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      Arsenal face fixture chaos with ‘no obvious date’ to play crunch Carabao Cup quarter-final vs Crystal Palace

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      ARSENAL are facing a nightmare fixture pile up in December after being drawn against Crystal Palace in the League Cup.Mikel Arteta’s side progressed into the quarter-finals of the competition after beating Preston 3-0 on Wednesday.Arsenal have been left with a huge fixture headache in DecemberCredit: GettyThey are due to host Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-final but the two day turnaround for Palace could mean the game changes dateCredit: RexHowever, that is set to cause club chiefs a huge headache due to a major scheduling issue involving them and the women’s team.The Emirates tie against Crystal Palace is due to be played on either Tuesday 17 or Wednesday 18 in December.It came with Palace being due to play Brighton on Monday, December 16, though this fixture has since been moved to Sunday at 2pm with Bournemouth v West Ham now filling the Monday evening slot.Holding the clash on Wednesday is not possible due to Arsenal Women facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League at the Emirates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLogically this would leave Thursday as the obvious solution.However, the two-day turnaround is far from ideal, with Palace due to host Arsenal on Saturday, December 21 in the evening clash, also leaving Friday out of the question.It would be possible to host the Palace game on Wednesday, December 18 if the women’s game could be moved.Arsenal Women play all of their European home games and eight of their 11 home games in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates, with tickets for the Bayern game on sale since September 28.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park, where the women’s team used to play their home games, does not meet Uefa stadium regulations.However, one possible solution could be Arsenal agreeing to a stunning VENUE SWAP with Palace. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendThere has been a precedent in the League Cup this season to move fixtures to another stadium.Newcastle’s third round fixture with Wimbledon was switched from Plough Lane to St. James’ Park after floods caused a sinkhole to form in the middle of the pitch.Manchester City faced a similar problem to Arsenal earlier this season when they faced Watford in the third round.They were due to meet on the Wednesday, but local rivals Manchester United were already playing at home that night and the two teams can’t play at the same time.Pep Guardiola’s side were offered the chance to play away at Vicarage Road or switch dates to Tuesday or Thursday, which left them with less of a turnaround for either the League Cup game or Prem clash.They ultimately opted to play on the Tuesday just 48 hours after their 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and emerged with a 2-1 win over Watford at the Etihad.Speaking of the dilemma at the time, Guardiola said: “I prefer to play at home than go to London because this way our fans can watch this lovely, adorable team at home.“That’s why I decided to play on Tuesday. If we had said Thursday we wouldn’t have time to recover to go to Newcastle.“Hopefully we can select two teams and be fit and have no injuries but everyone knows the schedule will be tight this season.”On fixture congestion, he had previously said: “The week is seven days. We cannot create eight days a week or nine days a week.”It means the EFL could, based on precedent, offer Arteta’s side the chance to swap the venue of the League Cup clash from the Emirates to Selhurst Park to allow it to then be played on Wednesday and give Arsenal appropriate rest days between their league games.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ultimate decision over the date of the game is in the hands of the EFL.It is understood the organisation are currently consulting all the relevant stakeholders on the timings and broadcast arrangements for each of the four quarter-finals.A Wednesday clash is not possible due to Arsenal women playing at the Emirates in the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyArsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes. More

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      I watched Liverpool’s Istanbul miracle alone in hotel room when I could’ve been in the squad – it’s my worst memory

