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      Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and strikes iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watching

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO JR made his international debut for Portugal’s Under-15s on Tuesday – and wore his dad’s iconic number.The 14-year-old was named on the bench ahead of Portugal’s match against Japan at a youth tournament in Croatia.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his Portugal U15s debut on TuesdayCredit: SplashThe teenager wore his dad’s iconic No7Credit: SplashHis grandmother, Maria Dolores, watched on from the sidelinesCredit: SplashAnd he was introduced in the 54th minute with his team leading 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Braga forward Rafael Cabral.Ronaldo Jr was given the No7 shirt for the occasion – the number his dad has worn throughout his incredible career.And he was even pictured striking a pose very similar to his dad’s signature free kick stance during the warm-up.Maria Dolores, the teenager’s grandmother and Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, was there to watch from the sidelines.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe was seen wearing her son’s iconic 2010 World Cup shirt before the match.Ronaldo Jr is also set to face Greece and England in the Vlatko Markovic tournament.The young Al-Nassr academy star earned his first call-up to Portugal’s U15s last week.His dad posted confirmation of the news on social media with a touching message that read: “Proud of you, son.”Most read in FootballRonaldo Jr currently plays in Al-Nassr’s youth ranks having followed his dad to Saudi Arabia over two years ago.The youngster has also represented youth teams at Juventus and Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KOThree years ago, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo revealed that his son was determined to play alongside him one day.He said: “My son tells me: dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!”Ronaldo Jr was pictured in a similar stance to his dad’s iconic free kick poseCredit: SplashRonaldo Jr is following in the footsteps of his dadCredit: Getty More

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      How Europa League winners have fared in Champions League in last decade as Man Utd and Spurs battle for ultimate prize

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham will face off in the Europa League final next week in a battle for a place amongst Europe’s elite.The winner will earn a spot in next season’s Champions League, a reward that is potentially worth in excess of £100MILLION. Manchester United are preparing to take on Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs are hoping to end a 17-year wait for a trophyCredit: GettyMuch has been made about whether that prize is suitable or not, given that United and Spurs currently occupy 16th and 17th spot in the Premier League – but Uefa aren’t changing their rules for the two underachievers.Qualification would mean a huge amount to both clubs, with the lure of the Champions League meaning more top talent could be enticed to join in the summer – not to mention a huge boost to their transfer kitty.For Spurs, the money would be the cherry on top of the giant cake that is ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.While United almost NEED to win the competition given their current financial situation, with a defeat meaning a huge loss in potential revenue amid a slew of cost-cutting measure by Sir Jim Racliffe and his Ineos team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce getting to the Champions League, advancing to the very end could earn up to a potential £95m extra for the eventual winner – but United and Spurs will be aware that their chances of going all the way are slim.In fact, of the eight different teams that have gained qualification into the Champions League by winning the Europa League over the last 10 years, just ONE has made it to the semi-finals.That was Villarreal, who were knocked out of the tournament by eventual winners Liverpool.Man Utd entered the competition thanks to their 2017 Europa League success under Jose Mourinho, only to lose to Sevilla in the Round of 16.Most read in FootballMan Utd won the Europa League in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea earned a Champions League spot with their 2019 Europa League successCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Chelsea did the same in 2019 and were kicked out by Bayern Munich in the last 16 too.United and Chelsea are two of six teams that reached the last 16 after qualifying through the Europa League.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsWhile Sevilla have twice failed to advance through the group stages and Atalanta were knocked out of this year’s competition in the qualifying knockout round.Although it makes for bleak reading for Man Utd and Spurs fans, it’s worth noting that the lure – and cash injection – of playing in the Champions League has helped teams who qualified through the Europa League attract big players.It was United’s entry to the 2017/18 competition that helped them sign Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof in the following summer.Chelsea were unable to purchase players following their success as they were hit with a transfer ban following academy player rule breaches.Either way, the prize waiting for the winner of next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ is something which cannot be underestimated and could have a huge impact on either club for years to come. More

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      Dan Ashworth lands new high-profile job seven months after disastrous Man Utd spell

