Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal’s Class of 2024 pals Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly could make Arteta’s dream of conquering Europe with kids come true

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has dreams of winning the Premier League with Arsenal’s very own Class of ’92.Under the mentorship of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United began to dominate English football from 1992 with academy stars like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have really come into their own for Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyThe pair are best of friends having known one another for most of their livesCredit: GETTYThe Emirates faithful have already taken an immense shining to the teenagersCredit: GETTYLewis-Skelly and Nwaneri could be end up being Arsenal’s equivalent to Manchester United’s Class of ’92Credit: GETTYBy the end of the 2002-03 campaign, that group of Fergie Fledglings had won eight Prem titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League crown.Back in August, with 23-year-old Bukayo Saka his only Hale End starting XI representative, Arteta said: “I want to have a team that’s half academy, half foreign and win the Premier League and Champions League consistently.”At the time, it sounded like a far-fetched press conference soundbite.Six months on, and Arteta’s Class of ’24 are making headlines in 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.READ MORE ON ARSENALAfter joining the seniors on a pre-season tour of the States last summer, Lewis-Skelly has quickly become a cult hero from left-back, leapfrogging experienced pros like Oleksandr Zinchenko.Midfielder Nwaneri has been around Arteta’s squad for a few years now, making his name in September 2022 as the youngest-ever Prem debutant at 15 years and 181 days before another cameo off the bench at West Ham in February 2024.But this season, the pair have seized their moment together, taking on the challenges of the top flight side by side. Jack Wilshere – who managed both in Arsenal’s U18s – previously suggested their immense talent was “uncoachable” at times.They have already made a combined 41 first-team appearances this term. Nwaneri has seven goals in 22 games. Lewis-Skelly has one goal in 19 games.Most read in FootballArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news.Arteta said: “They are very lucky to have each other. There is a bond there. For them, it is special.“When you see those two walking next to each other, talking to each other, there is a chemistry there.”Mikel Arteta looks ahead to Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle in Carabao Cup semi-final second leg Ahead of starting together for the first time in Arsenal’s 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton in September, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly snuck out onto the Emirates pitch before kick-off to soak it all up.In last week’s 2-1 win at Girona, on his first Champions League start, Nwaneri scored a curling beauty to earn Man of the Match.At full-time, as he had photos with his award by the side of the pitch, who was stood less than six feet away as his hype man? Of course, Lewis-Skelly.In the 1-0 victory at Wolves last month, Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off just before half time – on the day he and Nwaneri became the first two English players aged 18 or under to start a Prem match for Arsenal for 26 years.Lewis-Skelly was emotional and distraught. Nwaneri had been subbed at half-time, so decided to spend the second half in the Molineux dressing room with Lewis-Skelly, watching the rest of the match on a TV screen, celebrating Riccardo Calafiori’s late winner together.They truly are inseparable, joining the Arsenal academy in 2015 as eight-year-olds following a stint at Chelsea. Nwaneri recently revealed: “We have been best friends since we were six.”Now we’re in the Arsenal team together. It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Yes, it is.They live close to each other in London, and would often train together. Around the London Colney training base, they are constantly walking as a duo. On flights to games, they are seat buddies.With England’s U17s, they studied together for their GCSEs at the 2023 European Championships in Hungarian hotel rooms.The only place they are separated, weirdly, is in the Emirates first team dressing room.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri studied for their GCSE’s togetherCredit: GETTYDue to safeguarding restrictions, as Nwaneri is under 18, he must get changed away from the group before and after games.That will change next month when Nwaneri celebrates his birthday, not that he will have a wild party, such is his reserved and shy personality. He is not yet a natural on camera in interviews.They may be close pals, but Lewis-Skelly’s personality is the complete opposite – emotive and expressive, often bombarding Arteta with questions during training sessions.Having been booked as a sub at the Etihad back in September before making his Prem debut in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City, he squared up to Erling Haaland at full-time.And last weekend, scoring his first senior goal against City, he cheekily mimicked Haaland’s meditation celebration.This is nothing new. Subbed off in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Emirates last month, Lewis-Skelly opted to rev up the crowd and point to the badge when walking around the side of the pitch.And in the aftermath of that Spurs win, Lewis-Skelly was seen laughing and joking with club legend Ian Wright about his grandma in front of the cameras.In contrast, in Girona, as he walked in front of the away end who were singing his name, Nwaneri kept himself to himself, quickly applauding before walking towards the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe too scored against City in the 5-1 thumping, celebrating by simply walking away and shrugging his shoulders.They may be chalk and cheese, but Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are taking England and Europe by storm, hand in hand. Perhaps Arteta will get his wish after all.Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the key to Mikel Arteta winning trophies with ArsenalCredit: GETTY More

