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      Man Utd and Arsenal ‘go head to head for cut price Kolo Muani transfer with PSG willing to sell France star for £33m’

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      PARIS-SAINT GERMAIN flop Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a cut-price move to the Premier League. The 25-year-old striker joined the French giants from Eintracht Frankfurt for £77million last year.Randal Kolo Muani joined PSG in a £77m deal in 2023Credit: GettyThe French international has struggled for form and playing time in ParisCredit: GettyMuani has struggled to find his shooting boots since his big-money switch to the Ligue 1 champions. He has netted just 11 goals in 50 appearances and has been unable to nail down a regular place in the starting XI. Reports suggest PSG bosses are ready to take a loss on the French international. According to L’Equipe, both Manchester United and Arsenal are ready to battle it out for his signature.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSThe outlet claims the speedster could be available in January for between £33m and £42m.Muani was linked with a £103m move to Man Utd in the summer of 2023. It followed a stunning season with Frankfurt, with the former Nantes forward bagging 15 goals and 11 assists in just 32 Bundesliga games. He ultimately made the move to the French capital instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the switch has not worked out, with Muani’s future with the club increasingly unclear. Prior to joining PSG, the World Cup runner-up declared it would be a “dream” to play in the Premier League.Man Utd want Ruben AmorimHe said: “Honestly, who doesn’t dream of playing in the Premier League? “It’s one of the best leagues that exists. You dream about it. “These are childhood dreams. But I’m not searching for the perfect club or the best club in the world. “I’m really looking for the club that will give me the chance to be able to express myself, to earn game time and most importantly allow me to grow.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Muani’s final decision could come down to Utd’s next managerial appointment.The Red Devils parted ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday following weeks of speculation. Old Trafford bosses have swooped for Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club has agreed to pay Amorim’s £8.3m release fee.The Portuguese coach – plus three of his backroom staff – are expected to fly into Manchester later this week for advanced talks, More

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      Arsenal get triple injury boost ahead of horror away run of fixtures with star man on verge of return

