Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Can you imagine how lucky I was?’ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tribute

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ruud van Nistelrooy paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law – who used to be his neighbour.Law died at the age of 84 on Friday following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s for the last four years.Ruud van Nistelrooy paid tribute to Manchester United legend Denis LawCredit: RexVan Nistelrooy opened up about his time being Law’s neighbour when he played at Man UtdCredit: YouTube / BBCTributes poured in across the sport for one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time, who amassed a staggering 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year stint at United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined in with the tributes with some touching words about Law while taking charge of Leicester on Saturday.The Dutchman looked back at his time as a Man Utd player that saw him spending five years in Manchester after joining the club in 2001 from PSV Eindhoven.And the former Real Madrid star spoke about living right next to Law, who became quite the mentor for the then popular striker.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-United caretaker manager opened up after Leicester’s 2-0 loss to Fulham at King Power Stadium on Saturday about how much he got to learn from the “humble” Scot.Van Nistelrooy said: “Can you imagine how lucky I was? Being his neighbour.”I was lucky enough to have a cup of tea with him in his home, looking out the window into his back yard. “Time just passed by, talking about life, football, his career, my young career – being 25 or 26. It was just lovely.Most read in Football”The humble person, a guy with a statue outside of Old Trafford, he was the most humble person you’ll ever meet, with the biggest heart. It was absolutely amazing.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old Trafford”I discussed some personal issues with him, ones that you have to face when you move abroad, playing for United in the public eye.”All aspects of being a footballer for United, to be able to get things off your chest and the sense of humour that he reacted with. It was really helpful.”Van Nistelrooy has previously discussed his time living next to Law during an interview with former team-mate Gary Neville on Sky Sports.And Neville revealed the rest of the team didn’t know about it or the meetings the Dutch star had with Law over tea and coffee.Van Nistelrooy said two years ago: “I went sometimes for a coffee. Talking about football, goals, strikers… It was fantastic.”It’s my neighbour, got to have a coffee with my neighbour. It was always good to have a chat with him.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin Nunez

      by

      SKY SPORTS reporter Natalie Gedra has drawn plenty of praise from fans for her brilliant interview with Darwin Nunez.The Liverpool forward, 25, was the hero as he scored two stoppage time goals in the Reds’ 2-0 win at Brentford on Saturday.Natalie Gedra interviewed Darwin Nunez’s after yesterday’s matchCredit: Sky SportsNunez, 25, was the hero at BrentfordCredit: AlamyFans in Britain are not very accustomed to hearing from Nunez, who does not speak much English.But due to her multi-linguistic skills, Gedra was able to seamlessly transition between English and Spanish to give viewers an insight into Nunez’s thinking.Ahead of the interview, she told fans watching at home: “Here he is, the hero of this match, the hero of this Liverpool win against Brentford.”Nunez scored two goals so I’m going to start talking to him and asking him about the circumstances of the match, two goals after 90 minutes.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the Uruguayan answered in Spanish, Gedra summarised by explaining that Nunez had found this season difficult, but that he was delighted with his “important” goals.Gedra, who is Brazilian and therefore also speaks Portuguese, then explained that she was going to quiz Nunez about how difficult it has been to largely have to play second fiddle this season.Following his answer, she summarised: “He said he never throws in the towel and if he’s struggling with finishing then he will try more on a daily basis.”He knows he’s going through a tough time but will continue giving everything he can to Liverpool.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”These two goals he scored today will make a good cause for him.”Commenting on YouTube, viewers were full of praise for Gedra.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 One wrote: “Having this new sky reporter is brilliant, she essentially unlocks all the Spanish and South American players that we rarely get to hear from, she’s fantastic.”While a second pointed out: “This allows foreign players to integrate into the English leagues more naturally and more confidently.”A third said: “As someone who has done work AS an interpreter, doing that and translating it off the bat without any note taking whatsoever is very impressive.”And another added: “Forgetting the fact that this interviewer has many languages, but she asks questions us the fans want to know, Nunez is a mystery on and off the field. Good to hear him talk. Great interview.”Gedra, 39, joined Sky Sports as a matchday reporter in October 2023.Prior to that, she spent seven years working as ESPN Brazil’s London correspondent.Gecra previously covered the Premier League for ESPNCredit: Alamy More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Luke Littler parades World Darts Championship trophy at Old Trafford weeks after Man Utd superfan won £500,000