    • 300 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I was baffled when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Man Utd – then he left me with cuts and grazes on my leg in training

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S former Manchester United team-mate has lifted the lid on playing against him in training.Phil Bardsley had many a battle against the Portuguese legend as both were youngsters breaking into the side in 2003.Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Man Utd after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendlyCredit: GettyRonaldo and Phil Bardsley (right) used to go toe-to-toe in trainingCredit: GettyRonaldo joined from Sporting for £12million earlier that year after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly against United.On his arrival at Carrington, Bardsley told talkSPORT: “He’d come in with his quirky little jumper on, with these little braids coming down, and everyone was like, ‘Who’s this kid?'”The first-team players were aware because he played against them in a pre-season game and he was magnificent in that game.”But when he came to the club, he was very slight, not much English at the time, but you could see glimpses of something.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFull-back Bardsley often went head-to-head with Ronaldo in training to get him up to the speed of the Premier League.The 39-year-old, who played 18 times for United, revealed: “It’d be Cristiano taking me on and it’d be a case of me improving one-on-one defending, while he improves his finishing and his attacking play.”But we’d just come off and there’d be cuts and grazes down your shins and on your ankles when you try to stop shots and I’m blocking his shots. We both have cuts on our legs from it.”It was tough and you know what? People talk about him and probably in his early stage he went down too much, which is probably right.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”For a Portuguese player coming to a new country, a physical league… but he was tough.“His battles over the years with Ashley Cole were, from a neutral point of view, you just couldn’t wait for it. Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOAT”It was just tit for tat for 90 minutes and it was great competition, great to watch.“But I think over his career as well, those sort of periods helped him become tougher and stronger.”Ronaldo, who celebrates his 40th birthday today, went on to make 346 appearances for United over two spells, scoring 145 goals.And, overall, having hit the back of the net 923 times for club and country, Ronaldo is convinced he is the GOAT.He said: “I am the best player ever, I believe that.”I’m fast, I’m strong, [I score] with my head, with the left, no one has ever been more complete than me.“You may prefer Pele, Messi, Maradona, I understand and respect that.“If I finish on 920, 925 goals… it doesn’t matter to me at all. I am the best in history. Period.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If I reach 1,000 goals, great. If not, that’s fine too. Numbers don’t lie.”As for Bardsley, after leaving United he went on to play for Sunderland, Stoke and Burnley.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Jose Mourinho slap Fenerbahce translator after comical ‘toilet’ mistake during press conference

