More stories

  • in

    Things that make Roy Keane angry from prawn sandwiches and ABBA to players swapping shirts

    WHEN it comes to being football’s Mr Angry, Roy Keane has given his best audition through the years.The Man Utd legend, 50, has continued to entertain audiences as a football pundit in recent times.
    Roy Keane has a long list of things that wind him up
    Rashford was pictured cracking a smile during a warm-up ahead of a Chelsea game, which Keane didn’t take lightly toCredit: Sky Sports
    But, there are quite a few things that irk the ex-Ireland star.
    Like school meals hero Marcus Rashford, for example, who was spotted cracking a smile while warming up before the Red Devils entertained Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
    Keane revealed on Sky Sports: “Every time I see Marcus getting warmed up, he’s always smiling.
    “I don’t like players smiling too much. You smile when you do score, when you do something.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more Man Utd news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}United news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ronaldo rescues Red Devils AGAIN, Rangnick CONFIRMED as Austria coach
    “Every time I see him in the warm-up he’s laughing or smiling. You’re going to war.
    “You’re fighting for your future, start smiling when you score a goal, or you do something that affects the game, or gets people off their seats.
    “Laughing all the time in a warm-up… come on.”
    Here’s more of Keane’s pet peeves – with some having us in stitches.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Players swapping shirts
    It’s tradition now to see players trading their jerseys for their rivals after and sometimes even before games.
    But Keane isn’t having it, although he did bend the rules once in his career – which he calls one of his biggest regrets.
    “I’ve asked one player to swap a jersey, which I regret,” Keane told Gary Neville’s The Overlap podcast.
    Keane would not be happy seeing Giorgio Chiellini (left) swapping shirts with Northern Ireland’s Kyle LaffertyCredit: PA
    “We played Germany with Ireland, pre World Cup 94 in a friendly. It was after the game, and we beat them to be fair.
    “He was walking off and I was only being polite. It was the sweeper, [Matthias] Sammer, and he said no. I went ‘ya f****** prick’ anyway.
    “That was it. I just thought ‘I shouldn’t be asking anybody’. I was only being polite, it’s not that I wanted his jersey.”
    Touching the Anfield sign
    Few would call touching the Anfield sign at Liverpool “chilidish”… except Keano, of course.
    When covering a game for ITV alongside Ian Wright, the Arsenal legend revealed he followed that tradition – but out of his team mate’s sight.
    But when Keane asked if he had also touched the sign, he stated: “Of course not. There’d be no point.
    “It’s okay, it’s a tradition for the English [Liverpool] players but not for the opposition players. I’m not sure why you touched it Wrighty. I think it’s silly, it’s childish.
    Touching the Anfield sign is ‘childish’ for KeaneCredit: Reuters
    Prawn sandwiches
    As a player, Keane was just as opinionated. Just ask the prawn sandwich brigade.
    During an infamous rant, he slammed his own supporters at Old Trafford over the atmosphere in the ground.
    “Away from home our fans are fantastic, I’d call them the hardcore fans,” Keane said.
    “But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don’t realise what’s going on out on the pitch.
    “I don’t think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell ‘football’, never mind understand it.”
    Prawn sandwich eating supporters need not apply to the Roy Keane fan clubCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Talking in the tunnel
    Infamously, Keane got into a tunnel spat with Patrick Vieira before an Arsenal v Man Utd game, so it’s clear he doesn’t abide by a friendly chat as the teams line up side-by-side.
    What really annoyed him was minutes before United and Liverpool, two fierce rivals, went head-to-head the opposition players were in jovial spirits chatting to each other.
    “I’m disgusted with the players. You’re going to war, they’re hugging and kissing,” Keane began.
    “Don’t even look at the opposition. You’re going into battle against them.
    “The game hasn’t changed that much, the players have changed. You’re going to war against these players and they’re hugging each other. Chat to them after the game, or don’t even chat to them after the game.”
    Players should not talk to one another in the tunnel, especially if they’re rival clubs like Man Utd and Liverpool in Keane’s worldCredit: Getty
    American club owners
    Today’s Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool boast American owners.
    However, Keane doesn’t like them at all – insisting they want managers with tans and nice teeth, which could see you in favour.
    “It seems to be coming into the game, more so in England with the amount of foreign owners. Particularly the Americans,” he said.
    “They seem to love a coach who’s got the whistle around his neck, a clipboard and a tan, and really white teeth. That gives you a chance.”
    Arsenal’s owner Stan Kroenke won’t be floating Keane’s boatCredit: PA
    His wife
    Now we’re sure this was tongue-in-cheek because Roy has been happily married for over 20-years to longterm love, Theresa.
    He had TV viewers creasing up when he reacted to Chelsea team mates Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Billy Gilmour catching up ahead of England and Scotland’s Euros clash last year for 20 minutes.
    “The only thing I would be critical of is why would you want to speak to an opposition player for 20 minutes?
    “I don’t care if he’s your teammate or not. For over 20 minutes?
    “I very rarely speak to anybody for over five minutes. After a game when you’ve been to war with somebody, why would you want to chat to somebody for that long?
    “I think they could have used a bit more common sense. I rarely want to speak to anyone for five minutes.”
    Host Mark Pougatch then queried: “I hope your wife gets more than five minutes?”
    To which Keane replied: “No, never.”
    Hilariously, Keane also cropped Theresa out of an Instagram post, wishing her “Happy birthday to my first wife x” in a hilarious share.
    Keane hilariously cropped Theresa out of this pic on Instagram
    ABBA
    As Sunderland boss, Keane was dismayed by the music playlist booming from the dressing room.
    It was Swedish mega group ABBA who were in the firing line, as well as his stars this time.
    “The last song before the players went on to the pitch was ‘Dancing Queen’ by Abba.
    “What really worried me was that none of the players – not one – said: ‘Get that s*** off.’ They were going out to play a match, men versus men, testosterone levels were high.
    “You’ve got to hit people at pace. F****** ‘Dancing Queen.’ It worried me. I didn’t have as many leaders as I thought.”
    It’s fair to say ABBA are not Keane’s favourite bandCredit: Handout
    Paul Pogba
    France World Cup winner is everyone’s cup of tea. And it bothered Keane that Pogba was chatting to his brother continuously during a United clash with Saint Etienne.
    “The boy, Pogba, he’s a bit of a free spirit, a bit of a character. But I think it was a little bit over the top tonight – before the game and at half-time,” Keane said.
    “They’ve spoke more tonight than I have to any of my brothers in the last five years. All this stuff before and after the game. It’s a lot of nonsense – but that’s the modern player, I’m afraid.”
    The colour blue
    He played in red, green, green and white hoops… but when it comes to blue, not a chance.
    Simply puts, he hates the colour – and entertains that he might be being childish.
    “I don’t like f*****’ blue. City were blue. Rangers were blue. My biggest rivals were blue. Is that childish? Keane once asked.
    “I couldn’t feel it – the chemistry.”
    Never answer the phone to Keane by saying “Whassup!” like you’re in a Budweiser ad
    Budweiser ads and Robbie Savage
    Roy Keane liked the look of Robbie Savage as a player, however he was put off signing him instantly when he tried to call him and was met with a voicemail of the Welshman mimicking the famous Budweiser adverts.
    “It went to his voicemail: ‘Hi, it’s Robbie – whazzup!’ like the Budweiser ad,” Keane said.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WW3 MAY DAY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Putin could declare new world war within DAYS, warns Defence Secretary
    “I never called him back. I thought: ‘I can’t be f****** signing that.'”
    So Savage stayed at Blackburn. More

