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      Former Man Utd star sent off for STAMPING on opponent’s stomach in moment of madness during Championship clash

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Hannibal Mejbri sparked outrage as fans demanded a season-long ban over a “disgusting stamp”.The Burnley midfielder saw red after catching Junior Tchamadeu in the STOMACH during a 0-0 Championship draw at home to Stoke.Hannibal Mejbri’s studs clearly caught Stoke’s Junior TchamadeuMejbri followed through, seemingly with no effort to avoid TchamadeuThe Tunisia star, 21, trod on the grounded Potters’ defender – rather than trying to jump over him.And some observers reckon trampling on the tummy of Tchamadeu was a deliberate act.The Stoke ace reacted to Mejbri’s wild loss of control by rolling around on the pitch.But Tchamadeu’s dramatic response didn’t appear to influence referee Gavin Ward – as the whistler had instantly sent Mejbri off.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rightly so because that is DISGUSTING,” one viewer posted.Another fan went further: “Ban him for the season. Absolutely disgusting.”A third demanded a suspension for a “long time”.One viewer slammed summer signing Mejbri for a “terrible foul” that another fan called “idiocy of the highest order”.Most read in ChampionshipMejbri joined Burnley after three years with UnitedCredit: Willie VassFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, another observer claimed: “It’s not a stamp, he walks on the player intentionally, which is still probably a red card but more stupid and petulant than dangerous or violent.”The draw left Burnley in second place, three points behind Leeds.Nathan Aspinall recalls favourite Man Utd memories Meanwhile, Stoke’s sturdy defending helped them move three points clear of the drop zone in Ryan Shawcross’ final game as caretaker boss.Former Red Devils’ striker Mark Robins – now better known for his seven years managing Coventry City – will come in as the Potter’s permanent manager.It follows the sacking of Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Middlesbrough star Dael Fry closing in on testimonial but first wants to repay the faith of ex-Real Madrid defender