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      A FORMER Liverpool star has revealed the club’s Champions League miracle in Istanbul is his “worst memory”.Stephane Henchoz spent six years at Anfield but left the club just months before the triumph.Stephane Henchoz left Liverpool in January 2005Credit: AlamyJust months later the club would go on to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHenchoz, 50, joined Liverpool in 1999 from Blackburn Rovers and made 135 appearances in the Premier League for the club.He fell down the pecking order after Rafa Benitez was appointed as manager in 2004.In that season, Henchoz was in the final year of his deal at Anfield and opted to leave the club midway through the season.The defender landed a move to Scottish giants Celtic but little did he know his decision would cost him a Champions League winners’ medal.READ MORE ON SPORTLiverpool pulled off a miracle as they came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties to win the tournament.While speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”, he said: “The Champions League final, in Istanbul, in 2005 is probably the worst memory of my career. “When Rafa Benitez took over, I still had a year left on my contract, and I wasn’t playing. I think I was on the bench a couple of times, but nothing more than that.”Most of the time, I was in the stands for the games. The team wasn’t doing so well in the league; I think we were seventh or eighth in the table, and we scraped through the first stages of the Champions League, with Steven Gerrard’s incredible last-minute goal against Olympiacos…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So, when the draw was made for the Last 16, I could see that our potential route after Bayer Leverkusen was a quarter-final against Juventus.”They were the force in Italy, and everybody – myself included – thought we had no chance; that it was going to be the end of the road for us in Europe.Ex-Liverpool star John Arne Riise shows what he is made of on the training pitch “I never thought for one second that we would end up in the Champions League final, and so in January, I wanted to go and play more football, so I took the opportunity to go up to Celtic, under Martin O’Neill. “From Scotland, I was obviously following what Liverpool were doing in the Champions League… they beat Leverkusen, and then they beat Juventus, then we had the semi-final victory over Chelsea, and we were in the final, against AC Milan.”When Liverpool played that final, I was actually alone, in Glasgow, watching that game in my hotel room.”‘Like a Hollywood movie’Henchoz has insisted that he was “pleased” for Liverpool but admitted he was left asking himself questions over his exit.He added: “Like every Liverpool fan, I thought the first-half was terrible. 3-0 down against an AC Milan side who were just so much better… I never thought the comeback was on.”The only thing I thought was possible was just that the team could make sure they didn’t get beat 5-0 or 6-0, and get humiliated in front of the whole world. And then we had that incredible second-half. This extraordinary comeback.”The penalty shootout… it was just like a Hollywood movie, with a happy ending for Liverpool. Who would have played me in that Hollywood movie, sat in that hotel room? I don’t know! A poor guy…”Obviously, in a way, I was so pleased for the club, and for my teammates, but I can tell you now, that was not a nice moment for me. You’re just thinking ‘why? Why did I choose to come to Celtic?'”I know that I wouldn’t have started the game; I’m fairly sure of that, although you never know in football.””But maybe I would have been on the bench… making the squad. You know, and then I’d have been celebrating on that night, with the lads.”It’s one of the biggest regrets in my career. Sometimes you make the wrong choices, and that was mine.”Henchoz did win a trophy that season as he was a part of the Celtic side that lifted the Scottish Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, he only stayed in Scotland for a short stint as he returned to England after his six-month contract ended.The defender signed for Wigan Athletic and then returned to Blackburn before retiring in October 2008.He joined Celtic on a six-month contract in 2005Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe finished his career with spells at Wigan Athletic and Blackburn RoversCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Throwback picture shows defender Ruben Amorim watching in horror as Jonny Evans scores AGAINST him for Man Utd

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      RUBEN AMORIM is closing in on becoming the next permanent boss of Manchester United.Reports suggest the Red Devils are willing to pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause from Sporting CP to appoint him as their replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.A stunning throwback picture of Ruben Amorim has emerged of him playing against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe picture shows Jonny Evans scoring the equaliser against Braga as United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in 2012Credit: AFPHowever, the ex-midfielder – dubbed the Special One 2.0 – actually shared the pitch with three players he will be coaching at Old Trafford.The first of these is former Benfica team-mate Victor Lindelof, whom he shared the pitch with just three times as the Swede was coming through the ranks.The second was ex-Tottenham star Christian Eriksen, who he faced with Benfica in the Europa League as he saw the Dane score in the second leg of the last-16 tie.The third star is actually returned Man Utd hero Jonny Evans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim and Evans, now 36, lined up on opposite sides during a Champions League group stage clash between United and Braga at Old Trafford in 2012.The Portuguese side had gotten off to a perfect start on the night, going 2-0 up inside 20 minutes through Alan, though Javier Hernandez halved the deficit five minutes later.The hosts dominated proceedings, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side found an equaliser in the 62nd minute as Evans bundled a goal home from a corner.And a picture from that night of Evans celebrating with Amorim with his hands behind his head in horror has resurfaced in light of the managerial links now associating United and the Portuguese manager.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHernandez struck the decisive winner in the 75th minute to seal a remarkable comeback win for United.Amorim himself was subbed out of the game after 80 minutes.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongSpeaking about his links to the Man Utd job following Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday, Amorim said: “Manchester United is interested. But it’s my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise.”I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done. I’m not going to talk about my contract, it’s a matter between me and Sporting.”In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the United squad for their League Cup clash against Leicester tonight, while he may also be in charge for Sunday’s game against Chelsea.Amorim was forced to retire from football at the age of 32 in 2014 due to a career-ending ACL injury.’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”He then went down the path of coaching, attending a course at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon with lectures led by Jose Mourinho alongside seven-time Primeira Liga winner Antonio Veloso.He later completed an internship under Mourinho while the Special One was at United, and Amorim has cited the three-time Premier League winner as an idol and a “reference point” in his coaching.While he has played down the comparisons, calling Mourinho “unique”, Amorim’s demeanour has been compared to his old master.Assuming all goes to plan and he does move to United, Amorim is reportedly likely to stick to his 3-4-3 system.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has won the Portuguese league twice with Sporting since taking charge in 2020, ending a 19-year duopoly of Benfica and Porto dominance.When previously managing Braga, he had also led to the club’s first win over Porto for 65 years.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Ballon d’Or chief explains to Real Madrid why Vinicius Jr didn’t win as star misses out on whopping bonus from club