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      DAN ASHWORTH has landed a big new job after a disaster spell at Manchester United. Ashworth, 54, arrived at Old Trafford to great fanfare in the summer of 2024 to work alongside Erik ten Hag. Dan Ashworth had a torrid tenure at Old TraffordCredit: PAAshworth played a key role in United’s summer recruitment along with former manager Erik ten HagUnited had put in plenty of work to get him out of his role at Newcastle United, in the hope that the Englishman could revolutionise their recruitment strategy. However, things did not work out for United or Ashworth, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th in the Premier League table, and Ashworth leaving the club in December. The Englishman had been in his role for just five months. However, it seems as though he is set for a return to familiar surroundings. Read more FootballHe is lined up for a new role at the Football Association, leading the football side of the operation, according to reports. It means a return to the governing body for Ashworth, who was there from 2012 to 2018 as the director of elite development. He then moved to Brighton and Hove Albion as technical director, before Newcastle snapped him up as director of football in 2022. He was appointed at United in July last year, but had his contract terminated in December, reportedly costing the club £4.1 million, according to their quarterly accounts. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt was reported that the reasoning behind Ashworth’s premature departure from United came as a result of disagreements with fellow board members. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the United co-owner, was apparently crucial in the decision to relieve Ashworth of his duties, along with CEO Omar Berrada, who Ashworth reported to. Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!In his tenure at United, Ashworth oversaw another mass incoming of players to Old Trafford. He brought in players familiar to Ten Hag, the manager at the time, bringing in Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, who had played under ten Hag at Ajax.The Red Devils also signed Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Leny Yoro in a summer spending spree that eclipsed £200 million. More

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      Tottenham set to take part in touching 98-year-old tradition at Europa League final – but Man Utd won’t

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      TOTTENHAM are set to take part in a tradition ahead of the Europa League final – but Manchester United will not.The two English sides meet on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium, which is the home of Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.Spurs and Man Utd meet in the Europa League finalCredit: AlamyTottenham are set to take part in a 98-year-old traditionCredit: GettyTheir stadium opened in 2013 after the old ground on an adjacent plot was demolished.But a tradition has remained for 98 years to honour club icon Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, better known as Pichichi.The legendary striker, who played for them in the early 1900s, suddenly passed away aged 29 from typhus.To pay respect to Pichichi, every team who plays at the San Mames for the first time leaves a bunch of flowers in homage ahead of kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHungarian side MTK Budapest were the first to make the gesture in 1927.Spurs have never played Athletic Bilbao at their home, only facing them twice in friendlies at different locations.Therefore, Tottenham are set to lay flowers by a bust in a special area by the players’ tunnel to commemorate Pichichi.Before the stadium was modernised, clubs would put their flowers by the statue of the legend outside the ground. Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd will not have to visit the florist ahead of the Europa League final as they have been to the San Mames before.The Red Devils played at the old stadium in 1957 and 2012.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!And they were at the new ground earlier this month as they knocked out Athletic Bilbao in this year’s semi-final.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordCaptains of clubs leave flowers at the side of the pitch before playing at the San Mames for the first timeCredit: Getty More

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      Incredible XI of Man Utd misfits and deadwood that would still beat Ruben Amorim’s flops on current form

