Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares59 Views

      in Soccer

      The reason why flying wing-back Amad Diallo was ignored by former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag, according to ex-coach

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Amad Diallo was snubbed by former manager Erik ten Hag because he favoured players he’d signed.That is according to former United first team coach Benni McCarthy, who worked under Ten Hag for two years before his departure last summer.Ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag didn’t use Amad Diallo oftenCredit: RexEx-Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy claims Ten Hag preferred his signings over AmadCredit: GettyTen Hag opted for the likes of Antony and Rasmus Hojlund, who cost a lot of moneyCredit: GettyMcCarthy, 47, watched Amad’s development at Old Trafford but also saw him being omitted and getting offloaded on loan to Rangers and Sunderland.The South African coach claims it was because Ten Hag preferred the likes of Antony and Rasmus Hojlund as he pushed club chiefs hard to splash the cash for them and knew the former very well from Ajax.The former West Ham and Blackburn star added that the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were also ahead of the Ivory Coast international on the pecking order.McCarthy told Podcast and Chill Network: “Tactically, when we set up, the manager felt that Antony was the best, better player for the job that he wanted because he knew Antony from Ajax.Read More on Man Utd”He was his player, so he invested in him, and the club supported him. “So, of course, he had to support the player that he bought, I think that’s why he persisted in playing Antony. “It’s because he knew the capabilities when Antony was at his best.”And then you had Garnacho who was also playing well, scoring goals. Rashford, on any given day, could demolish anyone. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And then you’ve got Hojlund, you spend £70million on bringing him in, so he has to play.”So someone’s got to [miss out], and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably more capable for those type of games tactically, defensively and attacking.”Once Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag in the Man Utd dugout last month, Amad was immediately established as a key player.The versatile winger has played in all of Amorim’s nine matches in charge, mainly as a right wing-back in his manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.Man Utd chef dances around with Amad, Hojlund and Onana in dressing room after incredible win over Man City And the 22-year-old ace has amassed a total of one goal and four assists in all of his six Premier League matches under the Portuguese tactician.The ex-Atalanta ace repaid Amorim’s faith by leading the Red Devils to a stunning comeback victory against Manchester City at the Etihad two weeks ago.Amad won the penalty that led to Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser before scoring the winner himself to make it 2-1 for the visitors. More

    • 188 Shares63 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker OUT of Man City’s crucial Boxing Day clash against Everton

      by

      JACK GREALISH and Kyle Walker are OUT of Man City’s Boxing Day clash against Everton.The pair have not been named in the match day squad due to fitness concerns and illness, respectively.Jack Grealish has been deemed short of match fitness to face EvertonCredit: GettyWhile Kyle Walker is said to be unwellCredit: GettyGrealish, 29, played the full 90 minutes in the defeat against Aston Villa.Defender Walker, 34, was named on the bench in the 2-1 loss at Villa Park, before coming on for the injured John Stones.City have said that the right-back is suffering with illness.While Grealish is deemed short of match fitness.Read more football newsThe news comes as a blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are looking for a win against the Toffees.They languish in 7th place, following a dismal run in the Premier League.Man City have won just once in 12 outings, as they have fallen out of the title race.The Cityzens poor form has coincided with a host of injuries to a number of first team stars.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are already having to cope without long-term absentee Rodri, who suffered a knee ligament injury against Arsenal.Emi Martinez’s eight-word blast at Jack Grealish revealed as new footage of pair’s furious tunnel row emerges Stones, Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes are also currently sidelined with complaints.However, there is some good news on the team front.Nathan Ake has returned to action, while  Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol will also play in a makeshift backline.Bernardo Silva will captain the team, in the absence of Walker.Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic will start in midfield, with Savinho and Jeremy Doku supporting Erling Haaland in attack.Kevin De Bruyne, who has endured an injury-hit campaign, can only make the bench. More

