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      Man Utd ‘are struggling to tie Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo down to new contracts’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly struggling to negotiate new deals with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. The pair are among the lowest earners at Old Trafford, despite Garnacho penning a fresh contract in the summer of 2023. Reports suggest United are struggling to secure Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to new dealsCredit: GettyThe pair have broken through into the first team over the past 18 monthsCredit: GettyCo-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trimming budgets across the club as they look to fall within the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.SunSport exclusively revealed on Friday that the cost-cutting exercise even extends to a charity helping out former players. According to the Daily Mail, United are “struggling to reach agreements” with both Mainoo and Garnacho. Mainoo, 19, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since making his debut for the Red Devils last year. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe is now an England regular, with reports earlier this season suggesting he was set for a new contract as a “priority.”Mainoo’s current deal runs until 2027 with an option for an extra year and sees him pocket £20,000 a week.The Stockport native signed the contract in early 2023, before breaking through into the first team. Garnacho meanwhile was rewarded with a five-year deal last year, which saw his pay skyrocket to £50,000 per week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite his wage increase, the 20-year-old’s pay packet pales in comparison to top-earners Casemiro (£375k) and Bruno Fernandes (£325k). The Argentine has been sparingly used since the arrival of new boss Ruben Amorim. Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho After a breakthrough season in 2023, he has scored just three times in 17 games so far this term. The report also claims the Red Devils are in the market for a “new striker, midfielder and cover at goalkeeper.”United replaced Erik ten Hag with Amorim in early November, but the Portuguese boss has endured a dismal start to life in England. The 39-year-old has already ruled out a European finish.And he was even forced to fend off questions about relegation after a 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day.Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5Amorim said: “We just have to survive and to win sometimes, to work on the team.”We have tough games and it’s a long journey. Like I said on the first day, we have to continue and we have to fight the bad moments because this is part of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you don’t have the results, it is even harder for them to believe.”Asked about European qualification, Amorim responded: “No, no, no, no.” More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Tottenham vs Wolves latest plus updates from Leicester vs Man City as Forest LEAD Everton