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are enduring their worst domestic campaign in the modern history of the club.But while their squad of strugglers are languishing in 16th in the Premier League, there’s a squad’s worth of stars shining elsewhere.Manchester United are enduring their worst domestic campaign of modern timesCredit: EPAIn recent seasons it’s felt like the key to success for Man Utd players has been leaving Man Utd, with so many stars who have exited Old Trafford going on to impress elsewhere.Aaron Wan-Bissaka showed what a United farewell can do for you on Sunday when he played a huge role in both goals against his former club as West Ham leapfrogged the Red Devils with a 2-0 victory.And he’s not the only one who has been excelling elsewhere.In fact, you could make an entire starting XI of players who have swapped Man Utd for greener pastures.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCrystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson left Man Utd in search of first team minutes in 2023, now he’s the Eagle’s first choice goalkeeper and about to play in an FA Cup final.Meanwhile United have been riddled with issues in between the sticks as Andre Onana continues to struggle since his £47m arrival from Inter Milan.At full-back, the misfit XI could boast West Ham’s Player of the Season Wan Bissaka and January exit Tyrell Malacia.Malacia joined PSV on loan in the winter window and has jumped from a 16th place United team to a side in a title race, with Eindhoven just one point behind league leaders Ajax in the Eredivisie. Most read in FootballAaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed with West Ham since leaving Man UtdCredit: AFPAmorim and Ratcliffe’s reputations have been minced by a rotten, stinking Man UtdSunSport’s Dave Kidd has his say on the dire situation at Manchester United…THEY brought in the second-richest man in Great Britain and the hottest young coach in Europe.And yet, as the fans mourned the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family’s takeover yesterday, Manchester United are worse than ever.This ruthlessly brilliant businessman, this local-boy-made-good, was going to lead the Red Devils back to the place he once held in the Forbes Rich List.Now Ratcliffe’s ruthlessness is regarded as hateful penny-pinching, that business acumen has not translated into football — and United are two places above the relegation zone.This rotten, stinking football club minces the reputations of the best of men.As Amorim seems to have realised, according to his extraordinary round of media interviews in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham…Read the article in full HEREJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordVillarreal centre-back duo Eric Bailly and Willy Kambwala would make up the rest of the back line, with the pair on the brink of earning Champions League football with the La Liga club this season.The heart of the midfield would be occupied by the un-affectionately nicknamed ‘McFred’ – a pair who were mocked during their time at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clashNow Brazilian Fred is flying high in the Turkish league at Fenerbahce under the management of Jose Mourinho, where with five league goals this season, he has scored more than United front man Rasmus Hojlund.As for McTominay – he has been a revelation at Napoli under Antonio Conte.Napoli are leading Serie A with two games remaining and McTominay has racked up 11 league goals and four assists at the heart of their midfield.Wingers Antony and Anthony Elanga would offer width in the makeshift XI given their success away from the Theatre of Dreams this season.Elanga has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most important players as they’ve made a push for Champions League football – and he even netted against Man Utd last month.While £82m ‘flop’ Antony is looking a lot closer to matching his price tag with Real Betis in Spain.Since being loaned out in January, a move that many Betis fans are hoping is made permanent, Antony had weighed in with crucial goals as Manuel Pellegrini’s side battle for a place in the Champions League places.Fans even took to the streets begging that the move was made permanent after he helped them reach the Conference Legue final last week.Scott McTominay has been a revelation for NapoliCredit: GettyAntony has excelled at Real BetisCredit: GettyA front two could be made up of two of United’s very own academy products.Marcus Rashford has been a man transformed at Aston Villa – before his hamstring injury – and has made the decision to loan him out look baffling.Rashford has racked up ten goal contributions in 17 appearances for the Villans, doing so in a Champions League quarter-final and huge clashes with Manchester City and Chelsea.Partnering Rashford would be Mason Greenwood, who has reignited his career in France with Marseille.Only Ousmane Dembele has scored more goals than Greenwood in Ligue 1 this season, with the one-time England international finding the back of the net 19 times.While his goals haven’t been in vain either, helping Marseille secure a return to the Champions League next season.Mason Greenwood is Ligue 1’s second top scorer this seasonCredit: AFPMarcus Rashford looked more like his usual self at Aston VillaCredit: RexIt appears that Manchester United have become a vast footballer recycling centre which buys good players and makes them bad, before selling bad players who become good again.Even Ruben Amorim seems to be confused as to why things aren’t clicking for his side, claiming that it’s not the players’ fault.Seemingly threatening to quit if he can’t turn it around, Amorim said: “I don’t want to talk about the players. I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. I have that feeling.“We need to change that and we need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave.Read More on The Sun”Because we cannot have a season like this next year. If the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different persons.”So it’s a big problem that we have here at the club. It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to address that.”Ruben Amorim has threatened to quit if things don’t improveCredit: Getty More