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO jokingly slapped his Fenerbahce translator after a comical mistake in his press conference.Mourinho, who took over at Fenerbahce this summer, almost had the press room in shock when his translator confused the work “twilight” with “toilet”.Jose Mourinho’s translator hilariously thought he had said ‘toilet zone’ in his press conferenceCredit: XMourinho corrected him to ‘twilight zone’ and gave him a cheeky slapCredit: xThe hilarious moment had the press room in stitchesCredit: xThe Special One was talking to the media after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 comeback win over Caykur Rizespor on Sunday when things took a turn.Discussing how he can find a balance between the “paradise” and “hell” of being a football manager, Mourinho claimed that he is able to enter the “twilight zone”.However, his translator was left confused by the Portuguese gaffer’s accent and asked him to clarify if he had used the term “toilet zone”.Mourinho quickly corrected his colleague and gave him a loving slap on the shoulder in the process.READ MORE ON JOSE MOURINHOThe funny gaffe left the press room in stitches, while fans online were loving the typically Mourinho moment.On social media, one fan wrote: “Mourinho’s reaction is hilarious”.While another added: “I love him so much”.A third commented: “Jose is the gift that keeps on giving”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd a fourth posted: “This is hilarious”.Mourinho began his coaching career as a translator himself.Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer The 62-year-old acted as the Portuguese translator for legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson during his time as Sporting Lisbon and Porto boss in the 90s.Even without any experience as a coach, Mourinho left Robson impressed with his knowledge of the game.He once said: “He’d [Mourinho] come back and hand me a dossier that was absolutely first class.“[They were] As good as anything I’d received. Here he was, in his early-30s, never been a player or a coach to speak of, giving me reports as good as anything I ever got.”The pair enjoyed a remarkable success after Robson made Mourinho his assistant at Porto, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in the 1993-94 season, only to be toppled by Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona.They won consecutive Portuguese titles in 1995 and 1996, and when the Dutch legend walked away from the Camp Nou that year – Robson was the man they hired.Mourinho began his career as a translator for Bobby Robson in PortugalCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      You could never write this’ – Eva Longoria stunned after joining Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham’s football empire

      by

      EVA LONGORIA has been left stunned after becoming part of Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham’s football empire.The Desperate Housewives star is part of the group that has invested in Columbian football club La Equidad.Eva Longoria has invested in a Columbian football teamCredit: GettyShe has joined the Ryan Reynolds’ football empireCredit: GettyLongoria, 49, joined forces with the likes of Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, MLB ace Justin Verlander and NBA legend Shawn Marion.They have bought the club and the actor is excited to experience the full drama football can offer.She has admitted that “storytelling” in football is “powerful” due to the risk and reward on the pitch.She told The Athletic: “I feel like sports is entertainment.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Storytelling through soccer is so powerful because the stakes are so high.”The drama of winning and losing, injuries, firing a coach, bringing in a new player — the excitement is built-in drama.”You could never write this. I was like, ‘Wow, this is this is the biggest soap opera I’ve ever seen’.”Every player has a story. Every team has a story. Every town has a story.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother member of the investment team is the Tylis-Porter group who bought 50 per cent of Mexican side Club Necaxa in 2021.McElhenney and Reynolds joined the ownership by buying a small stake in the club last year.Major A-list celebs Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expand Wrexham empire with new breweryShe has been to watch Wrexham with Rob McElhenneyCredit: InstagramShe is in regular communication with the playersCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Tylis-Porter group, in turn, also took a small share in Wrexham as a result.McElhenney has insisted that all three clubs, Necaxa, Wrexham and La Equidad, have an equally exciting story and attraction.He believes the “rich history” of the teams combined with the “globalisation” of football can help build up the fanbases.Meanwhile, Longoria has insisted that watching the matches is like a full-time job.She has admitted that she will text the club captain and coach after games to either congratulate or commiserate them after the results.Reynolds and McElhenney have also recently unveiled plans for a brand new 5,500-capacity Kop stand at Wrexham’s ground.Wrexham are set to build a new kop standCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO was not allowed to go home after a match until he had signed for Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand.The duo won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during their six years as team-mates.Sir Alex Ferguson did not let Cristiano Ronaldo go home until he agreed to join Man UtdCredit: GettyA teenage Ronaldo caught the eye of Sir Alex in a pre-season friendlyCredit: ReutersRio Ferdinand says he ’embarrassed’ players with his skillCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid Sporting Lisbon £12million for Ronaldo – just a year after Ferdinand went from Leeds to Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had a pre-season friendly against the Portuguese club and CR7 dazzled Red Devils chiefs during the game – when he famously left John O’Shea “needing an oxygen tank”.So much so, that the legendary boss spoke to him after the game and made sure he chose Man Utd ahead of any other club.Ferdinand told the BBC: “We were invited to go to play Sporting to open their stadium.READ MORE ON RONALDO”We had just missed out on signing Ronaldinho. We were all excited thinking we were getting Ronaldinho, then he went and signed for Barcelona. We were all a bit deflated. “We were going to play Sporting and you start getting whispers, they’ve got this kid called Ronaldo, meant to be really good.”I didn’t think anything of it and the game starts. Then we are looking at each other and you’re like, ‘OK, this kid is the real deal’.”Look at him, he is like doing mad stuff, he is embarrassing a couple of our players.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The we were all standing there saying, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got to sign him.'”On the coach after, waiting everyone’s sitting there going, ‘Been here an hour, waiting, what’s going on? We’ve got to get to the airport.’Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOAT”Noise starts travelling back through the coach that David Gill, who was CEO, and the manager are in there.”They have got Cristiano in a vice-like lock, waiting. He can’t leave the stadium until he signs and agrees to come to United.”Ronaldo, who celebrates his 40th birthday today, went on to make 346 appearances for the club over two spells, scoring 145 goals.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Man City fan groups slam ‘appalling’ racist and misogynistic abuse aimed at Khadija Shaw

