More stories

  • in

    Man Utd flop lined up for free transfer back to former club after being signed for huge £31m fee

    VICTOR LINDELOF is eyeing a return to Benfica when his Manchester United contract expires this summer.The Swedish defender spent five years on the books of the Portuguese club before earning a £31 million move to Old Trafford in summer 2017.Victor Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica when his contract expires this summerCredit: GettyLindelof joined Joshua Zirkzee in missing a spot kick in the shoot outCredit: GettyUnited crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham on SundayCredit: RexLindelof has endured an injury ravaged season and has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils.And his campaign took a turn for the worse on Sunday when he missed his penalty as holders United crashed out of the FA Cup to Fulham in a shoot-out.West Ham were one of the clubs who showed an interest in taking him on loan in January – but he looks likely to move as a free agent in the summer.United have not held discussions with Lindelof – who has spent 79 days out injured this season – over an extension to his current deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLindelof also spent around 112 days out last term with separate hamstring and groin issues.The 30-year-old occasionally visits Lisbon during his time off and has fond memories of his five-year spell at Benfica.He won three Portuguese league titles and two domestic cups with Benfica before Jose Mourinho signed him. A return to Benfica would appeal and the club are on the look-out for a replacement for ex-Manchester City centre back Nicolas Otamendi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSClub captain Otamendi is set to depart Benfica on a free this summer, with Argentinian side Rosario Central keen on signing him.The World Cup winner could even link up with Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in a few months.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueOtamendi played every single minute of Argentina’s winning campaign in Qatar 2022.Lindelof has played 270 times for United and has scored four goals.He was relegated to United’s fifth-choice central defender last summer after Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro joined from Bayern Munich and Lille respectively. He is also behind Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire in the pecking order.The Red Devils activated a one-year extension to Maguire’s contract, meaning he will remain at Old Trafford until the end of next season.The club also signed 18-year-old centre back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last month.United are expected to revamp their squad this summer after another dismal season, which has left them 14th in the Prem.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

  • in

    PSV vs Arsenal live stream FREE: How to watch Champions League clash without paying a penny

    ARSENAL travel to the Netherlands to face PSV in the first leg of their MASSIVE Champions League round of 16 tie.The North London club are back in the knockout stages of the Champions League and want to get back to winning ways after picking up just one win in their last four.Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ben White during a training session ahead of Arsenal’s clash with PSV on Tuesday nightMikel Arteta’s team have shown great form in Europe so far this season, having finished third place in the new look group phase of the competition.This notched fantastic wins against Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting, and Monaco, while their only loss was a 1-0 defeat away from home against Inter Milan.PSV come into this game with lots of confidence after beating Juventus 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League play-off tie.Before that match, they also saw off Premier League leaders Liverpool – beating them 3-2 just to clinch their play-off spot.read more arsenal newsThe Dutch giants – who are currently second in the Eredivisie – will be hoping for another huge upset that will set them up for the second-leg match at the Emirates Stadium on March 12.When is PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal?PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal will take place on Tuesday, March 4.Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.The Philips Stadion in Eindhoven will host the first leg.How to watch PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal for FREEThis season’s Champions League has seen a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video is showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at NO additional cost to Prime members.Most read in FootballShould you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.What other games are on this round?Aston Villa travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the early Tuesday kickoff at 5.45pm GMT.Borussia Dortmund host Lille at 8pm GMT, while Real Madrid and Atletico face off in a massive Madrid derby that has fans incredibly excited – also at 8pm GMT.The remaining first-leg fixtures will be played the next day on Wednesday, March 5.League leaders Liverpool travel to France to play Ligue 1 leaders PSG in what is expected to be a highly competitive match at 8pm GMT.Feyenoord host Inter Milan in the early kickoff at 5.45pm GMT, while Bayern face Leverkusen in an all German clash.Barcelona, who are first place in La Liga and and finished top of the table in the Champions League, will go to Portugal where they will face Benfica. More

  • in

    PSV vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners hit SEVEN in Dutch ROUT plus Madrid derby in Champions League last-16 first leg

