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      David Beckham lets slip true feelings on Man Utd decline after missing out on Champions League

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      DAVID BECKHAM admits he finds it “painful” not seeing his beloved Manchester United in the Champions League.The Red Devils failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League.David Beckham admits he finds it difficult not to see Man Utd competing in the Champions LeagueCredit: APBecks spent 12 years with Man Utd as a playerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdInstead, they managed to secure a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup at the end of May.But club legend Beckham believes Man Utd are “too big” to be competing in the second tier competition.Speaking on CBS Sports earlier this week, he explained: “It is a little bit painful not seeing United there, but they’re going through something.”We’re too big to not to be back on this stage. So at some point, we have to be.Read More in Football”I always look forward to the Champions League season. I was lucky enough to play in the competition with different teams and win it.”I always follow the teams that I played for over the years but I watch all the games. It’s the biggest and best competition.”Beckham gatecrashed CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League on Tuesday.Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards were left flabbergasted when he walked into the studio.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England legend went on to reveal that he will be starting his own show on the channel.Beckham is set to host a new watch party-style show with A-listers called ‘Beckham and Friends’.David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s returnHe will be joined by a different celebrity or sports star for each match.Beckham said: “Each time will be a different person, a personality, and a friend of mine.”I love watching the game and in a certain way. It’s either with my kids or with friends.”It’s going to be that thing where I’m watching, commenting on the game with friends, and not sometimes talking about the game.” More

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      Inside Ademola Lookman’s stunning journey from League One breakthrough to Champions League ‘phenomenon’

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN’S twinkle toes are gracing the game’s biggest stages after a career-defining whirlwind of 12 months.The Wandsworth-born winger, 26, single-handedly won Atalanta a first trophy in 61 years with a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final in Dublin back in May.Ademola Lookman won Atalanta a first trophy in 61 years with a hat-trick in the Europa League finalThe Wandsworth-born winger began his career at Charlton and will now play in the Champions LeagueEarlier this year, he helped Nigeria – the birthplace of his parents – reach the African Cup of Nations final, becoming the first Atalanta player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.And having only just returned to the Italian side’s starting XI this term following summer links to Paris Saint-Germain, Lookman appears ready to rip up the continent once more in tonight’s Champions League opener against Arsenal.Lookman has truly transformed himself from a bog-standard English football talent flirting with mediocrity into a global superstar – one that cost Atalanta just £12.6m.After a stunning goal and assist to beat Fiorentina 3-2 last weekend and get his Serie A campaign up and running, the Italian media drooled over the Super Eagles talisman.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGazzetta dello Sport wrote: “The magician is back to being a phenomenon,” and Sky Sport Italia gushed: “His season has resumed the way the last one finished: as the best player on the pitch.”That victory took place in Atalanta’s newly-refurbished Gewiss Stadium – one that took nearly 2000 days and almost £100m to complete – and Il Giornale wrote: “Lookman… turned on the lights in the new house.”This adulation is what makes Lookman’s origin story even more special – owing much of his development to rainy nights at The Valley in south east London during his formative years at Charlton Athletic.Signing from Sunday league club Waterloo in 2014 as a 17-year-old hot-shot, smashing numerous goal scoring records in the academy, Lookman made his first team debut 12 months later.Most read in FootballBy the 2016/17 campaign, he was making waves in League One alongside pal Ezri Konsa – now starring for Aston Villa at Europe’s elite table and England.But it was always Lookman that stood out, despite his 5 foot 8 stature that had some of his teammates suggesting he looked like a school boy compared to his man-sized opponents.PREM RULE CHANGESYet former Charlton defender Adam Chicksen argues: “He played to his strengths and would look to make an impact in everything he did. He wasn’t afraid to take the ball.“He had freakish ability with both feet, the way he would go past players either way.“As a result, teams had to double up on him as their game plan even back then. They were more worried about his attributes than how they would bully him physically.“Ademola thrived on that. He was able to take the pressure on and be the one to open up the game when it mattered. He won games for us.”Defender Chicksen – now 32 with League Two outfit Notts County – did not have long to admire Lookman, who made an £11m switch to Premier League Everton in January 2017.His two-and-a-half years on Merseyside proved to be a career-staller, forcing Lookman to look abroad – first with Red Bull Leipzig in July 2019 and then Atalanta in August 2022 after brief and uninspiring loan spells at Fulham and Leicester.With PSG attempting to lure him to the French capital during this summer’s transfer window, Lookman reportedly asked NOT to play for Atalanta, wanting to train alone in fear of picking up an untimely injury.But Chicksen recalls that Lookman should not be thought of in that light, given the professionalism he showed when the Toffees came knocking on Charlton’s door.Chicksen explained: “It’s a rare thing being able to continue with your progress when you do make the leap to the first team and not allow egos to come into it, and you saw that with him.“He was willing to learn and get better and just stay grounded. He wasn’t just saying: ‘I’m already gone’ and downing tools.“It is that sort of attitude that has seen him develop the way he has and keep his performance levels high through all sorts of adversity.“When I used to have some chats to him, I know he put in the work and he remained patient and focused.“He was a quiet guy. He didn’t need to shout though, because of the impact he could have on the pitch. He knew what he was, and that comes with confidence.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He knew what he was capable of even at that young age. Playing alongside it allows you to see the brilliance of someone, that potential starting to unfold.“He never passed on responsibility and that’s the sign of a great player.” More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League star joins fourth division BASKETBALL team two years after reaching Champions League semis