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      ARSENAL have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of a daunting run of four away games in a row.The Gunners face Preston in the Carabao Cup tonight before heading up to Newcastle on Saturday, a place where they lost one of their five Premier League games last season.Mikel Arteta has been handed a huge injury boost ahead of a tough run of gamesCredit: GettyJurrien Timber and Gabriel should be fit after injury worriesCredit: ReutersMartin Odegaard is nearing a returnCredit: APMikel Arteta’s side then have a tough trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League next Wednesday before a London derby against Chelsea on November 10.Arsenal fans have been concerned they may be without key defensive pair Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber after both hobbled off in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.But Arteta gave a positive injury update and revealed captain Martin Odegaard is close to returning after an ankle issue.The boss said: “We are still assessing Gabriel but it doesn’t look bad at all. READ MORE IN ARSENAL”He was much better the next day so hopefully he will be fine. He has had some tests.”Jurrien is fine. He was very tired, he had been out for a while and could not continue the game. But there is no new injury there at all.”He could not continue so we decided to make a very safe call. But he was fine.”On Odegaard, he added: “He’s been on the grass for a few weeks, there is still a few boxes to tick.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”How fast we can do that last stage of the rehab is a question we will have to answer once we have players around him and he starts competing with the team. He has not done that yet.”However, it is not all good news as Riccardo Calafiori is expected to be out for “a few weeks” after he went off holding his knee in the 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk last Tuesday.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers With David Raya set to be given the night off and Neto cup tied, 18-year-old keeper Tommy Setford could get his debut versus Preston.Arteta said: “We brought Tommy because we know he’s got the qualities we’re looking for with our goalkeeping area.”Unfortunately he’s been injured so he has not really played.”It’s not a question about age, it is that if they play it is because they deserve to the same as the rest of the players.”At the end of the day we have to reward the people who, each day, they behave in a certain manner and they have the level to play in the manner we want to play in.”If that is the case, I don’t care if they are players from the academy, youth players or seniors, they will play.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSetford joined Arsenal from Ajax in the summer in a £1million deal.In the previous round’s win versus Bolton, Arteta started 16-year-old Jack Porter between the sticks.Tommy Setford could be handed his debut vs PrestonCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs LiverpoolARSENAL lost further ground in the title race with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Arne Slot’s side are a top team, but it will still frustrate Mikel Arteta that his team couldn’t clinch all three points having twice led the match.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Very little he could do for Liverpool’s equaliser, forced to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and the same goes for Mohamed Salah’s tap in from a speedy counter.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Kept Salah quiet for the majority and proved his worth with ball at feet, but starting him was clearly a risk as he hobbled off late on.BEN WHITE – 7He may have been at centre back but his telepathy with Saka remained, curling a peach of a ball over the top for the opener and remained solid even when those around him chopped and changed.GABRIEL – 7Missed his centre-back partner but did well until he worryingly limped off. No surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space when he was absent.THOMAS PARTEY – 8Was targeted in his unnatural position within the first 30 seconds but held his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s best players.MIKEL MERINO – 8A stray touch gifted Salah a great chance to score before getting a bang to the same shoulder that kept him out at the start of the season. And then, after a so-so performance, he steps up with a thumping header just before the break to regain the lead.DECLAN RICE – 8Did the nitty-gritty very well in the middle of the pitch with some crucial interceptions and timely tackles. Carried on covering every blade of grass until the very last.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker but got stuck in when needed and pressed like a rabid dog. Still, was quiet given his recent form.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Lively enough without creating too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Unlucky not to win a penalty after being hauled down by Ibrahima Konate.BUKAYO SAKA – 9Injury? What injury? His hamstring seemed right as rain as he cruised in behind Andy Robertson, cutting it back through the full-back’s legs and firing into the roof of the net.Was understandably taken off in the second half with a need to protect him going into a hectic period of the season.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Given freedom to roam and drop deep. Missed a sitter in the box after Martinelli’s penalty shout but lacked the service via crosses to really be effective in the first half.Remained a physical nuisance after the break but never had that one golden opportunity.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (GABRIEL, 54) – 6Impressive to come in out of the cold to stay firm, but again, his work with the ball at his feet left a lot to be desired.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER, 76) – 6Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late leveller but showed signs of real maturity too.GABRIEL JESUS (SAKA, 85) – N/AETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI, 85) – N/AClick here for more Arsenal news. More

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      Sporting Lisbon fan reveals you’ve been pronouncing name of incoming Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim wrong this whole time

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      A SPORTING fan has revealed supporters have been getting Ruben Amorim’s name wrong.The Sporting boss has been thrust into the spotlight after emerging as Manchester United’s No1 target to replace Erik ten Hag.Man Utd are hot on the heels of Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyA Sporting fan explained how his name is pronouncedAmorim is well known in his native Portugal after winning two league titles in four years.His most recent success came last season which led to speculation he could join Liverpool or West Ham.However he now looks destined for Man Utd and could be in the hotseat for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.But it appears many have been saying Amorim’s name incorrectly when discussing his possible switch to Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Sporting fan spoke to SunSport ahead of their cup game against Nacional on Tuesday night and demonstrated how it should be pronounced.Instead of Ru-ben A-mo-rim, he pronounced the name as “Hoo-ben Am-mo-reem”.Fans better learn quickly as Amorim could be announced as Ten Hag’s successor soon, with Man Utd reportedly willing to trigger his £8.3million release clause.Sporting acknowledged Man Utd have been in contact and even confirmed the official approach with a letter to the Portuguese stock exchange.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut they did not confirm whether they have accepted United’s advances.Amorim himself gave little away when quizzed on a possible move after the Nacional game.He refused to confirm if it was his last game as Sporting boss, and told reporters: “Manchester United is interested. But it’s my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise.”I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.“I’m not going to talk about my contract, it’s a matter between me and Sporting. All the clauses that exist in a contract are included by the employer and the employee. What I can say is that the statement contains all the necessary information.“I can’t promise anything. What I know is that I will be at training tomorrow and I will prepare for the game against Estrela da Amadora (on Friday).“We have to wait a little bit more to explain everything I need to explain, then it will be very clear.“It is my decision, I will tell everything to so we have to wait.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Moment Sporting fan bursts into tears live on TV after question about Ruben Amorim leaving to join Man Utd More

