More stories

  • in

    Antony ‘could make shock transfer to Champions League giants as Man Utd receive enquiry after stunning Real Betis loan’

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony is attracting interest from a major LaLiga club amid his stunning loan stint at Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax but never lived up to expectations as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony is being eyed by Atletico MadridAntony has turned his fortunes around while on loan at Real BetisMan Utd will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for AntonyThat led Man Utd shipping the struggling 25-year-old out on loan as he fell out of favour in November once manager Ruben Amorim replaced the man that brought him to Old Trafford Erik ten Hag.The Brazil international has turned into a man reborn since moving to Betis as he has already amassed six goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.Many even claim that Antony has regained his glittering prowess from his time at Ajax, which led to his big-money move to Manchester.And the Brazilian’s resurgence has turned a lot of heads among football’s elite.Read More on Man UtdAccording to El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid are among those clubs keeping tabs on the forward ahead of the summer transfer window.Atletico are so keen that they have even made an enquiry for Antony, who would get a major second chance at top level as Diego Simeone’s side are set to play in next season’s Champions League.However, it won’t be easy to price the ex-Sao Paulo star away despite Amorim reportedly having very little interest in keeping him as he prepares a major squad revamp.That is because the same source claims the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for Antony.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid reports of Man Utd wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.United also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and of course Antony to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively reported that the club are looking to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.And the future of Onana’s No2 Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup. More

  • in

    ‘Omg so cringe’ say fans as Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel and Kate Abdo involved in awkward blunder live on CBS Sports

    MANCHESTER UNITED icon Peter Schmeichel was involved in an awkward exchange live on air with Kate Abdo.Schmeichel and Abdo, who now goes by the surname Scott after her marriage to boxer Malik Scott, were working for CBS Sports during their coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.Kate Abdo had an awkward exchange with Peter Schmeichel live on TVCredit: CBSThe CBS Sports colleagues shared a joke about the ex-goalkeeper’s ‘controversial’ wardrobe decisionCredit: CBSSchmeichel showed off his ‘scruffy’ look to the camerasCredit: CBSAbdo presents the broadcaster’s Champions League coverage in the studio alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: CBS SportsSchmeichel works as a pitchside reporter often interviewing playersCredit: GettyAhead of the match, the Premier League legend was in his usual spot pitchside, with Abdo in the studio trying to keep a leash on Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry.Schmeichel, 61, had just completed a segment analysing the game, when Abdo pointed out a feature of his wardrobe at the Emirates.The presenter, who was wearing a striking red dress, highlighted the fact that the former goalkeeper had his shirt untucked for the segment.She labelled the choice “controversial” before saying TV bosses would speak to him later about it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher then cheekily added: “Controversial or scruffy?”However, it had turned out that Schmeichel was still wired in and heard the entire conversation.The Dane pulled a bemused look with his arms out either side of him as he looked at co-presenter Anita Nneka Jones, before Abdo realised, “Oh they’re still there,” which left the studio in stitches.Schmeichel then joked: “Kate I’m gonna have a word with the cameraman.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I think he should cut around here (gestures to waist).”Reacting to the exchange, one fan said: “This show is just absolute chaos. And we’re here for it. Love it!!”‘The girls don’t like it’ – Kate Abdo tells Micah Richards off on live TV for using WRONG toilets at CBS studiosA second said: “Peter is a good laugh doesn’t take himself too seriously.”A third added: “It was the look down from Anita for me.”A fourth said: “Set Jamie up.”But another slammed: “Second time Kate with the passive aggressive comments.. not cool.. and it’s always about how people look and are wearing.”A sixth said: “OMG cringe.”Arsenal went on to lose the clash 1-0 thanks to an early Ousmane Dembele strike.Read More on The SunThe second leg at the Parc des Princes in Paris will commence on Wednesday May 7.Whoever wins the clash will already know who their opponent in the final will be with the second leg of the other semi-final, between Barcelona and Inter Milan, being played out the day before. More

  • in

    Arsenal files: Gunners consider shock Leicester star transfer as talks set to be held with ex-Spurs boss