    ARSENAL have all but sealed their spot in the quarter-finals as they became the first team in history to score seven away from home in a Champions League knockout game. On his return to his homeland, Jurrien Timber headed Arsenal into an early after the Dutch defender turned in Declan Rice’s cross to the back-post on the 18th minute. Three minutes later, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly combined to double the Gunners lead as the former met the latter’s low cross to fire in from close range. Mikel Arteta’s side would further extend their lead, following a lengthy VAR check, after Mikel Merino stroked the ball past the goalkeeper in the midst of a six-yard melee. PSV would pull themselves back into the game as Thomas Partey forceful challenge on Luuk de Jong handed Noa Lang the chance to convert from the spot, which he did with aplomb into the top corner. The North London club came out with the same impetus they started with, as quick-fire double from Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard restored their comfort in score straight after the interval. Ødegaard would grab his second and Arsenal’ sixth before substitute Riccardo Calafiori – who came on the 35th minute for the booked-and-nearly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly – compounded the Dutch side’s with a galloping run and finish to round off a unrelenting night. Full-time result: PSV 1 Arsenal 7PSV XI: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Malacia; Saibari, Schouten, Til; Perisic, De Jong, Lang.Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.Follow this live blog for updates… Thanks for tuning inJust had a missed call on my phone, it could be Mikel saying I can play up front next week.Even a man down, they’ll still progress with ease.The big question next Wednesday night is who will they be playing? It’ll be a belter either way!Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportMikel Arteta’s goal-crazy Arsenal can smell the quarter finals with a stunning result that eclipsed one of the greatest European nights in their history.Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles battered Inter Milan 5-1 at the San Siro back in November 2003 – Thierry Henry running rings around Javier Zanetti and co.Twenty two years on and a woeful PSV outfit could have done with Zanetti – even at his current age of 51 – at the back as the Gunners went two better with a seven-goal Euro humbling.In fact, they were the first team EVER to score seven in an away knockout tie.Copy linkCopiedMore from MikelHe was also asked about the teenagers tonight, adding: “It’s a massive result away from home in a competition that we love, that we miss for so many years. Today is a really special night for us.””To be doing what they are doing at 17 and 18 years old, shows incredible maturity. They are doing that because of how the other players support them and make them better. “They have a lot of courage. Myles makes an assist, that’s the team that I want to see, they take initiative and they want to make things happen.”Copy linkCopiedMikel reactsMikel Arteta told Prime Sport: “I’m just so happy for the boys because in the last two games, we haven’t scored a goal and we know the noise around that.”Momentum can shift and this is a team [PSV] that is very used to winning. They have the capacity to generate chances in a lot of moments. “You don’t want to put yourself in the position where they score a second one and it is game on.”This is the beauty of football. Focus on what you are doing and do your best. Anything can happen.”Copy linkCopiedPoor PeterPeter Bosz was already under pressure heading into this game, before leading them to their joint-record defeat in HISTORY.I’ll admit, he’s got to be very lucky to lead the team at the Emirates next week as they were absolutely mince.Looking embarrassed and burst, he told Prime Sport: “Terrible night for us. No chances, maybe two moments in the game?“We hit the bar and then maybe the second yellow card.“Football-wise we had no chance. They played well and we had no chance.“Absolutely poor from our side and not how we play normally and Arsenal did very well.