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      Sporting fans split by Ruben Amorim exit as he leaves ‘final game’ ahead of Man Utd talks without acknowledging crowd

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      RUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting Lisbon fans are split as manager Ruben Amorim looks set to join Manchester UnitedCredit: RexAmorim received muted applause from Sporting fans as he appears Man Utd-boundCredit: GettySporting won 3-1 thanks to second-half goals by captain Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled one back for Madeira-based Nacional.At the end of the match, Amorim headed down the tunnel without acknowledging the home fans.Amorim said on the Man Utd link: “Nothing to say yet, no announcement to make. Now I have nothing to say, we are here carrying out analysis.Read More on Man Utd”Everything I say will only create more noise. There is nothing to say about the matter. There is the statement, everyone knows. It was said by the club.”Besides, we don’t know the details for sure. We’ll see. It will go through my decision as the statement said. But saying half things now doesn’t seem best to me.”The stadium will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet the United job is one Amorim, 39, could not turn down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Watch Sporting Lisbon fan reveal how you’ve been pronouncing incoming Man Utd manger Ruben Amorim’s name all wrongYet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.Amorim’s Sporting legacyThey are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will certainly be something United fans will have to get used to over the coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Ruben Amorim jetting in for Man Utd talks but hints he won’t rush to take charge of Chelsea clash on Sunday

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      RUBEN AMORIM could be Manchester United’s new manager by Sunday after the club agreed to pay his £8.3million release fee from Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese coach — plus three of his backroom staff — are expected to fly in to Manchester for advanced talks, just two days after Erik ten Hag’s sacking.Ruben Amorim will fly to England to finalise his Man Utd moveCredit: GettyEx-United boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have both endorsed Amorim, 39, even though he only became a coach five years ago. Sporting yesterday confirmed: “Manchester United have expressed their interest in recruiting coach Ruben Amorim and have said they are ready to pay the 10m euro release clause.”Ten Hag’s No 2 Ruud van Nistelrooy will take temporary charge for tonight’s home Carabao Cup tie against Leicester.But Red Devils chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to want Amorim in charge for Sunday’s Prem clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the in-demand coach would not be drawn on joining United when he spoke to reporters after Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional last night.He refused to confirm if it was his “farewell game” as Sporting boss, adding: “Manchester United is interested. But it’s my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise.”I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done.“I’m not going to talk about my contract, it’s a matter between me and Sporting. All the clauses that exist in a contract are included by the employer and the employee. What I can say is that the statement contains all the necessary information.Most read in Football“I can’t promise anything. What I know is that I will be at training tomorrow and I will prepare for the game against Estrela da Amadora (on Friday).“We have to wait a little bit more to explain everything I need to explain, then it will be very clear.“It is my decision, I will tell everything to so we have to wait.”Amorim led Sporting to the Portuguese title last season and his team have won ALL of their first nine league games this season.Mourinho, who sat in the United hotseat from 2016-18, claimed the Sporting boss would be able to handle a Prem move, insisting he was capable of managing “in any club”.The Special One added: “I like him as a person, I like him as a coach.“He has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and in any club.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim had served an internship under Mourinho at  United in 2018 before taking charge of lower-league Lisbon club Casa Pia the same year.The ex-midfielder, who hung up his boots in 2016, joined  Sporting in 2020, having impressed during a stint at Braga.’Sporting fans will be upset with Ruben Amorim but he will be much better than Erik ten Hag’Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday morning with the club 14th in the Prem.Guardiola also gave Amorim a glowing reference and said: “Why is it too quick? I started at Barcelona when I was 37. So knowledge is knowledge.“If you are able, age doesn’t matter. If age was a reason, Lamine Yamal could not play football at 17 years old.”Guardiola, who was due to face Amorim’s Sporting next week in the Champions League, added: “If Manchester United are thinking about him, it’s because he’s a good manager.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCity had been strongly linked with a move for Amorim if Guardiola quits at the end of the season — with the Lisbon club’s sporting director Hugo Viana heading to the Etihad this summer.Sporting have lined up B team coach Joao Pereira as Amorim’s replacement.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Darwin Nunez handed Arne Slot snub as Liverpool boss claims Reds have two ‘more logical number 9s’