    MARTIN ODEGAARD’S form has been a hot topic after his poor display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.But given the club’s injury record and squad make-up this term, the Norwegian is very rarely rested, meaning he must play through bad patches regardless.Martin Odegaard has been come under fire after his performance against PSGCredit: GettyArsenal haven’t decided on the future of midfielder Fabio Vieira, who is on loan at PortoCredit: AlamyYet it is worth remembering that the Gunners do have a young No.10 on their books, who could have provided back-up, in Fabio Vieira – currently on loan back at boyhood club Porto.Vieira returned to the Estadio do Dragao back in August having started just three games in all competitions under Mikel Arteta last season.The £30m splashed on the-then 22-year-old in June 2022 was initially viewed as a positive step to strengthen the squad with a young talent brimming in potential.Nearly three years on and the Portuguese midfielder looks unlikely to have a future at the Emirates. So, what is the situation?Porto would love to bring Vieira back to Portugal permanently, especially after his upturn in form this term from January under new boss Martin Anselmi, scoring three goals in the league since then. But the start to the season under Vitor Bruno was hampered by injury.Vieira will be staying beyond the end of the regular season to compete in the Club World Cup – a stipulation Porto insisted on when negotiating with Arsenal last summer – but there is no option to buy.However, there are a few complications. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Vieira has enjoyed living back in Portugal, SunSport understands he has not enjoyed a below-par season with Porto, 13 points off league leaders Sporting Lisbon and set to finish fourth, only qualifying them for the Europa Conference League.Porto are also not in a position to spend this summer, with Arsenal likely to demand close to the £30m they paid for him up front, while Vieira’s wages are also viewed as excessive, something the player is refusing to budge on since arriving in North London.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid Arsenal would need to be convinced to let Vieira leave for significantly less than they paid, which is unlikely, and would rather not loan him out for a second successive campaign.Those negotiations would be led by club president and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, but SunSport understands that has not yet happened.The loan fee to lure Vieira away from Arsenal was believed to be around £750k, with another £600k penalty fee if the player did not play more than half of Porto’s games this season.Porto have managed to avoid this, with Vieira featuring in 36 of their 43 games so far.Vieira then is expected to return to Arsenal for pre-season after a few weeks’ rest from the Club World Cup, but could soon be on the move again.Throughout this season, Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Vieira, but there is believed to be an acceptance that his future lies elsewhere, with several clubs in Europe interested.And needing to spend big during the upcoming window, Vieira could prove to be a useful sale in raising funds, alongside the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.Arsenal will remain patient, however. Midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract this summer, while the £51m signing of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is yet to be completed, even if it is viewed as a formality inside the club.Former Spurs and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is the president of PortoFOXES STAR AN OPTION?Speaking of midfielders, there have been links to Leicester City’s 20-year-old Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss following the club’s Prem relegation.A £21m signing from Genk in August, he has shone in a woeful team, having made nearly 100 senior appearances in the Belgian top flight as a teenager.Much like Vieira, there have been concerns about El Khannouss’ physicality, described as a “tiny, slight boy, very thin” at Genk, but with incredible technique and vision. One academy coach summed it up: “I used to tell people that he had eyes in his back.”He is not the player Arsenal fans will have in mind when it comes to one of their biggest transfer windows in years this summer.But could be a useful squad addition, one that could come at a bargain price with the Foxes desperate for cash now they are in the Championship.Leicester manager Rudd van Nistelrooy said earlier this season: “His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way.”But for now, he has only produced two goals and three assists in 25 starts this term.And he is behind both Odegaard and Vieira when it comes to chances created, shots and passes per 90 minutes, as well as passing accuracy, passes into the box and crosses.The one area he does impress is in duels, competing in 9.7 per 90 minutes – more than Odegaard [7.7] and Vieira [9.5] – and winning 48.8 per cent of them.TICKETS FOR PARISPSG fans are confident their team will be making it through to the Champions League final so demand for Wednesday’s semi-final against Arsenal has rocketed.Tickets in the home areas for the clash at the Parc des Princes are going for between £424 and £5100 on ticket reselling sites.Meanwhile, Arsenal have only been given 2000 tickets for the away end at £51.30 each.That is 500 below the five per cent away teams are entitled to by Uefa in European competitions and Arsenal have complained.PSG, though, were given special dispensation to reduce that to 4.1 per cent before the start of the season owing to a request from local police.At those online prices, you won’t get any Arsenal fans trying to get into the home areas. More