“We had a plan, analysed them and thought we could hurt them somewhere. But if you look at how we defended, you can’t be successful if you play this way.”Copy linkCopiedMore from MartinThe Arsenal skipper was also pressed on the chance he could be heading back to Real Madrid with Arsenal in the next round.He told Prime: “Of course, it would be special to go back there. “Whoever we get we will be ready. “We have to finish our job at home first and then see who we get.”Copy linkCopiedLead from the frontMartin Odegaard told Amazon Prime Sport: “After last few games we needed this performance. It was brilliant from start to end. “Really good going forward, creating chances, scoring goals. Unfortunately conceded one goal but top performance.”Every player in my position want to influence the game with goals and assists and it’s something I haven’t been good enough at this season but two goals and one assist tonight is a good step.”Copy linkCopiedBig games to comeA result that will give the Gunners huge confidence moving forward.Some big games on the horizon in the Premier League especially – then a trip to Madrid to come too! Copy linkCopiedDec reactsDeclan Rice spoke to Prime Sport after the game and said: “We were fluid, enthusiastic, the drive and hunger in the knock out phase of the Champions League. “But we’ve been playing like this all season. We feel we’ve been playing well as a team sometimes we score five sometimes two sometimes we don’t score but tonight we did well. “We had the opportunity to score more second half especially.”Nothing is done yet, so we’ll see”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsPSV had more possession in the game, they have that to celebrate at least….Arsenal had 15 shots on goal to PSV’s 12 – but eight on target to the home side’s two.Seven goals from eight shots on target doesn’t reflect too great on the keeper, admittedly.Copy linkCopiedRecord-breakingNo surprise, tonight was Arsenal’s biggest result away from home in the Champions League.And they’re the first team in history to score 7+ goals away from home in a Champions League knockout stage game.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsFour results tonight with goals for all eight sides.Club Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaDortmund 1-1 LillePSV 1-7 ArsenalReal Madrid 2-1 Atletico MadridCopy linkCopiedQuarters awaitsArsenal can already begin preparations for Madrid as the job is done and dusted in the first leg.No striker? No problems this time as they put SEVEN beyond a dire PSV side.The only blemish was the one they conceded from the spot.Otherwise, it’s a near-perfect night with six different scorers – including two full backs – and it probably could’ve been more.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEAn extraordinary night in the Netherlands.PSV 1-7 ArsenalCopy linkCopied90 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalAll those goals and substitutions and we’re only getting two minutes added on.Even the referee feels for the home side.Copy linkCopied89 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalMalacia must’ve thought his embarrassing results were behind him when leaving Man Utd for PSV on loan.Alas not. He’s now been booked for a late challenge on Ben White.Pure frustration.Copy linkCopied88 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalPrime Sport saying this matches the worst ever defeat in PSV’s history in all competitions.Shocker.Copy linkCopied85 – GOAL DETAIL – PSV 1-7 ArsenalSeven goals and counting for Arsenal who have time for more.Speaking of time, Odegaard is given plenty of it 22 yards from goal when he stands in possession.He prods a pass with the outside of his foot into the box on the right where CALAFIORI of all people makes the darting run down the right wing and he finishes like a centre forward, with his weaker right foot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.Excellent finish. Seven goals away from home.Copy linkCopied85 – GOAL!! PSV 1-7 ARSENALIt IS seven and a left-back has scored.But it’s RICCARDO CALAFIORI!Copy linkCopied83 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalZinchenko determined to get on the scoresheet!Rice wins a corner and takes it himself from the left which is deep and Zinchenko is all alone at an angle.His controlled shot is blocked behind and PSV deal with that resulting corner.Copy linkCopied81 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalIt’s nearly seven.Tierney plays in Zinchenko down the left and his shot across goal is watched all the way by Benitez who saves this one.Copy linkCopied78 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalAnother double change for the Arsenal.OFF: Merino & TimberON: White and TierneyCopy linkCopied74 – GOAL DETAIL – PSV 1-6 ArsenalHow on earth have this Dutch side made the round-of-16 of this competition?The room given to Martin Odegaard 30 yards from goal is outrageous.He’s allowed to drive and drive and get to the edge of the box before striking well but straight down the keeper’s throat.He dives out the way of it, sticks a hand out and diverts it into the bottom corner.The home fans are piling out the exits and rightly so.Terrific from Arsenal.Copy linkCopied74 – GOAL! PSV 1-6 ARSENALRuthless from the Gunners against an absolute shambles of a side.MARTIN ODEGAARD makes it SIX!Copy linkCopied71 – PSV 1-5 ArsenalDouble change for Mikel Arteta:OFF: Partey and NwaneriON: Sterling & ZinchenkoCopy linkCopied More