  • in

    Man Utd’s failed tactics v Chelsea show they desperately need new midfielder and the only thing Ronaldo brings is goals

    MANCHESTER United and Chelsea met at Old Trafford last night and we saw the same issues with United that we’ve seen for months.For instance, United’s complete lack of a focal point and making it easy for the opposition to play through them.
    Marcos Alonso opened the scoring with a sweet first-time volleyCredit: Reuters
    Cristiano Ronaldo levelled things up just moments laterCredit: PA
    Chelsea dominated the ball and, let’s be honest,  United got away with this big time – fancy fixing these before you go, Ralf?
    However, you probably want a little more ‘analysis’ than that  – so let’s get stuck in.
    Before kick-off the narrative surrounded the team news – and with Harry Maguire dropping out of the squad with a knee injury we saw a partnership of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof at the heart of United’s defence.
    In midfield, their defensive line would be screened by Scott McTominay and the soon-to-depart Nemanja Matic while in attack Marcus Rashford was returned to the starting line-up as he would feature wide on the left.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Man Utd stories.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MAN UTD RATINGS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Alex Telles brutally targeted by Chelsea but clinical Ronaldo earns point
    We understand, it’s difficult to believe that a United midfield with Matic starting would struggle to be mobile.
    Chelsea went with what was expected – Thomas Tuchel choosing to continue with his fellow Germans Kai Havertz and Timo Werner in attack while Mason Mount acted as the link between midfield and attack.
    There would be no glorious return to Old Trafford for Romelu Lukaku.
    In the end, Chelsea dominated the game with a greater share of the possession and the lion’s share of shots throughout the match and they will feel more aggrieved with the fact that the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
    United, once more, will be grateful that the one thing Cristiano Ronaldo does bring to the team is goals like that.
    And all the practice David de Gea has been getting this season as stood him in good stead.
    Familiar problems for United
    With Chelsea in possession deep in their half McTominay pushed high to form a line of four for United. From this position we would expect them to pressure the ball carrier but instead they sit off and the United midfield is exposed
    One of the biggest issues that United have faced in recent weeks has been around the lack of real structure within the team.
    In modern football the best teams play in quite a compact block and when they attack the defensive line presses up and when they defend the attacking line drops off.
    This is just a tactic that coaches use to make sure there are not spaces between the lines that the opposition can take advantage of.
    This season at United, both under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, the lack of structure in the team has been a huge issue.
    Cristiano Ronaldo wandered around all over the pitch against Chelsea
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The attacking players look to press as the defensive players look to drop off and the midfield is then left exposed with space to cover.
    These issues were at play again in the first half of this match as Scott McTominay was caught high and out of position more than once.
    While the Scottish international is well known for having the engine to get around the pitch and contribute going forward and coming back there were times in first half of this match that he was being caught too high and out of position.
    When McTominay pushed forward United had a strong structure across the field but there was a lack of genuine pressure on the ball.
    Same issue again as McTominay has been dragged forward by the movement of Kante. That leaves Matic having to control and cover the width of the pitch. With the United defensive line sitting deep there is space that Chelsea could easily exploit
    This meant that Chelsea were able to play around that press and find space behind McTominay where the Serbian midfielder Matic was left exposed against midfield runners.
    And, Matic vs runners at this stage in his career is not a scenario you really want to present to him.
    Chelsea were able to get at the United defensive line with the likes of Havertz and Werner dropping off into the space in front of the United defence or pulling wide.
    This meant that when Chelsea played through the press they were able to find attacking players who were able to receive the ball, get turned and threaten the United back four.
    This lack of structure in the midfield for United was a constant issue throughout the match with Chelsea able to hit them on the counterattack time and time again.
    This issue got even worse later in the second half when Phil Jones replaced Nemanja Matic and United went to  a back three as Scott McTominay was essentially their only recognised central midfielder.
    Replacing an immobile central midfielder with an immobile central defender was an interesting tactical play.
    This is why many are adamant that United need to recruit a genuine defensive midfielder this coming summer – something Erik Ten Hag will have surely noted if watching.
    Chelsea strong in possession
    A large part of what has made Chelsea so good under Thomas Tuchel has been the fact that they are so varied in the way that they can attack.
    They can be direct and look to hit teams on the counter-attack but they can also keep possession and look to play through the thirds.
    We saw this variety of style in this match as Chelsea showed the ability to play long, with the likes of Reece James on the right always providing an option as he attacked on the right-hand side.
    Reece James spent most of the game in Man Utd half
    Alex Telles played at left-back in this match for United and the movement of the likes of Havertz and Werner saw him often pinned in position because he was worried that they were making runs into his zone.
    This then created the space that Reece James could exploit wide on the right-hand side.
    The Chelsea defenders or midfielders used that out ball to the right to move the ball into dangerous positions in the final third with the movements of the front players of Chelsea taking advantage of these spaces.
    United struggled consistently with Chelsea’s movement. With Jorginho on the ball we see Reece James moving inside and drawing Elanga with him. This fully isolates Alex Telles at LB and both Mount and Havertz have pulled out to attack this area.
    Chelsea had 65 per cent of possession at Old Trafford on Thursday night
    They also, however, showed the ability to play more slowly as they built the attack and moved through the thirds of the pitch.
    Having a back three stretched the pitch for Chelsea as they were looking to build up the attack and United struggled to effectively stop them from having easy possession in these areas. 
    When the ball had to move into the midfield it was the Italian international Jorginho who took up intelligent positions.
    He is excellent at just making small movements, a couple of yards to the left or to the right in order to find little pockets of space to receive the ball.
    In this match when he received the ball in these areas he pulled that United midfield out towards him, especially McTominay, and that created the space for the Chelsea attacking players to drop into.
    Jorginho is a very intelligent player. With Chelsea in possession on the defensive line they have too much time with no effective press from United. Jorginho checks his shoulder and simply moves five yards forward. He is then able to receive in a huge  pocket of space
    Jorginho controlled most of the game for Chelsea
    Jorginho was the player who would hold the position in the midfield and draw the pass and the pressure.
    And he was consistently aided in this by the positioning, work rate and movement of N’Golo Kante who would pull left and right and take the attention away from Jorginho.
    United’s lack of a focal point
    This was something that we would not necessarily expect to be an issue for United given the presence on the pitch of the Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – and his goal was an outstanding example of finishing – but in this match, United did not seem to have a set structure in their attack.
    There were times in which Ronaldo pulled out wide and deep into a position that was reminiscent of his positioning in the team when he first joined United all those years ago. 
    (When Ronaldo starts to get slightly frustrated he will drop away from the front line. Here he comes all of the way out to the near side and splits Dalot (RB) and Elanga (RW) with Fernandes also sitting deeper there is nobody occupying that central space for United
    This position from Ronaldo crowded that area of the pitch with Anthony Elanga not realising that he needed to empty the space and push a little higher and there were points throughout the game when United could not play effectively into the final third because they had no player to pass into. 
    There are times for United when Bruno Fernandes essentially pushed on from the ‘10’ position to play almost as the forward player and when Ronaldo drifts out that at least means that United have a focal point in the attack that they can play into. 
    Again, Ronaldo has decided to drift wide and Fernandes has decided to step up as the most advanced player. His position, along with McTominay being pushed high again, leaves the United midfield exposed and means that there is no real forward option for United if they win the ball back and counter
    The movement forward from Fernandes though just causes more structural issues behind the ball and when the Portuguese international pushed forward he left the midfield outnumbered 3v2 against the Chelsea midfield.
    The fact that McTominay would then be pulled forward and out of position simply compounded these issues.
    So what did we learn?
    Here’s a hot-take for you. United need a lot of work and each time Ten Hag watches the side he is taking over next summer he will certainly be thinking that he will be making football director John Murtough very busy this summer.
    But what can we do other than state the obvious?
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SERVED UP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Harry Styles’ girlfriend Olivia Wilde is served custody papers ON STAGE by ex
    United’s pressing game didn’t work (again) and their defensive structure was all over the place (again) and although Ronaldo scored a brilliant finish he really doesn’t help in terms of having a proper attacking plan (again).
    Chelsea, on the other hand, will be completely baffled at how they didn’t take all three points – but, the biggest thing Tuchel must have learned once more is that they really are a better side without Lukaku.
    For more tactical analysis, scouting and stunning data visuals head over to Total Football Analysis – check out their monthly digital magazine which features 22 top articles in the May edition. More

