Soccer

GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

ANDRE ONANA swapped football for rugby league as he took in Wigan Warriors vs St Helens on Good Friday.The Manchester United keeper spent his day off at the DW Stadium watching the Super League clash. Andre Onana was between the sticks for United’s huge 5-4 comeback win over LyonCredit: GettyFans couldn’t help but be cheeky after the goalkeeper was spotted at a rugby league gameCredit: Sky SportsOnana, 29, returned to the United team on Thursday night for their outrageous 5-4 extra-time win over Lyon.The Cameroon international has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer.He was rested by boss Ruben Amorim for Sunday’s 4-1 loss at Newcastle, with Altay Bayindir taking his place.But Amorim put faith in his No1 for the second leg against the Ligue 1 side, with Onana running over to celebrate United’s dramatic last-gasp win wildly with his boss on the touchline.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd just hours later, the former Inter Milan keeper was seen in the DW Stadium as the reigning Super League champions cruised to a 24-14 victory.And fans were quick to joke that Onana was “getting tips” from rugby stars on how to catch. One fan joked on X: “United’s new training plan for goalkeepers to learn how to catch and throw a ball?”Another brutally said: “Hope he’s looking for a career change.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third quipped: “Took him 45 minutes to get through the turnstiles as he kept dropping his ticket.”Despite speculation United will replace Onana in the summer, Amorim stuck behind his No1 on Wednesday.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatHe told reporters: “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.”We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.”We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play.”Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again.Onana has played in 31 Premier League games for United this term.He has kept 9 clean sheets, with 10 of those matches converting to wins.But he has picked the ball out the net 41 times, along with numerous errors leading to either chances or goals for the opposition. More

CHELSEA legend Ruud Gullit has swapped football for fairways – by taking charge of a top golf tournament.The Euro 1988 winner had three seasons as Chelsea player-boss, lifting the 1997 FA Cup.Ruud Gullit has taken up a shock new job in golfCredit: GettyGullit won the FA Cup as Chelsea player-manager in 1997Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe went on to manage Newcastle for a year, and has also played for AC Milan, Sampdoria, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.Gullit, 62, has recently taken part in a number of golf events.And he has now been appointed tournament director of the KLM Open, which will take place at The International near Amsterdam from June 5-8.The versatile ex-footballer hails from the Dutch capital city. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe KLM Open is part of the DP World Tour, with over £2million in prize money.Gullit declared: “Golf is a sport that brings me connections and pleasure. “The KLM Open is a great event, which brings together top-level sport and experiences.”For me to be able to take on this role in the year my home city turns 750, and at my home course, makes it extra special.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I am crazy about the game and find it a huge honour to have been given the job.”Leading players including Guido Migliozzi, the 2024 winner, plus Jimmy Walker and Pablo Larrazabal, will compete at The International.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final Fellow tournament director Daan Slooter added: “The KLM Open has a very good name, and is a leading event for both players and fans on the DP World Tour calendar.”When Gullit tees-off in his spare time, he plays off a seven handicap. More

PEP GUARDIOLA couldn’t resist a subtle dig at Manchester United following their Europa League heroics.The Red Devils somehow fought back to beat Lyon 7-6 in a chaotic quarter-final on Thursday.Pep Guardiola has made a cheeky dig towards Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyUnited secured a stunning comeback win over Lyon on Thursday in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyGuardiola’s City have endured a tough season and could finish without a trophy for the first time since 2017. The defending Prem champions currently sit fifth in the table as they battle for a Champions League place.But the Spaniard appeared to make a subtle dig at City’s crosstown rivals as he looked forward to tomorrow’s game with Everton.Guardiola said: “It’s not a bad thing to be fighting for a Champions League spot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“You could be in a very, very lower position in the Premier League if you have done few good things than we have done in these four, five months.”We could be 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th.”United currently occupy 14th place in the table and already guaranteed to have their lowest ever points total in the Prem.Amorim has failed to get his side firing domestically, with United winning just 10 of their 32 league games this term.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Portuguese boss hopes Thursday’s remarkable comeback can herald a change of mentality from his squad.And he revealed he’d been watching United’s 1999 Champions League final turnaround ahead of Lyon’s visit. Pep Guardiola says he’s a failure because Julia Roberts visited Man Utd Amorim told TNT: “I was watching the 99 documentary for inspiration.”The team were tired. At 4-2, you think it is over, but here it is never over. Here everything is possible.”This is one type of moment that can change a lot of things. Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again.”Sometimes we just look at the tactical and physical aspect. “But these moments can change a lot in the players’ minds.” More

GARETH SOUTHGATE’S former England assistant Steve Holland has been sacked by Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.Holland only landed the shock role four months ago but won just one of his 11 league games in charge.Steve Holland was Gareth Southgate’s England assistantCredit: GettyPatrick Kisnorbo has been appointed on an interim basisCredit: GettyThe experienced coach’s nightmare reign has seen the club fall to 19th in the J League.Former Leicester and Leeds man Patrick Kisnorbo will replace him on an interim basis.Holland, 54, spent eight years at Chelsea, working alongside the likes of Jose Mourinho, Rafael Benitez and Antonio Conte.He balanced his job at Stamford Bridge with assisting Southgate while he was in charge of England’s Under-21s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHolland followed Southgate to the Three Lions senior side in 2016.The pair guided England to a World Cup semi-final and two heartbreaking Euros final defeats.Holland departed alongside Southgate when he resigned as England boss last summer.After a brief break from football, Holland landed the Marinos job in December.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut the club have struggled domestically and a 3-2 defeat by Shimizu S-Pulse on Wednesday proved to be the last straw.Holland did oversee four victories from four matches in the Asian Champions League.Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’ They are into the quarter-final of the competition and face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr next Saturday.Kisnorbo, 44, is the temporary boss of the Marinos after spells in charge of Melbourne City and French side Troyes.The Aussie played for Leicester and Leeds from 2005 to 2012.Japanese giants Marinos last won the league three years ago and they are owned by car manufacturers Nissan and Manchester City owners The City Football Group. More