  • in

    Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

    MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard completed just 20 passes against PSGCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances. He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks. He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGLawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West HamCredit: GettyLawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career. He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

  • in

    Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd and Spurs on course for £100m winner-takes-all Europa League final despite two of their worst seasons ever

    UNDER-FIRE Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou are on course for a winner-takes-all Europa League final showdown.Amorim masterminded Manchester United’s 3-0 semi-final first leg demolition of ten-man Athletic Bilbao in Spain.Ruben Amorim guided Manchester United to a 3-0 win over Athletic BilbaoCredit: AFPAnge Postecoglou’s Tottenham side beat Bodo/GlimtCredit: APAnd Postecoglou guided his Tottenham team to a 3-1 triumph over Bodo/Glimt in the other to set up a likely all-English final in Bilbao on May 21.United hero Harry Maguire said: “It’s a great result, three goals and a clean sheet. Everyone will expect us to go through. We have one foot in the final but it’s still not done.“We will be ready for the return at Old Trafford next Thursday.“We looked a little nervous in the first 20 minutes, but we were clinical in that first half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We also had chances to get the fourth but it’s a great victory in the end.”United legend Rio Ferdinand added: “It’s a dream scenario, a mature performance. But it was through sheer hard work and capitalising on mistakes and the red card.”And fellow former Red Devil Paul Scholes beamed: “Amazing result. The sending off aided the picture. We all thought it would be a really tough game, but it was comfortable against 10 men.”United and Spurs have both suffered a disastrous domestic season, languishing 14th and 16th respectively in the Prem.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut victory in the Europa final will guarantee the winners Champions League football and a possible £100million windfall.Casemiro headed United in front after centre-half Harry Maguire turned into a wonder WINGER to provide the cross.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliserSkipper Bruno Fernandes then put United 2-0 up from the spot after ref Espen Eskås awarded a penalty.The Norwegian official also showed Dani Vivian a straight red card following a VAR review after Rasmus Hojlund had been hauled back in the box.Fernandes bagged his second and United’s third before the break to put the Red Devils on the brink of saving their season.At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Brennan Johnson headed Spurs in front after just 38 SECONDS.James Maddison bagged No.2, Dominic Solanke added the third from the spot following a foul on Cristian Romero before the Norwegians bagged a late consolation goal through Ulrik Saltnes.Bruno Fernandes was once again the main man for Man UtdCredit: AlamyJames Maddison gets the congrats after putting Spurs 2-0 upCredit: AlamyBrennan Johnson said: “We are pleased. If someone said we’d have a two-goal cushion, we’d be happy with it.“We’re disappointed to concede at the end but happy overall.“Getting an early goal really set the tempo.”A United-Spurs final would be the FIFTH all-English European showpiece.Read More on The SunTottenham were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final, while Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final in the same year.United beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final and Spurs KO’d Wolves to win the 1972 Uefa Cup. More

  • in

    Watch Antony score goal so good even opposition pay their respect as Man Utd loanee stars against Fiorentina

    ANTONY continued to mock his Manchester United plight with a real belter for Real Betis – and even the opposition agreed.The revitalised Betis loanee is scenting a Conference League final with Chelsea after his half-volley humdinger against Fiorentina.Antony lasered home an unstoppable goalThe Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Spaniards’ lead.Luca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.But the Serie A club were so awed by Antony’s strike that they made their feelings official!Fiorentina’s media team posted a picture of the 25-year-old celebrating and added: “A great goal by Antony.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans loved that response almost as much as they appreciated the former Ajax hero’s net-buster.One said: “This is how sport should look like.”Another wrote: “Respect between clubs is underrated. That was a great goal, no denying it.”And a third posted: “When you recognize greatness.”Most read in FootballBetis team-mates rushed to mob scorer AntonyCredit: EPABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA fourth added: “Such a beautiful moment.”And one viewer even suggested that Antony’s form, since switching from Old Trafford, is up there with the best players in the world.He commented: “No breathing space for Vini, Mbappe, and Lamine.”Meanwhile, fans of his current team are hoping he stays permanently.One posted: “He is at home, Betis make a good offer.”Antony will hope to end the season by showing Prem stars what they might be missing – by reaching the Conference League final.Chelsea seem assured of reaching that stage after outclassing Djurgarden 4-1 during Thursday’s first leg in Sweden. But Antony and Co have a far tougher task, taking just a 2-1 lead to Florence next week.Antony’s miserable Man Utd spell came to a temporary end in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Nottingham Forest 0 Brentford 2: Nuno’s Champions League hopes take huge hit as they crumble at home to Bees

