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      Middlesbrough make Michael Carrick decision with Man Utd legend at centre of fan fury as play-off hopes fade

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      MIDDLESBROUGH have chosen to back rather than sack Michael Carrick despite a run of six defeats in seven matches.The Championship club’s chairman Steve Gibson was in the stands to watch Saturday’s dire 1-0 defeat to Watford.Michael Carrick has come under pressure at MiddlesboroughCredit: GettyThe team has lost six of the last seven matchesCredit: GettyAnd after talks, he has decided to stick with the Manchester United legend in a huge vote of confidence.Carrick, 43, is the Championship’s longest-serving manager, but his reign of two years and four months was thought to be over after Boro slipped to 11th.Despite the winter slump, Boro still remain just four points behind sixth-placed West Brom with a game in hand.Speculation has mounted that Gibson would wield the axe to try and reignite a play-off push that has faded badly following just three wins from the last 15 matches.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoro had hopes of automatic promotion this term, but they are 25 points adrift of the top two, and the top six was the minimum expectation.And with season ticket renewal details set to be announced imminently, pressure has mounted on Carrick.But Boro chiefs are backing him to turn things around despite fan unrest and will continue to support him.Middlesbrough are next in action on Friday in a televised clash at Bristol City ahead of a trip to Stoke and then a home game with Derby County.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarrick took over Boro in October 2022 with the club sitting 21st and looking set for a relegation fight.But they enjoyed a huge upturn in form and ended up finishing in the play-offs, where they suffered heartbreak against Coventry City.Lionel Messi called out for boxing match as Logan Paul fumes ‘this ain’t justice’ in bid to settle ongoing dispute They then missed out on the top six last term by four points, although Carrick led Boro to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.He lost highly-rated first-team coach Aaron Danks from his backroom team last summer when he left to become Vincent Kompany’s assistant at Bayern Munich.Carrick replaced him with his younger brother Graeme, previously Newcastle’s U18 coach, while ex-Boro player and manager Jonathan Woodgate has been his No2 throughout. More

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      ‘Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro’ – Man Utd’s £70m flop makes stunning claim and admits he wants to see out contract

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      CASEMIRO claims his first season at Manchester United was his best ever despite mixed fortunes in the Premier League.The midfielder joined United following a £70million deal with Real Madrid in 2022.Casemiro claims his first season at Manchester United was his best everCredit: GettyCasemiro has had mixed fortunes at Man Utd since joining in 2022Credit: AlamyThe Brazil international enjoyed tremendous success during his nine-year stint at Real where he won three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.However, the 32-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate the same success at Man Utd, despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years with the club.Some of Casemiro’s performances the last two seasons have been heavily criticised, especially from pundits such as Jamie Carragher who strongly advised him to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.However, the Brazilian is adamant that his debut season at Old Trafford featured the best ever version of himself as he amassed a total of seven goals and seven assists in 53 appearances.Read More on Man UtdCasemiro told AS: “It was the perfect time. I had won everything with Madrid and I had to take on other challenges. Looking at my career, individually, my best season as a professional footballer was the first with United. “I’m not saying collectively in terms of titles. Madrid’s Champions League is the ultimate, but as a player I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first year.”Casemiro insists he still has a lot to offer to United despite a few sub par performances, which have seen him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.So much so that the defensive midfielder, who started his first Premier League game of 2025 in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spurs, wants to see out his £375,000-a-week contract, which runs out in 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasemiro said: “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. “Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my team-mates and the technical committee.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star Casemiro”And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family. “They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level. Happy in the bench? Of course not. That’s another thing.”Casemiro is no stranger to winning over demanding managers throughout his 14-year career at the top level.The versatile midfielder has shone bright for the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane at Real as well as Tite in Brazil – the trio who he considers his “top three” coaches.Casemiro added: “Nobody wins so many titles just by being nice, although he is. I have a huge affection for Ancelotti.”For me he is in the top three of the coaches I have had, along with Zidane, of course, and Tite, who was the coach of Brazil. I have had others who have left their mark on me, like [Jose] Mourinho or [Julen] Lopetegui.Casemiro’s Man City warning”But Ancelotti is an old-school coach who didn’t stay stuck in the old school. Carlo modernised like football. Tactics, physical preparation… Ancelotti didn’t stay stuck in the old school.”He has the intelligence and calmness of an old coach, but with the intelligence of the new ones. An ideal mix. An incredible coach because of him and his staff.”Carlo is different from others and has known how to mark an era. In football there are several ways to win. [Pep] Guardiola’s tiki-taka, the intensity and living the passion of football like [Jurgen] Klopp, the defensive power of [Diego] Simeone, for whom I have a lot of respect…”Casemiro continues to follow Real’s matches and rooted for them during their most recent 3-2 victory over his current club’s rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.The Brazilian is confident his former club can make it to the Champions League’s last 16 thanks to the Santiago Bernabeu factor but warned them not to underestimate Man Utd’s noisy neighbours.Casemiro still backs RealCasemiro stated: “It wasn’t a surprise to me. Madrid almost always does it and everyone knows the history of this team and what it is capable of doing. “Madrid always grows until the end and never gives up. Even losing 2-1, I knew there was a lot to play for. And that’s City and a great coach like Guardiola. But they did it. “On top of that, the return leg will be at the Bernabeu with a great result after the 2-3. It won’t be easy, but the Bernabeu, on those Champions League nights, is very special. “I wish all the luck in the world to my former team-mates and not only because of my rivalry with City, but more so for Madrid. I hope they get through to the last 16. Even if it hadn’t been against City, I’ll always want Madrid to win. Unless we meet one day, of course…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Yes, this is the Bernabeu. But be careful, it’s going to be difficult. City aren’t at their best, but they’re City. They have [Erling] Haaland, [Kevin] De Bruyne, a great goalkeeper like Ederson.”Madrid, together with the Bernabeu, are going to make it very difficult for City. I hope Madrid makes it to the last 16.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      ‘Beat the hell out of people’ – Ronaldo reveals cult hero Real Madrid team-mate was ‘very bad’ before turning to poker

