Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Athletic Bilbao 2 Rangers 0 (Agg 2-0) – Gers out of Europa League as Sancet & Williams strike after penalty controversy

      by

      ATHLETIC BILBAO’S stadium is known here as The Cathedral.But Barry Ferguson’s prayers weren’t answered.Oihan Sancet opened the scoringCredit: AFPNico Williams’ strike ended Rangers’ Europa League journeyCredit: EPABarry Ferguson’s side are out of EuropeCredit: PAIt was huge disappointment for Rangers in the Basque regionCredit: AFPIn the sensational San Mames, the Rangers boss was left looking to the heavens and asking if somebody up there didn’t like him.Fergie’s dream is over, it just wasn’t meant to be.It’s the La Liga outfit have advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League as they aim to get back here to their place for the chance of lifting the trophy in 33 days’ time.A first-half penalty from Oihan Sancet and a late header from Nico Williams left Rangers needing divine intervention that just didn’t come.Fergie could have no real complaints when it was all over.But at the same time it felt like everything that couldn’t have gone against him did.He watched one defender limp off injured at the start of the first-half and another one trudge off with a fractured cheekbone in the early stages of the second. Cyriel Dessers had a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down with Nico Raskin smacking the post at 1-0.Most read in Europa LeagueTo stand any chance of winning through, Ferguson needed more luck that he got – albeit ultimately Bilbao deserve their place in the last four.This sensational city virtually ground to a standstill for this quarter-final decider.Steven Whittaker One-on-One Hibs & Rangers hero on life with Scott Brown, collapsed Man City move & THAT goal in LisbonMen, women and children packed the closed-off streets for hours before kick-off.Thousands crowded around the plush team hotel to give Ernesto Valverde’s men a rousing send-off to the stadium.It was like the only folk who were working were in the bars pouring pints.Fireworks were set off. Red flares were lit. Cars horns were blasted by over-excited locals. It was brilliant.There was a massive police presence around the ground with gun-totting riot cops out in force. But zero hint of trouble.The 5,000 travelling Rangers supporters were up to the gods of the spectacular £178million 53,000 capacity arena.They were so high they were close enough to reach out to the stars in the sky and touch them.They all knew the odds were stacked against their heroes.Just as Ferguson and his coaching staff did too.He said all the right things in the build-up with the former club captain faultless in the way he conducted himself.Yet in his heart of hearts he must have feared this would be a step too far.There were actually two penalty decisions that went Bilbao’s way in the first-half.One Rangers were denied.Another the home team got.And while there could be no real complaints about the referee’s judgement on the John Souttar incident that led to the opening goal from the spot, there was justified anger from Dessers that he didn’t get one at the other end.The fact his jersey was ripped should have proved to the referee the striker had been grabbed by defender Yeray Alvarez.Instead the official ignored the striker’s claims and the VAR took no notice either.To make matters worse, Dessers was even booked for throwing his torn top into the dugout in frustration. Rangers needed the goalscorer to channel his fury and use it to spur him on but that didn’t happen. It was just galling for Rangers that they couldn’t hold out until half-time and prevent Bilbao from taking the lead before the break.They lost defender Ridvan Yilmaz to an injury early on and were forced to shift James Tavernier to right wing-back, Mohamed Diomande to left wing-back and and Jefte into the middle of defence with Connor Barron subbed on.Rangers player ratingsBy DAVID FRIELLiam Kelly: Superb first-half save from Nico Williams but no chance with the penalty opener or the winger’s emphatic header. Handling was good on the night and kicking safe. 6 Ridvan Yilmaz: Eventful, but brief, night for the Turkish full-back. Vital early block, nutmegged by Williams and then limped off injured in 23 minutes after pulling up following a sprint. 4James Tavernier: Captain held defence together for a long period after so many disruptions but then switched off at the vital moment as Williams stole in to finish the tie. Booked. 5John Souttar: Suckered for the Bilbao penalty. There was no need to stick his leg in and he paid the price for that one lapse in an otherwise solid display. 5Leon Balogun: Booked in the first half as the Gers defence worked hard and was then forced off with a facial injury minutes after the break. The big stopper looked devastated. 5Jefte: Left-back was caught on the ball early on but kept things simple after that and made some vital interceptions in a tough shift against top-class opposition. 6Nico Raskin: Busy as always in midfield as he tried to get on the ball amid waves of Bilbao attacks. Hit the post from close range as Gers almost grabbed an equaliser. 