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      EX-TOTTENHAM star Etienne Capoue has completed a shock career switch to join a BASKETBALL team.Capoue, 36, played for Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final just two years ago.Etienne Capoue won the Europa League with Villarreal but was released this summerCredit: Getty – PoolBut he is currently starring for fourth tier basketball side CB Jovens L’Eliana, but can’t play in official matchesCredit: instagram @ cbjovenslelianaHowever, the midfielder has now sealed a stunning switch to a fourth-tier basketball team.It comes after Capoue was released by the La Liga club this summer, having made 148 appearances over three-and-a-half years with the Yellow Submarine.Capoue is currently training with CB Jovens L’Eliana, who are based in Valencia.The team shared a photo of Capoue following a friendly match after they won 78-70 over CB Morvedre earlier this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCapoue, capped seven times by the France national team, was all smiles standing in the back row second from left in the team photo.They have less than 2,000 followers on Instagram at the time of writing.Capoue is well-known for his love of basketball and the NBA.The defensive midfielder stands at 6ft 2″, the same as legendary Golden State Warriors shooter Stephen Curry.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, according to Relevo, Capoue does not have a licence, meaning he cannot play in official competitive matches for the team.He has been linked with a return to England in his free agency.Football icons’ strange hobbiesCapoue played 181 games for Watford, whom he joined from Tottenham.He originally joined the North London club as one of the “magnificent seven” signings to replace Real Madrid-bound Gareth Bale.At Villarreal, Capoue also won the Europa League as they beat Manchester United on penalties.Capoue later assisted in their Champions League semi-final clash against Liverpool the following season as they came from 2-0 down in the first leg.But the Reds showed their dominance and ran out 3-2 winners to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory.However, they would lose in the final to Real Madrid.Capoue was one of Tottenham’s ‘magnificent seven’ who arrived to replace Gareth BaleCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe made 181 appearances at WatfordCredit: ReutersWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Chelsea’s Conference League clash moved 770 MILES to Chinese border as Blues face 18-hour trip and freezing temperatures