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      BRAZILIAN icon Ronaldo has revealed his worst ever team-mate.The former Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter superstar played with some of the world’s finest players.Ronaldo opened up on his career to former team-mate RomarioFrom Ronaldinho and Kaka at international level, to the likes of Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham in club football – Ronaldo performed alongside an all-star cast.Chatting to another former superstar team-mate in Romario, however, Ronaldo revealed that Everton cult hero Thomas Gravesen wasn’t quite so good.The Dane became a hugely popular figure at Goodison Park for his committed, tough-tackling displays.But following his £2.5million switch to Real Madrid, his skills didn’t quite translate as he attempted to replace Claude Makelele at the Bernabeu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiscussing Gravesen, who aged 49 has now earned a reported £100million fortune and played poker professionally Las Vegas, Ronaldo said when asked to name his worst-ever team-mate: “There are a lot of them.”There was one at Real Madrid who was a joke… Gravesen.”He was a Danish midfielder. He was a really cool guy, good guy.”A little while ago he won a $50million (£40m) poker tournament or something.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGravesen enjoys a friendly exchange with RonaldoCredit: EPAThe pair were team-mates at Real MadridCredit: Reuters”But in football he was very bad, he scored and he beat the hell out of people.”Dubbed “Mad Dog”, Gravesen reportedly got into a bust up with team-mate Robinho during his time in Spain.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe lasted 18 months at Real Madrid, joining Celtic in 2006 after 49 appearances and no trophies.After a season in Scotland, he re-joined Everton on loan, finishing his football career in 2008.After several successful investments, Gravesen packed up and moved to Las Vegas.He had several high-profile neighbours in his star-studded Sin City private community, including the likes of Nicolas Cage and tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.He is now said to have returned to Denmark following eight years in Vegas.Ronaldo did not rate Gravesen’s football skills highlyCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He doesn’t understand what he’s doing.. it’s chaos’ – Micah Richards’ brutal Ruben Amorim assessment amid Man Utd woes