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      BALLON D’OR chief Vincent Garcia has explained why Vinicius Jr missed out on the award.The Real Madrid star finished as the runner-up to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the running.Vinicius Jr missed out on winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri claimed the prize on Monday eveningCredit: APLos Blancos were left fuming with the Brazilian’s snub and released a blunt 52-word statement in response.The LaLiga giants claimed that the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” the club.The club also refused to attend the event in Paris due to their anger over the result.However, Garcia has now explained one reason why Vinicius Jr may have missed out on the top price.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe believes the success of Real’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal may have cost the Brazilian.His argument is that the votes that the 2nd and 4th placed stars would have received votes instead of Vinicius Jr.He said: “Obviously, Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him.”This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players, and the judges shared their decisions with them, which benefited Rodri.”Most read in FootballThe split of votes for Real players allowed for more room for Rodri to be named the winner.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarcia added: “We were very clear with them [Real Madrid] and with all the other clubs.”This year, the winner and the prizewinner were not going to be notified.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine”I thought that everyone had accepted but at the last minute, I don’t know why, they wanted to change the rule.”When Real Madrid made its decision, I’m not sure that there wasn’t some disappointment.”As a result of Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr missed out on a cash reward from Real.The winger would have been handed a bonus of £833,000 from his club if he had won the award.Vinicius Jr would have also been the first Brazilian to lay his hands on the individual trophy since 2007, when Kaka won it.He has spoken out since the snub and claimed that he will be a winner in the future.He wrote on X: “‘I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to Real’s boycott of the event it left one award uncollected.Last season’s Champions League winners were not able to collect their Club of the Year award.All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal More

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      Ballon d’Or in awkward moment as Real Madrid leave award UNCOLLECTED with boycott confirmed

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      BALLON D’OR were forced into an awkward moment as Real Madrid failed to collect their award.The Spanish giants were named Club of the Year after winning LaLiga and the Champions League.Real Madrid left their award uncollectedCredit: ReutersBut not a single club representative was present as Real Madrid boycotted the awards ceremony, with an awkward silence in the room as host Didier Drogba read out their name as winners.He added: “Congratulations to them,” before moving on swiftly.Real Madrid boycotted the show Vinicius Jr missed out on the top prize to Rodri.The winger was amongst the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or following an impressive campaign in which he scored 24 goals and registered 11 assists.But Vinicius Jr was not even in attendance to see his rival walk on stage to collect the prize, nor were any of his team-mates or coach Carlo Ancelotti, who failed to collect his Coach of the Year gong.Drogba said in response to his absence: “I’m disappointed my former coach is unable to be here to collect the award.”Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is reportedly furious Vinicius has been overlooked.The club also believe they are “not respected” – convinced that if not Vinicius Jr, then Dani Carvajal should win the award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother Real star Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting.A Real Madrid player last won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 when Karim Benzema was named the world’s best player.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’ More

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      Real Madrid release furious 52-word statement as club boycott Ballon d’Or after Vinicius Jr snub

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      REAL MADRID have released a furious statement and confirmed they will not attend the Ballon d’Or as Vinicius Junior looks set to miss out on the top men’s prize.Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is set to win the award ahead of Los Blancos’ star forward.Vinicius Junior looks set to be snubbed for the Ballon d’Or in favour of RodriCredit: ReutersIt has since been reported Real Madrid will not send anybody to Monday night’s ceremony in Paris.And now the Spanish champions have commented on the matter – claiming the outcome of the Ballon d’Or shows the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” Real Madrid.They also claim one interpretation of the criteria should have led to Real and Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal winning the award.They told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings.Vinicius, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists last season, is one of six Real Madrid stars who made the 30-player shortlist for the award.He is joined by Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToni Kroos, who helped Real win the LaLiga title and Champions League last season before retiring from football, also made the shortlist.Rodri, who is the obvious candidate to win the Ballon d’Or at the expense of Vinicius, was instrumental in Man City’s fourth successive Premier League title.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique He then helped Spain win the Euros as Luis de la Fuente’s men triumphed in Germany.Vinicius is expected to come second behind Rodri, with Bellingham third.Rodri will become only the third player since 2007 to receive the award outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luka Modric won in 2018, while Karim Benzema took top spot in 2022.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Why NOBODY is right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd with Tuchel already gone and best bosses certain to snub them