MANCHESTER UNITED could need to win the Europa League to sign one of their top targets this summer – but the stats experts reckon their chances are slim.The Red Devils booked their spot in the Europa League semi-finals with a heroic comeback win over Lyon on Thursday night, sealing a clash with Athletic Bilbao in the final four.Manchester United are only third favourites to win the Europa LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils advanced to the semi-finals with a dramatic 5-4 win over Lyon on ThursdayCredit: GettyUnited overturned a two goal deficit with THREE extra-time goals in a dramatic 5-4 turnaround sealed by a Harry Maguire header in the dying embers.But despite their monster status in world football and their momentum from the magic comeback, they are still THIRD favourites to win the competition.That’s because Opta’s supercomputer reckons both Tottenham and Athletic Bilbao have a better chance of lifting the trophy than Ruben Amorim’s side.After simulating the remainder of the Europa League 10,000 times, Opta have given the Red Devils 24.2 per cent of winning the tournament, only bettering the 12.4 per cent chance held by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Athletic Bilbao are thought to be second favourites with 28.5 per cent chance of success, and Premier League rivals Spurs are the most likely to end their 17-year wait for silverware – given a 34.9 per cent chance of becoming European champions.Falling short of success in Europe would make United’s season even worse than it already is.The Old Trafford outfit have already confirmed their worst ever Premier League points return and crashed out of both domestic cups.But it’s not just this season that failure could affect, but also the coming campaigns too.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThat’s because winning the Europa League comes with a place in next season’s Champions League – a prize worth at least £80MILLION.And according to ESPN, Man Utd’s interest in signing £100m-rated Southampton star Tyler Dibling will come down to whether they can top up their bank balance with European success.Boy Wonders: Is Southampton star Tyler Dibling the new Grealish?United are reportedly keen on signing the 19-year-old, who has also been linked to Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.However Saints have slapped a £100m asking price on the winger, who has scored two goals and registered one assist in 28 Premier League appearances this season.Man Utd chiefs are keen to bring in new talent up front and in midfield in the summer, areas that will have to take priority if they are unable to earn extra cash by winning the Europa League.Southampton are thought to want £100m for Tyler DiblingCredit: Getty More

SHREWSBURY TOWN have been relegated to League Two – without kicking a ball on Good Friday. The Shrews’ ten-year stay in League One ended after Burton Albion drew 0-0 with Exeter City. Michael Appleton’s Shrewsbury are headed to League TwoCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder only joined the club last monthCredit: RexShrewsbury have been rooted to the foot of the third tier for much of the season. Even if Burton had lost, they knew they would have to win all four of their remaining matches to have any chance of staying up.Current boss Michael Appleton only took charge last month after the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth.Ex-Wycombe boss Ainsworth had stepped into the hot seat in November after Paul Hurst left the club. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he has since joined League Two Gillingham, leaving the door open for Appleton to relaunch his managerial career. Shrewsbury are currently up for sale with several potential investors interested.Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Talks have been really positive.”I’m enjoying my time here and I’m enjoying the interactions I’ve had with all the staff and the players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m hoping that an agreement will happen over time.”We seem to have a good response from the fans, which is probably the most important thing, and I’m very encouraged by the talks we’ve had.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAppleton, 49, had been out of work since January 2024 after leaving Charlton Athletic. The former midfielder played for Manchester United, Preston and West Bromwich Albion before going into coaching in 2011.Over a 14-year career in management, he has also been in the dugout at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln and Oxford. More

TOTTENHAM are expected to part ways with supremo Scott Munn following the appointment of ex-Arsenal man Vinai Venkatesham.Aussie Munn, 51, has been Spurs’ chief football officer – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.Tottenham are set to axe chief football officer Scott MunnCredit: GettyFormer Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham has been announced as Spurs’ new CEOCredit: GettyHis post formally began just a few months after compatriot Ange Postecoglou took charge as head coach.But Munn is now believed to be set for the exit door after the club lured former Gunners CEO Venkatesham to become their new chief executive from this summer.Venkatesham, 44, will be responsible for all operations both on and off the pitch, which supporters quickly realised was a similar remit to the one Munn already held.Former City Football Group executive Munn has overseen a number of reviews in various departments during his time at Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has seen a number of employees move on, including in the scouting and medical department.Yet despite the changes to the latter, which saw long-serving head of medicine Geoff Scott depart last year, Spurs have suffered one of their most difficult seasons in recent memory when it comes to injuries.Their number of sidelined players over the winter months regularly reached over double figures.They were missing captain Son Heung-min and defender Radu Dragusin for Thursday’s vital quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.Most read in FootballMunn acted as Daniel Levy’s No2Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVenkatesham spent 14 years with arch-rivals Arsenal, including four as chief exec, before stepping down last summer.Speaking on his appointment last week, he said: ” I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.”After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel [Levy], the Board and all of the staff, to take the Club forward.”’We want Levy out’, chant Tottenham fans as thousands swarm streets in latest furious protest against club’s owner More