just managed the club and left the football side alone and they’ve made a lot of very poor decisions over 12 years, stupid things.”They made a complete c***-up of it, shocking really. They couldn’t see where they were headed.” More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s goated’ – Erling Haaland smashes Alan Shearer record against Brighton in incredible new feat for Man City striker

      by

      ERLING HAALAND smashed Alan Shearer’s record for goal involvements after scoring against Brighton. The striker opened the scoring from the spot to make it 100 goal involvements in just 94 matches. Erling Haaland smashed Alan Shearer’s record for goal involvementsCredit: APThat beat Shearer’s record after the Newcastle legend achieved it in 100 games. Eric Cantona and Mo Salah managed it in 116 games and Sergio Aguero in 118 – to leave Haaland in a league of his own. One fan said: “Scoring sensation.”Another added: “He’s goated.”READ MORE IN football It comes after manager Pep Guardiola recently compared his No9 to Lionel Messi – who he worked with at Barcelona. Guardiola said: “I’ve been with Messi, but it’s incredible what Erling has done. And I want more. I want more for Erling.”He has to help us. He has to help us more and more and more to achieve what we want to do this season.”But the numbers are unbelievable since he arrived. Being part of that in every game. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Hopefully he can reach you know that the little record [100 Premier League goal involvements] tomorrow.”Pervis Estupinan levelled for Brighton but Omar Marmoush put the Premier League champions back in the led before the break. City currently sit fourth as they push for a Champions League place next season. Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘One c***-up and you’re legendary’ – Jim Ratcliffe reveals first piece of advice Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson gave him

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has revealed the first thing Sir Alex Ferguson told him after he bought a stake in Manchester United.Ratcliffe, 71, has endured a difficult first year at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has gotten to know Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 71, axed Ferguson from his ambassadorial roleCredit: PAThe Red Devils went into this weekend languishing 14th in the Premier League.While the British billionaire has also drawn criticism for several off-field decisions – including scrapping ticket price concessions and making mass redundancies at United.Since buying into the Red Devils, Ratcliffe has gotten to know their legendary former manager Ferguson.Speaking to The Times, the Ineos chief revealed: “The first thing Alex Ferguson said to me was that the shirt can be too heavy. It applies to everyone here really, the coach, the players — the owner.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It’s turning me into an old man. It’s hard to do the interviews. On camera for 40 minutes, one cock-up and you’re legendary for it.”Remember [jewellery chain chief executive] Gerald Ratner, the guy with the rings? Spent his life building a business; one word, all gone.”It takes a lot out of you. Because it’s around the world in a heartbeat. It goes viral. Everything is scrutinised. It takes one small piece…”Ratcliffe axed Ferguson from his £2m-per-year ambassadorial role last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMan Utd have not won the Premier League since Ferguson’s departureCredit: GettyOn the conversation that led to the decision, Ratcliffe said: “I take my hat off to Alex.”I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room, and I said, ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is. It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2 million a year’.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “I said I’m going to, ‘Leave it with you, let you have a think about it’. It was very grown up.”Maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning but he got it, and he came back three days later, after talking to his son, and said, ‘Fine, I’m going to step away from it. My decision’. I think it reflects really well on Alex, because he put the club before himself.”During the wide-ranging interview, Ratcliffe refused to speak negatively on the unpopular Glazer family, calling them “really decent people”.While United fans regularly sing songs criticising the Glazers, chants about Ratcliffe could also be heard during their match at Fulham earlier this season.’ENOUGH’S ENOUGH’On potentially taking abuse from fans, Ratcliffe admitted: “So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this.”They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.“We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that.”But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”On who is to blame for United’s current toils, Ratcliffe decided to take aim at Richard Arnold and Ed Woodward, rather than the Glazer family.Ratcliffe said: “I mean, I wouldn’t have tolerated Ed Woodward, or Richard Arnold.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Richard was a rugby man, he didn’t even understand football. Ed didn’t have the credentials to manage the club.”He was a merchant banker, an accountant. He wasn’t the chief executive.”Ratcliffe took aim at Ed Woodward and Richard ArnoldCredit: PA More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Fan’s don’t want to hear it’ – Jim Ratcliffe gives verdict on Glazers that will leave Man Utd supporters fuming

