Football

MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon wonderkid Jim Thwaites will never change his shirt number after his appearance against Hong Kong.The 17-year-old midfielder featured as the Red Devils won their post-season friendly 3-1 today.Jim Thwaites wears the No92Credit: GettyThwaites came on as a sub as United beat Hong Kong 3-1Credit: MUTVHe replaced Toby Collyer for the final 15 minutes as late goals from Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven spared United’s blushes.Thwaites came off the bench wearing the squad number 92.Of course, the number is synonymous with United thanks to the iconic Class of 92.The name was given to David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, who all broke into Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in 1992.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThwaites will be hoping to follow in their footsteps and he is highly-rated by many at Old Trafford.His style of play has seen him compared to Christian Eriksen.The teenager featured 24 times in the Under-18s Premier League this season, scoring nine goals.And he made his first senior appearance in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThwaites impressed and put in a brilliant tackle, which was praised by ex-United wonderkid Ben Thornley on commentary, who said: “What a tackle that is. He slides in brilliant, brilliant from Jim Thwaites. “That is not easy to do and it will leave a mark on Ruben Amorim as the minutes tick by.Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho show middle finger to fans during Man Utd’s post-season tour in Malaysia“Amorim will remember that, something so late in the game sticks in the manager’s mind, I am sure.”The boss went on to praise youth after the game, saying: “I liked the young kids, they try. That’s enough for me in the moment.”They want to play more but we have to rotate everybody to play. They did well.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

MANCHESTER UNITED stars lifted the Defining Education Challenge Cup by beating Hong Kong 3-1 earlier today.The catchily-named competition saw each Red Devils player also claim a shiny medal for their dismal efforts this season.Man Utd lift the catchily-nbamed Defining Education Challenge CupCredit: AlamyRed Devils stars each received medals for their post-season medalsCredit: ReutersJust last week, Man Utd suffered Europa League final heartache by losing 1-0 to Tottenham in Bilbao.Three matches and 8,000 air-miles later, weary United flops have finally concluded their campaign with medals around their necks.Having beaten Aston Villa 2-0 last Sunday, Ruben Amorim’s men jetted straight to Malaysia, where they were subsequently embarrassed 1-0 by the hastily-put together ASEAN All-Stars.This afternoon they avoided such a humbling, although they were 1-0 down at half-time courtesy of a goal by Juninho.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA second-half double by Chido Obi turned the contest around, before Ayden Heaven’s stoppage time goal clinched the Defining Education Challenge Cup for good.Man Utd stars, some more sheepishly than others, subsequently collected their medals.There was then a trophy lift – something that finally prompted a smile from wantaway star Alejandro Garnacho on this trip.United’s post-season tour has been dominated by chatter regarding potential exits.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAlejandro Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move away from UnitedCredit: ReutersGarnacho, who was dropped for the Red Devils’ final Premier League game, has been strongly linked with Napoli.During a press conference this week, Amad Diallo was asked about the possibility of Garnacho staying at United.Glum Man Utd stars take part in humiliating ‘open-top bus parade’ with no trophy and hardly any fansAmazingly, boss Ruben Amorim was spotted struggling to stifle a laugh as the question was delivered.Skipper Bruno Fernandes’ future has also come under microscope.While the Portuguese midfielder has been in Asia with United, his agent has reportedly been in Riyadh meeting with Al-Hilal club chiefs.The Saudi side are said to be willing to offer the Red Devils £100m for their captain and are readying a three-year tax-free deal worth around £200m.According to The Athletic, Fernandes is “seriously considering” making the move – with Al-Hilal wanting a quick response ahead of the Club World Cup.Asked about whether Fernandes will leave after picking him for today’s kickabout with Hong Kong, boss Amorim claimed: “I don’t think so.Read More on The Sun”I don’t know for sure, nobody does. But I don’t think so.”I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things but it shows that he wants to win.”Bruno Fernandes’ future has come under the microscopeCredit: Getty More

FINALLY, once and for all, Manchester United can wave goodbye to their nightmare 2024/25 campaign after the conclusion of their post-season tour in Asia.The Red Devils, playing in their second friendly of the tour against the Hong Kong national team, ended their season with a hopeful whimper as they laboured to a 3-1 win in Asia.The striker equalised five minutes after coming onCredit: GettyMason Mount supplied the cross for Obi to head United in frontCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes missed a good chance to scoreCredit: GettySeveral first-team stars featured for Man UtdCredit: GettyChido Obi’s second-half brace and Ayden Heaven’s late header spared their blushes after they fell 1-0 behind before the break, with Ruben Amorim given food for thought on the potential use of the club’s next generation going into next season.A team full of stars expected to leave this summer were paired with a group of youngsters fresh out of the academy to start the clash.The old guard included the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, as well as flop squad Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.Casemiro thought he given Amorim’s side the lead after five minutes as he scored a header from a pinpoint Fernandes cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMan Utd looked calm enough in possession after that, with Jayden Kamason producing a bright move down the right flank and Shea Lacey going close after a Garnacho cut-back.But as has been the case on numerous occasions this season, Amorim’s side were made to pay for their lack of cutting edge and were undone by a goalkeeper howler.Hong Kong star Juninho was played in behind the defence and was forced wide by Godwill Kukonki.However, the subsequent shot somehow managed to go into the back of the net as the shot went under Heaton and into the net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThat was Hong Kong’s one and only shot of the entire half, but for United it was more of the same afterwards.Dominating the ball, effectively camped in the opposition half and yet unable to find a way past goalkeeper Ka Wing Tse.Glum Man Utd stars take part in humiliating ‘open-top bus parade’ with no trophy and hardly any fansAfter conceding the rain started hammering down on the Hong Kong Stadium, quite the thematic weather event for the clash considering the “never rains it pours” season the Red Devils have had.A drinks break in the 27th minute saw Amorim make his first changes, with Tyler Fletcher and Sekou Kone replacing Lacey and Casemiro.Close to half-time Fernandes tried to treat fans to what could be one last but of skill by attempting a cheeky rabona shot, but saw the shot saved.The captain caught the rebound and tried to lay it off to Hojlund who was slightly out of position before the clearance fell to another United star crashing in to shoot, only for that shot to be cleared off the line.Fredricson was able to get a free header at goal from a pinpoint Fernandes corner, but the contact was not clean and went straight at the goalkeeper.The final chance of the half saw a Fernandes shot blocked after a good press combo between him, Kone and Garnacho.Man Utd’s own TV channel had had enough as well as the match footage froze at the end of injury time before Amorim completely changed the XI for the second half.Those changes immediately proved fruitful as Obi netted with his weak foot after Manuel Ugarte poked the ball to him on the edge of the area, with the teenager taking two touches to the left and lashing the ball into the net just four minutes following his introduction.The wide combination of Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo on the right and Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu on the left proved to be a dangerous pairing with both sides causing plenty of issues for the hosts.Obi almost added a second a few minutes later when he was found by Mount in the area, but the ball went just wide of the mark.Hong Kong then caught United sleeping on the break and almost made it two goals from as many shots, but where Heaton was found wanting in the first half, Altay Bayindir managed to save the ball following some heroic last-ditch defending by the fresh-faced United defence – whose oldest member was 18-year-old Heaven.In the closing stages, Obi added his second with a perfectly placed glancing header from a Mount cross.The game lost its tempo after that but there was time for a third United goal as Heaven directed a header into the goal deep in injury time.Read More on The SunThe positive from this game is that there is clearly some talent in the academy which could be useful next season to fill the gaps in the squad.But most importantly, everyone involved can now get away and reset on the summer break. More

CHIDO OBI-MARTIN spared Manchester United’s blushes after his two goals completed a 3-1 comeback win against Hong Kong.But Tom Heaton’s disastrous clanger almost caused back-to-back postseason defeats in Asia, with United losing to ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday.Chido Obi’s scored twice to save Ruben Amorim’s skin in Hong KongCredit: GettyMan Utd went 1-0 down inside 20 minutesCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils dominated the early exchanges, before Heaton’s shocking howler saw United 1-0 down against the run of play.Brazilian-born Juninho was played in behind, before his low shot somehow wriggled under Heaton at the front post. The goal took the wind out of United’s sails, as they carried on the trend of their heads going down after conceding early.Amorim had seen enough and changed the entire XI at half-time before Obi’s first senior goal levelled the scores within four minutes.READ MORE MAN UTDThe sensational teen saved Amorim’s skin after doubling the lead in the last ten minutes, before Ayden Heaven’s header made it 3-1.Hong Kong, who are just above Moldova in the Fifa world rankings, scored from ONE shot at goal – United failed to do so in 15 first-half attempts.For now fans can be thankful that United won’t be back in action until pre-season. Hopefully they shift the deadwood by then.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Man Utd performances against Hong Kong -who are ranked 153 in the world.Most read in FootballTom Heaton – 0The veteran goalkeeper, 39, proved why he shouldn’t be given a one-year extension this summer- even if it’s in a coaching capacity.His blunder came with his first touch of the ball, when Juninho’s limp shot – straight at him – bounced into the net.Heaton was expected leave as a free agent and possibly even hang up his gloves when his £45,000-a-week contract expires this summer. And he should go, even if it was his final game. Awful.Tyler Fredricson – 4Unfortunate not have equalised when he slipped through defenders to guide a header down straight to the Hong Kong goalkeeper.Got his positioning run for Hong Kong’s opener.Tyler Fredricson was unfortunate not have equalised before Obi didCredit: GettyJonny Evans – 4What a sorry way to end your footballing career. Evans won’t play for United again.And the Northern Irishman didn’t have a lot to do here. It feels harsh because the 37-year-old has been a brilliant professional. Godwill Kukonki – 5The 17-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent didn’t get close enough to block or put off goalscorer Juninho.He wasn’t asked