      by

      SUPPORTERS groups of Manchester City and Arsenal women’s sides have condemned the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at Khadija Shaw.The City striker was the target of abusive messages following her team’s WSL clash with the Gunners at Joie Stadium on Sunday.Manchester City say the abusive content sent to Khadija Shaw has been shared with authoritiesCredit: AlamyThe Man City striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following her team’s top-flight clash with Arsenal on February 2Credit: AlamyMan City and Arsenal are set to face each other in the semi-final of the Women’s League CupCredit: PAThe club, whose side are fourth in the Women’s Super League, slammed the “disgusting treatment” of Shaw, who played her 100th game for City on February 2. The Jamaica international, who finished as the top-flight’s top scorer last season, made an appearance in the second half of the fixture which the Cityzens lost 4-3 to Arsenal. Messages sent to Shaw have been shared with authorities by Man City. The club say they are offering their full support to the striker whose team are due to face the Gunners in a Women’s League Cup semi-final clash tomorrow evening at 7pm. Read More Football StoriesShaw is in line to make her third appearance following her return to action from a lower leg injury sustained last December.In a statement yesterday, the club said: “Manchester City were appalled to learn that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture.”Discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game.”Bunny has decided not to share the messages publicly so as not to give the oxygen of publicity to the vile individuals who sent them.Most read in Football”The content has been shared with the authorities. An investigation will follow and the club offers our full support to Bunny following the disgusting treatment she’s received.”Shaw, who joined the Cityzens from French club Bordeaux in June 2021, won last season’s WSL Golden Boot after netting 21 times in 18 WSL games. The Jamaica star is currently leading this term’s scorers charts with nine goals in 11 top-flight games.Following Man City’s statement, fan groups of Arsenal and Man City took to social media to express their “disgust” at the abuse of Shaw. They were also backed by Chelsea supporters group Chelsea Pride. In a post shared via the platform X, Man City Women’s Official Supporters wrote: “We join the club in expressing the utmost disgust for this appalling abuse, and stand with both them and Bunny in condemning this type of behaviour. “Nobody should have to put up with racial or misogynistic  abuse at any time, end of!” Arsenal Women’s Supporters Trust added: “Unacceptable behaviour, and we’re deeply saddened to hear that Khadija has been targeted in such a horrible way. “There is no place for racism or discrimination at any level, yet it continues to happen. “This cannot be tolerated. We stand with Khadija and send our love and support.”And Chelsea Pride stated: “This is completely unacceptable and must be condemned by everyone across the game, clubs, governing bodies, and supporters alike.”Hate has no place in football.”Man City’s statement came a day after Chelsea skipper Millie Bright was the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan during the Blues 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday. Millie Bright hopes supporters will be mindful with the comments they direct at playersCredit: GettyThe England vice-captain has called on the sport’s followers to be more “mindful” with their comments. READ MORE SUN STORIESBright said: “Every game we give our absolute all and it won’t always be pretty or perfect.”But just remember we give everything to be the best for you, so this experience was hugely disappointing especially from a fan (who was) sat in the Chelsea section.” More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle vs Arsenal: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 25% boost on your winnings