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      DARWIN NUNEZ did not get a rousing vote of confidence from Arne Slot after he revealed Diogo Jota will be missing for weeks.It appears the mercurial Uruguayan is THIRD in manager Slot’s pecking order of Liverpool’s No 9s.Darwin Nunez has started just two Premier League games this seasonCredit: GettyJota looks unlikely to return until after November’s internationals amid abdominal damage suffered in the 2–1 win over Chelsea ten days ago.And Federico Chiesa could be out for even longer as the £10million arrival from Juventus is struggling following a series of niggling injuries.Yet Slot says he would have turned to the Italian — and not £64m man Nunez — in the absence of Jota.The Dutchman starts a run of four games in 11 days before the next international break with a Carabao Cup trip to Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Slot admitted: “It is a pity that Jota is not available.“And Chiesa is also not available as they were, in my opinion, the most logical No 9s but we still have other options.”One possibility there is Nunez, who has played in the main striker’s role for the last three games, scoring in the 1–0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig.But Kop boss Slot, who had only started him in two of the ten previous games since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, admits he is “worried” about the loss of Jota and Chiesa ahead of a punishing spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormer Feyenoord gaffer Slot brushed off suggestions Chiesa could return to Italy on loan in January.And he was not jumping for joy at being forced to turn to Nunez, who has just 35 goals in 106 appearances since arriving from Benfica more than two years ago.How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the daySlot added: “About Darwin, I gave him credit for the fact he worked so hard in previous weeks when he didn’t play a lot to be able to play three games in a row.“Three games in eight days, so that says a lot about him.“But it also says a lot about the quality of our performance staff and medical staff that we were able to give him the right sessions to prepare him in the right way.“You always need the player to buy in because you can give him the right sessions but if he doesn’t give everything then it is very difficult for him to do what he did.”Slot also points to the fact that Nunez had a five-game international ban revoked having joined team-mates to battle rioting Colombian fans after his country’s Copa America semi-final defeat in August.He played against Peru and Ecuador last month, with Slot saying: “It was a good thing his ban for the Uruguay team was cancelled so he could play.“That has probably really helped him to play the way that he did in the last three games.“I’m not talking about the quality he played with, but the intensity he played with. The quality was also good — so that was a positive thing.”Slot is planning on making changes on Wednesday night as Liverpool host Brighton in the Prem on Saturday, as well as ex-Kop hero Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League before a visit from Aston Villa.READ MORE SUN STORIESSeagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler is without defender Lewis Dunk who has a “small muscle issue” and conceded his captain is “not easy to replace”.Hurzeler added: “He’s a great healer, so we have to go day by day. For sure, we can’t take any risks with him — but he’s keen on coming back as soon as possible.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo blasts 96th minute penalty over bar as Al-Nassr bow out of Saudi Cup in shock defeat