    MAYDAY MAYDAY is the internationally recognised distress signal for someone in trouble.And boy are Nottingham Forest in trouble after goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa dealt their Champions League hopes a savage blow.Nottingham Forest have been handed a huge blow to their Champions League qualification hopesCredit: RexBrentford beat Forest 2-0 at the City GroundCredit: GettyIt was on May day, 32 years ago to the day since Brian Clough bid a tearful farewell to management, that Forest were relegated after losing 2-0 to Sheffield United.And this was to be a painful anniversary at the same City Ground as Forest fans watched their side implode in front of their eyes.Nuno Espirito’s team has been built on a rock-solid defence all season.But the usually reliable Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic were culpable as two long balls out of defence caught them napping as the Bees cashed in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second goal which put them to the sword was a real comedy of errors – although no-one in Forest colours was laughing.Mark Flekken launched the ball forward, Murillo allowed it to sail over his head and fatally let the ball bounce over Milenkovic.And Wissa – the man Nuno tried and failed to buy in January – nipped in to clip the ball beyond Matz Sels to complete Forest’s miserable week.Their fans had flocked to the City Ground hoping to see their side climb to third in the table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKevin Schade capitalised on a defensive disaster-class to open the scoringCredit: GettyInstead they remain sixth after four defeats in their last five games and look to be running out of steam in the final run-in.Forest would have still been hurting from their FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City at Wembley.Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo reveals ‘I might go throw up’ after downing six pickle juices during Tottenham clashBut there was no time to feel sorry for themselves against an in-form Brentford who were clearly in no mood to show them any sympathy.Thomas Frank’s Bees were buzzing after recent draws with Chelsea and Arsenal and an impressive 4-2 win over Brighton.And they flew at Forest from the start as they attempted to put together a four-match unbeaten run for the first time this season.It was high-octane stuff as this pair went at it hammer and tongs.Murillo had to hook a Schade header for a corner inside two minutes.And from the resulting flag-kick Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic teamed up to clear Christian Norgaard’s header off the line as Forest wobbled.Morgan Gibbs-White responded with a shot which was headed to safety by Nathan Collins on the six yard line.There were plenty of tasty tackles flying around and there was a hat-trick of early bookings for Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, along with Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter.Lewis-Potter was lucky to remain on the pitch when he cynically took out Ola Aina with a bodycheck, shortly after being booked.Yoane Wissa doubled the Bees’ lead with a delightful chipCredit: GettyThomas Frank wisely withdrew his combative left-back at half-time and replaced him with Rico Henry as flying-machines Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga were tag-teaming him.But Brentford were bossing proceedings and it took a fine reflex save from Matz Sels to keep out a point-blank header from Sepp Van de Berg.However the Belgian goalie was helpless to prevent the Bees taking a deserved lead one minute before the half-time break.It was a goal which left Forest’s usually reliable defenders’ faces as red as their shirts.Nathan Collins launched a long ball out from the back which completely caught out Murillo and Milenkovic who watched it sail over their heads.Schade cleverly bent his run to stay onside and capitalised on an untimely slip by Ola Aina to poke the ball beyond Matz Sels for his ninth Premier League goal of the season.It was by no means against the run of play.And things worsened for Nuno Espirito Santo when Callum-Hudson Odoi limped off with a thigh strain and had to be replaced by Nicolas Dominguez at the break.Forest tried to force their way back into the game and Anthony Elanga cut inside Michael Kayode and drilled in a low shot from 22 yards.But Flekken got down sharply to palm the ball away one-handed at full-stretch.Read More on The SunThat was as good as it got for Nuno’s team who conceded a second to Wissa which was a carbon copy of Brentford’s first goal.Forest are stumbling and appear to have dipped way too early with the finishing line in sight.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have now lost four of their last five games in all competitionsCredit: PACallum Hudson-Odoi picked up an injuryCredit: PA More