Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares132 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Man Utd clash MOVED as a result of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s new fixture

      by

      CHELSEA’S clash against Manchester United has been moved as a result of rivals Tottenham.The Blues had been set for a crunch clash against Ruben Amorim’s men on Friday May 16, with an 8pm start time.Chelsea vs Man United has been given a new kick-off timeCredit: AlamyHowever, it has now been given a new kick-off after Spurs saw their upcoming game with Aston Villa moved to the same day.Ange Postecoglou’s men were eager to switch their Sunday May 18 clash to a new date, with the Europa League final on Wednesday May 21.Tottenham are virtually there after securing a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final.Spurs look destined to play United, who are 3-0 up against Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd to make things fair, Tottenham’s Villa clash will now also take place on Friday May 16.The match, which takes place in the Midlands, will start at 7.30pm.But that has had a knock-on effect with United’s trip to Chelsea that same evening.It was originally due to commence at 8pm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, it will now start at 8.15pm instead to even out the gap in scheduling.And fans are now set to be treated to a bumper night of Premier League action, with both games being broadcast on Sky Sports.Should they both make it to the Europa League final, United and Spurs may decide to rest several key figures.That would be a boost for both Chelsea and Villa, who remain locked in a race for the final Champions League spots.The Blues currently occupy the fifth and final place, three points ahead of seventh-place Villa.But as well as United, Enzo Maresca’s men still have to face fourth-place Newcastle.And they end their campaign with a trip to sixth-place Nottingham Forest in a potential winner-takes-all clash. More

    • 175 Shares66 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘hold talks with long-term transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s brother in shock move’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED might finally sign Milinkovic-Savic – but not the ones fans might expect.The Red Devils have courted Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, since Jose Mourinho was in the dugout at Old Trafford.Vanja (top row, left) and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (top row, second right) are both Serbian internationalsCredit: EPASergej has been on Man Utd’s radar for yearsCredit: GettyThe Serbian midfielder, who grew his reputation at Lazio, left the Serie A outfit in 2023 to join Al-Hilal.The 30-year-old has played 26 times in the Saudi Pro League this term, scoring 10 goals to leave Al-Hilal second in the table, six points off league leaders Al-Ittihad.And, while that form suggests he could still do a job at struggling United, it’s his BROTHER the Red Devils are reportedly keeping tabs on.Vanja, 28, plays as a goalkeeper for Torino, and he has featured 34 times this term in the Italian top flight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe’s even faced his brother numerous times in his career.Now, after all those years of pursuing Sergej, it appears that United have pivoted to his brother, to at least get one Milinkovic-Savic into their ranks.Vanja’s contract at Torino has one more year to run, expiring in 2026, and, according to Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano, United have held “exploratory contacts” with the Spanish-born Serb.Interestingly, the potential move could see Vanja REJOIN United, after the Serb initially agreed to sign for the Red Devils back in 2014.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnited announced the capture of the ‘keeper for €1.75 million from Serbian side FK Vojvodina. Milinkovic-Savic, who stands at a towering 6’8″, was technically on United’s books for 18 months before departing, not playing a single game for the club.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songThe reason for that? He couldn’t obtain a work permit that would allow him to play.As a result, he continued to live in the Serbian capital Belgrade during his time contracted to the English club, and he trained with other clubs locally to him to maintain his match fitness. He joined Polish club Lechia in November 2015 to end his nightmare spell at Old Trafford.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe moved to his current side Torino in January 2017 and has been there since. It’s fair to say that there were mixed emotions from United fans on social media when they learned of their club’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic. One joked: “We might be signing a Milinković-Savić after all,”, while another admitted that he had “never heard of him before”. Another tweeted: “Bringgggggg! Even my granny is better than Onana and Bayindir”. More

    • 250 Shares92 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Ronaldo staggers out of restaurant and is helped into car under sheet with his football club’s fans left fuming

