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      Man Utd wonderkid does Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘secret’ celebration in 6-0 Uefa Youth League thrashing

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES’ Champions League heroics have not gone unnoticed by Manchester United’s youth team.The Sporting Lisbon striker netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over the Red Devils’ crosstown rivals Man City on Tuesday. Viktor Gyokeres performs a mask celebration after every goalCredit: GettyUnited wonderkid Ethan Wheatley paid tribute to the Sporting striker on WednesdayCredit: GettyWheatley did Gyokores’ celebration after netting in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: XGyokeres has taken European football by storm over the past few months with regular displays of ruthless finishing.The ex-Coventry forward creates a mask over his face after each goal in a much-publicised “secret” celebration. Man Utd’s youngsters took on FK Zalgiris on Wednesday in the Uefa Youth League. And rising star Ethan Wheatley whipped out Gyokeres’ cele as the Red Devils under-19s romped to a 6-0 win. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThere were six different goalscorers on the day, with Wheatley crashing in the third goal just before half-time.The 18-year-old from Stockport immediately put his hands across his face in tribute to Gyokeres.Wheatley is regarded as one of United’s most promising up-and-coming young stars.He was recently named Academy Player of the Year and has been a prolific scorer at all youth levels. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWheatley’s nod to Gyokeres comes after the Lisbon star was linked with a move to Old Trafford.Sporting boss Ruben Amorim starts his new role as United manager on November 11 after agreeing a multi-year deal. Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres Reports suggest Amorim will try to lure his star man to Manchester.Gyokeres joined Sporting for £16.5m from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.He has since netted a remarkable 52 goals in 48 games.We reported yesterday how a gentleman’s agreement could see him join Manchester United for a bargain fee.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.On how he celebrates his goals, Gyokeres was recently coy on the origins of his signature celebration, which some believe is a reference to Batman villain Bane.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses [on what it means].READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.”No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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      Longest-serving EFL manager Mark Robins SACKED by Coventry with club battling relegation

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      COVENTRY have SACKED Mark Robins after seven years at the club.The EFL’s longest serving manager was brutally axed with the Sky Blues sitting adrift of the Championship drop in 17th.Mark Robins has been sacked by Coventry after seven brilliant yearsThe West Midlands club are flirting with relegation from the ChampionshipThe former Manchester United star, 54, saw himself at the centre of a relegation battle this season.Coventry are enduring a miserable run of four wins in 14 games after finishing nine points behind the play-off places last term.They are level on points with Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle who sit inside the relegation zone in 22nd.Coventry, who have won just two of their last 10 matches, are only saved by their better goal difference, which is -1 compared to Plymouth’s -11.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Coventry City have made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of Mark Robins as manager with immediate effect.”Mark masterminded and built several team over that time that outperformed their budget, outperformed their infrastructure and brought back a playing style, credibility and belief to our City that had been lost and eroded over many years.”These achievements will never be forgotten by those who witnessed such deeds and the broader community that once again began to rekindle their affection for our Club.”There is no doubt that Coventry would not be where it is today without the inspired actions of Mark and his team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The Club are well aware that this is a difficult moment after over seven very successful years at the helm and this decision is not taken lightly.”We thank Mark for all his achievements with us and wish him the best for the future.”Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!The final straw came after Derby County earned their first away win of the season at Brandon Stadium on Wednesday night.Robins was in his second spell as Sky Blues boss, having returned to the club in March 2017 after the sacking of Russell Slade.He oversaw the resurrection of Coventry from the depths of League Two, to the champions of League One in 2020.Robins was even on the cusp of bringing the West Midlands club to the Premier League when they lost the Championship play-off final on penalties to Luton in 2023.And he memorably led them to the FA Cup semi-final last season, where they were unlucky to marginally lose out on pens to United after climbing back from 3-0 down in the second half.Robins is often credited as being the man who “saved” Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in a game that arguably defined the course of United’s future.Mark Robins played under Sir Alex Ferguson at Man UtdDespite not being a first-team regular, he famously scored the only goal in Fergie’s crucial FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest in 1990.The legendary Scottish manager’s job was on the brink following three trophyless campaigns after his 1986 appointment.Coventry chiefs have parted ways with Robins ahead of the club’s trip to league leaders Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.The club have said they will take their time to appoint his successor and implement a new structure.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd an interim boss is yet to be appointed.The club will also be organising a “Fans Forum” next week where CE0 Doug King will answer questions.The top five longest serving EFL managersSimon Weaver (15 years at Harrogate – but only four of those have been the EFL)Mark Robins (Seven years)Ian Evatt (Four years at Bolton)Nigel Clough (Three years at Manfield)Jon Brady (Three years at Northampton) More

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      Rio Ferdinand and ‘touchy’ Martin Keown in awkward exchange live on TV after Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan

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      RIO FERDINAND slammed Martin Keown for being “touchy” after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.The Gunners suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season with Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial first-half penalty enough to separate the sides. Martin Keown slammed Martin Keown for being ‘touchy’ about ArsenalThe former centre-backs were on punditry duty at San SiroArsenal have suffered three defeats in their last six in all competitions.While their only wins in that run have come against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston North End.And there’s no sign of their form changing ahead of what is now a HUGE visit to Chelsea on Sunday.But Arsenal legend Keown is not worried about the Gunners’ dip in form.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking on TNT Sports, he said: “The point I’m making is that in the second half, Arsenal did all they could to score a goal here. And I saw a really good reaction.“Everyone wants to put Arsenal away. I don’t think there’s a massive crisis for Arsenal. I don’t think they’re that far away from getting it right. “They’ve got to keep believing in what they’re doing. Yes they’re not scoring goals but I thought when Ethan Nwaneri came on – perhaps should have been on a bit earlier – and he demonstrated some real quality when he came on.”Fellow pundit Ferdinand replied: “I want to see him more. But I don’t think anyone is trying to put Arsenal away here, Martin, we’re just stating facts.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Keown bit back: “No I’m admiring what Inter Milan are doing. They have a different model. They have a director of football who is coming to the end of his career shall we say?“A lot of people knocking Arsenal, I’m standing up for them a bit tonight.Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)“I thought they did better. Maybe it was mentioned in the commentary. I thought they had one or two chances that they didn’t put away but they certainly went after their opponents today.”Ferdinand then turned to host Laura Woods and said: “Why are Arsenal people so touchy? “I don’t understand, why is that? No one’s having a dig – we’re not having a dig.”The Man Utd legend’s comment triggered a fit of laughter from the rest of the TNT panel and left Keown speechless.Mikel Arteta was left fuming after a tale of TWO penalties on Wednesday night.Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled inside the box from close range during stoppage time in the first half.Merino had earlier been denied a penalty after he saw himself on the receiving end of a punch in the head by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to punch Mikel Merino in the head, but Arsenal were not awarded a penaltyArsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions. More

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      What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES is one of the hottest strikers in the world at the moment.The Sporting striker has been banging them in for fun since he swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023.Viktor Gyokeres has been touted for a return to EnglandCredit: GettyGyokeres’ eye-catching performances in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League have caught the attention of many top sides around Europe.Most notably, Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Swede.The Red Devils will be seen as the clear favourite to land Gyokeres, with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford from November 11.Recent reports state that Sporting are willing to accept a cut fee of £63million for the Swede, which is £20m less than his release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould the inform striker make a stunning return to England, fans will need to get to know his iconic goal celebration.What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?When Gyokeres celebrates a goal, he locks his fingers together on both hands and covers his mouth and nose to create a mask.The reason behind the striker’s unique celebration was completely unknown until he shared a highlights reel of his goals from the 2023/24 season on Instagram, which included the caption: “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.”The line is a slight misquote from the iconic Batman film The Darts Knight Rises when the villain Bane says: “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan. No one cared who I was till I put on the mask.”Most read in FootballGyokeres is still yet to confirm that Bane is the sole inspiration behind his signature celebration, but the caption certainly hints that it could be a nod to the supervillain.Gyokeres has hinted that Batman villain Bane is the reason behind his iconic celebrationCredit: AP:Associated PressThe forward’s former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles suggested it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that the theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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      Mikel Arteta is booked after trying to pick up the ball while it’s still IN PLAY in bizarre scenes during Arsenal loss

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      MIKEL ARTETA had a night to forget as Arsenal lost at the San Siro – and even picked up a bizarre booking of his own. The Gunners boss watched his side labour to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta found himself in trouble with the referee at Arsenal vs Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss appeared to interfere with play just after the hour markCredit: TNT SPORTSHe was shown an immediate yellow card after trying to grab the ballCredit: BBCArteta cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Arsenal wasted a host of chances. The 42-year-old watched his side go down to an Inter penalty after Mikel Merino controversially handled in the box.But it was Arteta’s use of his own hands that got him into hot water just after the hour mark.Matteo Darmian was scrapping for the ball by the dugouts with Arsenal’s Ben White. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ball looked to be going out for a throw, with Arteta rushing out of his technical area to reach down and grab it.But the spin of the ball appeared to keep it in play, with a fuming Darmian claiming he was impeded. Arteta was immediately booked by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs, as deafening whistles rained down from the Inter supporters.It was not immediately clear if the Arsenal boss was cautioned for handball, or leaving his technical area to interfere with play. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUefa clarified the situation following the final whistle, confirming Arteta went in the book for a “lack of respect for the game” and picking up the ball. Arteta immediately held his hands up in apology after the incident, with his intervention deemed accidental. Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)If the Arsenal chief had deliberately entered play and stopped the attack, he would have been red-carded.One fan joked on X: “Using their dark arts again I see.”While another laughed: “Yellow for leaving his technical area. Yellow for entering the pitch. Yellow for handling the ball. Should have been sent off.”Following Wednesday’s game, Arteta launched into a furious rant against the officials. Arsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.The Arsenal boss claimed the decision to give a penalty against Merino was “harsh.”And he believed the Gunners should have had a spot kick of their own after Inter’s keeper Yann Sommer took out the Spaniard. Arteta said: “We were very harshly done.”I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.” More