    • 225 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Thomas Partey shares Christmas video of the Grinch stealing presents and then poses for family photo

      by

      THE Grinch paid a visit to Thomas Partey’s family home to steal Christmas presents in a hilarious video.The Arsenal midfielder, 31, shared the hilarious clip of the famous Dr. Seuss grump running off with a number of goodies that was posted on his Instagram.The Grinch paid a visit to Thomas Partey’s homeThomas Partey poses with partner Janine and their daughter in matching pyjamasCredit: instagram @thomaspartey5And that included a shopping bag from Italian designer Prada, as well as a number of wrapped items.The Grinch then made his way out of the back door, with the presents in hand, as family members and children screamed with excitement.Soon after, Partey posed for a family snap with partner Janine and their daughter.The trio wore matching pyjamas for the adorable picture.Read more in footballQuoting the bible, Partey captioned the photo: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belongs to him. Merry Christmas.”Children’s character The Grinch was created by children’s author and cartoonist Dr. Seuss in the 1950s.It later became a film starring Jim Carrey, where the film’s protagonist aims to ruin the festive period for the residents of the fictional Whoville.Partey began a romance with model Janine in around 2022.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple’s relationship gained public attention in October, 2023 when Janine announced her pregnancy on Instagram.They welcomed a daughter together in January this year.Partey returns to action with Arsenal on December 27 in a home game against Ipswich Town.The Ghanaian midfielder has starred for the Gunners this term in a number of positions, including at right-back.Arsenal’s Thomas Partey among six Premier League stars rushed to safety after Ghana fans invade pitch and hurl missilesThat prompted SunSport columnist Troy Deeney to praise the versatile star.“He is becoming Arsenal’s Mr Reliable. Put him at centre-half, it doesn’t matter, put him a right-back and it doesn’t matter, holding midfielder and it doesn’t matter,” he told BBC Sport.“He just plays where the team need him, goes about his business relatively quietly and he helped Arsenal get a huge win against Palace.” More

    • 225 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy to become national team boss in first job since leaving Old Trafford

      by

      BENNI MCCARTHY is set to become the new Kenya national team boss, according to reports.The South African, 47, is said to have landed his first gig since leaving his role as first team coach at Manchester United.Benni McCarthy worked at Man Utd between 2022 and 2024Credit: GettyFormer striker McCarthy worked at Old Trafford between 2022 and 2024 under Erik ten Hag.According to Goal, he is set to be named the new manager of Kenya.They add that, barring a “last-minute change”, McCarthy will be unveiled in early January.Prior to working at Old Trafford, McCarthy did work as a boss in South Africa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe managed Cape Town City between 2017 and 2019, and took charge of AmaZulu from 2020 to 2022.Kenya were previously managed by Turkish boss Engin Firat.He left his post after his side failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Kenya’s next goal will be to try to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey have been competing in a group alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Seychelles and Burundi.Since leaving United, McCarthy has not been shy in having his say on matters at the club.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’In October he criticised former boss Ten Hag, telling Zero Zero: “He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.”I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”Ten Hag, 54, went on to hit back at McCarthy, saying: “I don’t know what he means.”When you win trophies, you can’t do this without passion and desire.”McCarthy worked with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares48 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We have to try to do things better, to use him better’ – Man City boss Guardiola ready to make urgent tactical tweak