  • in

    I played for Man Utd with Ronaldo and Rooney, but now sell luxury watches and jewellery – and it has set me up for life

    RAMON Calliste seemingly had the world at his feet as a gifted footballer in his teens.Called the ‘next Ryan Giggs’, he starred for Manchester United’s youth side and trained with first team stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
    Ramon Calliste now sells luxury watches after his football career ended prematurelyCredit: Courtesy of Ramon Calliste
    Global Boutique is Calliste’s high-end shop in MayfairCredit: Courtesy of Ramon Calliste
    However, in 2006 a horror ankle injury forced the Cardiff-born starlet into early retirement.
    Then in 2013, he launched his own business – selling high-end watches for over £250,000.
    Today, Calliste lives a dream life in Dubai while managing his stunning jewellery and designer accessories shop in the heart of London’s exclusive Mayfair.
    If you are looking for a classic Rolex Daytona for £30,000, or even a collector’s Hermes handbag priced at around £20,000 – his Global Boutique on South Molton Street is the go-to place for that kind of luxury.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more Man Utd news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}United news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ruben Neves’ agency ‘invites Man Utd bid’, Milinkovic-Savic ‘in talks’
    It has allowed Ramon and his family to enjoy a more sustained lifestyle he would have enjoyed if he continued in football.
    Passion project
    Speaking to SunSport from his home in Dubai, Calliste revealed: “Watches were always a passion for me.
    “I learned the trade quite quickly, got obsessed with Rolex references, and the business has thankfully grown since then.
    “We recently launched a very high-end luxury store in Mayfair, and I’m happy to say it’s doing very well.
    “We sell watches, beautiful jewellery, and we have a certain amount of accessories, including Hermes bags, which is something we will expand on because they are selling very well.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    In the early 2000s, Calliste was a hot prospect at Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
    “Having a Mayfair premises, with the amount of clients that walk-in from around the world and the type of clients we attract, has been amazing for business.”
    Previously, Calliste told SunSport he sells watches from around £50,000-£70,000.
    And he often gets a £150,000-£250,000 sale in a market where clients can make money from pieces that become collector’s items over time.
    Ramon’s company is making roughly £5million-per-year, more than he might’ve had made as a professional footballer.
    “It’s always a Rolex driven business, so those are the most popular.
    “But there’s always the big ticket items, the Patek Philippes, the Audemars Piguets and Richard Milles that sell for mega money.”
    Inside Global Boutique on South Molton Street in London’s West EndCredit: Courtesy of Ramon Calliste
    Expensive timepieces from the likes of Richard Mille sell for hundreds of thousandsCredit: Courtesy of Ramon Calliste
    Playing days
    Calliste looks back at his football career with fondness. In 2000, he signed a contract with Manchester United alongside Sir Alex Ferguson.
    Recalling that moment, he told us: “When I got to Old Trafford I met Sir Alex Ferguson, which was an incredible experience.
    “Seeing everything for the first time, I went into the famous room where everyone meets him.
    “It was a special, I wasn’t fazed by much when I was young, but he had the aura of a great man.”
    Ramon didn’t play for the United first team, but he got his chance to train with some of their superstars.
    “We didn’t always train with the first team, but sometimes we’d have five-a-side games.
    “I aspired to train with them permanently, and it was amazing when I did get the opportunity.
    “I trained with Rooney and Ronaldo, which was a big deal.”
    Injury wrecked his career
    After Ramon was released from Old Trafford, he starred for Liverpool’s reserves.
    He was their leading goalscorer in the 2005-2006 season, but left for Scunthorpe for first team opportunities, after then-Wales manager John Toshack told him he needed to play more.
    “It wasn’t initially what I wanted to do, but Toshack told me I needed to play competitive football if I wanted to break into the Wales first team,” he said.
    Calliste now lives in Dubai and lives a life of luxury away from footballCredit: Courtesy of Ramon Calliste
    “I thought, let’s do this and took a contract. Preseason I got a bad ankle injury straight away and I never really recovered from it.”
    In 2009, Ramon had decided he’d had enough of football.
    He had spells at Cambridge City and West London Saracens in the Middlesex County Football League, but was plagued by the dislocated ankle injury that robbed him of his dream.
    Living the dream
    But everything happens for a reason. Now, Calliste is happy in the Middle East. His children are thriving in a new environment, and destiny gave him a different calling.
    “I feel lucky I am in a fortune position to help myself and my family,” he said.
    “Dubai is a very beautiful and safe place, as well as a huge market hub. There are opportunities here and there’s lots of money here too.
    “It was an all-round decision for my family and for my children who have excelled at school here.
    “In comparison to where I started when I was younger, my life has changed incredibly.
    “I have now built something that lasts forever. When you play football you have a certain shelf life.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SERVED UP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Harry Styles’ girlfriend Olivia Wilde is served custody papers ON STAGE by ex
    “Now I look at having the injury as a blessing. I’m very grateful for my change of direction, although it was tough one to accept at the time.
    “However, I’m thankful that this path has been very good to me… long may it continue.” More