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      DAEL FRY is desperate to get Middlesbrough promoted to pay back Jonathan Woodgate’s faith – and celebrate it all with a testimonial.The 27-year-old defender, who produced a man of the match display in Sunday’s Championship draw with Burnley, has amazingly already surpassed TWO DECADES at his hometown club.Dael Fry is hoping to begin 2025 with a Middlesbrough win at Hull CityCredit: RexAnd the start of 2025, which begins with a trip to Yorkshire rivals Hull City today, also means that he is closing in on the ten-year anniversary of his first-team debut.Fry, who won both the U17 European Championship and U20 World Cup with England, was thrust into action amid an injury crisis on the opening day of the 2015/16 season.The then 17-year-old produced a brilliant performance in the goalless draw away at Preston and ended up making a further six appearances in what transpired to be a promotion-winning campaign under Aitor Karanka.Fry said: “It feels like yesterday. I told my mum and dad and they were absolutely buzzing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I just remember being so nervous but at Preston you walk out in the corner and I saw all the red in the away stand, it was all sold out, and I just thought ‘wow, these are the games you want to play in’.“As soon as the game kicked off the nerves went, we drew 0-0, but it’s mad how quick time goes.”Fry spent half of the following season on loan at Rotherham as Boro suffered relegation – and they are still waiting to return to the top-flight.Since then he has amassed 259 appearances for the team he grew up supporting under six different permanent managers.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne of those was fellow Teessider Woodgate, the ex-Leeds, Newcastle and Real Madrid centre-half.He regularly spoke about the talents of Fry during his ill-fated spell in charge that ended just after the return from Covid in 2020 after the club slipped deep into relegation trouble.World Cup winner received a carnival welcome to England in 1995 but does something very different nowHowever, despite the star suffering several injury issues during that stint, he is now desperate to repay the faith shown in him with Woodgate back at the Riverside as Michael Carrick’s assistant.Fry said: “I still look back on that time of my career with a bit of regret. Woody had so much faith in me and it was so stop-start for me and I had loads of little niggles.“I always heard the stuff he was saying and I really wanted to back that up for him and prove him right but I never felt like I did.“Now I actually feel like I can do that. I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.”Fry has seen a host of players come and go over the past decade, but despite three draws over the festive period, he believes this team feels like it could be the one to deliver Premier League football again.He said: “You know what, we’ve had some really good squads over the years but we haven’t quite made it.“This year, I feel there’s something different, there’s a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch.The Teessider made his debut aged 17 just shy of a decade ago under Aitor KarankaCredit: ReutersEven at the back we are conceding less goals now and scoring more.“The year that we got promoted, I really feel like there is a little bit of that feeling coming back and we’ve got a right good chance.”While Fry is desperate for the life-changing Prem experience on the pitch, off it he revealed how the arrival of his first child, a baby girl, 17 months ago transformed him personally.“That was the hardest year of my life, the first one, with the nightfeeds,” he said.“I didn’t realise how much your life would change but now she is walking, talking and I’m really enjoying it and it’s fantastic.I train with Woody day in, day out and he’s so good with the defensive lads.Dael Fry“There are things more important than football and I’ve realised that since becoming a father. As hard as it is, it’s beautiful.”While Fry is close to completing his tenth season in the first-team, he admits 2024 has been a year to forget after recently returning from a nine-month absence.He said: “At first we didn’t know the severity of the injury. I was just sort of getting injections and trying to deal with it. But then we decided we couldn’t keep going like that, I needed to know what it was and deal with it.Who are these famous footballers?“In the summer I ended up getting surgery (double hernia) but came back a little bit too early and done my calf twice. So I thought, I’m going to use this time and was in the gym, doing all my conditioning, eating right and the past nine weeks for me have been top. I feel like I’m in the best shape I can be in.“I still feel like I’ve got a lot more to give with Middlesbrough. This is the best that I’ve felt in my career.“I’ve been in and out injured quite a bit but now I’ve got no niggles, no injuries and hopefully I can continue for a lot more years at Middlesbrough.”Fry is desperate to represent Boro in the Premier League and insists this can be their seasonCredit: RexTestimonials are a rarity these days, but while Fry is aware of them, his immediate aim is to kick off a bumper 2025 by helping them climb out of the Championship.He added: “Yeah I do know what a testimonial is. My sister just reminded me the other day that it’s my 20th year at the club. When she said it I just thought that it was absolutely mental. It’s bizarre.“For me, to do that for my hometown team is surreal and the next step is to get Middlesbrough promoted and to play for them in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want to be in the Premier League with Middlesbrough. I did think that would have come a bit sooner but it hasn’t been meant to be. But this year there’s just a different feeling.“Even with the coaching staff. It just feels a little bit different.” More

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      Burnley complete transfer of Peru defender Oliver Sonne, 24… whose auntie is a world famous supermodel

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      BURNLEY have signed defender Oliver Sonne from Danish outfit  Silkeborg.The Peru right-back becomes Clarets boss Scott Parker’s first signing of the January window and has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal.Oliver Sonne has signed for Championship side BurnleyCredit: GettyThe Peruvian is hoping to help the Clarets back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe right-back’s aunt is world-renowned supermodel Helena ChristensenCredit: GettySonne, 24, is the nephew of supermodel Helena Christensen and played more than 100 times in Denmark’s top flight. After his reveal on New Year’s Eve, he said: “I’m super excited!”To be here and experience the club and the facilities . . . it’s mind-blowing. “It’s a massive club with great ambitions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The ambition is to go back up to the Premier League and I will fight to make that happen.”Christensen, 56, is a former Miss Universe Denmark. She won the crown in 1986, going on to represent Denmark at the Miss Universe pageant later that year. Helena launched a pro modelling career and has since fronted magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Tatler. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe is also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel.Christensen was even named as one of the Magnificent Seven alongside Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson in the mid-1990s.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupSonne has previously followed in his aunt’s footsteps, modelling for Gucci and Armani.He said: ” I had a period where I did it a lot [of modelling]. “I did some really cool things abroad with some of the top brands that we young people buy for a lot of money. “So it was a lot of fun trying to be on that side of it all.”Christensen is a former Victoria’s Secret AngelCredit: GettyShe was also crowned Miss Universe DenmarkCredit: ReutersSonne joins Burnley with the club third in the Championship, three points off Sheffield United in second. Parker’s side are hoping for an instant return to the Premier League after relegation last season. More

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      Wayne Rooney set to be handed immediate return to work in mega-money deal after Man Utd legend axed by Plymouth