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      THE Premier League returns today for another round of bumper action. Leicester vs Manchester City and Tottenham vs Wolves are the standout ties from the five afternoon kick offs.Sunday’s evening match sees West Ham host league leaders Liverpool in a blockbuster clash at the London Stadium.Kick off times: 2.30pm/3pm/5.15pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…HT: Everton 0-1 Nott’m ForestThe draw specialists are losing at Goodison Park.They have failed to register a single shot on target in the first-half.Forest have not created a great deal and will need to take it up a gear or two to put this game to bed.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 0-2 Man City74. The Foxes get their just desserts for their wastefulness.De Bruyne spreads it out wide to Savinho, who whips in an inch-perfect cross to the Norwegian.Haaland heads into the far corner to double the visitors’ lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 1-1 SouthamptonWill Southampton be in the Premier League next season?Yes, in the form of Tyler Dibling who is guaranteed to picked up by somebody as The Saints are relegated.Palace should be out of sight in this game but are proving to be wasteful in front of goal.Copy linkCopiedHT: Tottenham 2-1 WolvesAs ever it is the same old story for Spurs.They look great going forward but defensively they look like they could not stop a marauding toddler making it through the middle of the park.However, they lead at the break, which would be enough to take some pressure off Ange Postecoglou.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the King PowerIt really is all Leicester. They’ve had three decent openings in this second half, without forcing Stefan Ortega into a save yet. Guardiola had seen enough and so he sent on…James McAtee, whose Premier League experience so far this season amounted to two minutes. It’s Phil Foden who is off and the form of the Footballer of the Year is a symbol of City’s struggles. And Vardy has just put a golden chance over the bar.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence at Goodison ParkSean Dyche’s right – he frequently says that every time things start to look brighter at Everton another cloud shows up.His side valiantly navigated their way through three successive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.The Toffees had lost only one of their last seven games and Dyche and should have been on something of a high  – instead their first half performance against upwardly – mobile Forest has been a real downer for him and the home fans.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in North LondonWHAT a huge goal that could prove to be for Ange Postecoglou.Just as the Aussie was preparing to go in for half-time downbeat after Son Heung-min’s penalty miss, Brennan Johnson put his side in front with a fine finish.Dejan Kulusevski teed it up and it feels at times today the Swede has been carrying Spurs, who may be winning but are not playing particularly well.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Selhurst ParkDecent half between two struggling teams, but Ivan Juric needs to find something else from his Saints. They have had their moments but Palace look so dangerous, yet so wasteful.In his programme notes, Palace boss Oliver Glasner wrote: “There is a great quote from Kobe Bryant: ‘Try to be better today than you were yesterday, and better tomorrow than you were today’. This won’t stop in 2025.”How about simply being better in the second half?Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageBOURNEMOUTH are lucky to still be in this game. They are a goal down but could easily be a man down too.Ryan Christie has escaped with a booking for what to everyone except ref Rob Jones and VAR Peter Bankes a cast-iron studs up challenge on Antonee Robinson.The midfielder took out Andreas Pereira and lost control of the ball in doing so, he then went full throttle to reclaim and came together with Robinson’s left shin. How that is not a red I wait to be informed by the PGMOL.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 2-1 Wolves45+3. Some great play from Kulusevski once again.This time he finds Johnson in the middle of the box, who slots into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.Are you not entertained?Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Brennan Johnson (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence at Goodison ParkNuno Espirito Santo had to deal with what looked like a major blow after defensive rock Murillo was forced to pull out in the warm up.Winger Ramon Sosa replaced him with midfielder Nico Williams dropping to left back in a re – build back four.But the rear guard that suffered was Everton’s – no thanks to sloppy work from the midfield ahead of them and there was little surprise when Chris Wood delivered a fine opener.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 0-1 Man City58. We may be missing a trick with some Premier League players.Bernardo Silva could be the answer to ending third-world hunger, he can make a meal out of anything.A slight contact from Soumare sends the Portuguese midfielder flying in the air and rolling another twenty yards down the pitch.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-0 Bournemouth40. Classic from Fulham.Under the cosh for most of the game, they force a corner and take the lead in West London.Pereira’s delivery picks out Jimenez who heads home to get the Craven Cottage crowd going.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Raul Jimenez (Fulham)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Selhurst ParkAaron Ramsdale is still complaining about that Palace equaliser. Mateta certainly has a big shove on the former Arsenal keeper before Chalobah’s header bobbles over the line from the corner.Ramsdale has been having a good moan to himself with the ball up the other end, but he was called into action just now with a strong palm to deny Sarr and then getting behind an acrobatic overhead kick from Lerma.Copy linkCopiedEverton 0-1 Nott’m Forest37. If you wanted to ensure you didn’t get hit in the face by the ball at Goodison Park, the opposition goal seems the safest place to be.The Toffees really do not create enough chances.Forest have only had one shot on target in the game so far, but it seems enough to win this game currently.Colleen Rooney is in the stands for the game today and you start to wonder if she could be a better job than Broja up top.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedViiew from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageSOMETHING YOU don’t  see everyday. Bournemouth take shape for an attacking corner and play stops so that Fulham keeper Bernd Leno can have a drink of red bull from a tin beside his post.Leno points to his throat as if to suggest he has a sore throat. Odd.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Southampton34. It is going to be a close run thing this season to see who lets more in, The Saints or Southampton ferry terminal.As a Will Hughes cross comes into the box, Chalobah heads home from close range.Selhurst Park erupts into a cauldron of noise.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Trevor Chalobah (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Selhurst ParkThe first Southampton goal of the Ivan Juric era is here and it was scored by the teenage sensation Tyler Dibling.Whisper it quietly, but for all the direct, back-to-front long balls Juric likes his side to execute, this opener was Russell Martin-esque.Lots of great passing on the deck, switching the play from right to left and ending with a brilliant, low cross flicked on by Adam Armstrong and tapped in by Dibling from a few yards out.This was meant to be the battle of the big men: Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta at 6ft4 vs Saints giant Paul Onuachu at 6ft7.But so far, it was a skinny teenager who has seemingly-doomed Southampton dreaming of just a second win in the Prem this term.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageWHAT started at breakneck speed is now rather flat-footed. A chance each and not much else. Maybe the excitement of recent results – and Bournemouth’s absentee list – is catching up with them. Fulham are not taking advantage of eight players missing from the visiting line up.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in North LondonWELL it would not be a Spurs game without plenty of incident and goals – and there has been more than enough for most games inside the first 23 minutes here.Wolves went 1-0 up through Hwang Hee-Chan’s excellent strike to have the away fans singing boss Vitor Pereira’s name from the stands.But then Rodrigo Bentancur levelled things up with a bullet header from Pedro Porro’s corner – the same routine that worked against Ipswich last month.Ange Postecoglou must have had his heart in his mouth though when back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster went down clutching his left leg, though he is carrying on for now.Oh and Matheus Cunha has looked like a Champions League-level player with some of his touches.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-0 Bournemouth28. It is the visitors who are dominating in West London.The Cherries have had all the possession and most of the attempts at goal in the opening half an hour.The Cottagers seem to using the same tactic they did against Chelsea, absorb all they can throw at us and try and hit them on the counter-attack.Copy linkCopied More