  • in

    Ten Hag will transform Man Utd’s tactics but it’s bad news for Maguire and needs huge shift in dressing room to work

    ONE of the worst kept secrets in football was finally officially announced last week – Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is to take charge of Manchester United next season.United fans can dream of actually getting what they were promised when  Ralf Rangnick rocked up – fast football, pressing, pressing and more pressing and plenty of players bombing forward.
    Man Utd have confirmed Erik ten Hag as their new manager, replacing interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the summerCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo is one of several Man Utd stars who could face the chop under new boss Ten HagCredit: Getty
    And does Ten Hag’s appointment mean the end of the road for Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and more?
    Ten Hag is not a coach that has been an overnight success.
    He worked his way through a series of jobs before finally getting a chance at a big club in Ajax and the job that he has done in Amsterdam has been nothing short of excellent – even when you factor in the whole “of course he’s won stuff, he’s at Ajax” thing. 
    The challenge ahead at Manchester United still feels like a huge step up.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE MAN UTD STORIES.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MAN UTD NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Milinkovic-Savic ‘IN TALKS’, Ten Hag’s ‘De Gea concerns’ revealed
    The sheer size of the club and the fact that they will have to compete with two teams, in Liverpool and Manchester City, let alone the shorter term challenge of being better than Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham and other top-four hopefuls.
    The club will have to get things right over the summer and there is no doubt that Ten Hag will have an important voice in terms of player recruitment. 
    In this article we will have a look at what we should expect to see from Ten Hag’s United team next season.
    Playing out from the back
    From a tactical point of view playing out from the back has almost become a buzz term at top-level football.
    However not every team is blessed with a goalkeeper like Ederson who effectively operates as an extra midfielder, and at United we know that David De Gea struggles at times with the ball at his feet – though, in fairness, he’s not the only one.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Positionally the full-backs are flexible – they can stay deeper, to form a three at the back, or they can move into forward positions. When they move forward, a midfielder will drop back.
    What Ten Hag will bring in this area is the knowledge of how to coach his side in order to make sure they have players in the right positions to play out from the back – sounds simple, right?
    He is not a coach who insists on every player being structured and in their position at all times, as United fans might remember from their last Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.
    Instead players are expected to be flexible, usually in a 4-2-3-1 formation, in order to find ways to play forward and through the opposition.
    This means that while the two central defenders stay deep to build the play, we then see flexibility in the rest of the team.
    If one of the full-backs stays deep then a central midfielder pulls wide.
    If the full-backs go into attacking positions then one of the central midfielders will drop off and make a line of three with the centre-halves.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The positioning ahead of the ball is also flexible with the wide attackers free to come inside into the channels or even into the central areas.
    This movement and rotation of positions tends to mean that Ajax would always have at least one player in space in the opposition half who could receive the ball and let them play out from the back.
    This time there is no pressure from the opposition and so centre back Jurrien Timber is free to push forward and carry the ball deep into the opposition half
    If the opposition do not look to press and instead drop back to defend their own half then Ten Hag likes his central defenders to be comfortable carrying the ball forward to the opposition half.
    This will suit the likes of Harry Maguire, or an upgrade, who is always happy to step out in possession of the ball.
    But, if we were Alex Telles or even Aaron Wan-Bissaka, we’d probably be having a quiet word with our agents to see what else is out there.
    Getting players forward
    One of the trademarks of the last great United team, under Sir Alex Ferguson, was the willingness to send a lot of players into the final third when they are attacking.
    One of the features of this Ajax side under Ten Hag has been the willingness to send players forward in search of a goal as they attack.
    No, this is not us saying that Ten Hag is the next Alex Ferguson.
    There is a sense of risk and reward around the way that Ten Hag wants his teams to attack.
    When his side are in the opposition half of the pitch he wants his full-backs to get forward on both sides.
    The wide attackers are free to choose their positioning and if they stay wide then the full-backs will come up into the channels, in the same way that Man City use Joao Cancelo and Liverpool use Trent Alexander-Arnold – while if the wingers come inside then the full-backs go wide.
    All three central midfielders are also expected to get forward and to try to support the striker in central areas – meaning United want to find new options here more than ever.
    Ajax have six players around the penalty area and when the cross is pulled back Anthony has moved inside, from right-wing, to finish centrally
    It is not unusual for Ajax to end up with eight outfield players in the final third as they threaten the opposition goal.
    Even the central defenders are expected to defend high, at the half-way line.
    This could be an issue for Ten Hag with the United central defenders, Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane, being more comfortable defending with the ball in front of them as opposed to when the ball is played over the top and they are asked to defend back towards their own goal.
    That’s the tactical way of suggesting there’s not been a lot of pace there.
    Ajax have eight outfield players in the final third. With Anthony positioned wide on the right, the right-back, Mazraoui comes inside and receives the ball before scoring from distance