      by

      RONALDO stumbled out of a restaurant before being bundled undercover into a waiting car, leaving fans of his relegated Spanish club furious.The legendary Brazil striker looked unsteady on his feet and appeared to slur his words as he left the Madrid eatery while fans waiting outside shouted his name.Ronaldo staggered out of a Madrid restaurantCredit: instagramFans were furious as it comes against the backdrop of Real Valladolid’s relegationCredit: instagramHe was shielded by a white sheet and bundled into a carCredit: instagramInstead of signing autographs, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 48, made a beeline for a chauffeur-driven vehicle parked outside.He was helped to the car under a white sheet then covered his face with his hand as he took a breather slumped on the back seat.The star’s striking exit sparked a backlash among Real Valladolid fans.They have made owner Ronaldo public enemy No1 after his failure to show his face at the team’s home stadium since the opening match of the season last August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Valladolid Supporters Club Federation demanded Ronaldo – who watched Jack Draper in the Madrid Open tennis final on Sunday – sells the club following his weekend antics.They wrote on X, accompanying the footage from the restaurant: “This is the current president and maximum shareholder of Real Valladolid.“This video, apparently taken yesterday on the day the club he owns made history by losing eight consecutive matches for the first time in its almost 100 years of history, is doing the rounds on social media.“This is his legacy and what he cares about.Most read in Football“Let his image be seen around the world, our Real Valladolid is not dying, it is being killed and every day that goes by without a sale, the deeper the hole gets.”Leading local newspaper Diario de Valladolid said: “Ronaldo spotted in a bad way at the exit of a restaurant in Madrid.Ronaldo reveals cult hero Real Madrid team-mate was ‘very bad’ before turning to poker “The Real Valladolid president left it with problems and had to be helped by his companions.”Some diehard fans sought to defend him, though.In response to suggestions Ronaldo was “happier than usual”, one replied: “So what? How many of you who have done nothing in your life do the same?“Leave him alone.“Everyone is free to do what they want, stop judging others. He was a great player.”Another added: “He’s not driving, he’s being driven. He spends his own money and doesn’t ask for borrowed cash.“He’s already retired and he’s not playing tomorrow, so who does he have to explain himself to?”’NOT A GOOD IMAGE’But a third fan commented: “Most of us have found ourselves at one time or another in the same state as Ronaldo but if you think about the situation of the club he bought it’s not a good image.“The club has already been relegated to the second division and he’s one of the people responsible.”Angry Real Valladolid supporters threw fake €500 notes with Ronaldo’s face on them on to the pitch on Saturday during the team’s home match against Barcelona as they begged him to sell up.They also chanted “Ronaldo go home” in a 12th-minute protest which took place while the team were winning 1-0.Barcelona, though, scored twice early in the second half to win 2-1 and take another step closer to the Treble.Recent reports claimed the sale of Real Valladolid appeared to be reaching its final stages after the Brazilian signed a pre-agreement to transfer ownership.Read More on The SunBut a confidentiality clause prevented further details from being disclosed until later this month.Ronaldo has yet to comment on the video footage of him leaving the Madrid restaurant on his social media.Real Valladolid fans protested against Ronaldo’s ownershipCredit: GettyFake €500 notes were distributed for Saturday’s defeat to BarcelonaCredit: ReutersRonaldo has not been to a home game since August – but watched Jack Draper in the Madrid Open tennis finalCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke song

      by

      LEEDS toasted their Championship title with wild celebrations as two stars left Burnley “in meltdown” with a cheeky karaoke song.Daniel Farke pipped Scott Parker to top spot on goal difference thanks to a 91st minute winner at Plymouth on Saturday.Leeds toasted their Championship title celebrations with a raucous partyCredit: X @LUFCPatrick Bamford led the way on a special karaoke nightCredit: X @LUFCLeeds teased Burnley after pipping them to the titleCredit: X @LUFCThey sang ‘Unwritten’ after Natasha Bedingfield performed the hit at Turf MoorCredit: RexAnd Leeds celebrated their latest second-tier triumph with a parade around the city on Monday.Thousands of supporters turned up to cheer on their side ahead of next season’s Premier League return.But Leeds players continued to party into the night.And they gave Burnley a taste of their own medicine with a karaoke version of Natasha Bedingfield’s hit song ‘Unwritten’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pop star sang the chart-topping tune live on the Turf Moor pitch following Burnley’s final-day victory over Millwall.The Clarets had been set to clinch the Championship title before Manor Solomon’s last-gasp Leeds winner.And the Lillywhites rubbed salt in the wound as Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford sang ‘Unwritten’ at an afterparty with friends and family.Fans were quick to react, with one saying: “One song for the Burnley fanbase in meltdown.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother declared: “Let them enjoy themselves.”While Ampadu himself added: “OK I know I have a sore head right now. Me and Pat actually sang this song together in pre-season.”Burnley stars serenaded by chart-topping Noughties legend in surprise scenesLargie Ramazani had a dance to High School MusicalCredit: XThere were chants of ‘Champions again, ole, ole’Credit: X @LUFCBamford got his guitar out as he sang with fansCredit: X @LUFCIt was a night to remember for the LilywhitesCredit: X @LUFCMeanwhile, Belgian winger Largie Ramazani got in the party mood with a karaoke rendition of ‘We’re all in this together’ from High School Musical.He led a jubilant singalong as pals danced around him.And there was even a spot of guitar-playing from Bamford, who performed ‘Wagon Wheel’ by Darius Rucker alongside some fans.Finally, Leeds star led a chant of ‘Champions again ole, ole’ to toast their success after chairman Paraag Marathe confirmed that Farke will stay on as manager.He said: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him.“I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons, the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have.“We have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”Leeds boss Daniel Farke and his players salute the crowdsCredit: AlamyLeeds fans partied hard in the city after the triumphCredit: AlamyThere are sure to be plenty of sore heads about this morningCredit: X @LUFCThe party got started after a trophy parade in the cityCredit: X @LUFCLeeds are hoping to show their worth in the top flight againCredit: X @LUFCLeeds players will now enjoy a break before returning to the Premier LeagueCredit: X More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three darts