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      WAYNE ROONEY is set to be offered an instant return back to work, Sun Online can reveal.The England legend left Plymouth Argyle after a disastrous run as manager which saw the Championship side rooted to the bottom of the League.Wayne Rooney is looking for a new job after being axed by Plymouth ArgyleCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old leaves the Pilgrims with the club bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: PAA statement issued on Tuesday morning revealed that Rooney and the south-west club had agreed to part ways.But the former Man Utd and Everton striker isn’t going to be twiddling his thumbs for long.Sources have told Sun Online Rooney is likely to be offered a mega-bucks deal to work as a football pundit, having impressed during screen stints on ITV and Sky.A TV insider said: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business. READ MORE ON ROONEY”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game. “And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long. “He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney’s family arriving at Old Trafford for the Newcastle gameBefore accepting the Argyle job, Rooney had been working as a pundit on a string of channels. He would regularly discuss and review England and Manchester United games.He also regularly appeared alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on The Overlap.Rooney left Championship strugglers Plymouth by mutual agreement on Tuesday. Wazza has already proved himself as a TV punditCredit: AFPWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The 39-year-old former England captain oversaw just four league wins and suffered 13 defeats in 23 Championship games after taking charge of the Pilgrims in May.He leaves with the club marooned at the foot of the division.Rooney arrived at Home Park four months after being sacked by Birmingham City following an 83-day spell in charge that brought nine defeats in 15 games.He and his players were booed following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Oxford United – their sixth defeat in a nine-game winless run that began in early November.Rooney defiantly said he did not take criticism “personally” after that loss.But it was enough to end the tenure of the man who was lauded as “the perfect candidate to provide the exciting and attacking brand of football” when appointed.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder Rooney – who set scoring records for England and Manchester United during his decorated playing career – Plymouth have dropped to the bottom of the table, scored the joint fewest goals in the second tier and have conceded more than any other club in England’s top four divisions.Assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland have also departed the club. 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      ‘This is awkward’ joke fans as Wayne Rooney front and centre of Plymouth’s 2025 calendar… but axed on New Year’s Eve

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      FANS declared “this is awkward” after seeing Wayne Rooney star on Plymouth’s 2025 calendar following his brutal New Year’s Eve axe.Wazza and the Championship club declared earlier today that they’ve parted ways after just six months.Fans were left bemused after spotting axed Wayne Rooney on Plymouth Argyle’s 2025 calendarWazza and the Championship strugglers parted ways on New Year’s EveCredit: PAThe mutual decision came with Plymouth rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.Argyle are on a winless run of nine games, four points off safety.And both the club and Rooney issued positive statements following their split on the final day of 2024.But fans still managed to spot something awkward on their official Plymouth Argyle calendar for next year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popular item was given and received as a Christmas gift among many supporters of the club.And following the news of Rooney’s departure, they were all left amazed to see his picture plastered all over the month of January.One fan hilariously declared: “Well this is awkward.”Another boomed: “They put him in January and he didn’t even survive that long!”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne noted: “The calendar curse strikes again.”Another added: “Good job they didn’t give him December.”Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Announcing Rooney’s exit today, his former club said: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.”Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.”First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach.”We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course.”Rooney himself released a statement too, adding: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with. “Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.”To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.”Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”The club are four points adrift from safety More

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      Wayne Rooney’s too young to be written off and too strong-willed to give up but a step back could be a wise move for now

