Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars spotted on night out as they hire bowling alley for team bonding trip to help address terrible season

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED stars hired out an entire bowling alley for a team bonding trip in a bid to save their season.Ruben Amorim’s men have been way off the pace in the Premier League and find themselves 15th in the table.Man Utd stars including Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans enjoyed a team bonding night outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAces like Rasmus Hojlund spent several hours at a bowling alleyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes was all smiles as he arrivedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeStars later walked in groups to a Brazilian restaurant – with (from left to right) Alejandro Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte, Lenny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collier and Ayden Heaven joined by an unknown man (front)Credit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe players indulged in fun games before having a biteCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeSunday’s 1-0 defeat at Spurs was United’s 12th loss of the campaign.Fans are praying that the club can find finally find some form with just 13 games to go.United’s next game sees them travel to Everton, who are now managed by former boss David Moyes and sit just one point ahead.But players have taken matters into their own hands by organising a team bonding trip to a bowling alley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs rivals Man City lost to Real Madrid and Liverpool drew at Aston Villa, United aces paid a visit to Lane 7 Bowling Alley in Altrincham.The group spent two hours there between 5pm and 7pm.They enjoyed games of 10-pin bowling, darts, basketball, ping pong and pool.United’s players clearly worked up an appetite as they loosened up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s because after their time at Lane 7 ended, they walked in small groups down Stamford New Road for a slap-up meal at Brazilian restaurant Jardim Rodizio.Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Matthijs de Ligt led the way on the night out.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Matthijs de Ligt appeared relaxed on his night outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCasemiro was part of the group enjoying their time in AltrinchamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMason Mount was stopped for a photoCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeLeny Yoro enjoyed some juice on his strollCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeDiogo Dalot was full of beansCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee also looked stylish as they soaked up the vibes.Andre Onana, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were also spotted in the group.While Jonny Evans, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot appeared to be having a grand night out.The team bonding session came on the same day United chiefs revealed that club debt had hit the £1billion mark.The figure rose after United spent £10.4million on sacking Erik ten Hag and staff.While Dan Ashworth’s exit cost £4.1m as total revenue dropped by 12 per cent over the quarter.The group hit up Lane 7 bowling alleyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThey were there between 5pm and 7pmCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeUnited’s stars played several games of bowlingCredit: Instagram @lane7_They also enjoyed some dartsCredit: Instagram @lane7_They later dined out at a Brazilian restaurantCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’ve not seen Phil for well over a year,’ admits Gary Neville as brother’s special birthday message surprises Roy Keane

      by

      GARY NEVILLE admitted he has not seen his brother Phil in over a year after he was sent a touching birthday message by him.The Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit celebrated turning 50 on Tuesday.Phil Neville wishes his brother Gary a happy 50th birthdayCredit: YouTube/The OverlapThe Neville brothers won six Premier League titles and the Champions League togetherCredit: EPAAnd the Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast pulled out all the stops for a special birthday episode.Party poppers, huge balloons and a personalised cake filled the studio as Gary was played video messages from his loved ones.His brother Phil, 48, sent him his best wishes from the US where he manages MLS side Portland Timbers.Phil said: “Gary, it’s Phillip here. Just wanted to send you a massive happy birthday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I know we have not spoke or seen each other for ages. I’m always thinking of you and always watching what you’re up to and reading about you all the time.”Happy 50th and I will catch up with you when I’m back in the UK or if you come to Portland to see your brother.”Love you lots, miss you and have the most amazing birthday.”Roy Keane was then left shocked when Gary admitted he has not seen his brother, who he won six Premier League titles with at Manchester United, in over a year.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary admitted: “I’ve not seen Phil in ages. I’ve not seen him for well over a year now. “We text sometimes, we don’t speak that often but that’s really more me. Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary Neville”My brother will ring my mum every day, will ring my sister and text her whereas I’m a bit more [distant]. I need to book a week over in Portland.”The two children Harvey and Isabella, I miss them the most. Me and Phil have seen each other a long time. But the kids, I adore the kids.”Keane then encouraged Gary to take his family over to the States to visit.Gary was also sent birthday messages from his sister Tracey, 48, and her son, as well as David Beckham.Tracey now lives in Australia and it was revealed that he only sees her at Christmas when she is back home.As the birthday celebrations continued, Gary’s wife Emma and mum Jill later joined the show to share stories about what he is like off the pitch and away from the cameras.Emma joked about his “strange” habit of going to sleep by 9pm and his mum claimed her family grew up in a non-stop sport environment.Gary’s wife Emma and mum Jill later joined the showCredit: YouTube/The Overlap More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human’, says Millie Bright on fan abuse of players 