      by

      LUKE LITTLER paraded his World Darts Championship trophy in front of Manchester United fans at half-time at Old Trafford.The Nuke – the sport’s youngest world champion aged 17 – was the guest of honour for the club’s Premier League clash against Brighton.Luke Littler paraded the World Darts Championship trophy in front of Manchester United fansLittler walked to the edge of the half-way line pitch-side and lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy three times above his headCredit: RexLittler was the guest of honour for the club’s Premier League clash against BrightonCredit: ReutersThe darts world champion joined United’s mascot Fred the Red at the breakCredit: RexLittler hinted that he’ll lift the trophy at Old Trafford before he beat Michael van Gerwen in the finalCredit: ReutersThe United faithful serenaded him with his iconic chantCredit: PALittler is a Man Utd superfanCredit: INSTAGRAMThe Warrington ace, a Man Utd super-fan, showed off the silverware to the 75,000-strong crowd at half-time, with the score at 1-1.Littler beamed as he walked to the edge of the half-way line pitch-side and lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy three times above his head.The United faithful serenaded the teenage sensation with his iconic chant, while TV cameras zoomed in.Littler, sporting jeans and a padded black coat, then gave one final lift, turning to both the Stretford End and East End, before heading back to his seat.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe world No.2 was crowned the youngest ever world champ on January 3 after beating Michael van Gerwen in the Ally Pally final.It was moved from the pre-game to avoid a clash with the emotional tributes to former United and Scotland striker Denis Law.United paid a heart-warming tribute to 84-year-old Law, whose death was announced on Friday.Scottish bagpipes played out “The Flower of Scotland” as the United’s starting line-up walked slowly next to Brighton’s XI.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Red Devils players on the pitch failed to live up to the memorable occasion.United fell behind thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s opener, before Bruno Fernandes equalised for the hosts after Joshua Zirkzee won a penalty.Watch moment Luke Littler stuns Micah Richards into silence with brutal ‘I am the man’ jibe And were pegged back again in the 53rd minute after Joao Pedro made it 2-1, before VAR disallowed it for a controversial foul.But the Seagulls did eventually find themselves ahead seven minutes later through Kaoru Mitoma.Littler is set to meet with Ruben Amorim and United’s squad post-match.On Tuesday, he will turn 18 and then a few days later, he will travel to Den Bosch in Holland for the two-day Dutch Darts Masters.He flew home on Saturday from the Middle East after losing to Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals of the Bahrain Darts Masters.Twelve months ago – the month in which he lost the 2024 world final to Luke Humphries – he watched a 2-2 draw with Tottenham from the United directors’ box.On the VIP visit, he met legendary boss Sir Alex Fegruson backstage and posed for a photo.Luke Littler prize money breakdownHere is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:World Championship 2025 – £500,000World Championship 2024 – £200,000Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000European Tour – £91,000Player Championships events – £71,500Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500World Matchplay – £10,000World Grand Prix – £7,500European Championship – £7,500(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000TOTAL: £1.43 million More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans fume ‘what sport’s he trying to play? as Baleba avoids red for ‘clotheslining’ Joshua Zirkzee for penalty

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans fumed after Carlos Baleba avoided a sending off at Old Trafford. Brighton were leading United thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s opener on five minutes. Carlos Baleba avoided a sending off for this foul on Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: PABaleba was only shown yellowCredit: GettyBut a mistake at the back cost the visitors and Joshua Zirkzee was through on goal.That was until Baleba dragged him to the ground – allowing Bruno Fernandes to level from the spot on 23 minutes.Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) carries different punishments. A deliberate handball or foul, such as holding, pulling, or pushing, inside the box will result in a penalty kick to the opposition and a red card to the offender.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA non-deliberate handball or foul – if the offence was an attempt to play the ball or challenge for the ball – will result in a penalty kick to the opposition and a yellow card to the offender.Midfielder Baleba was shown yellow – but United fans online felt he was let off lightly. One said: “Shouldn’t that be a red card for Baleba being last man and not making a play for the ball? What’s the rule now?”Another fumed: “That’s a wrestling move from Baleba on Zirkzee.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne raged: “What sport is Baleba trying to play here?”Another said: “The more I watch this, how is that not a red card? “Baleba denies a clear goalscoring opportunity on Joshua Zirkzee & the foul is ridiculous. He should be sent off.”Things got worse for United as second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter sealed a 3-1 win for the travelling Albion. Denis Law was the last of Man Utd’s ‘Holy Trinity’ and one of football’s true greats More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to Denis Law as Sir Alex Ferguson joins legends on Old Trafford pitch before Brighton game