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      CHELSEA’S Europa Conference League group stage match against Astana has been moved over 770 miles away from the original location.The Blues were set to face the Kazakhstan Premier League side at the Astana Arena.Chelsea will face Astana at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion – 770 miles away from the original locationCredit: PAThe stadium does not have a roof and the match is set to be played in DecemberCredit: GettyBut due to ongoing renovation work at the 30,000-seater stadium, the fixture has been moved to the other side of the massive country.It will now be played at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion in Almaty – on the Kyrgyzstan border and only 250 miles from China.And, to make matters worse for the Blues, it is also set to take place in December, meaning temperatures will likely drop below freezing.The host stadium does not have a roof, so fans will face wintry conditions.Read More in FootballGenerally, temperatures in Almaty, Kazakhstan, range from 2°C to -7°C in December.And, ironically, Cole Palmer – who goes by the nickname ‘Cold Palmer’ based on his goal celebration – will not be able to play.The 22-year-old was left out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad last week.Injury-jinxed midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana were also left out of the 27-strong group for the competition.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEnzo Maresca made the decision to balance the work load of some young players.Palmer was a key member of the first team squad last season and played 3,734 minutes of football in total.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlySo far this season the midfielder has scored once and provided four assists in five games.Chelsea will face Gent, Heidenheim, Shamrock Rovers, Panathinaikos and Noah in their remaining Conference League group stage games.Chelsea will lose their soul by leaving Stamford BridgeBy Matt PennJUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Arsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions.Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.The owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

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      Forgotten Premier League star, 35, set to reignite fierce Man Utd rivalry after sealing shock free transfer to PAOK

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      FORMER Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is poised to face Manchester United this season after signing for Greek side PAOK.The Croatian centre-back, 35, was a free agent after being released by Lyon at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.Dejan Lovren is set to return to Old Trafford four years after leaving LiverpoolCredit: GettyLovren played 10 Ligue 1 games for Lyon last seasonAccording to Sport 24, he has penned a two-year deal with PAOK – who won the Greek title last season.And his new club will face Man Utd in the Europa League after drawing them in the league phase.PAOK will travel to Old Trafford to face Erik ten Hag’s men on November 7.Lovren, who played Man Utd numerous times during his stint in the Premier League, joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2014 in a deal worth £20million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe spent six years at Anfield, playing 185 games and scoring eight goals.He won the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp before leaving for Zenit St Petersburg in 2020.Lovren played in two Champions League finals, as well as a Europa League final.He then won three Russian league titles in a row with Zenit, before he joined Lyon in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt international level, Lovren enjoyed a 13-year international career with Croatia during which he played 78 games and bagged five goals.He reached and started the 2018 World Cup final – after Croatia beat England in the semis.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteThey lost 4-2 to France in the final.After he helped Croatia beat England 2-1 in the last four, Lovren claimed he was one of the best defenders in the world.He said: “People said I had a difficult season but I don’t agree with that.”I showed why I took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League and now with the national team, and now I’m in the World Cup final.”I think people should recognise that I’m one of the best defenders in the world.” More

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      ‘I’m crying SO hard… dream on’ – Fans can’t believe their eyes as they spot odds on Tottenham to win the Europa League

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      TOTTENHAM have been made the favourites to win this season’s Europa League.However, fans have been left rubbing their eyes after seeing the odds on Spurs to lift the trophy.Fans have been shocked by Tottenham’s odds to win this season’s Europa LeagueCredit: RexThe favourites to lift the trophy in May have been revealedCredit: APAnge Postecoglou’s side make their return to Europe later this month after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.Spurs are looking to end their 16-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League for a third time.They previously lifted it twice under the Uefa Cup banner, most recently in 1984.Following the draw for this season’s league phase, Spurs were revealed as 9/2 favourites to go on and win the competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe North London club are fancied ahead of Manchester United and Roma at 5/1 and 8/1, respectively.Supporters are not convinced, though, with one commenting: “Nah. Spurs can’t be favourites to win anything.”Another added: “How on God’s green earth have Spurs ever been favourites for any competition.”A third fan also wrote: “Tottenham favourites. Got to be joking ain’t you.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, one more said: “I’m crying so hard… dream on.”Spurs’ trophy drought dates back to their 2008 League Cup triumph under Juande Ramos.Refuses to lift trophy after finally winning silverware at Tottenham on return with Bayern MunichThey have since reached the final three more times, losing all three, along with their defeat in the Champions League showpiece in 2019.This season’s revamped Europa League will see Postecoglou’s side play eight times during the opening stage, starting on September 26.Azerbaijan’s Qarabag visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday one after the fixtures were revealed last week.Spurs will then face Ferencvaros, AZ Alkmaar, Galatasaray, Roma, Rangers, Hoffenheim and Elfsborg before the end of January.Tottenham’s Europa League fixturesSeptember 26 – Qarabag (H)October 3 – Ferencvaros (A)October 24 – AZ Alkmaar (H)November 7 – Galatasaray (A)November 28 – Roma (H)December 12 – Rangers (A)January 23 – Hoffenheim (A)January 30 – Elfsborg (H) More