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      MANCHESTER UNITED sacking Erik ten Hag, at last, was the easy part.Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham – leaving the Red Devils FOURTEENTH in the Premier League, with just 11 points from nine games – proved to be the final straw.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is facing the axe after another miserable lossCredit: GettyTen Hag risks turning Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous Tottenham team talk on its headCredit: GettyTen Hag’s United didn’t just lose consistently, they were thrashed consistently.Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford are among the teams to have demolished his outfit.Sir Alex Ferguson’s most famous three-word team talk — “Lads, it’s Tottenham” — could now be turned on its head by Ange Postecoglou or several other Premier League bosses.“Lads, it’s Man United.”Read More on Man UtdFacing United hasn’t held a fear factor for many years.Now, it is a fixture openly relished by many — a big-name scalp which is relatively easy to come by.There has been a regular cycle of doom around Old Trafford for the last 11 years, under six different managers.United are trounced on a Sunday afternoon, Gary Neville and Roy Keane rant on the telly, everyone speculates on the manager’s future on a Monday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManagers come and go, many players linger for too long, and United continue to be largely terrible.Yet under Ten Hag — who offered little as a coach or man-manager — the bad days got even worse.Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’ It was the wrong decision for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos crew to keep faith with the former Ajax boss after last season’s FA Cup win.And then to have signed another tranche of overpriced Dutch players.At last, Ratcliffe and his fellow Old Trafford chiefs have seen sense.So now for the hard part. Who, realistically, takes over?And, more pertinently, who would want to?This is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.Emery wouldn’t take United job – he’s not stark raving madAnd Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running.Not many optionsEmery would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Gareth Southgate concernYet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the  equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel was talked about at United’s top target, and would have been a popular and gettable option, but the FA have already beaten United to the German.Despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Replacement needs to succeed Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a “figurehead” manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer, will take the reins at interim boss, but surely lacks the experience to take the job full-time.And United would be wise to avoid another Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag was the easy part.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Ratcliffe, Ashworth and the rest of United’s new management structure, the hard part is what happens next.And it is a decision they desperately need to nail.Thomas Tuchel would have been a popular replacement for Ten Hag but the FA got him for EnglandCredit: GettyMan Utd assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim bossCredit: GettySouthgate is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by Man Utd last springCredit: Getty More

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      LaLiga ref exposed as secret Real Madrid fan by a PARROT live on TV as official desperately tries to silence pet bird

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      FORMER LaLiga referee Pajares Paz was left squirming after being exposed by his pet PARROT on live TV.And fans believe the exotic bird’s blunder confirmed Paz as a secret Real Madrid fan.Retired ref Pajares Paz begged his pet parrot to ‘shut up’ on live TVThe parrot started whistling Real Madrid’s anthemThe 75-year-old was discussing a controversial penalty decision in the closing moments of the Villarreal’s 1-1 draw with Getafe last Sunday.However, what happened during the conversation caught everyone by surprise.Paz’s parrot started singing the Hala Madrid’s anthem live on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.The wide-eyed embarrassed ex-referee tried to calm the bird by shushing it and begging it to “shut up”.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut the mimicry kept singing, while the four hosts in the studio could barely contain their laughter, with two covering their eyes and mouths.Parrots are vocal learners, which means they are able to imitate and repeat new sounds.And while the comical moment is not total evidence that Paz is actually a Real Madrid fan, he had some explaining to do.He later dropped ex-referee Urizar Azpitarte in it, after claiming he has a parrot that says “Cabron” (b*****ds) when it hears the word “Barcelona”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were quick to assume that the parrot had exposed Paz as a Madrid supporter.One wrote: “Madrid will never beat the allegations of favouritism.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchA second said: “This referee, who teaches his parrot the Madrid anthem, used to whistle classics and now he acts as impartial.”Another commented: “The tokens keep falling. Shameless.”One more added: “How much do VARdrid pay the parrots? 😂😂”Paz retired as a referee at the end of the 1994/95 season.The Spanish official oversaw eight Madrid games, where the Los Blancos won seven, drew one and lost zero.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More