      by

      OLD TRAFFORD paid a heart-warming tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law after his death aged 84.Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson joined Law’s former team-mates Paddy Crerand and Alex Stepney on the pitch as a touching poem was read before kick-off against Brighton.The two teams were led out by pipers playing ‘Flower of Scotland’Man Utd and Brighton players paid tribute to club hero Denis LawTo fans, he was simply known as The KingPaddy Crerand and Alex Stepney joined Ferguson on the pitchClub captain Bruno Fernandes held a wreath as the teams were led out, while the sell-out crowd applaudedThe crowd clapped after a beautiful poem was read out as Bryan Robson watched onFerguson laid down a wreathScottish pipers played out “The Flower of Scotland” as United’s starting line-up walked slowly next to Brighton’s XI on Sunday.Club captain Bruno Fernandes held a wreath as the teams were led out, while a sell-out crowd applauded.Ferguson, who was singing “Take Me Home, United Road”, emerged on to the pitch with a host of United legends.The fellow Scot, 82, laid the wreath on the half-way line after the poem dedicated to Law finished.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMore than 74,000 fans then burst out into another round of applause and song before kick-off. All the flags at Old Trafford are at half mast, including the Scotland flag above the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Mourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.Most read in FootballA Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford between 1962 and 1973. He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.Can you imagine how lucky I was-‘ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tributeLaw revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.He is one of the United Trinity immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away last year.Ferguson hugged his former striker Danny Welbeck, who now plays for Brighton, before the whistle.Ferguson recalled heartfelt memories about first meeting Law, who he considers “the best Scottish player of all time”.The iconic Man Utd gaffer told MUTV ahead of this afternoon’s tribute: “Once you knew Denis, and saw him play, you said well this is a player.”He’s got all these caps for Scotland, the King of Old Trafford.“The interesting thing is why do they call him ‘The King’ because they had George Best and Bobby Charlton, the greatest English player of all time.“He was a fantastic player for this club but they called Denis ‘The King’. “It’s something to do with his determination, the will to win he showed every time he went on to a football field.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s what he was – a really competitive human being. No matter which game, that was always there. “This image of Denis Law fighting against the centre-half, if the goalkeeper dropped the ball, he’d be right over the top of them. “Ferguson recalled touching memories before kick offFerguson headed to Ruben Amorim in the technical area before the game startedCredit: ReutersUnited’s XI lined up and applauded Law with the fansTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta may buy a striker this month, but one player does not solve Arsenal’s issues as another title slips away

      by

      THE greatest hits of Arsenal’s season will inevitably play out across the land in the coming days after another knife to the heart of their title dreams.‘We need a striker. We need an out-and-out goal scorer. We can’t win a trophy without a No.9.’Mikel Arteta was left frustrated once again with his Arsenal squadCredit: GettyKai Havertz scored but it was not enough to beat Aston VillaCredit: GettyThose prayers may yet be answered during this transfer window, even if time is running out to find what many fans and pundits alike believe to be the missing piece to the jigsaw.But regardless of whether that mystery man finally arrives at the Emirates, either this month or in the summer, he will be walking into a team and a club currently on their knees both mentally and physically in their pursuit of English football’s Holy Grail.As a standalone result, blowing a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa is a tough pill to swallow, having dominated for large periods in a must-win game to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.Now six points adrift with Arne Slot’s Reds having played one less after 22 games, it is not over, nor is it looking likely they will overhaul that ominous gap.read more arsenalBut in the wider context of the Gunners’ campaign, their progress under boss Mikel Arteta and the vast sums invested in recruitment over the past five years, it paints a much bleaker picture.Arsenal remain far away from ending their 21-year wait for a Prem crown they so desperately crave – and it is not purely down to lacking an Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak-type figure.Since Arteta took over in December 2019, around £700m has been spent on new players. A huge squad overhaul that has lifted them from mid-table obscurity to genuine challengers.And yet, against Villa, injuries to a few key players saw Arteta put out a worryingly patched-up XI with a bench that is laughable when compared to their rivals in terms of depth and quality.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMidfielder Thomas Partey was at right-back. Full-back Jurrien Timber was at centre back. Left winger Gabriel Martinelli had to do a job on the right.Loanee Raheem Sterling was the only recognised attacking sub alongside three academy kids in Maldini Kacurri, Ismeal Kabia and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji who have little to no senior experience.Of course, injuries have played a part this term.Striker Gabriel Jesus will miss most of 2025 with an ACL rupture. Winger Bukayo Saka is out until at least early march after undergoing hamstring surgery. Right-back Ben White is close to a return following a knee operation. Defenders William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori were absent on Saturday night with minor muscular issues.Despite all this, Arsenal should have beaten Villa thanks to goals from Martinelli and Kai Havertz before an eight-minute second half collapse that saw Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins make the most of defensive errors from Partey and Mikel Merino to earn a momentum-crushing point in North London.The issue then, is clear. Arteta still requires near-perfection – his best 11 players on the pitch at all times – for his side to consistently gobble up wins and keep pace at the top.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityAnd when that is not the case, cracks start to show and the foundations become rocky, shown by their recent FA Cup third round exit to Manchester United and Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Newcastle.It was the same in 2022/23 when they fell short to Manchester City after Saliba’s back injury, and again last season with Partey and Timber absent for large periods.City may also be suffering thanks to a medical team working overtime, but they can still call on the likes of £100m signing Jack Grealish, £55.5m forward Jeremy Doku and Ilkay Gundogan in reserve, and are adding further names to that list in this window.In search of a late winner at Brentford on Saturday, Liverpool threw on club-record £85m buy Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan scoring twice in injury time to seal the deal.Arsenal desperately need a world class forward, but they also still need to add to a squad that can deal with the rough and tumble of gruelling league campaigns when injuries go against them.As Arteta said when asked about his options post-match: “We’re very short”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard slumped to his knees when Merino’s 87th deflected winner was ruled out by VAR for a Havertz handball. Luck is against them right now, but it takes more than luck to win a league title. More often than not, it requires money, and lots of it. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester City line up stunning January transfer for former star as Pep Guardiola tries to save horror season