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      Tottenham suffer major Europa League blow with key man suspended after getting red card two seasons ago

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been hit by a long-delayed ban for a key defender.Cristian Romero will miss Spurs’ group opener against Qarabag on September 26 – due to being sent off in the Champions League TWO SEASONS ago.  Cristian Romero’s absence will further weaken Spurs options in defenceCredit: RexIt’s all because Romero saw red for two bookings on Tottenham’s last European game, a Champions League draw at home to AC Milan in March 2023Credit: RexUefa have confirmed that European bans can kick in as late as two years after an offence – which adds to headaches at the back for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Romero was sent off for two bookings in Spurs’ last European adventure, in March 2023.Having lost 1-0 away to AC Milan in the Champions League round-of-16, the Argentinian World Cup-winner’s woe then helped kill off their hopes in the second leg.Romero, now 26, earned his first yellow card after just 17 minutes of a poor Tottenham display.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez late on meant his second booking in a tame 0-0 draw.Spurs have been out of Europe since then, so it’s only now that Romero’s suspension comes into play.His absence at home to Azerbaijan Premier League side Qarabag later this month means Postecoglou could face selection problems at centre-back.Dutch centre-back  Micky van de Ven has been troubled by injury.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Postecoglou is confident the 23-year-old will be back by the end of September.He said: “Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent.”Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-IttihadRadu Dragusin is Tottenham’s other main option in central defence.And if needed Ben Davies, usually a left-back, could switch inside.Spurs decided to leave right-back Djed Spence out of their 23-man Europa League squad. More

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      Man Utd name forgotten man who hasn’t played in 15 MONTHS in Europa League squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S 25-man Europa League squad has been confirmed with forgotten left-back Tyrell Malacia included despite his 15-month absence.Erik ten Hag’s roster for the European competition was revealed on Thursday and all of his big stars made it in.Tyrell Malacia is in Man Utd’s Europa League squad but has not played since May 2023Credit: EPAThe likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were not named among the 25, but are still eligible as they are classed as homegrown players.And perhaps the only surprise was the inclusion of Dutch full-back Malacia, 25.The former Feyenoord man arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 for £13million.He played 39 games in his first campaign in England but has not featured since May 2023.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe spent the entirety of last season sidelined following knee surgery.But Ten Hag made a prediction ahead of the new season that Malacia could be back within two months.Speaking in early August, he said: “He is now in a good place, but he is not here [in pre-season] because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training.”He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd’s Europa League squadGoalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot MeeDefenders: Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Harry AmassMidfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Manuel UgarteForwards: Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Antony”I think it would be possible in two months [for him to return].”Man Utd have been plagued by injuries at left-back as Luke Shaw has also suffered numerous fitness issues.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedThey were linked with a move for Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell in the summer transfer window, but ultimately a deal was not struck.Diogo Dalot, an orthodox right-back, has started Man Utd’s opening three Premier League games on the left side of Ten Hag’s defence.The Red Devils’ Europa League campaign gets underway at home to Twente on September 25.Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More