  • in

    £51m incoming Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi is modern day Claude Makelele with a sprinkling of Sergio Busquets

    LAST summer, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was seriously tempted by a move to the Premier League.Liverpool were keen to give new manager Arne Slot the midfielder he craved – an impressive ball-playing, tackle-crunching Spaniard who has been tipped to be the next Rodri.Martin Zubimendi is a top summer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe has been likened to a modern-day Claude MakeleleCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdZubimendi also has similar traits to Barcelona legend Sergio BusquetsCredit: EPAUltimately however, Slot and Liverpool were turned down, with Zubimendi persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by his coach Imanol Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.They reportedly did so by preparing a presentation on the pros and cons of a Prem switch, pulling on the 26-year-old’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.Zubimendi claimed recently: “It is where I feel most comfortable”.It worked, but what Alguacil and Olabe did not anticipate was a similar approach by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta – a Basque boy convincing another Basque boy to make London his new home next season for £51m. The Gunners appear to have got their man.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSArteta and Arsenal’s presentations for potential new signings are nothing new, leaving most players and agents who experience it astounded by the level of detail and care put into them, led previously by ex-sporting director Edu and his assistant Jason Ayto – now the interim.Zubimendi was no different, sold on the project and vision at the Emirates almost instantly, as well as wanting to follow in Arteta’s inspiring footsteps, having also left his birthplace of San Sebastian for the bright lights of Barcelona in 1997 aged 15.Arsenal and Sociedad also have a great relationship and respect at board level, having recently negotiated Mikel Merino’s North London arrival for around £32m last summer.It has left Liverpool and Slot gutted, and they’re not the only ones. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United are all huge fans of the player.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd ironically, United now get to watch him up close on Thursday night in their Europa League last 16 first leg clash away at Real Sociedad.For all the noise around him over the past few years, Zubimendi is not a loud character. He is down-to-earth, humble, at times even shy and anxious.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League It is said that while making the decision over whether to sign for Liverpool, he isolated himself at home, refusing to use his phone to fully lock in on a big decision that he also consulted his family over.However, he is a different beast when he steps on the pitch. In the last summer window, Arsenal bought Merino because he was a “dual monster”.Zubimendi is not too far behind in that respect.He is aggressive, assertive. A snarling, hungry athlete of a man who covers every blade of grass competing for space, the ball or a well-timed tackle.A modern-day Claude Makelele with a sprinkling of Sergio Busquets. Put simply, Zubimendi is the cog between the defence and the midfieldAnd right now in Europe, he is the closest thing to City’s Rodri.In the Euro 2024 final against England back in July, Spain were rocked by Rodri’s injury that forced him off at half-time. And yet, his absence was barely felt with Zubimendi on to replace him.He is used to pressure. Even with the eyes of the world on him days after performing his Liverpool U-turn, he did not miss a single training session, even taking part in a team photo shoot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also had to overcome the odds to even reach this position. In his early years at Sociedad, the coaches were initially not keen on him, favouring other players and only signing him up at the last minute – a decision that proved wise.Over a decade on and he is positioned to light up another big occasion, showing United – and the rest of England – what they can expect should he grace the Prem next season.Zubimendi is a full Spain internationalCredit: GettyHe was a part of the squad that won Euro 2024Credit: Getty More

  • in

    Real Madrid to expand Bernabeu just a year after £1.5BILLION redevelopment as it’s too SMALL to host huge sporting event

    REAL MADRID are looking to further expand the Bernabeu in order to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup final.Madrid only returned to their iconic stadium last month – after spending £1.5billion renovating it.Real Madrid are eyeing further changes to the BernabeuCredit: GettyMadrid only returned to the Bernabeu pitch last month after a long redevelopment projectCredit: GettyThe European giants spent a fortune on giving the Bernabeu a face-lift, with work beginning in 2019 and finally ending in late 2024.The changes have included a retractable roof, a 360-degree LED scoreboard and a new metal facade with 7,500 stainless steel slats.However, all the renovations actually slightly REDUCED the capacity of the stadium.But, Fifa’s December announcement of Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, has thrown a spanner in the works.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Madrid are now planning to do MORE work on the ground, to this time raise the number of seats.Plans would see the Bernabeu’s capacity is set to increase from around 79,000 to 85,000 seats, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.Fifa rules state that the World Cup final stadium must have a capacity of at least 80,000.The club is said to prefer a permanent solution over temporary seating so it can reap the long-term benefits after the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere is some uncertainty over the exact capacity of the Bernabeu following the redevelopment project.So far this season, Madrid’s attendance has only surpassed 78,000 on two occasions, against rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Barcelona’s revamped Spotify Camp Nou is another top contender to host the World Cup final.The Nou Camp is in the midst of a major revamp, with its capacity to stand at 105,000 once the project is completed. Barca are hoping to return home before the end of the season, but it would be operating at a reduced capacity while work continues.Meanwhile, the Grand Stade Hassan II, a huge new stadium set to open in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, is also a candidate.The African arena is set to have a capacity of 115,000, which would make it the largest football stadium in the world once completed.It’s the first time that three countries across two continents will officially stage the tournament. More

  • in

    Jermaine Jenas & wife of 16 years SPLIT – months after he was sacked by BBC for ‘inappropriate texts’