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY are lining up a stunning January move to re-sign Douglas Luiz, according to reports.Pep Guardiola is planning a mid-season squad overhaul to save City’s troubling campaign and Luiz, who joined Juventus last summer, is among those being lined up.Manchester City are on the market for a new midfielderCredit: AlamyDouglas Luiz has been linked with the champions, according to the AthleticCredit: AlamyCity are in the process of a hectic transfer window this month after a troubling first half of the season. Guardiola’s men are eighth in the Premier League and 15 points behind table-topping Liverpool.According to The Athletic, their focus will now turn to adding a midfielder to the squad before the window closes on February 3.Among them is Juventus midfielder Luiz, who was on City’s books between 2017-19.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 26-year-old Brazil international joined Juve from Aston Villa last summer but has struggled to make an impact, playing only 16 times this season.City would be looking to acquire Luiz on loan until the end of this season, with no obligation to buy.But Juventus, who paid £42.2m for Luiz last summer, prefer a sale or loan with an obligation to sign him in the summer.City have been depleted in that area since losing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a serious knee injury in September.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuiz made the summer move from Birmingham to Turin alongside his footballer girlfriend Alisha Lehmann.He made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Villans, while scoring 22 goals and 24 goals.Erling Haaland signs stunning nine-and-a-half-year Man City contract and ‘one of sport’s most lucrative contracts ever’ Swiss star Lehmann played 15 games for Aston Villa Women last season, scoring two goals, while also adding two goals in the FA WSL Cup.Guardiola is also considering a defensive revamp.Talks are ongoing with Lens for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras over defender Vitor Reis.City have also seen a bid rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Omar Marmoush.Luiz has been limited to 12 appearances this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 113 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are wearing black armbands for their Premier League match against Brighton. United sadly lost one of their most famous sons on Friday night, as Denis Law died after a battle with dementia.Man Utd are wearing black armbands todayLaw scored 237 goals for Man Utd and helped them to two league titles, an FA Cup and the 1968 European CupLaw’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released via the club.It read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to share the following statement on behalf of the Law family.”It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away.”He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.Read more on Denis Law“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.”Tributes poured in for the striker, who scored 237 goals for United and helped them to two league titles, the FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup.Law, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, also played for Man City and famously helped United get relegated with an incredible back-heel goal late in the season.Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Denis Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Most read in FootballIt is a traditional sign of mourning and respect for someone who has passed away.United will also hold a minute’s applause at Old Trafford in honour of Law, who was part of the Holy Trinity along with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Fans lay down flowers, shirts and scarves next to Sir Bobby Charlton’s Old Trafford statue Tributes to Denis LawMourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.The Holy Trinity have a statue outside the ground with people gathering there to pay their respects and more arriving throughout Saturday and ahead of kick off on Sunday.One message, written on a football shirt, contained a famous quote from journalist Hugh McIlvanney.It read: “If you were to send a man out to score a goal to save your life, send for the Lawman.”More flowers were laid at another Law statue in his hometown of Aberdeen.Former United players and others from the football world also sent messages on social media.Former team-mate Brian Kidd wrote: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault’. He was usually there.”Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”The Trafford Pub in Manchester has a mural of LawMourners arrived at Old Trafford throughout Saturday and SundayFormer Man Utd captain Bryan Robson added: “We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman.”It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man.”David Beckham wrote on Instagram: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.”Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Gary Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, wrote: “Rest in Peace Denis.”A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney took to X, adding: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Rod Stewart, who was great friends with Law, posted a picture of the pair of them together and wrote: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace”.Is Dennis Bergkamp named after Denis Law?Yes, this may sound like a myth because of the different spelling but it is true.Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is named after Denis Law – his father Wim being a keen amateur footballer and huge fan of the United star.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe different spelling isn’t even down to a misspelling, rather that a local registrar forced the Bergkamps to add an extra ‘n’.They refused to recognise the name as they felt it was too similar to Denise without it. More