      by

      MILLIE BRIGHT says speaking out about the abuse she received from a fan was prompted by her wish to protect players who have been through similar ordeals. And the Chelsea and England star wants supporters of the women’s game to see footballers as “human” and “not items”. Millie Bright and her England team-mates are in Portugal preparing for their Women’s Nations League games this monthCredit: GettyThis month Lioness centre-back spoke out on being the target of an expletive-laden insult from fan at a WSL gameCredit: GettyBright, who is in Portugal ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Nations League games, was reflecting on being the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan at a WSL game. The England vice-captain said a supporter who had attended Chelsea’s away duel with Aston Villa had made the remark after her for pictures and autograph.In an online post shared via her Instagram account following the incident, Bright recalled being ”hugely disappointed.”While the centre-back usually has “good responses” and interaction with supporters she hopes they treat female players will respect Read More Football StoriesBright, who is preparing to face Portugal in the Nations League tomorrow, said: “If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. “Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.”Reflecting on how she felt immediately after being the target of insults from a supporter, Bright added: “In the moment I didn’t actually do anything. I was really taken aback and disappointed. Most read in Sport“That was the biggest thing. Football is opinionated and everyone can have one. I wasn’t actually bothered about the opinion of my performance.“It was more the fact I had gone to the fans to give my time, give signatures and inspire the next generation and say hi to little ones. “To give that time and to try to have a genuine conversation and to then be disrespected afterwards immediately, I just thought ‘I’m here off my own back.’. “I thought ‘I’m so glad it was me and not one of my team-mates, a youngster, or someone going through something that nobody knew about.’ “We go out to play for our fans every single game – whether that’s with our clubs or countries – and we want to make everyone proud. “We’re trying to inspire the next generation. “I’ve heard of a couple of situations that players went through where they maybe didn’t feel strong enough to speak out. “You don’t deserve to be disrespected, especially not when you have given your time and efforts after a game.”England will play Portugal at Portimao Stadium on February 21 in their first Women’s Nations League fixture this yearCredit: Getty“Ultimately, I wanted to protect my team and let them know that if they need to speak out, they have a right to. READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.” More

    • 275 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I can’t say that, he’s my captain’ – Aston Villa star put in awkward situation live on TNT Sports before Liverpool game

      by

      ASTON VILLA star Amadou Onana was put in an awkward spot before the Premier League match against Liverpool when asked about captain John McGinn.Villa snatched a point against the Prem leaders thanks to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park, where Onana, 23, was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.Aston Villa star Amadou Onana was asked about captain John McGinn on TNT SportsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntAlan Hutton egged Onana on as he asked him if McGinn is ‘still annoying’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntOnana refused to comment on Hutton’s tongue-in-cheek statement about McGinnCredit: GettyOnana sang Aston Villa captain McGinn’s praises before the Liverpool gameCredit: RexThe midfielder joined TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage to preview the game and host Lynsey Hipgrave asked him about his skipper’s personality and leadership in the dressing room.McGinn’s former Villa and Scotland team-mate Alan Hutton jumped in with a tongue-in-cheek comment about the 30-year-old.Hutton asked: “Is he still annoying? You can tell, he’s still annoying…”Onana responded with an awkward chuckle before refusing to comment as Hipgrave and Hutton started laughing.Read More on FootballThe Belgium international went on to sing McGinn’s praises after the warm welcome he received from him after his £50million arrival from Everton last summer.Onana responded: “I can’t say that, he’s my captain. But really fun guy, [he] welcomed me and the new boys really really well.”Always up to a joke here and there but we just love him, we love him.”Onana was then asked about McGinn’s unique fashion sense that sees him constantly wearing shorts no matter what the weather is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Belgian maintained his silence and continued to hold a neutral stance.Onana added: “I can’t say much about it, it’s really different to mine.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concern”But as long as he’s comfortable, that’s all that matters.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Totally unforgivable’ – Fans furious at Man City stars’ antics in Real Madrid clash and demand ‘they need to leave’