7Mohamed Diomande: Midfielder was asked to fill various roles and even had a shift at left wing-back for a spell. Gave everything for the team and ran himself into the ground. 7Ianis Hagi: Romanian was given the nod in one of the attacking midfield positions. Grafted hard but couldn’t make an impact on the ball and was hooked at the break. 4Vaclav Cerny: Czech winger has been Rangers’ Euro talisman this season and led the fight during a flurry in the second period after a quiet first half. Stinging drive saved. 6Cyriel Dessers: Fuming after being denied a penalty when his shirt was ripped by Dani Vivian in a controversial first-half moment. Booked for his protests but blunt display overall. 5Subs: CONNOR BARRON (6) on for the crocked Yilmaz and played well in midfield. CLINTON NSIALA (6) rookie stopper replaced Hagi and did fine on a big occasion. HAMZA IGAMANE (5) on for the stricken Balogun and fired wide in the final seconds. NEDIM BAJRAMI (2) late run-out at 2-0. DANILO (2) last throw of the dice.While they had next to no attacking threat in the first-half their determination to keep the ball out of their net was there for all to see.They were literally seconds away from running into the away changing room level at 0-0 when Souttar tripped attacker Maroan Sannadi.It was one of those incidents where it’s often hard to tell which player is fouled. But the Scotland centre-back was guilty of diving into a challenge he didn’t need to make and caught the striker on the ankle.The hope was that Liam Kelly would pull off more spot-kick heroics like he did in the first-leg.He’d been excellent until that point.But Sancet wasn’t to be denied.Ferguson had a job on his hands to try and convince his team they were capable of turning it around in the second half.Losing Leon Balogun just minutes after age restart was another blow – literally too – with the centre-back suffering a fractured cheekbone in an ugly collision with Souttar.Ferguson had made his second change by then, replacing Ianis Hagi with Clinton Nsiala which enabled him to get Diomande back into midfield.But Balogun’s injury forced him to change it again with Hamza Igamane thrown on. He offered far more than Dessers did but that wasn’t saying much.Rangers had to find a threat from somewhere if they were to level the tie and in 58 minutes they were inches away from an equaliser coming from the most unlikeliest of sources.Raskin isn’t known for his finishing.Yet he found himself into the penalty box with a great chance to score, only to see his shot saved and hit the post.It wasn’t to be.Read More on The SunWilliams powered a header past Kelly with ten minutes remaining after Tavernier was caught ball watching and Rangers had nothing left to give.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Ally McCoist comes to two Rangers fans’ rescue as blunder leaves them in the WRONG city before Athletic clash

      by

      ALLY McCOIST has come to the rescue of two Rangers fans who ended up in the WRONG city!The Light Blues are in Bilbao to take on Athletic Club in tonight’s seismic Europa League quarter-final second leg.Ally McCoist is in Bilbao for media dutiesCredit: ReutersHe went to see a couple of Rangers fansCredit: X/TNT SPORTSThey revealed they’d made a big mistakeCredit: X/TNT SPORTSMcCoist was absolutely loving itCredit: X/TNT SPORTSIt’s the biggest game of Rangers’ season with a place in the final four up for grabs.The tie is finely poised after Barry Ferguson’s men battled to a heroic 0-0 draw at Ibrox in last week’s first leg despite playing more almost 80 minutes with ten men.Thousands of Gers fans have made the trip to the Basque city but two supporters in particular had a rather unique journey to get there.As always, Ally McCoist is part of the TNT Sports team for Rangers’ big night in Europe.He’s made it to Bilbao having been in Madrid to cover last night’s Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal.On route to the Spanish capital, McCoist bumped into two unfortunate Gers fans who had made a massive blunder.Light Blues supporters Karen and Martin had booked to head to Spain for the Gers’ big night.Unfortunately, however, they’d booked to go to the entirely WRONG team – and therefore the wrong city.Most read in Europa LeagueBut as they headed to Madrid instead of Bilbao, their luck was actually IN as they ended up meeting McCoist as they were on the same plane from Edinburgh.After hearing their tale, the Ibrox icon decided to help them out.Steven Whittaker One-on-One Hibs & Rangers hero on life with Scott Brown, collapsed Man City move & THAT goal in LisbonIn a video posted by TNT Sports, McCoist said: “I met this lovely couple, lovely couple, on a flight from Edinburgh to Madrid on Tuesday.”They’ve got a great wee story to tell you, let’s go and meet them.”The video then cuts to the moment McCoist approaches the two Gers fans who were sat at the table.The former striker asks them to explain exactly what happened, at which point Karen reveals so was so excited about Rangers’ victory against Fenerbahce, she accidentally booked to go to ATLETICO MADRID – and not Athletic Bilbao.McCoist asked: “So tell me, how, when Rangers are playing Bilbao you ended up in Madrid?”She explained: “Because I got that excited when we got through that I decided to go straight on and book.”And you know what predictive text is like Ally, so I typed in “Athle” thinking it’s ‘Athletic Club’ but it’s changed it to Atletico.”Martin’s sleeping. Karen gets up in the morning and says ‘guess what Martin, I’ve booked us to go to Madrid to the game.’ And he says ‘we’re not playing in Madrid.'”I’m like ‘what?’ I says ‘they are, I looked at it on my phone, it is!'”Deciding to make the most of their error, they decided to head for Madrid and enjoy a couple of nights.They then caught the train from Madrid to make it to Bilbao this morning.McCoist has also now made it to Bilbao and he decided to catch-up with the luckless fans to give them a special surprise.He told them: “The good news is because when I met you on the plane you’re telling me the story and I was howling with laughter. It’s a belter.”But you also told me that you didn’t have any tickets.”McCoist then handed over a couple of tickets, much to their delight.He exclaimed: “Two tickets. We managed to get two tickets!”You know something, you deserve it for that story.”Smiling, McCoist then turned to the camera and said: “Magic, innit!”What a story!”Fans on social media were absolutely loving it and heaped praise on McCoist for his generosity.One said: “Ally’s a national treasure.”Another posted: “Super Ally strikes again.”A third said: “Give this man a cape. That’s why they call him Super Ally!”Read More on The SunAnother punter, “How did they book tickets for a club they aren’t even playing tonight?” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Frankfurt vs Tottenham (agg 1-2) LIVE RESULT: Solanke first-half penalty puts Spurs into final four of Europa League

      by

      TOTTENHAM are THROUGH to the semi-final of the Europa League after BEATING Frankfurt.James Maddison was involved in a horror collision in the first half, which saw Spurs awarded a penalty, with Dominic Solanke stepping up to score it.Mathys Tel originally stepped up to take the penalty, but Ange Postecoglou appeared to tell the French forward to let Solanke take the kick, in the absence of captain Son Heung-Min.The second half saw chances few and far between, but Spurs were able to hold on, giving them something to celebrate in a torrid season. Match result: Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham (agg 1-2)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Maddison going through itJames Maddison had a rough night, and it ended before half-time.He won the penalty which ultimately won Spurs the game, but he did it in a night ending way it seems.Maddison’s night ended when Cristian Romero sent a contentious ball forward, and the English midfielder was wiped out by Kaua Santos in the Frankfurt net.He fell down in a heap, looking possibly concussed, but he got back up. However, he could only play on for around 5 minutes, coming off with he indicated was a hip injury. Copy linkCopiedSunSport’s match reportSpurs were 1-0 winners in Germany, with SunSport’s Tom Barclay covering the action.Copy linkCopiedPenalty dramaAfter James Maddison won the penalty, it was initially Mathys Tel who stepped up to take it.However, Postecoglou could be seen from the dugout shouting “DOM,” indicating he wanted Solanke to take it.Tel gave the ball to Solanke, and he scored from the spot. Probably the right call from the Aussie gaffer. Credit: Bradley Collyer/PA WireCopy linkCopiedPressure off?Ange Postecoglou came into the game under HUGE pressure, with Spurs 15th in the Premier League.It felt do or die for Spurs, and the delivered in a big way.Solanke’s penalty was the difference between the two sides on the night.Ange can now sleep easier, knowing he had a lot more credit in the bank.Credit: Bradley Collyer/PA WireCopy linkCopiedPostecoglou super proud of SpursIt is almost certainly the highlight of Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham.With the Aussie’s job on the line, Spurs travelled to the cauldron of Deutsche Bank Park and produced a dogged display full of heart and character.And after wild celebrations at full time, Postecoglou couldn’t hide his pride he had for his team.It was good. You know what you’re up against in the away leg of a European quarter-final. We had to work hard, we had to defend, we had to be well organised. I couldn’t be prouder of the lads, the togetherness of the lads, we earned the right to go through. There’s been a fair bit of noise around the team, but you wouldn’t know it – they don’t care. They’ve just been so focused on achieving what we wanted to. I’m super proud of the lads. Ange PostecoglouTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from Deutsche Bank ParkCopy linkCopiedSolanke: We want trophiesTottenham matchwinner Dominic Solanke admitted that it’s been a tough season, but insists it can end in glory with Ange Postecoglou in charge.Speaking after the heroic 1-0 win in Frankfurt, the Spurs striker responded to a question about his manager’s future by pointing out they have a great opportunity to claim silverware despite all the criticism the club have faced.We haven’t had the best season in the Premier League, but ultimately we want to win trophies but we have a good chance of doing that this year in this cup.Dominic SolankeTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedFrom Tom Barclay at Deutsche Bank ParkAnge Postecoglou is bear-hugging all his players after an absolutely massive win for his side out here in Frankfurt.There was a very real danger that he could have lost his job had Spurs lost here.But now he has Tottenham dreaming they can go all the way in this competition and win their first trophy in 17 years.His team provided their most committed and mature performance of his tenure just when he needed it most.Copy linkCopiedFull time – E. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)A huge result for Tottenham Hotspur. A huge result for Ange Postecoglou.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90+8. The goalkeeper is up for the set-piece, but Tottenham survive……and now Destiny Udogie is taking the ball downfield.Sarr is telling him to go for the empty goal, but he’s happy to wind the clock down……and there goes the final whistle!!Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90+7. Romero – back up from his head knock – rushes out of his area, and dives in with a ridiculous tackle that takes out Skhiri.It earns him his customary yellow, but more worryingly gifts a free-kick to Frankfurt 30 yards from goal.Hold tight, Tottenham fans.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90+3. A cross from the left is deflected behind for a Frankfurt corner, and nerves among the travelling fans are at the maximum level.The home side pack the box and despite a sea of bodies rising to the ball, it travels right through where Udogie wins a throw.Meanwhile, two Spurs players – Sarr and Romero – are down, and undoubtedly eating up time.The refere, responding to the whistles from the crowd, dramatically points to his watch as if to tell them that this will be added back on.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90. Spurs break up the pressure with Kulusevski, who does really well to run the ball down the line and keep possession. The board goes up, and there will be five minutes of stoppage time for Spurs to see out.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)88. Every player is deep inside the Tottenham half, but the coolest man on the pitch is Guglielmo Vicario, who comes out to claim a deep cross into the box.There will be no playing out from the back here. The Italian drops to the floor, and when he gets back up, he will be launching it downfield.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)86. Spurs are living very, very dangerously.It’s pure panic stations back there at times with Frankfurt coming time and time and time again.Whenever Spurs to get a foot in, they are thumping it whatever part of the pitch they can.Can the Premier League side hold on?Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)84. Kristensen again!The Leeds loanee is often Frankfurt’s furthest forward player, but he’s not missed good chances with his head, right foot and now left.The right-back scuffs this effort straight at Vicario while unmarked ten yards out.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)82. Frankfurt should be level!With play built-up on the left, Tottenham are caught out on over the right by a 2 on 1 overload.A cross trickles into the path of Kristensen, who has the whole goal to aim at, before he slams his left-footer wide of the far post.A big, big chance goes begging!Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)79. Ange Postecoglou responds to the Frankfurt alterations with a switch of his own – and it looks like he’s tightening things up.Forward Mathys Tel is withdrawn and on comes the battling midfield Pape Sarr.Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur has been cautioned for a foul on Can Uzun.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)77. The hosts make two changes with Ansgar Knauff and Elye Wahi thrown on with Frankfurt desperately needing a goal.Off go Hugo Larsson and Nathaniel Brown.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)75. Tottenham are living dangerously now!Mathys Tel twice plays his team into trouble, and it ends with Kristensen drilling a cross in from the right for Chaibi to toepoke goalwards.Vicario barely has time to see it yet still produces an instinctive block with his feet to keep Spurs’ lead in tact.The ball is still alive though, and soon lands on Kristensen’s head and nearly spins in at the far post despite the fact that the right-back was trying to put to back into the danger area.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)73. Into the final stages in Germany.One final push needed now, Spurs fans.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)70. Romero gets to the ball ahead of Ekitike in the box, and suddenly thousands of Frankfurt fans are screaming for a spotkick.I’m not sure whether they’re claiming for a foul or handball, but both seem optimistic given that the Argentine barely made contact with the striker and then was struck by the ball on the top of the shoulder.The video officials do give it a cursory review, but it’s quickly over – much to the fury of Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)67. A Tottenham player gets their head on the set-piece again!This time it’s Bentancur, whose effort soars over the crossbar at the near post.It was a tougher chance than Romero’s, and nowhere near as close, but the Uruguayan is still furious with himself for not converting.