    JERMAINE Jenas and his wife Ellie Penfold have split up after 16 years together – only months after he was sacked by the BBC.The former footie star was fired as a Match of the Day pundit and One Show host over “inappropriate texts” sent to female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie have separatedCredit: InstagramEllie shared the separation statement on InstagramCredit: InstagramFormer Match Of The Day presenter Jermaine issued a public apology to Ellie, the mother of three of his children in The SunCredit: Andrew StyczynskiHeartbroken ex-model Ellie announced the couple were separating in an Instagram post earlier today. It read: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. “We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. read more in Sport”Thank you, Ellie.”The pair have been married for 14 years since they tied the knot in 2011.They also share two daughters, Geneva and Olivia, and boy, Jacob, together.Jenas, 42, also has an older daughter, Sancha, from a previous relationship who lives in the United States with her mother.Most read in FootballThe ex-England midfielder had spent the last few months apologising to his family and the public since the texts came to light.Jenas’ dad Dennis openly admitted last year that Ellie had kicked him out of the main bedroom the couple shared at their £1million home in Hertfordshire.Jermaine Jenas says he regrets ‘cheating’ & is unsure if wife will forgive himSpeaking to the Sun at the time of his sacking from the BBC, Jenas apologised to his wife but denied being a sex pest.He insisted he had done nothing illegal but said he was sorry if he made the women involved uncomfortable.Speaking less than 24 hours after The Sun revealed he had been fired from Match of the Day and The One Show following the complaints, Jenas said: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.He was sacked in an excruciating online meeting with HR and senior corporation execs, including being shown a string of X-rated messages he’d sent.He told the Sun: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.”In the same interview, he confessed to lying to wife Ellie during a family holiday and sneaking off to take a Zoom call with BBC bosses over his X-rated messages.He told The Sun in August: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”In 2023, Jenas and Ellie clashed as he started spending more time socialising with his One Show work colleagues.The pair had explosive rows but, Jenas admitted, they quietly worked through their issues with the help of couples therapy.Jenas only returned back to work last month as he appeared on talkSPORT after a six-month break.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe made it clear he was “coming back as a better person” and has spent the time off “looking inwards, making some improvements”. The pundit made an initial return to broadcasting in October – at the Emirates stadium covering Arsenal v Liverpool for an overseas network but it wasn’t shown on British airwaves.Jermaine Jenas Scandal TimelineJERMAINE Jenas was dismissed in August for sending inappropriate messages to the women he worked with.Here’s what happened:August 22The BBC receives complaints about Jenas workplace behaviour, in regard to text messages.August 22 – Jenas is sacked by the BBC amid allegations he sent inappropriate messages to a female colleague.The presenter is taken off air from both Match of the Day and The One Show.Other colleagues begin to come forward.Jenas responds to BBC sacking: “Right now I can’t talk about it. I can tell you I’m not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue.”The BBC responds to Jenas’ sacking: “We can confirm Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of the presenting line-up.”In an exclusive interview with the Sun on Sunday, Jenas revealed he wanted to say sorry to girls he texted but the BBC blocked him.September 7November 24The couple share four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas leaves News UK in August after his last appearance on talkSPORTCredit: Peter JordanJenas was a promising footballer with England and made more than 300 Premier League appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford’s delighted brother Dane joins noisy Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub before huge Champions League tie

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S brother Dane was welcomed into the Aston Villa family in a Bruges pub.Footage shared by ITV showed fans serenading about the on-loan Manchester United forward with brother Dane in joining them in Belgium.Dane Rashford, smiling in the middle, was greeted by Aston Villa fans at a pub in BrugesDane, the older brother of Marcus Rashford, was greeted by former Villa star Ian TaylorFans were singing Rashford’s name in the pubRashford was named in Aston Villa’s starting XI for the Champions League clashCredit: AFPDane, the older brother of Rashford, was all smiles as he joined Rashford’s new fans ahead of Villa’s Champions League tie against Club Brugges in the Champions League last 16.Former Aston Villa star Ian Taylor, 56, was there to greet Dane.The ex-midfielder, who played for Villa for nine years between 1994 and 2003, was also seen standing on a table leading the chants.Rashford was named in the starting XI for the clash by Unai Emery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is yet to open his goalscoring account for Villa, but has already racked up three assists in wearing the club’s claret and blue.He climbed off the bench against Chelsea in the Premier League to set up Marco Asensio twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win.Last weekend he then provided another assist for Asensio’s opener against Cardiff as Villa secured a 2-0 win to move into the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they drew Championship side Preston.Rashford’s more creative side really came to the fore in his last game, creating six chances for team-mates, equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter falling out of favour at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, Rashford was sent on loan to Villa.The deal features a £40million option for the Villa Park outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while Villa are currently paying 75 per cent of his wages.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferAs well as Dane, Rashford also has a brother named Dwaine Maynard, two sisters, and one half-sister.Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management – a sports management agency ”with the goal of elevating athletes to achieve their full potential and thrive in their sports and in their wider life” – alongside Dwaine. More