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      Glum Marcus Rashford spotted leaving training in chauffeur-driven £200k Bentley as Man Utd future hangs in the balance

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      MARCUS Rashford looked glum as he was pictured leaving Manchester United’s training ground after a bombshell interview revealed he wants to leave Old Trafford. The wantaway striker, 27, was caught on camera in the back seat of a chauffeur-driven Bentley as he left United’s Carrington training ground today. Marcus Rashford leaving training at Carrington todayCredit: ZenpixMarcus Rashford being driven from training yesterdayCredit: ZenpixThe star (seen yesterday) has been slapped with a driving banCredit: ZenpixHe was also spotted in the back seat as he headed home from Carrington yesterday.Rashford, currently serving a six-month driving ban, did his best to avoid the cameras as he sat in the back of the blacked-out vehicle with his hood up. The Man Utd striker got the new £200,000 Flying Spur Azure so he can be ferried to training in comfort.An onlooker said: “Marcus looked very glum and as though he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.” Read More SportEarlier this month Rashford said he was “ready for a new challenge” two days after being left out of new manager Ruben Amorim’s squad for the Derby day clash against Man City on December 15. The striker said: “Personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.” He has now been left out of the last four squads. United play Newcastle tomorrow.Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016, having come through the United academy.Most read in FootballHe signed a £350,000-a-week contract after scoring 30 goals in the 2022-23 campaign. But he has struggled to replicate that form, scoring just four times so far this season.Rashford got the Flying Spur Azure so he can be ferried to training in comfortCredit: ZenpixRashford in action for Manchester UnitedCredit: PA More

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      Tottenham face transfer competition from Premier League rivals for Sunderland star Anthony Patterson

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      WOLVES have Sunderland No 1 Anthony Patterson on their radar again in case they lose one of their own keepers at Molineux.Portugal ace Jose Sa is back in the Wanderers side under new boss Vitor Pereira, with previous first-pick Sam Johnstone shocked to be dumped to the bench.Wolves are interested in signing Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony PattersonCredit: GETTYBut the Prem strugglers will face competition for his services from TottenhamCredit: ALAMYThat situation is unlikely to continue so the Midlands outfit have reopened their files on Black Cats’ Patterson, 24, who is also an option for Spurs.Patterson, however, won’t come cheap as he inked a new long-term deal at the Stadium of Light last September.After putting pen to paper, he said: “You can see the trajectory the club is on and it’s an exciting time to be here.”It’s obviously an absolute dream to come through the academy to where I am now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When you first join the club at the age of 10, you don’t ever think too much about actually playing for Sunderland.”Black Cats Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said of the academy graduate: “He’s establishing himself as one of the best young English goalkeepers.”We have confidence in him and his ability to further improve, and equally he has confidence in us, which I feel is important.”As an academy graduate, we couldn’t be happier for Anthony.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnthony Patterson penned a new long-term deal with Sunderland last SeptemberCredit: GETTY”And his journey so far is a testament to the work undertaken by him and so many staff over a significant period of time.”Patterson has conceded only 14 league goals so far this season, keeping seven clean sheets for the Black Cats.He and his Sunderland team-mates will be back in action this afternoon, travelling to the bet365 Stadium to take on Stoke City. More

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      Fresh details of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s proposed Real Madrid transfer from Liverpool emerge including ‘secret pact’