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      LEAVING Plymouth after barely six months will hurt Wayne Rooney.After four jobs in as many years and a win rate of barely 25 per cent across them, doubters will ask if his managerial career could be over at the age of 39 – before most bosses even take their first match in a dugout.Wayne Rooney has parted ways with Plymouth Argyle but it is not the end of his managerial journeyCredit: GettyYet anyone who has spent time with Rooney will tell you that he has a drive and determination to be as good a boss as he was a player.And while that may look an unlikely aspiration at this stage, very few people have made money betting against Rooney over the past two decades.In truth, Rooney has made things hard for himself with the jobs he has taken at the start of his time as a manager.Admittedly, openings normally come for two reasons – because the previous manager has been a success or, more frequently, that they are inheriting a dumpster fire.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor Rooney, taking the gig at a cash-strapped Derby, facing the almost certain inevitability of a relegation-causing points deduction, was hardly the act of someone who wanted an easy life.Rooney led the Rams from six points adrift of the Championship field to a nominal last-day survival act in his four months at the helm, only for the EFL to impose that anticipated 21-point penalty to send the club through the trapdoor.It was not Rooney’s fault, by any means – he walked into a mess, cleaned it up, only for a giant bucket of trash to be thrown over the floor after he’d finished.Unsurprisingly, probably aware of the looming offer from DC United in the MLS, he quit Pride Park before his move across the Atlantic.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAway from home and family, Rooney led a lonely off-field existence at his rented mansion 45 minutes outside the US capital.But his enthusiasm was crystal clear – as was his recognition that this was the start of a long journey.Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’When he spoke to SunSport ahead of taking charge of the MLS All-Star team to face Arsenal in July 2023, Rooney was bright-eyed and focused.He said: “I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article but these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips with the role and getting the best out of myself and eventually out of the players.“I’ve had to learn about handling languages, culture, religion and understanding all those different scenarios which could happen if you manage at the top level and which you will have to deal with.“Patience is key, understanding that you are going to lose games, that you are not going to win every game.“It’s about staying calm in those situations, to figure them out and face those difficult moments and get through them.”Four months later, only three days after leaving DC, Rooney was unveiled at ambitious, Tom Brady co-owned Birmingham, with a mission to take them back into the Prem.It did not work. It was a bad fit, despite Rooney bringing in Ashley Cole – whose next job was on the England coaching staff – and John O’Shea to help him.Just two wins in 15 games was a horrible record but even the best managers can have jobs which are disasters.Bobby Robson, Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Arsene Wenger all had early setbacks and they didn’t do too badly.Yet taking the Plymouth job in the summer, after they had survived in the Championship by the skin of their teeth, was Rooney once again walking into a perilous situation.Knowingly, true. But once again fighting with one hand tied behind his back.Perhaps what he needs now is to take a step back. Not from management, but from the frontline role.To work as an assistant to a seasoned, wily old hand. To have an input and key position but not be directly in the line of fire.Rooney is too young to be dismissed. Too strong-willed to accept it is all over.And at some point, surely, he will be offered the job that he cannot possibly turn down – back at boyhood club Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor now, he must lick his wounds. Repair his confidence. Maybe, for a few months, sit in a TV studio to analyse and entertain.And be ready to come back – better and even more focused on proving what he truly believes to be his destiny. Do not write him off.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Premier League table since Ruben Amorim took over shows Man Utd in real danger of going down for first time in 51 years

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      THE Premier League table since Ruben Amorim arrived shows Manchester United are in serious danger of relegation.Last night’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle left the new manager admitting a battle to avoid the drop is now a “possibility”.Ruben Amorim admitted relegation is a possible dangerCredit: PAThe table is grim reading for Amorim, with Man Utd 14th and seven points above the dreaded relegation zone heading into the new year.Erik ten Hag oversaw the club’s worst ever start to a Prem season when he was axed after nine league games.But Amorim has failed to turn things around and when only taking into account results during his reign, Man Utd would be 17th in the league.He has picked up a woeful seven points from eight games – two wins, one draw and five losses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Red Devils have scored just nine goals and conceded 14 in this period.Overall, only Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich are enduring worse form.At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest are at the top of the league.But United’s horror run arguably remains the biggest surprise and yesterday’s beating by Newcastle meant they lost a third consecutive league game at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey have suffered defeat on six occasions in December alone in all competitions.That is the most of losses in a single month for United since September 1930.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedThe damming stats continue as 14th is the lowest league position the club has been in at this stage since 1989.United were last relegated at the end of the 1973/74 campaign – just six years after lifting the European Cup.Four teams in Premier League history have gone down after sitting in 14th at the turn of the year, with Leeds in the 2022/23 season being the last.And with the current crisis worsening with every game, Amorim may have to channel his inner Sam Allardyce to get them out of trouble.Asked about a fight to avoid the Championship, Amorim said: “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans.”It is also my fault. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.”I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”United were last relegated in 1973/74 with club legend Denis Law, seen being congratulated on the right. scoring at Old Trafford in a win for Man City in a loss that helped seal their fateCredit: Rex More