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO blazed a stoppage-time penalty over the bar as Al-Nassr were dumped out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition.Ronaldo and Co hosted Al-Taawoun on Tuesday night in the last 16 of The King Cup.Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty to equalise in stoppage timeThe Al-Nassr forward stepped up and blasted his spot kick over the barAl-Nassr lost 1-0 as Al-Taawoun dumped them out of The King CupAl-Nassr sit seven points above Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League and were expected to book their place in the quarter-finals.But they fell behind with 19 minutes remaining as Waleed Al-Ahmed gave the visitors a shock lead.Ronaldo, who scored and assisted against Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Super Cup back in August, was given the perfect opportunity to equalise in added time when Al-Nassr were awarded a penalty.But he stepped up and fired well over the bar from 12 yards as Al-Nassr crashed out.READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDOManchester United and Real Madrid icon Ronaldo, who has nine goals in 12 games this season, was left with his head in his hands after his late miss.Reacting to the penalty, one fan said: “Madrid fans need a break 😂.”While another added: “No way he missed a pen and knocked his team out of the competition 😭😭.”A third replied: “Gifted him a penalty to level the game and he roofed it!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fourth responded: “No way Penaldo missed the penalty.”The result means a golden opportunity for silverware goes begging, with Al-Nassr already playing catch-up in the league.Cristiano Ronaldo sits in on son Cristiano Jr’s training session as 14-year-old looks to follow in dad’s footsteps They sit six points adrift of table toppers Al-Hilal after drawing three of their opening eight matches.Ronaldo’s only silverware since joining Al-Nassr was last year’s Arab Club Champions Cup. More

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      I partied with Rodri & Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho at Ballon D’or – Harry Kane let slip plans for Prem League return