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      MICAH RICHARDS has hit out at Ruben Amorim following Manchester United’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.The Red Devils lost 1-0 in North London to leave the club rotting in 15th place in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim claimed his job is ‘hard’ after the loss to TottenhamCredit: AlamyThe defeat leaves the club in 15th placeCredit: AlamyMichard Richards has hit out at the Manchester United managerCredit: GettyJames Maddison netted the only goal of the game that saw Amorim rely on EIGHT teenagers in his injury-hit squad.After the match, Amorim claimed that his job at Old Trafford is “so hard” and that he has “a lot of problems”.It follows his suggestion that it is the “worst ever” Man United team after the loss to Brighton and Hove Albion in January.And Richards has taken issue with the way the former Sporting Lisbon boss speaks to the media.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpeaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the retired defender insisted that Amorim is “chaos”.He said: “When he said this is the worst team in United history, whatever quotes he wants to use, what he doesn’t understand is that’s a headline every single week.”If he doesn’t like a player, if he doesn’t like Rashford, that’s his decision. “We can accept that as pundits, that’s your decision, we respect your decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But all the other stuff around it he’s actually making it harder for himself.”He doesn’t understand what he’s doing because everything is chaos. It’s chaotic.”Ruben Amorim reveals Man Utd must be ‘really careful’ over Christian Eriksen ‘heart situation’Richards continued his rant at Amorim by suggesting that the manager stop “giving nuggets” to make stories bigger.He added: “You mentioned Sporting Lisbon, you can say what you want when you’re winning, and no disrespect to Sporting Lisbon – they’re not at the same level of club as Man United.”I feel like he needs to, I don’t want to say focus on the football, but stop giving people nuggets, bigger stories than it needs to be.”Crisis-ridden Man United are set for their worst finish in a Premier League season.A supercomputer has predicted the club will remain in the bottom half of the table for the remainder of the campaign.Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      Two supporters rushed to hospital after falling from stands in Bundesliga clash

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      TWO Eintracht Frankfurt fans were rushed to hospital after falling from the stadium’s upper tier. The horror incident occurred during their 3-1 win over Holstein Kiel on Sunday.Two supporters were rushed to hospital after falling from the standsCredit: RexA pair of supporters fell from the middle to lower tier at the Deutsche Bank Park.Medics rushed to the scene and the fans were initially treated in the ground.They were then taken to hospital with “serious” injuries.Two other fans were hurt and sustained minor problems.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEintracht confirmed what happened and said in a club statement: “We wish everyone a speedy recovery.”Manager Dino Toppmoller began his post-match interview, saying: “First of all, get well soon to the injured fans. It’s depressing to see.”Concerned supporters online added: “When football takes a back seat for a moment. Get well soon and make a speedy recovery.”Another wrote: “How terrible.”Most read in BundesligaThe shocking incident reportedly took place in the stadium’s Nordwestkurve stand where the ultras sit.Eintracht’s 3-1 victory took them up to third in the Bundesliga table, while Holstein Kiel are bottom and eight points from safety. More

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      Mindblowing Cristiano Ronaldo stat shows why Liverpool must offer red-hot Mo Salah new contract

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      LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning Premier League record.Salah, 32, is absolutely dominating this season and helped the Reds take a seven-point lead in the Premier League.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League recordCredit: ReutersSalah equalled Manchester United legend Ronaldo’s 37 goal contributions in a single seasonCredit: APHowever, the star winger’s contract is coming to an end in June and the Merseysiders are rigorously trying to agree new terms to hold on to him.The Egypt international reportedly wants an improvement on the £350,000 per week he is said to currently earn at Anfield.And Liverpool chiefs may have no other choice but to meetSalah’s demands as his stock keeps rising despite his advanced age.The Egyptian star has equalled Manchester United legend Ronaldo’s best Premier League season for goals and assists.Read More on FootballThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner enjoyed his most prolific campaign in the English top flight back in the 2007-08 season.That was when he won his first Ballon d’Or award, a year before moving to Real Madrid.CR7 amassed a whopping total of 31 goals and six assists in 34 appearances.That is a grand total of 37 goal contributions in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah has already matched that return this season with 23 goals and 14 assists in just 25 appearances.And the ex-Roma star still has 13 games left to play this term where he can easily surpass Ronaldo.Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 gong at Globe Soccer AwardsSalah is also dominating across all competitions with a staggering total of 28 goals and 19 assists in 36 appearances.The former Chelsea player has hinted he could leave on multiple occasions.Salah revealed in November that the club hadn’t approached him about penning a new deal.And last month he confirmed once more that this will be his last year at Anfield with his desire to mark his departure with a Premier League title.So far the club’s owners FSG have refused to bow to his wage demands and he knows there would be mega money if he agreed to move to Saudi Arabia. More

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      Jude Bellingham could overturn red card and avoid 12-match ban by using ‘Mason Greenwood defence’