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has launched a staunch defence of the under-fire Glazer family – calling them “the nicest people on the planet”.Since taking over the club in a leveraged buyout 20 years ago, the Glazer family have become some of the most hated people in football.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has delivered a verdict on the Glazers Man Utd fans won’t likeCredit: GettyRatcliffe actually praised the much-maligned majority owners of the club as ‘decent people’Credit: PA:Empics SportRecent accounts revealed Man Utd have debts of more than £1billion, including £300million in transfer fees owed to other clubs, compared to the club being debt free before their arrival.A lack of investment off the pitch and radio silence from them about the direction of the club have not seen them win over anyone else either.But minority shareholder Ratcliffe, who brought a 27.7 per cent share in the club in December 2023 before taking control in February, has defended his co-owners a number of times. And in an interview with The Times, Ratcliffe once again refused to criticise the club’s majority owners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “To be fair to the Glazers, they’re really good on the commercial side.”The people who advise me say the fans don’t want to hear it. So I’ve got to be cautious. “I get a lot of criticism if I support the Glazers, but the fact is they’re really decent people. “They’re East Coast, you know — that old East Coast America, they’re very polite, they’re very civilized, they’re the nicest people on the planet. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I mean, there isn’t a bad bone in Joel Glazer’s body.”Ratcliffe continued by instead planting the blame at who used to be in charge of the day-to-day running of the club – Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium The British billionaire said: “I mean, I wouldn’t have tolerated Ed Woodward, or Richard Arnold. “Richard was a rugby man, he didn’t even understand football. Ed didn’t have the credentials to manage the club. “He was a merchant banker, an accountant. He wasn’t the chief executive.”The management of Manchester United have been given a huge amount of rope. “The owners just managed the club and left the football side alone and they’ve made a lot of very poor decisions over 12 years, stupid things. “They made a complete cock-up of it, shocking really. They couldn’t see where they were headed.”The first management group, they thought they understood and wanted to get involved in buying footballers but they didn’t have the knowledge to buy footballers, you know, so they went in the marketplace, spraying money around and it was just random, wasn’t it?”Ratcliffe, 70, also admitted he would consider walking away from Man Utd if he was subjected to the same level of abuse as the Glazers have been.However, he also admitted he has not seen them since his buy in more than 12 months ago.He said: “They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We bought in and I haven’t seen them since. It’s, ‘Thank you, Jim, you’re doing a really good job.’ At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that. “But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”Ratcliffe blamed Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold for the mess the club are inCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityMan Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 2 Man City 1: Blues win Women’s League Cup and first step of possible quadruple after late own-goal drama

      by

      MAYRA RAMIREZ gave Chelsea lift off in their quadruple trophy chase with Manchester City consigned to League Cup heartbreak on Saturday.A devastating own-goal for Yui Hasegawa saw City’s fightback crumble with the Blues taking first blood in the two sides first of four showdown clashes. Chelsea beat Man City in the League Cup final in DerbyCredit: GettyChelsea took the first step towards their quadruple dreamCredit: PAMayra Ramirez set Chelsea on their way to winning the League CupCredit: ReutersIt was the Blues first trophy under manager Sonia Bompastor and ends a run of three final defeats on the bounceCredit: PAThe return of Nick Cushing to Man City could not prevent the Blues winning the gameCredit: GettyAfter Chelsea’s win today, the two sides play each other again on Wednesday for the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie before they play in the WSL next weekend and then the second leg of their European clash four days later.Ramirez’s close-range finish, courtesy of Lauren James’ class assist, helped the London giants end a run of three straight League Cup final losses in a row.The clash played in front of a Pride Park crowd of 14,187 – far smaller than the record 21,000-strong crowd at last year’s decider – saw the WSL leaders lift their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor.It also dealt a fresh blow to City’s hopes of winning silverware this season, five days after their shock sacking of Gareth Taylor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea came under significant pressure early on from a Man City side playing in their first final and first game since Taylor’s departure. The Cityzens, who are currently off the pace in this term’s title race were hoping for a new manager bounce following the return of Nick Cushing. The Chester-born head coach was the first and last person to guide the WSL giants to a top-flight title. However, with City currently 12 points off the league leading opponents the chances of winning that prize look very slim. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut one of their best hopes of a trophy this term came today.For periods of the first half they had Chelsea under the cosh, dominating possession. Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalBut for all their retention of the ball City found themselves behind when Ramirez broke the deadlock early on. A Man City corner swiftly turned into a Chelsea counter with James’ deft through ball finding Ramirez who fired home after keeper Ayaka Yamashita’s initial save. Last ditch defending from the Blues kept City at bay as they cranked up the pressure. This included winger Sandy Baltimore charging the ball down after Khadija Shaw’s attempted first-half shot.And skipper Millie Bright was among the other aces throwing their bodies in the way of shots and crosses, with the defender spotted stuffing tissue up a bloody nose.But City were eventually rewarded for their efforts with Aoba Fujino firing in their leveller in the 64th minute after Shaw distracted Chelsea’s backline. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut in a cruel twist of fate their fight back was thwarted after Hasegawa’s attempted hooked clearance dropped into the net behind keeper Yamashita. The City midfielder and her team-mates will hope for better fortunes when the two sides meet on Wednesday in the Champions League quarters first leg. Millie Bright put in a Player of the Match performance at Pride ParkCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Thought it was the end’ – New MOTD host Gabby Logan reveals how she thought career was over before landing new BBC job