    It will take some work from Ten Hag to coach the full-backs to not only understand how they are expected to support the attack but to be able to do so effectively.
    Can Wan-Bissaka learn to fulfil this role or will they have to enter the market for a right-back who can?
    The latter, most likely, as mentioned.
    Equally, United must be hoping that Luke Shaw can string together a whole season fully fit as Telles does not seem to fit the Ten Hag bill.
    Pressing
    Erik ten Hag is a coach who expects his team to work hard against the ball and to press aggressively and high up the pitch.
    Whether he is able to use this style of defensive play at United though is another question.
    Let’s not forget that United are currently managed by Rangnick and the German is considered the godfather of pressing football in his home nation.
    When he first took charge there were signs that he was going to expect United to press high and with aggression but this seemed to stop within his first three or four matches in charge.
    It is likely that Rangnick realised that the players in the first-team squad just weren’t suited to pressing in this way. Looking at you, Cristiano.
    When Ajax lose the ball, especially in the wide areas, Ten Hag likes them to move aggressively in groups of two or three to put immediate pressure on the ball. Even if the opposition do get through the press they tend to have to play long passes that can be intercepted
    How is this going to change over the course of the next few months?
    Of course there could potentially be players coming into the club over the summer who are better pressers but it feels like there needs to be a real shift in the dressing room for this to work.
    Again, Ajax press and defend across the width of the pitch with four players moving high aggressively
    Pressing high in this manner is something that will be extremely important for United under Ten Hag as we can expect them to push lots of players forward in the attack.
    If they do not look to press and counter press when their attack breaks down then this will lead to the central defenders being exposed in space time and time again.
    And one thing we have certainly seen in recent weeks is that you do not want to leave Maguire exposed with a lot of space around him – but this is going to mean that Ronaldo either has to do it or Ten Hag will have to change his approach ala Rangnick.
    And can Erik replace Ronaldo’s goals across the team? We will have to wait and see.
    As for Bruno Fernandes, often seen as a one-man pressing crusade – or in simpler terms, a man running up a blind alley whilst others watch on – is he too tactically ill-disciplined to fail under the new boss?
    In fairness, Ten Hag has bigger issues to solve before he gets to the maverick Fernandes conundrum.
    New faces
    United have moved relatively early to get Ten Hag to sign on the dotted line.
    Therefore, you can assume they quite like how he does things on the pitch with Ajax and they fancy a bit of that at Old Trafford in the future.
    So we can expect them to try and play out from the back, attack in numbers and press high.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}VLAD’S THREAT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Russia threatens to strike targets in Britain over UK weapons in Ukraine
    We all know the players they have can’t or won’t do it – Telles, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Ronaldo, Bruno, Maguire could all be under threat for different reasons – so, who are they going to sign instead? 
    For more tactical analysis, scouting and stunning data visuals head over to Total Football Analysis – check out their monthly digital magazine which features 22 top articles in the May edition.
    Manchester United’s disappointing stats this season More

  • in

    Meet Arsenal talent Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, who is Dutch youth international and battled back from broken ankle

    BACK in March, former Hale End academy product Jack Wilshere was coy about who the future of Arsenal could be.He name-dropped Charlie Patino, who Gunners fans will be very aware of after he scored on his debut against Sunderland in the EFL Cup earlier in the campaign.
    Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand of Arsenal could be the next off the conveyor belt at Hale End to star at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere recently raved about Salah-Eddine Oulad M’handCredit: Getty
    But the former darling of the Emirates was adamant another top talent should get a mention.
    “I don’t want to tell you about a player who I think is really good then put pressure on him and it doesn’t work out,” Wilshere told the Evening Standard.
    “But there’s a few in the academy. The fans will watch the under-23’s and know about Charlie Patino, who got his chance.
    “But then there are other players out there, there’s a boy called Salah who is really good coming through. There’s a lot of players in that group who are technically very, very good.”
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more Arsenal news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GUNNERS NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Gabriel Jesus ‘AGREES’ Arsenal move, Gunners ‘offered Richarlison transfer’
    The Salah Wilshere referred to wasn’t the one that’s made his name at Anfield.
    He was talking about the brilliant box-to-box midfielder Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, who has been lighting up Arsenal’s U23 side this season and is beginning to show the promise needed to follow the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka into the first team.
    Shaking off injury
    The Dutch youth international, 18, moved to North London in 2020, after he was released by Feyenoord
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    But his first year at the club was blighted by injury.
    A fracture near his ankle ruled him out from September 2020, all the way through to late August 2021.
    When he returned to the fold, there were doubts whether he would be at the same level. Arguably, though, he’s been better.
    Salah has played 21 games in all competitions, including the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy, and scored six times.
    There have been some memorable goals too.
    The teenager scored an absolute screamer against Man City, assisted a goal against Man Utd, and forced a Chelsea player into an own goal. Salah has made up for lost time.
    Since returning from injury, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand has grown for Arsenal U23sCredit: Getty