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)66. Spurs threaten on the counter again.Udogie and Tel work it down the left, and then the former nearly picks out the arriving Johnson at the far post.Only a desperate last-ditch interception takes it off the Welsh forward’s foot and away for another Spurs corner.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)64. Frankfurt are committing more men forward – and it’s leaving gaps at the back for Spurs to exploit.On the counter, Johnson and Kulusevski almost work an opening that the Swede eventually crashes into a nearby defender for a corner.Copy linkCopied More

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd files: Benjamin Sesko’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ gives transfer hope and TWO new goalkeepers needed in overhaul

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM will be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer – even though Andre Onana’s Old Trafford future remains in the balance.But whether they will try to bring in a new number one or competition for the Cameroon international has still to be decided.Manchester United are set for a goalkeeper shake-up with current trio Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and Andre Onana all at risk of exitsCredit: PAKaua Santos of Eintracht Frankfurt is on the wishlistCredit: AlamyLille’s Lucas Chevalier could also be targetedCredit: ReutersTurkey international Altay Bayindir – who stepped in at Newcastle to give Onana a much-needed break – is likely to be moved on.There are concerns the former Fenerbahce keeper, 27, is not good enough with his feet to play in Amorim’s system.And that was backed up at St James’ Park as Opta stats showed he failed to complete 30 of his 57 attempted passes – as well as gifting the Toon a fourth goal.In addition, veteran No3 Tom Heaton – who turned 39 this week – could be offered a coaching role at Carrington by the club.But that is likely to mean he hangs up his gloves and it remains to be seen if he is ready to do that.So a shake-up of the goalkeeping department looks certain once the season ends.Among the keepers on United’s radar is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kaua Santos.Lille’s Lucas Chevalier – who is valued at around £35million by his French club – is another name in the frame.Meanwhile, Onana does not plan on going anywhere.He wants to prove the doubters wrong and establish himself at Old Trafford and has even bought a new house in the area.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatGO GO FOR SESKORB LEIPZIG forward Benjamin Sesko was watched by United’s new head of recruitment Christopher Vivell at the weekend.That sparked talk the Slovenian forward could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer – as Ruben Amorim is hunting for a new forward.There have been reports that the 21-year-old has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with his club which says he could leave for around £60m if a top club comes in for him.No doubt United, who are looking to cut costs to comply with profit and sustainability rules, would be keen to snap up a bargain.However, while it is true that Leipzig have said they will not stand in his way, the price is likely to be negotiable.And the German club hope they can top the record £77m fee they received from United’s neighbours City for Josko Gvardiol two summers ago.In fact they believe they could get around £86m (100m euros) for Sesko – which might force United to think again.Benjamin Sesko has a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ to leave RB LeipzigCredit: GettyFEELS LIKE HOMEONE thing that has gone down well at Old Trafford this season is the introduction of a famous John Denver song before kick-off.‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ has long been a favourite with the Stretford End and United even have their own version of it.But in recent months, the original has been played over the tannoy shortly before kick-off.And like most things that have been good about United this season, skipper Bruno Fernandes has been at the heart of it.In a recent Q&A with club fans, he revealed he asked for it to become a regular matchday feature at the Theatre of Dreams as he felt it would help the atmosphere.The introduction of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ has been a rare positive moveCredit: GettyDRINK IT INNEW part owner Jim Ratcliffe has been cutting costs at United to ensure they comply with the Prem’s PSR rules.Yet the Red Devils still offer the cheapest pint in the Premier League – with a beer available for as little as £3 in some parts of the stadium on match days at Old Trafford.By contrast, at West Ham a pint can set you back around £7.30 while at Arsenal it is about a pound less.Enjoy it while you can, United fans.A pint at West Ham costs more than double than the price at Old TraffordCredit: GettyEUR ANNUAL BONUSRUBEN AMORIM was – just about – the Lyon-tamer to keep United’s Euro glory hopes alive in utterly dramatic fashion.But the Old Trafford boss is STILL under huge financial pressure to lead his side all the way to lift the Europa League.Making the last four and a semi-final tie against Bilbao ensures United still have a chance of the trophy that would guarantee Champions League football back at Old Trafford next term.Uefa’s complicated financial model means that would see United earning around £49m WITHOUT kicking a ball.In addition, Europa League success would ensure another £20m plus in gate income for four home matches in the expanded group stage.Bonus payments for each win in the initial phase mean United could expect a minimum further £11.24m for reaching the first knock-out stage.ONE THAT SCOTT AWAYUNITED fans may be rueing the one that got away as they watch their academy product Scott McTominay burning it up in Italy.But they could still benefit if he continues to perform well for title-chasing Napoli – like he did at the weekend when he scored twice against Empoli.The Red Devils received just £27m for the Scotland international when he joined Antonio Conte’s men.Scott McTominay is enjoying himself in Italy with NapoliCredit: AFPHowever, they did insert a sell-on clause which entitles them to around ten per cent of any profit the Italian club make on him.McTominay was hailed as Serie A’s ‘signing of the season’ by newspaper Corriere Dello Sport at the weekend – so is currently a hot property.RAS-CUE MISSIONFORMER United football director John Murtough has taken a new role with Italian club Atalanta after leaving Old Trafford.The 54-year-old has been appointed as the Bergamo-based club’s new director of global development.Murtough was United’s transfer guru from March 2021 but stepped down following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover last year.That means he would have dealt with Atalanta as the two clubs negotiated a £72m fee for Rasmus Hojlund two years ago.It is one of the transfers that has often been held up to highlight United’s dismal transfer dealings in recent years – but no doubt Atalanta were grateful for the huge windfall.Interestingly, several clubs in Italy are currently keeping tabs on the Dane’s struggles at Old Trafford.Despite scoring just once in his last 26 appearances, his reputation in Serie A remains high.Maybe Murtough could get on to his old mates in Manchester for a chat about getting him back to the Gewiss Stadium in the summer.Rasmus Hojlund could be wanted back in Serie ACredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea name 17-year-old son of former club chief in Conference League squad to face Legia Warsaw

      by

      ENZO MARESCA has named the 17-year-old son of a former club director in Chelsea’s Conference League squad for Thursday’s clash against Legia Warsaw.Landon Emenalo, son of Michael Emenalo, could get his first minutes in the Blues’ quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Landon Emenalo has been named to Chelsea’s squad to face Polish side Legia WarsawCredit: GettyThe teenage midfielder was invited to train with Enzo Maresca for the first time this weekCredit: GettyChelsea have one foot in the semi-finals after beating Legia 3-0 last weekThe Premier League side were dominant in the first leg in Poland, with a first senior goal from Tyrique George, 19, and a brace from Noni Madueke giving them a 3-0 lead.The Conference League has provided a chance for a number of youngsters to make their senior debuts for the club. As well as George, Shumaira Mheuka, 17, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, 20, have seen nearly all of their minutes come in this competition.And Emenalo is the latest name in that list after being added to Chelsea’s first team squad for the first time ever.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe teenage midfielder was invited to train with the first team this week for the first time and was registered with Uefa overnight.Emenalo is the son of former technical director and Nigeria international Michael Emenalo. Landon has impressed for the U18s this season, scoring once in 12 games.The youngster initially joined Chelsea through the Under-8s development centre.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAlthough he spent time with Monaco, the defensive midfielder returned to Cobham during his Under-13s season.Emenalo signed his first professional contract with Chelsea after celebrating his 17th birthday in January. Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis He was born in Arizona and has a US national mother that allows him the option of representing the United States or England.Landon, who was reportedly raised as a Chelsea fan, is highly thought of at Cobham.His dad Micheal played for clubs such as Notts County and San Jose Clash during his career before hanging up his boots to venture into coaching and board-level roles.The 59-year-old worked as a scout and assistant manager for Chelsea between 2007 and 2011, before taking the role as technical director for six years.During his time in SW6 he worked alongside managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, while he was also part of the team that brought in players such as Kevin De Bruyne, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.Since then he has held the same position at AS Monaco and is now the president of the league association for the Saudi Pro League.Chelsea ratings vs IpswichJADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?Read Conor Jones’ ratings here to find out. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I couldn’t care less’ – Ange Postecoglou has no idea where his future lies ahead of do-or-die Tottenham clash