to do much else. Was always the first of the back line of defenders to react to any loose ball in United’s own final third.Jaydan Kamason – 5Was awarded his first start after a decent 20 minute cameo in the defeat to ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday.The right-back, 18, showed Diogo Dalot how to cross a good ball in early.And he was unlucky to have his late arriving shot cleared off the line in the 37th minute.Harry Amass – 5 Didn’t feature in the defeat in Malaysia, but started brightly here.Before a few wayward crosses left Amorim grimacing. Bruno Fernandes – 6The man of the moment perhaps took the armband for the final time with £100million links to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal ramping up.He’s the player fans in Hong Kong came to see, sending a delicious free-kick into his midfield pal early on.The Portugal star showboated to treat the crowd when his cheeky rabona shot was kept out by keeper Tse Ka Wing.Tested Tse with a free-kick on the slippery surface again, before it was parried out for a corner. Linked up well with Garnacho. But for a player who has worked so hard all season, you’ve got to feel sorry for him playing 6,000 miles away a few days after the final day.Bruno Fernandes could’ve worn the Man Utd armband for the final timeCasemiro – 4The 33-year-old just wants to be on his holidays after a topsy-turvy individual season.He played his way back into United’s good-books since the Lyon comeback, but was out-paced by a fast teenager in the opening seconds.The recently recalled Brazilian international had a gliding header ruled out in the fourth minute from Fernandes’ set piece. Brilliant bit of skill for an Amass chance before 1-0.Alejandro Garnacho – 5 Could’ve been Garnacho’s last game for the club too. Perhaps it shouldn’t be because he was the brightest spark here. The 20-year-old rowing with Amorim threatened to be up to usual tricks, or lack thereof, failing to beat his man in the opening minute.But the Chelsea target soon settled and flashed several inviting balls across the box and was involved in all of attacking the action.Shea Lacey – 6 The 18-year-old winger from Liverpool did well to win the free-kick Casemiro scored from early on, and he won another a few minutes later.But he scuffed a certain goal wide of the post from Garnacho’s cross in the 15th minute. Silky footwork and a willingness to get forward, Lacey looks like he could be a bright spark for the future at Old Trafford.Was hooked for Tyler Fletcher on the half-an-hour-mark.Shea Lacey won two inviting free-kicks in his short cameoCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund – 1Fluffed half a chance in the opening minutes and was anonymous.When finally called upon, the Dane failed to control Fernandes’ blocked rabona, before Kamason’s shot was cleared off the line.Rasmus Hojlund went missing againTyler Fletcher – (for Lacey 27) – 5Man United legend Darren Fletcher’s son couldn’t get hold of the ball much in his short cameo.Sekou Kone (for Casemiro 27) – 5Powered forward and had go at goal from outside the box but it flies wide of the post.Joined Fletcher in lasting 15 minutes before being part of the half-time changes.HALF-TIME SUBSChido Obi – 8His first goal for Amorim was a tidy finish in the 49th minute.The teenager took two touches with the ball to his right and lashed a shot into the back of the net on his weak foot.Obi completed the comeback with a direct header into the corner in the 82nd minute.Chido Obi-Martin completed the turn aroundCredit: GettyAltay Bayindir – 5Didn’t have to much before his low save kept the home side out in the 68th minute. Ayden Heaven – 7In the second-half, Heaven became the most experienced centre-back on the pitch for United – he’s 18.The former Arsenal man was confident enough to step into that role and looks like a talent for the future.He joined Obi in getting on the scoresheet for the first time, with a well-placed header in the final minute of added time.Reece Munro – 5Looked comfortable in possession and barely put a foot wrong out of it. Made a big block to deny a Hong Kong counterattack.Dan Armer – 5Scotland Under-19 international centre-back picked up valuable experience again.Jim Thwaites, who saved United from losing 2-0 on Wednesday, replaced Armer inside 72 minutes.Amad Diallo – 6 Amad knows he’s been one of the few bright sparks for United this season and he played like it too.It wasn’t his usual display of blistering pace and hard work, but rather a tame effort to help the team while avoiding injury.Toby Collyer – 5 Collyer has been one of the Carrington stars that has been in and around the first team for a while, and it’s obvious why.He looks like he’s ready to make a more regular step up to first team football and could be a part of the squad rotations next season.Made way for Jack Moorhouse in the 73rd minute.Manuel Ugarte – 6Ugarte poked the ball to Obi in the penalty area for the equaliser.Was a big part of United winning the ball back high up in the second half. But so he should be, he was the most experienced on the pitch.Patrick Dorgu – 5 Unlucky not to have won a penalty in the opening seconds of the second-half.Used his physicality to wear down the home side as the half went on.Mason Mount – 6Denied the chance to put United 2-1 up when the keeper brilliantly saved in the 55th minute.Great delivery from a free-kick which blasted past the goal-line in the 66th minute. Provided a brilliant assist with a floating ball for Obi’s second.Chido Obi-Martin provided a brilliant assist with a floating ball for Obi’s secondCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo – 5Mainoo was United’s starboy and England’s best holding midfielder at the Euros.He’ll be annoyed not to get minutes in his favoured position, instead struggling as one of the two No 10s in Amorim’s 3-4-3.Read More on The SunMainoo looks shot for confidence and fluffed a chance in the 75th minute. Fans will be worried about the Manchester-born ace leaving this summer.Kobbie Mainoo looks shot for confidence and fluffed a chance in the 75th minuteCredit: Reuters More