    A box-to-box midfielder, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand has six goals this campaignCredit: Getty
    First team introduction
    It’s common practice now at London Colney to see Arsenal’s stars of tomorrow training with the first team and Mikel Arteta, a manager who is keen to promote from within.
    Salah has been mixing it up with the current stars and has impressed the Spaniard.
    Back in November, to encourage and reward the kid, Arteta included him in the squad for a last-16 EFL Cup clash with Leeds Utd.
    Although he didn’t get a game, the boss explained his reasons for naming him in the 20.
    Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand has regularly joined Arsenal first team stars in trainingCredit: Getty
    Granit Xhaka tussles with Salah-Eddine Oulad M’handCredit: Getty
    Arsenal were “rewarding him – for what he does every day in training and the games that he’s playing, for his attitude and the quality he has – he totally deserves to be with us”.
    In the years to come, that steely determination, hard-working nature, and ability might be enough to see him prosper in the first team as a regular starter. More

  • in

    Arsenal target Victor Osimhen’s tragic story, from losing mum as a child to selling water in the street before stardom

    IN-DEMAND striker Victor Osimhen has rocketed to the top – thanks to his supreme ability in front of goal and determination to succeed.The Nigerian, 23, is enjoying a brilliant campaign at Napoli, where he has scored 16 goals in 28 games in all competitions alerting Premier League giants Arsenal, who have been linked with a £70million move.
    Victor Osimhen’a path to football stardom has been hardCredit: Reuters
    As a kid, Osimhen endured a tough upbringing in Lagos, NigeriaCredit: INSTAGRAM
    But his path to football stardom hasn’t been an easy one.
    Growing up in Lagos, he was left reeling by the death of his beloved mother when he was a small child.
    When his father lost his job, Victor and his five siblings were forced onto the streets to help the family make ends meet.
    The aspiring footballer, who worshipped Didier Drogba and lived in a Chelsea shirt as a teen, would stand in busy traffic selling bottles of water to drivers.

    Osimhen was so young when his mum died, he can only remember the month, not the year.
    Back in 2019, he told France Football: “I lost my mom in October, I do not even remember the year. I was small. Three months later, my father lost his job. It was very hard for our family.
    “My brother sold sports newspapers, my sister (sold) oranges in the street and me, bottled water in Lagos in the middle of the traffic.
    “We had to survive so we stuck together. In the evening, we were all together and we gathered the money on the table. We gave everything to our big sister and she made food and organised everything.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}.css-1m4l212{display:inline-block;transition-property:color;transition-duration:200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1m4l212:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7eo7xt{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}.css-1p3zf0v{width:626px;height:104px;margin-left:0;}.css-vcp1ln{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;width:626px;height:104px;margin-left:0;}.css-s6ldkx{position:relative;width:100%;display:block;height:auto;padding-top:0;width:156px;border-radius:0;}.css-ksk4ta{opacity:1;display:block;border-radius:inherit;height:104px;width:156px;-webkit-animation:fadeIn 300ms;animation:fadeIn 300ms;}@-webkit-keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}@keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}.css-1b3rpqk{width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-1ip4d38{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-4px/2);margin-right:calc(-4px/2);width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-1hyfh0x{color:rgba(73,157,124,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-1hyfh0x:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GARY’S PAIN .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I was plagued by tiny coffin nightmare as son battled leukaemia, says Lineker
    “Part of my life has been a struggle to survive. But that’s all I am today in the end. It’s hard to classify all that but each event has created my personality.”
    Early struggles
    Osimhen’s upbringing couldn’t have been more different to many of his contemporaries.
    He hustled in Olusosun to find ways of living and paying for his education.
    To save money on clothing, he would regularly pay a trip to Africa’s largest waste dump in search of Nike trainers.
    “Where I grew up, people live on the other side of an open dump,” he revealed.
    “With my friends, we went there every Friday or Sunday to find shoes. We stayed there a long time. It was funny! We saw it as a game but when you think about it … It was always a fight.
    “Sometimes you see, you found yourself with a Nike on the right foot and then you start looking for the other foot … And finally, you find the left foot and it’s a Reebok! My sister patched everything up and it was good. It was survival.”
    For Osimhen, family means everything including sister BlessingCredit: INSTAGRAM
    As a youngster, Osimhen would visit this dump and look for footwearCredit: Reuters

    Watching Premier League football, especially Chelsea, gave Osimhen an escape and a dream.
    Often wearing a Blues shirt, his older brother Andrew would take him to a viewing centre where the local community would gather round a TV set to watch all the action.
    Osimhen would soon find himself training with the Lagos-based side Ultimate Strikers Academy, aptly named in this case for producing one of Africa’s current finest.
    It would set him up for a remarkable explosion at youth level that alerted Europe’s top clubs.
    In 2015, aged just 15, he was invited by former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amunike to train with Nigeria’s U17s.
    Already offering bags of pace and a strong physique, Amunike wasn’t afraid to throw Osimhen into the deep end.
    After helping his country quality for the U17 World, he led Nigeria’s forward line – with some style too – in Chile.
    The Super Eagles would win the competition, and Osimhen would finish as top scorer with 10 goals.
    He would also win the Silver Ball for the best player of the tournament.
    Golden Boot and Silver Ball winner Victor Osimhen, right, poses with his trophies after the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 FinalCredit: Getty
    Osimhen’s goalscoring exploits alerted Europe’s top clubsCredit: Getty
    Bundesliga awaits
    After witnessing a star being born, Europe’s top clubs showed an interest in Osimhen.
    Arsenal, Man City and Spurs all wanted him. But the talent chose a move to Germany, after Wolfsburg struck up a partnership with Ultimate Strikers Academy.
    He admitted money played a big part, as he chose the highest offer on the table.
    But it wasn’t because of greed. Osimhen was desperate to provide, once again, for his family and help set them up.
    “When I signed in Wolfsburg, I didn’t buy anything for myself with my bonus. I immediately bought a house in Lagos for my father,” he said.
    “I gave money to my brothers and sisters, and today, everyone is okay in their businesses. It makes me happy to know that they have enough to eat.
    “They always help me and it is normal I want to change their lives.”
    Osimhen returns to his roots to give back to the community he grew up inCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Making his name in France
    Osimhen struggled for game time in Germany, with injuries and a bout of malaria affecting his form.
    He was subsequently loaned out to Belgium side Charleroi, with an option for a permanent transfer included in the deal in 2018.
    The move would ignite his career at club level – as he blasted 20 goals in 36 games in his only season with the club.
    They did exercise their right to sign Osimhen at the end of the campaign for just £3m.
    But smelling a quick profit, a month later he was sold to Lille for £20m as a replacement for Nicolas Pepe, who joined Arsenal.
    Osimhen just got better and better. He scored twice on his debut in a 2-1 win over Nantes, netted his first Champions League goal against his beloved Chelsea, and was Lille’s top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions.
    Osimhen became an instant hit at Lille and in FranceCredit: Getty
    In his first and only season, Osimhen scored 18 goals to finish top scorerCredit: AFP or licensors
    Serie A star
    Within one season, Napoli didn’t need much convincing that Osimhen was the man who could bring the glory days back to the club.
    They splashed a record £70million on the forward, making him the most-expensive African footballer of all-time in 2020.
    The move, though, was tinged with some sadness for Osimhen, who couldn’t forget his roots.
    A few months prior to completing the deal, he lost his beloved father Patrick, who had managed the early stages of his son’s career.
    For Osimhen, it was sad his parents weren’t around to witness his amazing achievement.
    But, he shared a poignant message to his followers on Twitter after the move was completed.
    “Mom and dad are proud for sure,” he wrote. You can bet they are with the role model Osimhen has become.
    Napoli parted with £70m for Osimhen – making him Africa’s most expensive footballerCredit: Getty
    Mom and dad are proud for sure❤️ 🕊— victor osimhen (@victorosimhen9) July 31, 2020