      by

      GABBY LOGAN has revealed that she nearly quit TV presenting in 2006.The popular presenter, 51, was confirmed as one of three new Match of the Day hosts earlier this year.Gabby Logan is one of the BBC’s top presentersCredit: AlamyLogan will rotate with Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day next seasonCredit: PALogan’s career is going from strength to strength, as she also presents coverage of the Six Nations for the Beeb as well as Champions League football on Amazon Prime Video.Things could have been very different for the BBC stalwart, however, as she considered quitting the industry following a scathing comment from her former boss at ITV.Logan covered the 2006 World Cup for the broadcaster and had been due to present coverage of England games as well as several big knockout matches.Reliving that summer while appearing on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Logan admitted: “I think I had a rough ride in my early thirties in my career, and I can’t believe that’s nearly 20 years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At the time, I thought it was going to be the end of my career.”Logan, who left ITV for the BBC later in 2006, then added: “When I was leaving ITV and given another chance by the BBC… because even in my early 30s, I felt I’d already had this really long career and I’d done loads of great stuff.”I’d been at Sky to start off with and went to ITV and did loads of brilliant things.”But I kind of felt I was maybe going to have to shift and do something completely different, because I had a boss that wasn’t really into me and wanted to slightly demote me. He took me off a World Cup in 2006.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLogan previously presented for ITVCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe popular presenter worked on London 2012 with the BeebCredit: HandoutOpening up further on what happened, she continued: “My kids were a year old and I was flying off to Germany, leaving my babies behind, going to the World Cup.”In the middle of the World Cup, he kind of sidelined me, and I came home with my tail between my legs.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly “I was due to do so many knockout games and he said, ‘oh, just don’t come back’ basically. Go home and don’t come back because I was due to go home for a few days.”In between the end of the group stages and the knockout stages, there’s always a couple of days off and I was going to go home because it was only Germany and the kids were a year old.”The setback even caused Logan to consider her entire future in the industry.She admitted: “I remember being at home – we were doing up a house at the time, so we were renting a house in Barnes. It was a lovely day, it was gorgeous and the river was looking beautiful and the sky was blue.I was really contemplating what to do nextGabby Logan”I just remember walking around the garden thinking ‘oh gosh, I love doing up houses, I’m just going to shift and go into property because that’s what my mum does’.”I was maybe 33 at the time and I thought maybe my law degree wasn’t out of date and I could upgrade and go to bar school. I was really contemplating what to do next.”Since joining the BBC, Logan has never looked back.Having previously covered for Lineker on Match of the Day, she will now present the programme regularly in rotation with Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.Logan also presented at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris, having worked on several major football tournaments, the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the London Marathon.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn moving to the BBC, she reflected: “There was a lot of that to deal with, and I think it definitely fortified me.”Once I got that second chance, as I saw it at the time – somewhere that I’d always hoped I might work because of the BBC having the long history with doing the Olympics and various other things that I really wanted to work on – I felt really grateful, and also that I was going to not let this opportunity go.”Logan presents coverage of the Champions League on Amazon Prime VideoCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I wouldn’t have tolerated them’ – Jim Ratcliffe reveals who he blames for shambolic state of Man Utd in scathing attack

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has taken aim at Manchester United’s previous custodians – and claims they made a “complete cock-up” of running the club.The 72-year-old completed his partial takeover at Old Trafford last February. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has opened up on past mistakes at Old TraffordCredit: PAFormer CEO Ed Woodward comes in for criticism from the Ineos chiefCredit: AFPRichard Arnold took over from Woodward but lasted just two years at Old TraffordCredit: AFPUnited are currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League following another horror season.Boss Ruben Amorim has been unable to improve results since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November.Ratcliffe last week revealed the club, who have struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure 12 years ago, was close to going bust “by Christmas this year” if he hadn’t injected £300million.The 72-year-old Ineos chief claims he would step away if fans “abuse” him in a similar manner to the Glazers, who now stay clear of Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd he has now spoken out on who he believes is to blame for United’s current state, taking aim at former CEO’s Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold.Ratcliffe told The Times: “I mean, I wouldn’t have tolerated Ed Woodward, or Richard Arnold. “Richard was a rugby man, he didn’t even understand football. Ed didn’t have the credentials to manage the club. “He was a merchant banker, an accountant. He wasn’t the chief executive.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRatcliffe claims past management teams weren’t “into the details” and “left the football side alone”.He continued:” The way I look at it is that you had two management teams at Manchester United for the past 12 years who did a poor job because the owners weren’t like, say, Steve Parish [Crystal Palace] and Daniel Levy [Tottenham Hotspur].Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ “They weren’t really into the details. Those two know what’s going on. “They’re there every day and the management at their clubs are on a short leash.”The management of Manchester United have been given a huge amount of rope. “The owners just managed the club and left the football side alone and they’ve made a lot of very poor decisions over 12 years, stupid things. “They made a complete cock-up of it, shocking really. They couldn’t see where they were headed.”Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.United fans protested against the ownership ahead of last week’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.But Ratcliffe claims he won’t stick around if he receives the same level of “abuse” aimed at the Glazer family. He added: “If it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this. “They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. “They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.”We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”And he insisted the Glazers were not at fault for United’s current woes.He said: “To be fair to the Glazers, they’re really good on the commercial side.”The people who advise me say the fans don’t want to hear it. So I’ve got to be cautious.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I get a lot of criticism if I support the Glazers, but the fact is they’re really decent people.”They’re East Coast, you know — that old East Coast America, they’re very polite, they’re very civilized, they’re the nicest people on the planet.” More