      by

      PEP Guardiola has leapt to the defence of struggling forward Erling Haaland – and vowed to to help him find his scoring boots again.The Norwegian striker has scored just three times in his last 12 Premier League outings.Pep Guardiola believes Man City have to improve across the board to help a star playerCredit: GettyErling Haaland’s frustrations were evident in the recent defeat to Aston VillaCredit: AlamyAt the same time, Manchester City have managed to win just once in a dozen outings.However, the Spanish tactician, 53, is not pinning the blame on his star striker.Instead, he believes his side must improve collectively following a dismal run of form.”It’s about us, not just one player,” Guardiola said.Read more in football”When in the past we score goals and Erling was so prolific, helping us, it was because of the team.”When you have problems at the back, in the middle, it is for everyone, it is a team, it is not about one player. It would be easy, if it was just one player, the reason why. It’s not about that.”Erling is so important for us, will be so important for us, has been. (We have to) try to do things better, to use him better.”Haaland has scored an incredible 108 goals in 122 games, since joining the Cityzens in 2022.Most read in FootballAnd after failing to find the net against Aston Villa in a 2-1 defeat, the poacher was quick to blame himself.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again “It affects us all, of course,” the hotshot admitted.”It affects me. I haven’t been good enough and I haven’t delivered for City this season.”I need to step up and work harder, I just need to get better. It just isn’t good enough. I will do everything I can to do better.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We’re not able to win matches anymore, we can’t control matches like we used to. We used to control matches way more.”In the defining moments I’m failing to score, in the defining moments we’re conceding goals. The margins are small and that’s how it is, I will do everything I can to turn this around.”Manchester City entertain Everton on Boxing Day in the midday kick off. More

    • 188 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Sporting Lisbon ruthlessly SACK Ruben Amorim’s replacement on Christmas Day after just eight games in charge

      by

      SPORTING have already sacked Ruben Amorim’s successor Joao Pereira.The Portuguese giants brutally announced the news at 11:54pm on Christmas Day.Sporting have sacked boss Joao PereiraCredit: AlamyPereira, 40, had previously been in charge of Sporting’s B team.After Amorim departed for Manchester United last month, Pereira was promoted to Sporting’s top job.But following just three wins in eight games, he has already been given the boot.Sporting’s brief statement read: “A Lion forever. Thank you, Joao Pereira.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim’s successor became the first Sporting boss to ever lose four of their first five games in charge in all competitions.This run was followed up by narrow home victories over Boavista and Santa Clara.But following the 0-0 draw at Gil Vicente last weekend, club bosses decided to dismiss Pereira.Sporting are reigning champions of Portugal and were top of the league when Amorim departed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim left Sporting for Manchester United last monthCredit: PAThey have since fallen a point behind Benfica at the summit.Sporting have confirmed Rui Borges as their new head coach.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ The 43-year-old has left Portuguese side Vitoria to take on the role.Borges only joined Vitoria from Moreirense back in May, but won 18 of his 30 games in charge.His first game at the Sporting helm is set to be a big one, as they welcome Benfica on Sunday evening.Amorim, meanwhile, has had a challenging start to life at Old Trafford.The 39-year-old has won four of his nine games in charge thus far.Since securing a dramatic late 2-1 win at Manchester City, the Red Devils have crashed out of the League Cup at the hands of Tottenham, and been humbled 3-0 by Bournemouth on home soil.Sporting have appointed Rui Borges as their new bossCredit: EPA More

    • 238 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Stunning apartment inside former Premier League stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former glory