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY fans were left furious with the antics of several of their stars in their heavy defeat to Real Madrid.City were sent packing from the Champions League after losing 3-1 at the Bernabeu.Man City fans blasted the body language of several stars against Real MadridCredit: X @footballontntPep Guardiola’s men crashed out of the Champions League 6-3 on aggregateCredit: GettyThe result saw Real secured a 6-3 aggregate win over Pep Guardiola’s struggling side.But supporters were far from pleased with City’s efforts in Spain.The Premier League champions lined up with a new-look midfield diamond.Yet they found themselves completely overrun in the middle of the park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans took aim at a number of City players who had been patrolling that area, insisting their effort were “unforgivable.”One said: “The body language of certain Man City players on the pitch at the moment is totally unforgivable.“Thankfully they’ll be given the chance to leave the club in the summer.”Another went ahead and named two players who they felt were underperforming.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe fan declared: “Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan need to leave.”One supporter reckoned one forward was barely visible during the game.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headIlkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva came under fire from fansCredit: AlamyPhil Foden was also targeted for his performanceCredit: GettyThey asked: “Has Savinho ever been on the pitch?”Another took aim at Phil Foden and his startling decline.They added: “I’ve never seen a player get Player of the Season and then suffer a fall from grace the following season like Foden has.“24 years of age and we still don’t know what his best position is in this City team.“They’re now looking for a Kevin De Bruyne replacement in the summer. That tells you everything.” More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 DEGREES temperatures

      by

      LIONEL MESSI finally put an age-old argument to bed after playing in conditions even COLDER than a Tuesday night in Stoke.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is seen by many as the greatest footballer of all time.Lionel Messi braved crazy -17 degrees celsius temperatures to play for Inter MiamiCredit: GettyReports had suggested Messi was getting cold feet about playing in the Kansas City clashCredit: GettyHowever, one of the main arguments against his legacy is his lack of game time in colder weather due to his career mainly being played out in sunny Spain or Argentina.This is commonly related to Stoke, where games are typically dogged by windy, wet and cold weather in the evenings, hence the phrase: “Can they do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?”But in Inter Miami’s first competitive game of 2025 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s first round, Lionel Messi was forced to swap the pristine weather of Florida for the brisk conditions in Kansas City.It had sensationally been reported the 37-year-old did not want to play in the “blistering cold” the game was set to be played through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTemperatures dropped as low as -17 degrees Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) during the game.Regardless, Messi was named in the starting XI by Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano and was seen wearing gloves for the occasion in a rare sight.After a goalless first half, the Argentine made his impact known as he scored a stunning match-winner ten minutes into the half.A pass was pinged forward by Sergio Busquets, with Messi taking the ball down on his chest and then dribbling to the right of a bamboozled defender with a left-foot touch to open up some space.Most read in FootballMessi scored the match-winner for Inter Miami against Kansas City from a tight angleCredit: X @FOXSoccerHis manager said his effort was ‘fantastic’Credit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then arrowed a shot across the goal from a tight angle, finding the bottom corner to give Inter a 1-0 advantage ahead of the home leg at Chase Stadium next week.Fans were stunned at the goal but also believed it finally laid one of the arguments against him to rest.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Messi was the star of the show for Miami, as usualCredit: ReutersPlayers could see their own breath throughout the freezing clashCredit: GettyOne fan said on social media: “The argument ‘Could Messi do it on a cold Tuesday night vs Stoke’ is now put to bed, the Goat can do it with ease.”A second said: “No way people said he couldn’t do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke.”A third added: “GOAT for a reason.”(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…Javier MascheranoHis boss Mascherano was also impressed, calling his effort “fantastic” before adding: “(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. “It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…”Maybe for the people that know him (Messi) it’s normal because he did goals like this 1,000 times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But we are very lucky to have him here.”Inter Miami’s first Major League Soccer game of the season is this weekend against New York City FC at home. More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Van Dijk’s awkward slip of the tongue caught live on TV as Arsenal fans say ‘we’re living in his head rent free’