  • in

    Club Brugge vs Villa LIVE RESULT: Villans come out on top in Champions League first leg last-16 with two late goals

    ASTON VILLA start their historic knockout campaign with a comfortable advantage going into the second leg at Villa Park. The Villans started off well as winger Leon Bailey fired them ahead from close range inside the the first three minutes. Though, the tricky Club Brugge would level the contest no more than ten minutes later through Maxim De Cuyper who galloped onto a rolled back pass inside the box and planted his finish into the bottom corner. The back-and-forth contest would peak as Morgan Rogers’ cross from the right wing was turned in by Brandon Mechele on the 82nd minute. Substitute Marco Asensio would extend the lead as the Spaniard converted his penalty kick following Christos Tzolis late foul on Matty Cash. Full-time result: Club Brugge 1 Villa 3Club Brugge: Mignolet, Seys, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Onyedika, Jashari,Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis, Jutgla.Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Garcia, Disasi, Konsa, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Asensio, Rashford, WatkinsFollow our live blog below… Full-time: Club Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaThat’s all from today’s game. Thanks for tuning in. Stay on SunSport for coverage of every Champions League match tonight.There will be live updates on PSV vs Arsenal.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaThe return leg takes place next Wednesday and Club Brugge have it all to do.Villa have one foot in the quarter-final thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Marco Asensio, with Mechele scoring a crucial own goal.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaFT. Two late goals have put Aston Villa in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at Villa Park.It is job done for Emery whose substitutions made the difference.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa90. Late chance for Club Brugge but Vetlesen skies over from De Cuyper’s cutback.Another chance goes begging for the hosts which sums up the match.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa90. Watkins is replaced by Bogarde as the fourth official signals four additional minutes.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa87. Tielemans initially looked to put the ball down but he hands it to Asensio who fires low into the bottom left corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa87. Asensio makes no mistake from the spot!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa86. Cash wins the ball in the box and is brought down by Tzolis.There was minimal contact and VAR checked to see if the ball went out of play before it reached Cash.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa86. Penalty Villa!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa82. Rogers is played in down the right and he fizzes across a low ball that looks destined to reach Watkins.But before the striker can tap in Mechele stretches for the ball and can only divert it past his own goalkeeper. Disaster.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Club Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa82. Own goal from Mechele!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa78. It is a back and forth match now with the intensity ramped up since Villa’s changes.But it is the hosts who look most like scoring.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa74. Big big miss.Tzolis is slipped through and only had the keeper to beat but he somehow smashes over the bar from eight yards.Huge let off for Villa.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa73. Villa look more up for this now and are seeing a lot more of the ball.Emery may take a draw but a win could be huge.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa69. How has that not gone in!A superb delivery is met by Brugge captain Vanaken who heads back across goal, but can only watch as the ball agonisingly bounces past the post.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa68. So close from Villa!Watkins goes close but Mignolet produces a brilliant save to keep the ball out.It falls to Cash who can only blaze over the bar from close range.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa67. Brugge still on top here without creating much.Emery will be hoping the subs re-energise his team, who have looked off it today.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa63. First change and it’s a big one. Rashford, Bailey, McGinn and Disasi all go off.Cash, Asensio, Kamara and Ramsey come on to replace them.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa59. Another Brugge move comes to nothing thanks to Mings.He gets a foot in to deny Jashari just as he was about to shoot.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa57. Emery does not look too pleased on the touchline as his side struggle to get a foothold in the game.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa54. Onyedika unleashes a shot from distance but it is easy for Martinez to deal with.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa52. Club Brugge go up the other end and Mings has to stretch to put the ball out for a corner from a low cross.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa51. Villa break as Rogers turns on the halfway line and runs at the defence.He feeds Watkins but the ball is pinched off his toe.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa49. A steady start to the second period with Club Brugge dominating the ball so far.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa46. The second half is underway with no changes for either side at the break.Copy linkCopied More