      by

      A STUNNING apartment inside an iconic former Premier League stadium has gone up for sale.And there is even a nod to the glory the club enjoyed while playing at the ground.This one-bedroom apartment has gone on the marketCredit: Location LocationThe sleek kitchen features integrated appliancesCredit: Location LocationThe massive windows ensure it is very lightCredit: Location LocationThe bedroom boasts fine views over the cityCredit: Location LocationThe bathroom includes a shower-bathCredit: Location LocationThe one-bedroom pad hit the market today and there will no doubt be a clamour from fans of the historic club desperate to get the keys.That is because the 552-square-foot property is built into the North Stand of Highbury.The former home of Arsenal was converted into flats when the Emirates Stadium opened in 2006. And one of them in the N5 postcode has gone up for sale with estate agents Location Location. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe apartment on the fifth floor boasts an open-plan living area and a sleek kitchen with integrated appliances.The bedroom and living room both have huge windows with lovely views over North London.And if that wasn’t enough, Flat 51 even has its own private balcony to soak up the summer rays. But, of course, the block is part of the old stadium – and that means there are a few Arsenal touches residents can enjoy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe famous white facade and Arsenal Football Club lettering remain on the exterior.As do the epic marble hallways, complete with Arsenal statues and the Gunners logo on the floor. Inside the former Premier League stadium converted into stunning flats worth almost half a BILLION poundsAnd the grassy communal gardens at the complex are – naturally – where the pitch once stood. Living at Highbury also has its own other perks, too.There is a 24-hour concierge service, underground bike storage, an on-site gym and the Piccadilly Line within short walking distance. Flat 51 launched on the Location Location website this morning with offers in excess of £450,000. One beloved fan could live at the former home of their teamCredit: Location LocationFlat 51 went on the market for £450,000Credit: Location LocationPlenty of storage is included – potentially for more silverwareCredit: Location LocationHighbury was converted when Arsenal moved into the EmiratesCredit: Location LocationThe pitch is now a communal grassy gardensCredit: Location LocationThe entrance still boasts the famous old facadeCredit: Location LocationThe marble hallways remain – as does the Gunners logoCredit: RexLife at the old Highbury has plenty of perksCredit: GettyThe Piccadilly Line is a short walk awayCredit: GettyThe shape of the old stand is clear to seeCredit: GettyA private balcony is a perfect spot to enjoy eveningsCredit: Location LocationThe North Stand flat is being sold by Location LocationCredit: Location LocationApartments are also in the East StandCredit: Location LocationThe flat is located in the N5 postcodeCredit: Location Location More

    • 213 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      The ‘once-hairiest man on TV’ shows off amazing transformation as presenter reveals progress of his hair transplant

      by

      FORMER Sky Sports host Richard Keys has shown off his incredible transformation thanks to a HAIR TRANSPLANT.And it will suit his self-proclaimed moniker of the ‘once-hairiest man on TV’.Former Sky Sports host Richard Keys showed off the ‘before’ shot of his headCredit: instagram @richardkeysofficialThis is the journey Keys, who was sacked by Sky, is onCredit: instagram @richardkeysofficialThe British Hair Clinic in Essex uploaded a clip of the now-BeIN presenter showing off his locks on TikTok.Pointing at his re-growth, Keys, who married his daughter’s best friend after leaving his wife for her, says: “The once-hairiest man on TV has done a little bit today to restore his reputation. “I’m laughing because I’ve heard the joke.”What an irony that someone who spent his lifetime trying to remove hair finds himself in the British Hair Clinic looking for them to add hair. I mean, you couldn’t make it up really.”But here we are, at the direction of Jason McAteer, who’s been through this process and looks well for it – at least that’s what he told me – and Sam Matterface, a very good friend of mine.”Sam, I spoke to this morning, and he said: “Brilliant, easy, you’ll love it.”Later in the clip Keys, who was sacked by Sky Sports for his part in a sexism storm, admires a pen-drawn hairline guide, saying: “So that’s the new hairline.”That’s where the new hairline will be.”Most read in FootballIn 2012 rumours did the rounds that Keys had his hands lasered or waxed after being dubbed ‘werewolf’ by eagle-eyed fans.A source told The Standard at the time: “Richard is incredibly touchy about his body hair and has put up with years of stick about it. Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-time”Richard won’t divulge whether it was his idea or Sky’s to get his hands done.”Keys was sacked in disgrace from his £500,000-a-year job fronting Sky’s Premier League coverage in 2011 after making disparaging remarks about female referee Sian Massey-Ellis.He is now the face of the BeIN Sports channels which broadcast all 365 Premier League games per season mainly on its flagship “Super Saturday” programme.The clinic added: “Richard came in to our Essex clinic back in July and his new hair line is starting to take shape. “We will keep you updated on the progression.”Fans were quick to spot Keys’ hands back in the day…A recording caught out Keys and Andy Gray, left, making vile commentsCredit: PA:Press AssociationKeys now works for BeIN Sports 14 years after he was sacked by SkyCredit: X / beINSPORTS_EN More