      by

      LIVERPOOL superstar Virgil van Dijk appeared to suffer an awkward slip of the tongue after dropping points at Aston Villa.The Reds drew 2-2 against Villa on Wednesday, which means a win for Arsenal against struggling West Ham on Saturday would find Mikel Arteta’s challengers just five points behind Arne Slot’s high-fliers.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk appeared to have suffered an awkward slip of the tongueArsenal fans claim they ‘live rent free’ in Van Dijk’s headCredit: GettyThe Merseysiders’ lead is now in peril, considering they are also visiting Manchester City on Sunday before hosting Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday.Van Dijk, 33, faced the cameras after the final whistle to analyse the game and appeared to misspeak live on TV.The centre-back seemed to mention Premier League title rivals Arsenal instead of Villa when discussing the game.Van Dijk appeared to say: “Listen, credit to Arsen… Aston Villa as well.”Read More on ArsenalArsenal fans caught wind and took to social media, with some claiming that slip of the tongue was a result of the Gunners “living rent free” in his head as pressure piles up in the title race.One fan posted: “Arsenal living rent free in Van Dijk’s head.”Another commented: “It shows he thinks about Arsenal a lot!”And a third said: “The pressure is mounting, they are worried about us.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoweverm many fans think he actually said something else.They suggest he was instead saying “us” in reference to Liverpool – not Arsenal.In that interpretation, Van Dijk said: “Listen, credit to us. Aston Villa as well.”Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’Those supporters joined the debate in the comments’ section in their bid to set the record straight.One fan posted: “‘Credit to us, Aston Villa as well’. But nice try.”Another commented: “Think he’s rent free in YOUR head though.”And a third posted: “Arsenal fans always have a new theory every day to make their fans feels happy.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans spot Arne Slot ‘praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside’ as he gives heartbreaking update on Liverpool striker

      by

      FANS spotted Arne Slot “praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside” before the Liverpool boss gave a heartbreaking update on his striker.Slot watched on with nerves as his title-chasing Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at rivals Aston Villa.Arne Slot was seen ‘praying for offside’ as Darwin Nunez missed a sitter against Aston VillaThe Liverpool striker fired wide in front of an open goal as the match finished 2-2Credit: GettyLiverpool went into the break 2-1 down but managed to secure a point through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser.However, they could have bagged all three points when Nunez managed to find a clear way to goal.The striker was played in as Emi Martinez left his net completely unguarded.But Nunez was unable to hit the target despite being presented with an open goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe miss left players on both teams stunned.And Slot was seeing speaking to an official immediately after Nunez’s shocking effort.The Dutch boss appeared to ask if Nunez was “not offside?”While at the same time, Slot clasped his hands together as if in prayer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter full-time, he lifted the lid on Nunez’s terrible piece of play.And Slot revealed the forward was taking it extremely badly.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card He said: “There is one player in the dressing room who feels quite down.“You know who it is. I’m not happy with 2-2. We had big opportunities to go in front.“It was an unbelievable pass from Conor Bradley and power from Dom (Szoboszlai) who made a perfect pass to square it. He made it an open goal chance.”Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk added: “We are disappointed but we fight.“We had chances to win the game, took a bit of a risk at the end so it got more open at times.“We take a point and move on and focus on a big one at Manchester City at the weekend.“In possession we did well, created good opportunities to score a second.“Disappointing to concede from a set-piece. We tried everything and unfortunately it wasn’t enough for three points.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We should have scored for 3-2 but credit to Aston Villa, they made it very difficult.“We have a very tough one on the weekend again, then we play Newcastle, our focus now will be on Man City, a very difficult game, we know that. Do everything in your power to win games, the focus will be that.” More