    Osimhen’s success story is tinged with sadness – with his mum and dad failing to see his proudest momentCredit: INSTAGRAM More

  • in

    Strangest football injuries, from Lampard breaking hand celebrating Everton goal to a broken jaw from eating a carrot

    FOOTBALLERS and managers always find unique ways to injure themselves.Everton boss Frank Lampard is the latest star to suffer a freak accident, breaking his hand while celebrating Alex Iwobi’s late goal to clinch a vital victory against Newcastle.
    Frank Lampard jumps for joy after Alex Iwobi scores a last-gasp winnerCredit: Getty

    Lampard told Prime Video he broke his hand in the Everton celebrations afterwards

    Amid the chaos, Lamps took a whack to the left hand – it was shaking as he checked his watch in the final seconds.
    And as he came on air to discuss the all-important three points, the ex-England midfielder was sporting a nasty bruise and lump.
    He told Prime Video: “I’ve broken my hand in the celebrations. My bones must be going soft, I don’t remember the moment.
    “I didn’t realise at the time but as the game carried on I was a bit sore and shaky.
    “But I don’t care – I’ll take it for three points.”
    Super Frank isn’t the first to suffer a nasty scrape. Here are some more of football’s most bizarre injuries…
    Rami Kaib
    Last year, Swedish footballer Rami Kaib was ruled out of action for weeks after breaking his jaw eating a carrot.
    Kaib had already taken a knock during a league match for Dutch side Heerenveen.
    But then he sustained the shock blow when getting his veggies in. Omrop Fryslan reporter Roelof de Vries told RTV Noord: “Kaib got a big knock on his jaw during a game a while ago.
    “He just continued training, and of course eating. “Well, he ate a carrot and that carrot was quite hard.” And then, crack – broken jaw. A carrot!”
    Rami Kaib was out of action for a few weeks after his bizarre injury
    Frenkie De Jong
    Last year, Frenkie De Jong suffered a bizarre injury that looked painful and threatened to leave him sidelined.
    The Barcelona midfielder showed off a swollen hand in his side’s 3-1 win over Napoli in a Champions League tie.
    According to reports, the ailment was the result of a nasty bee sting that caused the severe reaction.
    Frenkie De Jong shows off horrific bee stingCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney
    De Jong wore a bandage during Barcelona’s Champions League tie with NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The swelling can be seen clearly on De Jong’s hand in trainingCredit: FC Barcelona
    CHRIS SMALLING
    Ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was on holiday in Bali, when disaster struck.
    After local reports claimed he was stung by a jellyfish while out surfing – the truth eventually came out, and it wasn’t as exciting.
    He fainted in the hot heat and banged his head, hence the bandages.
    Chris Smalling pictured in hospital in Bali
    DAVE BEASANT
    The Wimbledon FA Cup hero was at Chelsea when he suffered a hilarious foot injury.
    The keeper dropped a bottle of salad cream in his kitchen and tried to control it with his bare foot.
    The bottle ended up breaking and tearing a tendon in his big toe, causing Beasant to miss two months of football.
    Clearly, he should’ve used his hands.
    Dave Beasant attempted to control a bottle of salad
    RIO FERDINAND
    The former Manchester United and England captain managed to strain his knee while at Leeds.
    Ferdinand rested his leg for too long while playing a game of Pro Evolution Soccer on his PlayStation.
    We’ve all done it.
    Rio Ferdinand suffered a leg injury while playing a video game
    DAVID BATTY
    The ex-Leeds United enforcer had been out injured with a knee problem.
    Then, his two-year-old daughter ran over him while on her tricycle – causing a setback to his ankle.
    The hardman was crocked by a two-year-old, which must’ve taken some explaining to his team-mates.
    David Batty’s daughter ran into him on her tricycle
    BRYAN ROBSON
    Captain Dynamo was given the task of trying to wake mercurial star Paul Gascoigne from his slumber ahead of the 1990 World Cup.
    Robson tried but couldn’t wake the midfielder, instead tipping the bed to push Gascoigne out.
    Robson then dropped the bed onto his toe, breaking it.
    Bryan Robson broke a toe trying to wake up Paul Gascoigne
    ENNER VALENCIA
    The former West Ham forward didn’t impress Sam Allardyce with this injury.
    Somehow, Enner Valencia managed to badly cut his toe after stepping on a broken cup.
    The incident left ‘Big Sam’ striker-less for his next match.
    Enner Valencia seriously cut his toe stepping on a broken cup
    SANTIAGO CANIZARES
    The former Valencia No1 had waited an age to take over in the sticks of the Spanish national team.
    He was given an opportunity in 2002, but just before the World Cup was about to start he dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot.
    Like Beasant, he severed a tendon and missed the tournament.
    Butter fingers, perhaps?
    Santiago Canizares missed out on the 2002 World Cup because of a bottle of aftershave
    ALAN WRIGHT
    The former Aston Villa left-back was a cult hero in the Midlands.
    But the 5ft 4in Wright once had a spell out the game after injuring his knee in the strangest way.
    He did it trying to reach the pedals on his Ferrari. True story.
    Former Aston Villa defender Alan Wright got injured driving his Ferrari
    KEVIN KYLE
    While at Sunderland, the former Scotland international was once seen ‘walking a bit like John Wayne’.
    It was all because his eight-month-old son knocked a bowl of boiling water onto his crotch.
    Ouch.
    Kevin Kyle’s son dropped hot water on his crotch
    LEROY LITA
    At Reading, the striker managed to hurt his back by stretching too vigorously.
    But this wasn’t done on the training pitch, no. It happened while laying in bed.
    Steve Coppell said at the time: “It’s not an injury that should be ridiculed or made light of.”
    Leroy Lita injured himself by stretching too far in bed
    DARIUS VASSELL
    We’d definitely avoid recreating this one.
    The ex-Aston Villa and England striker tried to get rid of a blood blister on his toe by using an electric drill.
    It didn’t go well.
    Darius Vassell tried to pop a blister with an electric drill
    ADAM CHAPMAN
    Former Oxford midfielder Chapman was heating some milk for his baby, a normally harmless job.
    But as he went to shake it the lid flew off, burning his chest and nipple.
    He had to go to hospital but was passed fit to play the next day.
    Adam Chapman burnt his nipple trying to heat baby milk
    DAVID JAMES
    The former England shot-stopper has two entries.
    He once pulled a muscle in his back while trying to reach for a remote control.
    Another time, James hurt his shoulder while fishing for carp.
    David James should stay away from remote controls… and carp