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      REAL MADRID are closing in on the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports in Spain.The Liverpool defender has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield with his contract up in the summer.Real Madrid are close to sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s signingCredit: EPAReal Madrid has been his rumoured destination for some time, and it is claimed Alexander-Arnold may have already agreed a transfer.Spanish outlet AS claim the move is almost complete with Real confident he will join at the end of the season.They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer is the only option.The report adds Alexander-Arnold wants to leave Liverpool on a good note – not midway through a season when they lead the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has also been suggested Real Madrid have a secret pact to keep the transfer quiet once it has been completed next month, to avoid upsetting Liverpool.Reports from Spain have consistently linked Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu over the last few weeks, possibly under influence from Real Madrid.The LaLiga giants used the media to put pressure on moves for Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger, with the latter pair also joining on free transfers.Howver, reports from Merseyside offer a conflicting view, claiming no such transfer agreement has been reached.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey claim that Alexander-Arnold has not given his word to Real, meaning his future remains up in the air.Respected transfer guru Fabrizio Romano makes the same claim, suggesting Liverpool could keep ahold of their star man as “nothing has been agreed”.Mo Salah provides huge update on Liverpool contract situation as he breaks Premier League record in Tottenham thrashing More

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      West Ham icon Ludek Miklosko reveals heartbreaking cancer battle and stops treatment to ‘enjoy best quality of life’

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      WEST HAM hero Ludek Miklosko has revealed he’s been battling cancer for the last few years.The former Hammers stopper discovered he was fighting the deadly disease three years ago after finding a small lump on his hip.Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has revealed he’s battling cancerCredit: GETTYMiklosko discovered he had a growth on his hip three years agoCredit: GETTYBut it later emerged the former Czech stopper had an inoperable tumour in his stomach along with several smaller onesCredit: REXThe 63-year-old has opted not to undergo chemotherapy, which doctors couldn’t guarantee him would be a successCredit: GETTYThe 63-year-old’s initial treatment went well, although doctors failed to discover several other tumours in his body – including an inoperable stomach tumour.Miklosko underwent radiotherapy to shrink the growth but doctors soon discovered there were several other tumours.The only option left for Miklosko was chemotherapy, which doctors couldn’t guarantee would be a success.So the retired keeper has made the heartbreaking decision not to have treatment to ensure he has the best quality in his final days.READ MORE WEST HAM NEWSExplaining his decision, he told West Ham’s official website: “I was thinking about this, and had another conversation with the doctor in Ostrava.”And it was made clear to me that there could be no guarantees that it would work. “Maybe it would help to slow it down a little bit, but it would not stop it and there would be other issues to deal with.“I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life.Most read in FootballThe day Miklosko denied Man Utd the titleBy Henry TomlinsonLUDEK MIKLOSKO was once responsible for denying Manchester United a Premier League title.On the final day of the 1994/95 season, the Red Devils travelled to the former home of West Ham, the Boleyn Ground.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side needed to better the result of Blackburn in order to secure their third successive title.The Hammers had confirmed their spot in the league with a 3-0 win over Liverpool in the match before.Despite having nothing to play for, Michael Hughes caused a shock when he put the hosts ahead.Brian McClair levelled for Man United after the break and put them just one goal from claiming the title.However, Miklosko put in a brilliant performance in which he denied Ferguson’s men time and time again.Blackburn lost their match at Anfield 2-1 but the draw would not be enough for Man United.Miklosko spoke about the game in 2020 and has admitted he never tires of talking about it.He said: “I have been asked about the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground in May 1995 so many times, but I will never get tired of talking about it.“In fact, I was at Manchester United’s training ground recently with some young goalkeepers – I am now a player representative – and there were staff members there who remembered that game.“Some of them came up to me and talked about the game and a few of them said ‘I was there and remember that game and I hated you!’. We had a good laugh about it.“It was one of those games when everything went for me, but it was also a good team performance, too.“We scored a good goal and we defended so well to stop Manchester United, who were a very good team and wanted to win the title on the final day of the season.””I have very good people around me, and I have my work and my football, which is my life, all I have known. I want to keep doing that for as long as I can.”Miklosko was put off undergoing the gruelling and debilitating chemo once it was made clear to him that his entire life would be put on hold.Meet West Ham wonderkid Kaelan CaseyHe said: “When they told me about what the chemotherapy would mean, it was a case of not being able to work or be around my colleagues for around six months, not travel, have some sickness and everything else.”And I said, ‘No – I do not want that. There is no point. “I want to live my life.'”Miklosko will be in attendance at the Olympic Stadium this evening for the Hammers’ clash with Prem table-toppers Liverpool.The club will pay tribute to their former keeper ten minutes before kick-off.Miklosko is looking forward to returning to East London, saying: “It will be very special to me.Ludek Miklosko has opted not to undergo chemotherapy in order to have a better quality of lifeCredit: REX“And, of course, the supporters. “After all these years, they still remember me, still sing my name, and that is a great feeling.“I have two football clubs in my heart, Banik Ostrava and West Ham United, and in a funny way they are very similar. “Even the mentality of the fans, very similar. Hard-working people, loyal and passionate. “If I am ever doing an interview here in the Czech Republic, I am always saying this and making this comparison.“West Ham United is my second family. And I really am looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.”Miklosko was in attendance for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph against Fiorentina last summer.Ludek Miklosko has fond memories of his time with West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMiklosko upped sticks from his native Czech Republic with his wife and son in February 1990 to join the Hammers. He’d go on to make 318 appearances for the East Londoners during an eight-year stint. Miklosko and his family enjoyed their time in England, so much that his son asked him to move back to Old Blighty after they returned to the Czech Republic. He told The Athletic: “When we moved back to [the] Czech Republic, my son begged me and his mum to leave him in England.“He went from saying, ‘Why on earth are we here?’ to wanting to stay there without us. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Seeing my son overcome his struggles put a big smile on my face. Me joining “West Ham worked out well for all of us.” More