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD was blown away by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s incredible piece of darts wizardry in his first try EVER.The midfielder sent his Coventry team-mates into a state of pandemonium by somehow hitting a 180 with the first three darts he’d thrown in his life.Tatsuhiro Sakamoto is a beloved figure among his Coventry City team-matesCredit: GETTYThe Japanese midfielder stunned them by throwing an incredible 180 with his first three dartsThe 28-year-old was mobbed by his team-mates – who couldn’t quite believe their eyesCredit: X@COVENTRYCITYSky Blues gaffer Frank Lampard was equally as amazed by Sakamoto’s piece of wizardryThe Japanese midfielder achieved the incredible feat on a dartboard in the Sky Blues’ dressing room. The 28-year-old was mobbed by his team-mates after his masterstroke, which Coventry gaffer Lampard was in awe of. The former Chelsea and England star said: “Tatsuhiro hit a 180 and he doesn’t play and hasn’t practised.”It was amazing.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSakamoto’s incredible piece of skill was witnessed by team-mate Jake Bidwell, who was equally as astounded as Lampard.He said: “[Jamie] Paterson is the oldest player in the dressing room now and he said it is one of the best things he has ever seen in football.”That tells you all you need to know.”He hit two in and then he’s got nervous so he stepped back. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTatsuhiro Sakamoto has been a shining light for Frank Lampard’s Coventry City this seasonCredit: GETTY”And then I think it took him about two minutes to throw the last one. “It went in and the place went up. Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager Chris Wilder says ‘it just shines through’ “For someone of Pato’s experience to say it is one of the best things he has ever seen in a dressing room, that paints the picture of how good it was.” Sakomoto hasn’t just been a gem in the dressing room for the Sky Blues this season. The winger has scored four goals and provided six assists for his side, who ended the Championship season in fifth place and have the chance of returning to the Premier League via the play-offs. The first leg of their semi-final tie with Sunderland takes place on Friday evening. More

    • 225 Shares112 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane and Bayern pals BLOCKED from celebrating Bundesliga title in IBIZA as England star breaks 5,223-day drought

      by

      HARRY KANE and his Bayern Munich team-mates were blocked by club officials from holding a title party in IBIZA.After 5,223 days of his career, the England captain finally clinched his first piece of silverware.Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich team-mates were denied the chance to celebrate in IbizaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/konradlaimer/?hl=enHe celebrated with Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Eric DierCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykane/Max Eberl was not keen on the players taking the trip to celebrateCredit: AFPHe did so without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen could only draw 2-2 with Freiburg on Sunday.Bayern could have wrapped up the title themselves the day before but were held to a 3-3 draw by RB Leipzig.Kane was given special dispensation to watch the match from the touchline despite his suspension.But the draw meant that all the effort was in vain as they were made to wait an extra day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKane and Co finally celebrated their Bundesliga title success in a posh Munich restaurant.And they wanted to jet off to Ibiza for the night ahead of Saturday’s home game with Borussia Monchengladbach, when they will be presented with their winners’ medals.But Munich sporting director Max Eberl insisted an island knees-up was not appropriate.Kane partied until 1.30am on Monday and mischievous Bayern stars played The Vengaboys hit ‘We’re Going to Ibiza!’ through the restaurant sound system — although it lasted just 30 seconds before someone pulled the plug.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLater on social media, the striker said: “What a night and what a celebration with the players and the staff.“I am sure everyone is feeling it a little bit.Harry Kane celebrates with Bayern team-mates after FINALLY winning a trophy“It has been a long time coming after a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication and it just feels sweet to win the title, the first one of my career.”Despite not heading off to Ibiza, Kane was still able to celebrate in style.He could be seen puffing a cigar and drinking champagne on social media with his team-mates.The striker was joined by fellow ex-Tottenham star Eric Dier for the celebrations.Bayern Munich also shared a mock-up picture of Kane sipping tea next to the Bundesliga title.READ MARTIN LIPTON NOW: Harry Kane finally ending trophy ‘curse’ should silence sniggers and could open floodgates… with World Cup glory next?Kane, Kimmich and Dier puffed on cigars after the title was wrapped upCredit: xKane waited over 5,000 days for this trophyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJPYxLFoIgW/ More