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      Crystal Palace announce they are releasing Premier League record holder after 13 years in emotional statement

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      CRYSTAL PALACE’s Joel Ward is leaving the club after 13 years.The 35-year-old defender has played over 360 times for the Eagles since joining from Portsmouth in 2012. Joel Ward is leaving Crystal Palace after more than a decade with the clubCredit: AlamyThe defender has racked up over 350 appearances since 2012Credit: GettyWard helped Palace gain promotion in his first season at Selhurst Park.The versatile defender has been a member of the squad in the Premier League ever since.Ward was named club captain in 2023/24 and has racked up a record number of Prem appearances for the club. He has repaid the club with 13 seasons of service after signing for just £400,000. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPalace chairman Steve Parish said: “From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club.”[He is] open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.”Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him – in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride.“This is a great time to celebrate Joel’s achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.”Ward penned a one-year extension with Palace last year.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyBut he’s struggled with a calf injury for much of the campaign and is yet to confirm if he will continue playing. Ward told the club’s website: “For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.”It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.”Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family.”This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely see you later.” More

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      Final game at Goodison Park will see fans allowed to break strict Premier League protocol during post-match ceremony

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      EVERTON fans will be allowed to break a strict Premier League rule during their Goodison Park farewell party.The Toffees say goodbye to their famous old ground on Saturday, with Southampton the final visitors.Everton will be allowed to break a strict Prem rule against SouthamptonCredit: GettyEverton fans will be treated to a post-match ceremonyCredit: GettyEverton have big plans in place pre and post match which will allow Evertonians to say farewell in style.That includes breaking a key Prem protocol – allowing alcohol to be consumed within view of the pitch.Fans will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from hospitality, bars and kiosks around the ground after the final whistle has been sounded.Spectators will be allowed to buy booze until 2:45pm and take it to their seats, where they can watch the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe celebration show will see appearances from players past and present, live musical performances and shows on the big screen that triumph the best memories of Goodison.The ceremony will last for an hour so could finish at a similar time to bars closing, at which point supporters will be asked to leave the ground for the final time.Ahead of the match Everton’s 1878 supporters’ group will stage a special coach welcome to create a “vibrant, passionate atmosphere as the players arrive at the stadium”.The club has also warned fans about the removal of seats or artefacts from the ground, stating such actions will be treated as criminal damage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton are set to leave their stadium of 133 years for Bramley Moore Dock.They still plan for Goodison Park to be an important community asset.Liam Delap tipped to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for EVERTON transfer after fans spot gesture following match vs ToffeesEverton’s proposals aim to provide affordable and social housing with 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals. More

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      Real Madrid ‘do not even respond’ after they are offered England legend on loan transfer

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      REAL MADRID “did not respond” when offered an England legend on loan, according to reports.The Spanish giants were in the market for a defender during the January transfer window.Real Madrid did not respond when offered an England legend on loanCredit: ReutersKyle Walker instead went to AC MilanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWith Dani Carvajal sidelined due to an ACL tear and Lucas Vazquez out in spells across the season through injury and suspension, Real Madrid went into games without a senior right-back.The Athletic claim the club were concerned that winning the Champions League would be “impossible” without them.Manchester City were looking to get rid of Kyle Walker in January and offered the 34-year-old to Los Blancos.But they supposedly ignored contact and did not respond.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans reacted to the reports: “That is low.”Another wrote: “The email went straight to spam.”Yet City had the last laugh as they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January.The young centre-backs were bought for a combined fee of £63million from Lens and Palmeiras respectively.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBoth Khusanov and Reis were said to be targets for Real Madrid.Walker, who has won 95 caps for England, instead joined for AC Milan.The six-time Premier League winner could remain in Italy next season as the club have a £4.2million option to buy.But Milan are having second thoughts over whether to keep him permanently.Walker has lost his place in the starting XI after injury and the Rossoneri are in danger of missing out on European qualification, which will impact their transfer budget. More