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is in the dark over his future as he prepares for his do-or-die clash in Germany.The Tottenham boss will be in danger of the sack if his team lose their Europa League quarter-final second leg at Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night – where they are without injured captain Son Heung-min.Ange Postecoglou spoke on the eve of his side’s crucial Europa League clashCredit: GettyThe Aussie oversaw training at Eintracht Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank ParkCredit: GettyThat is because it would extinguish any chance of salvaging what has been a miserable campaign in the league where Spurs are out of both cups and down to 15th in the league.There have been some suggestions his job would be under threat even if he went all the way in Europe this term given how badly the Prem form has been.Asked if he knew what his future holds whatever happens this term, the Aussie replied: “Do I know? No, I’ve got no idea.“We’ve got a game tomorrow night… but it’s not something I need to think about.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ve never thought about those kind of things in terms of what’s important.“What’s important is we have a game tomorrow night that’s a massive opportunity for this group of players, for us as a team, for this football club to get closer to achieving what everyone wants to achieve.“Anything else other than that, and particularly in terms of me, I don’t have much thought process that thinks about life or my career or what I’m doing in that way.”Postecoglou has lost 17 games in the league this season and went out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage as well as the FA Cup in round four.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTottenham have trained in Frankfurt ahead of their huge Europa League clashCredit: GettyIt heaps the pressure on Thursday night’s trip to a hostile Deutsche Bank Stadium, where the scores are tied 1-1 after last week’s first leg in North London.But the ex-Celtic boss, 59, insisted he was not being weighed down by the occasion.’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceHe said: “No, not at all, mate, because I don’t define my career and me as a person by what people think about me. I never have. Never will.“You either think I’m capable of doing the job now or you don’t. That’s where I sit with these things.“If people think that us winning tomorrow all of a sudden makes me a better manager than what I am today or us losing tomorrow somehow makes me a worse manager, I guess that’s their burden, not mine.“I don’t think that way and I don’t think most people think that way. Or I’d like to think they don’t, in terms of their own sort of self esteem and who they are as people.“I couldn’t care less. Really. I couldn’t care less.“There’s no burden on me, there’s no anxiety on me. What I’m sitting here doing is thinking we’ve got a great opportunity to get to the final four of a major tournament.“Mate, I’m not going to let that slip by without fighting tooth and nail for it irrespective of what may come the day after.”Skipper Son, 32, did not travel due to a foot injury which kept him out of Sunday’s 4-2 loss at Wolves – though Kevin Danso is available following five weeks out with a hamstring issue.Read More on The SunThe South Korean’s absence is just the latest in a string of crock problems that have dogged the Spurs squad all season long.Postecoglou added: “It’s a blow but it’s consistent with everything else that’s happened this year, so it’s just another challenge for us to overcome.”Son Heung-min is OUT of tomorrow night’s huge matchCredit: Reuters More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge Tottenham blow as captain Son Heung-min DOESN’T travel to Frankfurt for make-or-break Europa League clash

      by

      SON HEUNG-MIN has NOT travelled to Germany for Tottenham’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt.Boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that his skipper was the only senior Spurs player not to travel for the crunch clash.Son Heung-min has not travelled to Germany for tomorrow’s matchCredit: GettySon, 32, played 80 minutes as Tottenham drew 1-1 with Eintracht in last week’s first leg in North London.The South Korean subsequently missed his side’s 4-2 Premier League defeat at Wolves on Sunday.Upon arriving in Germany, Postecoglou said of his captain: “Sonny didn’t travel and he’s the only one who hasn’t travelled.”He’s been struggling with his foot for a couple of weeks now and has been in pain.