    • 250 Shares72 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Big problems’ – Rooney slams Amorim’s Man Utd tactics as he says Europa League final would only ‘paper over cracks’

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY fears Manchester United’s Europa League form is “papering over a lot of cracks”.And the Red Devils’ all-time leading scorer says there are big problems at Old Trafford which need to be solved — and soon.Wayne Rooney has had his say on Man Utd’s formCredit: RexRuben Amorim has deployed a three-at-the-back systemCredit: RexRuben Amorim’s men hope to seal a place in the final by defending their 3-0 lead against Athletic Bilbao in Thursday’s semi-final, second-leg tie at Old Trafford on Thursday.United are the only unbeaten side in Uefa competition this season, and lifting the trophy in Spain on May 21 would earn them a place in next season’s Champions League.Yet their form in the Prem has been in stark contrast and Amorim’s 15th-placed side slumped to their 16th defeat of the season in the 4-3 loss at Brentford on Sunday.Rooney — who lifted the Europa League trophy as United captain in 2017 — said: “I feel like getting to the final is papering over a lot of cracks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are big problems at Manchester United which need solving quickly.”The former England striker’s son Kai is in the academy at Carrington, so he is a regular visitor to the training HQ.Rooney admits he finds it odd that Amorim is sticking to the three-at-the-back system which has been exposed countless times in the Premier League.And it is even more puzzling because United’s Under-23s are not doing the same — meaning the players who step in to the first team are not ready.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTyler Fredricson is one of the Man Utd youngsters to have stepped in during recent Prem gamesCredit: RexKai Rooney is coming through the ranks at Man UtdCredit: X / MUnitedFRVideosRooney, who hit 253 goals for United, added: “The second team are playing with a back four, which I found strange.“A lot of those players have come into the first team now but they’re getting their game time with the Under-23s or 21s yet they play a different system.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd “For me, that’s a bit confusing. It’s strange as you play a back five, or a back three, to put pressure on the ball — otherwise it keeps coming back through the midfield.“Brentford caused United a lot of problems from the wide areas — and United didn’t really have the intensity.”However, the Red Devils’ Europa League hopes have been given a big boost, with Athletic Bilbao’s two star men missing training on Monday.Winger Nico Williams and top scorer Oihan Sancet were both absent as Ernesto Valverde put his players through their paces.Neither forward featured in the goalless draw with derby rivals Real Sociedad in San Sebastian on Sunday night.And it remains touch and go whether they will be passed fit to fly to England tomorrow ready for Thursday night’s return leg in Manchester.Valverde knows there is little margin for error if his team are to perform a miracle and come back from 3-0 down.Williams, who is a summer target for Arsenal, has just returned from a hamstring problem and was subbed late on in the defeat to United with a new injury.Read More on The SunSancet has missed the last couple of weeks with a muscle problem and is viewed as doubtful.Defender Dani Vivian is also unavailable after his controversial first-half red card in the first leg.Athletic Bilbao were left dejected after last week’s first legCredit: AP More

    • 225 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane finally ending trophy ‘curse’ should silence sniggers and could open floodgates… with World Cup glory next?