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      REAL MADRID star Jude Bellingham could be spared a hefty ban by mounting a defence used by Mason Greenwood last season.Bellingham, 21, was sent off during Los Blancos’ LaLiga clash with Osasuna on Saturday.Jude Bellingham was stunned to receive a red card on SaturdayCredit: AFPBellingham tried to argue his caseCredit: ReutersThe England star was adjudged to have said “f*** you” towards referee Jose Munuera.After the 1-1 draw Bellingham contested the decision, claiming that he actually said “f*** off”.Red cards for using “offensive terms or attitudes” towards match officials in LaLiga are punishable by bans of between four and 12 matches.Bellingham, however, will hope that his defence sees his red card rescinded.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast season, during his loan spell at Getafe from Manchester United, Greenwood was sent off for allegedly saying “f*** you” to whistler Jorge Figueroa Vasquez.But it later emerged that the forward, now of Marseille, had actually sworn in frustration at how many times he had been fouled.Upon Greenwood’s ban being rescinded, a Spanish FA statement said: “The task of this disciplinary body is not to re-referee the matches, without determining, where appropriate, the existence of a manifest material error in the referee’s description of the action.”The repeated viewing of the images, in fact, has allowed this Committee to conclude, beyond any doubt, that the action that led to the expulsion did not occur as described by the referee and, ultimately, prove the material error manifest in the referee’s report.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMason Greenwood was sent off during a clash with Rayo Vallecano last seasonCredit: EPA”These images demonstrate that the player actually said ‘One, two, three, four, f***.”After Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna, Bellingham said: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds'”I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘jo***’. I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously, we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”There was no insult. You can see clearly in the video. I remember the incident very well. It was an expression to myself not directed towards the referee.’A MISUNDERSTANDING'”But obviously, there was a misunderstanding of what he believes I said to him. It wasn’t an insult at all.”Last week, TV mics picked up an X-rated Bellingham rant directed at a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico.He shouted: “F*** you man! F*** off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment on that occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIESShould he receive a standard three-game ban, he would still miss LaLiga clashes with Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano.Boss Carlo Ancelotti was upset with the officials, rather than his player, after Saturday’s incident, saying: “I’ve nothing to say to Jude. I should talk to the referee, not to Jude.”Carlo Ancelotti stood by Bellingham after his red cardCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Best player in the world’ – Neymar leaves opponent’s legs tangled as he scores first goal in 500 DAYS

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      NEYMAR has been hailed the “best in the world” after scoring his first goal in over 500 DAYS.The Brazilian is currently playing back in his homeland at Santos after a shock switch away from Al-Hilal.Neymar has netted his first goal in over 500 daysCredit: EPAHe produced a brilliant bit of skill to win the penaltyCredit: XHe cooly slotted home from the spotCredit: XNeymar, 33, took a mega 99 per cent pay cut to sign for his boyhood club on a five-month contract.His spell in Saudi Arabia was not a happy one – apart from his £2.5m-a-week salary – as he only played seven times due to an ACL injury in October 2023.The attacker is now back on the pitch and enjoying his football again for Santos.He netted his first goal since his return on Sunday as he netted from the spot against Agua Santa.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSantos won the clash 3-1 and Neymar put in a starring performance as he looked back to his skilful self.He won the penalty in a move that saw him drift past two defenders, leaving one’s legs in a tangle.Neymar converted the spot-kick in typical fashion with a staggered run-up and composed finish.Fans have reacted to the moment and believe he can get back to the heights that saw him labelled one of the world’s best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “I was told Neymar was finished. Brother, if he is healthy… he still is Brazil’s best player and one of the best in the world.”A second wrote: “Current Neymar on a run of games with no injury would be the best player in the world.”Neymar and girlfriend Bruna Biancardi hold spectacular gender reveal to announce she is expecting their second child Neymar signed a short-term contract with SantosCredit: EPAA third commented: “He brings back the 2011 Neymar Santos vibe.”A fourth said: “Class is permanent.”Another added: “Neymar rolling back the years with this brilliant run and skill to win a penalty. Which he scores.”While Neymar may not have had much success on the pitch in Saudi, he did not leave empty-handed.He raked in an astonishing £200MILLION thanks to his £2.5m per week deal.Despite just returning to Santos, Neymar has already been linked with another move to another one of his former clubs.Multiple reports have claimed that he is keen on a switch to Barcelona at the end of his contract.However, Neymar’s father has claimed that his son is planning on staying at Santos.He said: “Our project is not only for five months, even though my son’s contract is only for five months.”We did not come here to play five months, we have come to give Santos the opportunity to restructure itself during this time, to find allies who can help the club get back on its feet – and a lot of people have appeared.READ MORE SUN STORIES”(Santos President) Marcelo Teixeira is a fundamental piece in all this, because he gave me the opportunity to help Santos. “This is a difficult time for the club. Knowing the weight of bringing Neymar here, it is necessary for the entity to reach an adequate level so that he can be happy here.”He has already been linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More