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSon has scored seven goals and laid on 10 assists in the Premier League this term.The Tottenham stalwart has added three further goals in the Europa League and has made 43 appearances in all competitions during another busy season.Loanee Mathys Tel started in Son’s place on the left wing at Molineux, scoring in the defeat.Also absent at Molineux was Tel’s French compatriot Wilson Odobert, although the former Burnley winger has travelled to Germany.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTottenham were also boosted on Sunday by welcome returns for fit-again Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.Kulusevski, 24, had been out since Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on February 26.’We want Levy out’, chant Tottenham fans as thousands swarm streets in latest furious protest against club’s ownerRicharlison, meanwhile, hadn’t played since the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat at Liverpool in January – but was able to mark his return with a goal at Wolves.Also available again to Postecoglou is centre-back Kevin Danso.The January signing had been out for around six weeks with a hamstring injury.Micky van de Ven was left on the bench at Wolves, with Ben Davies partnering an out-of-sorts Cristian Romero.Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison both returned to action at MolineuxCredit: RexKevin Danso was involved as Spurs’ trained at Eintracht Frankfurt’s stadiumCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman is likely to come back in to partner stand-in captain Romero in Germany.Speaking ahead of the game, Van de Ven said: “We all still have trust in the gaffer and believe in the way he wants to play. We want to win this game for him but we also want to win for us.”The 23-year-old, who has played just 11 times in the Premier League this season, then added: “Why I don’t play every week is a question for the gaffer not for me.Read More on The Sun”I want to play every game. Football is what you love the most.”Aside from Son, long-term absentee Radu Dragusin is the only other player to miss out on tomorrow’s match.Micky van de Ven spoke in Germany on the eve of Spurs’ crucial matchCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd draft 18-year-old wonderkid into first-team training as Joshua Zirkzee ruled out for rest of season

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED teenager Gabriele Biancheri joined Ruben Amorim’s first team training earlier today.The Red Devils boss, 40, was preparing his side for Thursday night’s crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon.Gabriele Biancheri joined Man Utd’s first team training at CarringtonCredit: GettyBiancheri challenges Diogo Dalot in first team trainingCredit: GettyThe Welsh teenager is yet to make his senior Man Utd debutCredit: GettyMan Utd will go into the match without Joshua Zirkzee, after the forward was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring issue.Rasmus Hojlund is the only senior centre-forward available to Amorim for tomorrow night’s crunch clash with Lyon.In Zirkzee’s absence, Biancheri joined in with first team training at Carrington.The 18-year-old signed for Man Utd from Cardiff in February 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBiancheri has been free scoring for the Red Devils’ academy sides this season, netting 20 goals in 30 appearances across the PL2, Under-18 Premier League, Uefa Youth League, FA Youth Cup and EFL Trophy.The Welshman is not part of Man Utd’s 25-man squad for the Europa League.But he is eligible to be added to the club’s B List and thus be available to play tomorrow night.To be added to the B List, a player must have been born on or later than January 1, 2003 – and have been at the club for two or more uninterrupted years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKJoshua Zirkzee has been ruled out for the remainder of the seasonCredit: PAWhile Biancheri is eligible, fellow striker Chido Obi is not.The forward, who has made four first team appearances for United, only joined from Arsenal last September, meaning that he does not hit the B List criteria.Amorim is officially WORST Man Utd manager of post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as under-fire boss admits- I’m underperformingBiancheri has never been named in a first team matchday squad.In order to be available for tomorrow night’s game, Biancheri must be named on Man Utd’s B List by midnight.Speaking ahead of the Lyon second leg, Amorim gave an update on Zirkzee’s injury.The Portuguese said: “Joshua is out for the season. So he’s not going to play more this season. Let’s prepare him for the next one.”It’s tough, especially in this moment. I think he’s improving in all aspects of the game, so it’s hard for any player to stop, but this is football and he has to be ready now to recover.”Amorim also confirmed that Andre Onana would return between the sticks, having been given the weekend off following his blunders in last week’s 2-2 draw in France.Read More on The SunUnited’s No2 Altay Bayindir stepped in for Onana during Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.But asked about Onana, Amorim said: “He will play tomorrow.”Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances… More