      by

      THE fact that Bayern Munich chose to make Harry Kane official poster boy of their newest Bundesliga triumph should represent the moment the sniggering stops.Kane looked as awkward in the club’s portrait of their dinner-suited title winner as he did wearing lederhosen after his arrival in Bavaria.Harry Kane has ended his career trophy droughtCredit: PANow Kane has the medal, it might open the floodgates for club and countryCredit: APBut the England skipper, 31, fits Bayern like a glove on the pitch, where it matters.And with that first trophy finally tucked away, the absence of which saw Kane unforgivably mocked by many who would dream of a fraction of his talent, it is time for the striker to be widely celebrated as a brilliant ambassador for English football.You can understand why Kane, who stays off the beers apart from a two-week summer window, partied with his team-mates, posting a video of the squad singing along to Queen on Sunday.When Kevin Keegan left Liverpool for Hamburg, he was praised for his bravery and ambition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLikewise when David Platt headed for Serie A, Steve McManaman and Michael Owen swapped Merseyside for Madrid, while David Beckham also joined Real.Yet with Kane’s move to Munich, there seemed more scorn and derision, especially when they blew up under the pressure of Bayer Leverkusen’s relentless run last term.It was as if it was Kane’s fault that Tottenham fell short, when the truth was he was the reason they got so close.That he was a living, walking “curse”, an albatross round the neck of every team he played for. Utter bilge, of course.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSKane scored 36 of Bayern’s 94 Bundesliga goals last season, only surpassed in the German top-flight’s history by Gerd Muller and Robert Lewandowski, 44 in all competitions.They were ahead in the Champions League semi with Real Madrid when Kane was replaced late on.Harry Kane celebrates with Bayern team-mates after FINALLY winning a trophyAnd when England stuttered and stumbled their way through Euro 2024, guess who got the blame?That Kane was not his real self was evident — the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. Gareth Southgate’s belief that Kane’s nerve would hold in the big moments was a factor — just remember how he slammed home the semi-final penalty against Holland.Yet there were plenty who wanted time called on Kane’s Three Lions career, strip him of the armband and give the starting shirt to Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney.Those voices have been silenced now. Thomas Tuchel could not have been firmer in signalling his faith in the man he signed for Bayern, while Kane has been Munich’s stand-out player once more.Statistics can be used to make any point you want. But Kane’s numbers are the ultimate argument.His list of England scoring records alone are remarkable… most goals, most competitive goals, most goals in major tournaments, most goals as captain, most goals for a single manager. Just for starters.Fitness permitting, with maybe five more years in his tank, including three tournaments, Kane is on course to become the first player to score 100 goals for England.He left Spurs having overtaken Jimmy Greaves as the club’s all-time top scorer, just 47 adrift of Alan Shearer’s Prem record mark.Now he has the medal to prove he is a winner. It might open the floodgates — for club and country.That Shearer tally, too, is one he will be desperate to topple.One more year in Germany, another title, then lead England to World Cup glory, before plenty of suitors back home will be ready for a guaranteed source of goals.Kane does not have to win the Prem. But if anybody deserves to, it is England’s greatest striker.Gone MadJUST as he saw light at the end of the tunnel, Ange Postecoglou realised the injury train was hurtling towards him again.Losing both Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison was a bigger blow than Bodo/Glimt’s late strike in N17 on Thursday.Spurs now travel to the Arctic Circle without two key men. Good job they are renowned for their courage in big games.James Maddison is out for Spurs’ second leg of the semi-finalCredit: GettyCole-den BoyCOLE PALMER claimed he was not bothered by the “trolls and idiots” who have questioned him over the past three months.That’s fair enough. The Chelsea forward, 22, was going through a blip, the first of his career, so it was always a matter of time before he emerged.Yet his response rekindled memories of how Fernando Torres blamed everybody else for his problems after a £50million move to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool in 2011.After breaking his own 18-game Premier League scoring drought, the Spanish striker refused to talk to the media because of the repeated reporting on his lack of goals.Cole Palmer was back amongst the goals as Chelsea beat LiverpoolCredit: GettyGuard of HorrorARNE SLOT’S selective deafness at Stamford Bridge on Sunday signalled another reason Liverpool’s title triumph has been relatively well-received — other than in SW6, that is.The raucous boos of Chelsea supporters, even as their players began to line up to give the new champions a guard of honour, might have seen Slot have a dig.Instead, the Dutchman claimed not to have heard it.Read More on The SunWhile Kop fans rightly revered previous boss Jurgen Klopp, his managerial style alienated plenty of rival supporters.Slot has been far more low-key during his triumphal campaign.Never doubt the determination of the quiet man.Chelsea fans booed the guard of honourCredit: Reuters More