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      Liverpool scouting Championship wonderkid Ryan One, 18, after breaking into promotion-chasing Sheffield United first XI

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      LIVERPOOL continue to compile a dossier on Sheffield United’s teenage striker Ryan One.Kop spies like the look of the powerful Scot, 18, who has already made it into Blades’ promotion-chasing squad.Ryan One is being monitored by Liverpool after impressing for Sheffield UnitedCredit: AlamyThe teenager netted his first goal for the Blades against Bristol City in NovemberCredit: PAOne is the type of physical frontman Liverpool lack in their ranks of emerging talent – and they are poised to move for him.Blades see One as a player for the future so would look for a big fee if Anfield chiefs do come calling.The teenager spent his early career north of the border at Hamilton, before joining United in 2023.He made his debut for the club away at Arsenal last season, before the Blades dropped back to the Championship. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe powerful striker has since featured 10 times for Chris Wilder’s side, catching the eye of scouts from Merseyside.One netted his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Bristol City at the start of November.The son of former Scottish lower-league striker Armand One, Ryan has already impressed on the international stage.He was included in Archie Gemmill’s Scotland under-21 squad back in October, getting minutes against Belgium and Kazakhstan. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I didn’t expect it at all because I’d been selected for the Under-19s but it was a great feeling.“The standard in training has been really good.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly “But that’s what you’d expect with so many of these players playing first-team football. “I’ve just tried to keep up with it but I think I’ve done well.”Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.Meanwhile, Derby have joined the growing list of clubs keen to take forward Jayden Danns on loan if Liverpool clear the move.The promising striker, 18, has been prolific at youth level for the club and has previously been linked with a move to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. More

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      Ligue 1 in savage six-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo after his brutal comments about French league

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      LIGUE 1 fired a savage six-word response at Cristiano Ronaldo following his brutal comments about France’s top league.The Portuguese legend made a disparaging remark about the competition while collecting several prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards.Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about Ligue 1 have come back to haunt himCredit: GettyRonaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, was crowned both ‘Best Player in the Middle East’ AND ‘Top Scorer of All Time’ at last week’s event.The 39-year-old striker is the top name in the Saudi Pro League following a move there two years ago.Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after having his Manchester United deal terminated following a major row with Erik ten Hag.And after netting 80 goals in 89 games for his new side, the three-time Premier League winner made a bold statement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccepting his awards, ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo declared that the Saudi Pro League was making major strides to catch Europe’s top divisions.But in his eyes, it is already better than France’s Ligue 1.The competition boasts numerous top names including Marseille, Monaco and Lyon.However, Ronnie reckons it is simply a one-team league due to the dominance of moneybags Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking on stage, Ronaldo said: “The Saudi league is better than Ligue 1.“In France, only PSG exists — the rest are finished. If you don’t believe me, try running in 39 or 40 degrees and see.”Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 gong at Globe Soccer AwardsRonaldo’s comments have come back to haunt him though.The ace is yet to win a title in Saudi and so far has just a single Arab Club Champions Cup to his name.And Ligue 1’s Spanish X account fired back at Ronaldo’s comments by posting a picture of rival Lionel Messi.The snap showed Inter Miami’s forward in an Argentina shirt kissing the World Cup after winning two years ago in Saudi’s neighbour Qatar.A caption read: “Leo Messi playing in 38 degrees.”Fans reacted in amazement to the response.One said: “I’ve been waiting for you to post this.”Another declared: “Admin hold this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “The GOATS.”Another added: “No shame.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More