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      Roy Keane casts doubt over Sky Sports future as Man Utd legend reveals plans to leave UK for ‘beautiful’ country

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      ROY KEANE has thrown his future as a pundit into question after revealing he wants to move abroad.And the Manchester United legend even specified which country he plans to emigrate to.Roy Keane has confirmed his plans to move abroad in the coming yearsCredit: Sky SportsIrish icon Keane, 53, has been a pundit since 2011 and been a fan-favourite on Sky Sports for a number of years.But viewers may not have too much longer to enjoy him as he prepares to leave the UK.Speaking while in Turin on The Overlap On Tour, he said: “In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad… putting it out there.”When Jamie Carragher then asked where he would move to, Keane added: “Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe comments come after he claimed at the beginning of this season he will get out of punditry within the next decade.Keane cited being assaulted by an Arsenal fan in September last year as one incident which contributed to his desire to want to leave the role.Talking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”When Carragher pressed him on whether he will be a pundit in 10 years, Keane added: “Absolutely f***ing not.”Roy Keane ranks sporting icons on TikTok including Diego Maradona, Serena Williams, and Michael JordanAs well as his regular work for Sky Sports, Keane also appears on ITV for international games, major tournaments and FA Cup ties. More

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      Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi shows off horror facial injuries after sickening kick to face left him needing 10 stitches

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      BARCELONA star Pau Cubarsi needed ten stitches in his face after sustaining a horror injury. The worrying scenes occurred during the Catalan giants’ 5-2 Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade last night.Pau Cubarsi suffered horror facial injuries after being studded in the faceCredit: FC BARCELONAHe required ten stitches in his faceCredit: FC BARCELONABut Cubarsi has revealed he is OKCredit: fc BARCELONABlood poured down the side of his face as he was subbed offCredit: ReutersCubarsi tried to head away from a corner and was caught by the studs of Uros Spajic.The 17-year-old wonderkid went down holding his face as blood began to pour from his wounds.Medics rushed over to him and several towels that were used to patch up the cuts were left covered in blood.Cubarsi was taken off in the 67th minute and he required ten stitches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBarca boss Hansi Flick confirmed after the game that the centre-back was “fine”.And the player later showed off his injuries on social media alongside the caption “I’m OK.”Team-mate Alejandro Balde videoed himself grimacing after seeing the state of his horror wounds.Cubarsi, who made his debut for the club aged 16, is the latest in a long line of young La Masia graduates playing a key role at Barca this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBalde, 21, Hector Fort, 18, Gavi, 20, Marc Casado, 21, Fermin Lopez, 21 and Lamine Yamal, 17, have all featured regularly for the first-team under Flick.Barca are currently top of LaLiga and have a nine point advantage over their El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. Wojciech Szczęsny spotted ‘smoking cigarette’ in Real Madrid changing rooms after Barcelona’s El Clasico winThe wonderkid was covered in blood as he left the fieldCredit: AFPAlejandro Balde grimaced after seeing the injuries More

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      Chelsea legend sacked after thumping by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr… months after winning Asian Champions League

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      CHELSEA legend Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Abu Dhabi side Al Ain.The former AC Milan striker watched his side thrashed 5-1 by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday night.Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Abu Dhabi side Al AinCredit: GettyThey conceded three goals in the opening 37 minutes – including one from Ronaldo.It extended Al Ain’s winless run to four matches during which they have conceded 14 goals.And club chiefs had seen enough as they dismissed Crespo, 49, from his position after one year in charge.Al Ain’s statement explained the decision by insisting “recent results have not met expectations”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrespo’s dismissal comes just six months after he led Al Ain to AFC Champions League glory.They beat Japanese side Yokohama Marinos 6-3 on aggregate in the final back in May.The triumph saw them qualify for next summer’s 32-team Club World Cup in the US.But Crespo’s sacking means he will not be involved after picking up just one point from four AFC Champions League matches so far this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ex-Argentine striker began his coaching career in Italy in 2015 with Modena.He spent two years managing in his home country from 2019 to 2021, before he moved to Sao Paulo in Brazil.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor When his spell there came to an end, he joined Qatari club Al-Duhail and spent 18 months at the helm.He was dismissed in October last year after winning 35 of his 50 matches, before he penned a deal with Al Ain just six weeks later. More