    CHARLIE GEORGE
    Arsenal legend George didn’t let this injury stop him.
    The 1971 FA Cup hero once cut off a finger with his lawnmower.
    Thankfully, it wasn’t a leg.
    Charlie George managed to cut off a finger while mowing the lawn
    KIERON DYER
    When at Newcastle the England man damaged his left eye – because he ran into a stationary training pole.
    It wasn’t an eye-for-an-eye in this case, leaving Dyer with a nasty shiner.
    Kieron Dyer ran into a training pole
    Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines More

  • in

    Inside Forest Green Rovers’ eco-friendly £420,000 team coach that boasts 4G Wi-Fi and produces ZERO tailpipe emissions

    ON Saturday, pioneering football club Forest Green Rovers will be the first team in the world to transport its players to a game in an electric-powered coach.The League Two leaders can seal promotion this weekend when they travel to Bristol Rovers.
    Forest Green Rovers will be travelling in style in an electric powered coach on SaturdayCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    The coach, worth a staggering £420k, boasts a luxury interiorCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    Completely battery-powered, the coach has a range of around 200milesCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince promised the club would go electric for their team busCredit: Alamy
    And they will be making the short journey to the Memorial Ground in an incredible £420,000 state-of-the-art vehicle.
    Made by Chinese firm Yutong, the coach has been leased from London company Westway especially for the game – fulfilling green energy champion and Forest Green owner Dale Vince’s pledge that the club would use an electric coach this season.
    Chairman Vince has also confirmed that the club will look to buy an electric coach in the future, as the club continues to run as a sustainable model.
    But for the moment, they will be happy with the amazing Yutong TCE12 coach that has amenities including 4G Wi-Fi, USB charge points at each seat, LED lighting, and private double-glazed glass windows.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MAN UTD NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Kalvin Phillips talks, Ronaldo back in training, Maguire bomb threat latest
    Powered by a 281Kwh battery capacity, that produces 470hp and an incredible 2360 lb/ft of torque, the 18.5 tonne vehicle has a range of 200miles plus on a full charge, which takes just two hours from 0-100 per cent.
    However, taken in normal driving conditions with traffic, road conditions such as hills, and ancillaries running such as air-conditioning, heating & Wi-Fi, it’s more likely to manage 185 miles.
    Player comfort in the 48-seater vehicle isn’t skimped on and neither is style – with the Yutong boasting half-leather reclining seats and fold-down tables – if players fancy a game of cards on their trip.
    Most importantly though, because it is powered solely by batteries it produces ZERO tailpipe emissions.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Leasing an electric vehicle is the latest steps Forest Green Rovers have taken as they push for sustainability.
    Their New Lawn ground is completely powered by renewable energy, while players play on an organic pitch that’s not treated with weedkiller. And in terms of a sprinkler system, they rely on reusing rain water instead of mains water.
    Head coach Rob Edwards drives an electric car, along with chief executive Henry Staelens, while the team has worn kits made from coffee waste.
    Fans are treated to a vegan menu on match days, and plans are afoot for the club to move to Eco Park – a ground that will be made entirely of wood.
    “Our work focuses on three big things – energy, transport and food,” Vince said.
    “Since I began with the club in 2010 I’ve wanted an electric team bus because it’s one of the things within our control on the transport front that we haven’t managed to crack yet. We’ve been waiting for electric buses to come into the world and they’re here now.
    “We’re hoping to get one ourselves for the coming season and we’ll see how many games we can squeeze in with it, but it’s super-important that we electrify transport to reduce emissions and consumption of fossil fuels.”
    Since coming into the Football League in 2017, Forest Green Rovers have made steady progress in becoming an established league side.
    Vince said: “We’ve made steady progress since then which is what we aim to do, rather than boom and bust. And hopefully we do the same now.”
    Forest Green’s new Eco Park stadium is projected to be double the size of New Lawn with a capacity for 12,000 supporters.
    Seats are made half leather and LED lights feature in the walkwayCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    Private double-glazed glass windows give players anonymityCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    Forest Green Rovers are the first club in the world to travel on an electric coachCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    The coach produces zero emissionsCredit: Courtesy of Westway
    Forest Green Rovers are planning to build a new sustainable stadiumCredit: Forest Green Rovers
    The plan for Vince is to have the stadium ready in three or four seasons, when they will need it most.
    “Really the plan is to have it ready before we need it,” he added.
    “We can stay where we are and survive in League One OK, it’ll be a stretch but we can manage it. But before we get to the Championship, we really need the new stadium.” More