      by

      ARSENAL have a 2-0 lead to overcome when they head to Newcastle tonight for a spot in the Carabao Cup final.And BoyleSports are marking the huge cup showdown with a tremendous offer for brand new customers with an epic £30 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus up for grabs!Wait, there’s also a cracking special with BoyleSports offering ALL customers a whopping 25% boost on your Bet Builder winnings!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNewcastle vs Arsenal: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSportsBoyleSports offer and price boostNewcastle vs Arsenal: 25% Boost on your Bet Builder winnings – CLAIM HERENew customers who stake £10 will receive £30 in free bets and an extra £10 casino bonus – CLAIM HEREHow to claim..BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website via your mobile HERE*Register a new account — no Promo Code requiredDeposit a minimum of £10 using CardsPlace a bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce that’s settled, BoyleSports will credit your account with £30 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonusBoyleSports – Claim £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*What’s the offer?BoyleSports are offering brand new customers £30 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus. BoyleSports are also offering all customers a whopping 25% boost on your Bet Builder winnings!How to claim?Visit the BoyleSports website using your mobile HERE*Register a new account, deposit a minimum of £10 and then stake at least a tenner on any BoyleSports market at odds of 1/1 or greater.What happens next?Once your bet has settled — win or lose — BoyleSports will credit your account with £30 in free bets, plus a further £10 casino bonus.BoyleSports – Claim £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Digital customers only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. Available on one bet per selected event. 25% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘face another budget transfer window in summer unless Ruben Amorim sells likes of Mainoo and Garnacho’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly have to sell stars to raise funds for a summer overhaul. The Red Devils are in major need of a squad revamp following a dismal season so far.Ruben Amorim’s United must sell star players to keep within PSR rules this summerCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho could be among those sold to help fund new arrivalsCredit: GettyNew boss Ruben Amorim has failed to get his side firing since taking over at Old Trafford in November.The 40-year-old has become increasingly frustrated with the disjointed squad at his disposal. He ideally wants to play his favoured 3-4-3 system, which was hugely successful at Sporting Lisbon.But Amorim demonstrated the weaknesses of the squad in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, starting Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat decision was a huge snub to strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom were brought to the North West for big fees. Reports last month suggested almost the ENTIRE Man Utd squad could be up for sale this summer. Alejandro Garnacho, valued at around £70m by United, almost left for Napoli in January.United will be forced to sell stars in the summer if they are to rebuild and stay within PSR rules.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey could only muster two player signings in January – Patrick Dorgu for £25m from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Garnacho is among those likely to be targeted by Europe’s elite later this year, while reports suggest Mainoo is also on the transfer list. Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Mainoo and Garnaco “were for sale in the winter market and will be again in the summer,” according to The Guardian.The report adds that “selling one or both would mean having to find a replacement.”Sales of academy graduates like Mainoo, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford would also be counted as 100 per cent profit.Those deals could be vital to United staying in Profit and Sustainability Rules compliance after years of heavy spending. Rashford has already departed Old Trafford on loan to Aston Villa after a month of speculation, while Antony and Tyrell Malacia have also gone out on temporary deals.The England striker’s deal is thought to include a buy option for £40million. He also has three years remaining on his £325,000-a-week contract, which proved a stumbling block in negotiations throughout January. SunSport exclusively revealed Rashford has been told he will never play for United again while Amorim is in charge.The forward admitted in December he is “ready for a new challenge”.Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen.And the Portuguese tactician suggested he is so unhappy with the way Rashford trains he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.A source told SunSport: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.”He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.”Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More