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      IT was a glitzy night with football’s biggest stars – and I was one of the lucky few invited to attend.More than 500 bottles of Champagne were cracked open before the creme de la creme watched Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’Or.Ellie Henman with her Tottenham hero Harry Kane in ParisCredit: SuppliedEllie with Man Utd’s Alejandro GarnachoCredit: SuppliedMan City’s Rodri picked up the men’s Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersHe was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the eveningCredit: SuppliedBut the caterers scored an own goal when they ran out of platters to serve their nibbles — forcing the chefs to send out waiters holding metal colanders full of macaroni cheese balls.That flash of chaos did not affect the presentation of the only two balls that really mattered — the rotund golden trophies that were carefully wheeled on to the stage in Paris.There was even more fanfare to the moment than I’ve seen at the Oscars and the Baftas.The gongs came in custom-made Louis Vuitton cases, which each took three people to open, while fireworks threatened to set off the fire alarm as the crowd watched in bewilderment.READ MORE IN SPORTSSome hours before then, my evening began by navigating four road closures and more than 200 confused French coppers to get to the Theatre du Chatelet in the French capital on a windy Monday night.Rabid selfie-takersOnce inside, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with football heavyweights including French legend Marcel Desailly and Barcelona president Joan Laporta — who was flanked by heavies to bat off rabid selfie-takers, myself included.My first port of call was tracking down Harry Kane, the former captain of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur, who on the night picked up the Gerd Muller trophy with Kylian Mbappe as they had both scored the most goals in Europe this season.Grabbing Harry for a chat before he was celebrated for his 44 goals in 45 matches, he admitted he was loving his new life at Bayern Munich.Most read in Football“I’m really enjoying it,” Harry told me with a grin on his face, although he went on to admit his German could still do with a bit of work.“I am learning and doing two lessons a week,” he added. “I have a good teacher at Bayern.Harry Kane scores incredibly rare German hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Stuttgart“For me it is difficult but hopefully I will be there for many years and at some stage will be able to talk a bit of German.”But what about coming back to Spurs I plead, given we desperately miss our golden boy.“Maybe one day,” Harry tells me with a somewhat sympathetic smile. Although I suspect, deep down, I may be left wanting.The reception waiters are bringing out posh canapes in great haste but I spy Marcel Desailly waving away cubes of raw cod — which, given they were room temperature, was a wise decision.After I introduced myself, the Chelsea legend gossiped about Real Madrid’s decision to snub the big night after learning star forward Vinicius Junior would not be awarded the top prize.Lamine Yamal with mum Sheila and brother KeyneCredit: RexSpanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates awardCredit: ReutersEllie hanging out with Marcel Desailly at the bashCredit: SuppliedInsiders at the glitzy bash told me the club’s decision to not send a single delegate caused a big headache and a hurried last-minute switch to the seating plan on the theatre floor.Elsewhere in the bash, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho was tucked away in a corner of the champagne reception furiously tapping away on his mobile phone as his glamorous female companion stared blankly into space.I am learning and doing two lessons a weekHarry KaneIt wasn’t surprising the striker only had eyes for his iPhone, given just six hours before he arrived his gaffer Erik ten Hag was handed his P45.I chose to not mention the chaos when I started up a conversation but it was clear Garnacho was so deep in the club WhatsApp group gossip that time for a chinwag with me was not on the cards.He sat with schoolboy-like stoicism on the front row next to Harry as the awards began. By this point, more than 500 bottles of Taittinger had been cracked open and the players, Uefa bigwigs and everyone in between were certainly well-oiled.As the players started to take their seats I went down on to the floor and spotted Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal — who won the best young player trophy at the ceremony — carrying his toddler brother Keyne around to meet his peers.The tot won hearts when Lamine carried him out on to the pitch after Spain won the Euros this summer and he was the centre of attention at the ceremony.As Keyne was passed from player to player, Lamine looked on proudly as they cooed over him.And later that evening, at just past 11pm, he was among the last to leave as proud Lamine carried the tuxedo-wearing tot down the red-carpeted stars and off to bed. Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates award.Jennifer — the woman at the centre of the storm last July when she was kissed without consent by Fifa’s ex- vice-president Luis Rubiales — was the first woman to be handed the gong and used her time on stage to push for equality.‘Make a better world’She said: “This award is not just mine, but belongs to all my teammates, with whom I share a space where equality is not always a given.“That’s why we all work day by day with the hope and desire to leave women’s football in a better place for the new generations.”She added: “I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageous. Work together in order to make a better world possible.”Two hours in, and the ceremony came to a close with the unveiling of the top award, the Ballon d’Or.Barcelona’s Aitana won the women’s gong for a second year in a row and was handed the accolade by Hollywood actress Natalie Portman.The Black Swan star, who part-owns LA-based football team Angel City FC, told me she was a regular at Paris Saint-Germain games with her teenage son — who worked the theatre floor like a pro and took selfies with everyone from Harry to Rodri.I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageousJennifer HermosoCollecting her prize, Aitana paid tribute to her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo who were left in second and third place respectively.The pair did not seem too impressed with her sentiments, though, and struggled to raise a smile as Aitana spoke about them.Afterwards, when the Champagne started to flow again, they made a beeline for the dessert table and I stood and watched as they despondently ate miniature cream cakes and poached pears as Aitana swerved the after-party.Man City’s Rodri, who picked up the men’s Ballon d’Or, was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the evening.The midfielder is on crutches after undergoing surgery following a nasty injury last month, but refused to pose with his sticks and handed them to a flunky as he stood on stage clutching his prize.“I am feeling much better,” he reassured the crowd. “This is a big injury for me. Football has a lot of risks and this is the first time in my career to have something like this.“I am trying to rest and recuperate and come back stronger.”He was joined by his parents, who were seated towards the back — and when I saw him leaving the theatre, his mother had to fight through a crowd of 20 heavies to reach her boy to give him a kiss.It just goes to show, you are never too old, or too successful, to get a smacker from Mum.Back inside the bash, there was uproar at the decision to shut the bar at 11pm — two hours before the official closing time.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith all the stars gone, though, and the warm, raw cod starting to repeat on the most prestigious of guests, it was best to call it a night.Until next year, Paris.Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersWaiter and colander full of nibbles after platters ran outCredit: suppliedNatalie Portman, who presented an awardCredit: GettyEllie at the awards in ParisCredit: Supplied More