La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second-tier matches with no away end

      by

      A WORLD CUP stadium currently lies half demolished and surrounded by rubble.But the hope is that it will all be ready to be opened within four years.La Romareda is currently being revampedCredit: RexThere is a building site at one end of the groundCredit: RexReal Zaragoza are still hosting matches despite the renovationCredit: AlamyLa Romareda in Zaragoza is one of the stadiums set to be used by Spain as they join Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.However, it seems a long way off being ready just yet.Recent images of the ground show three sides of the stadium intact – not dissimilar to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.However, one end has already been destroyed and instead a pile of dirt lies behind the goal. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiggers and workers are hard at work renovating the stadium to increase its capacity from 33,608 to approximately 43,000 once the expansion is complete.Fifa require all stadiums to have a minimum capacity of 40,000 to be used at World Cups. The Nueva Romareda – the New Romareda – is set to be completed in 2028 at an estimated cost of £117million. That should in theory give Real Zaragoza two years to play in their refurbished new home before fans from all over the globe arrive to catch a glimpse of their country in action in 2030. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, despite the ongoing construction and views that resemble a building site, La Romareda is still being used this season.Real Zaragoza – six-time Copa del Rey winners – currently play their league football in the Segunda Division, the second tier in Spain below LaLiga. But currently there are no tickets available for away fans while the refurbishment takes place. Instead, a banner has been erected in front of the rubble bank to block the eyesore view for players, fans and TV cameras alike. A total of 11 stadiums in nine Spanish cities are set to be used for the 2030 World Cup. The new Nou Camp, the redeveloped Bernabeu and the modern Metropolitano are the three flagship grounds. The home grounds of Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla are also on the initial list.And the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Malaga’s Estadio La Rosaleda, Estadio Gran Canaria of Las Palmas and the Estadio Riazor where Deportivo de La Coruna play are all in line – but each of their capacities are currently less than 40,000 so will need expanding to meet the criteria. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the iconic Mestalla was stripped of its right to host matches after the shocking debacle surrounding Valencia’s proposed new ground. However, the biggest stadium used in six years’ time will be the brand new Grand Stade de Casablanca in Morocco – which will be purpose-built for the tournament and have space for a staggering 115,000 spectators. The diggers have been in to get to workCredit: RexThe Nueva Romareda will have around 43,000 seats and is set to be done by 2028Credit: AlamyThis is how the ground used to look before the end was knocked downCredit: GettyZaragoza is one of nine Spanish cities set to host 2030 World Cup matchesCredit: GettyWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Stunning Real Madrid Wag hints her footballer boyfriend ‘doesn’t shower’ in revealing video

      by

      BRUNA ROTTA has landed her famous footballer boyfriend in hot water – by suggesting he dodges the shower.The stunning social media star, 26, is currently dating Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo. Bruna Rotta has been dating Brazilian ace Rodrygo since last yearCredit: instagram @brunarottaThe fitness fanatic boasts more than 2 million followers on TikTok aloneCredit: instagram @brunarottaBrazilian ace Rodrygo joined Los Blancos in 2019Credit: GettyRotta and the two-time Champions League winner have been an item since last September. The 26-year-old influencer boasts over 2 million followers on TikTok alone.A fitness fanatic, Bruna has been a regular at the Bernabeu to support her man over the past year. And Rodrygo has even joined in her with her internet stunts, recently posing to get his eyebrows plucked in a bizarre viral clip. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRotta recently uploaded another cheeky video, taking part in a Brazilian social media trend.The trend asked users to talk about how “destiny” can “play with people.”Rotta uploaded a TikTok, referring to how she’d once joked on her Instagram stories: “I will never date a guy who doesn’t shower.”She followed it with a picture of Rodrygo, joking: “I paid with my tongue.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBruna added in the captions: “I made this song to say some things. Be careful with fate, it plays with people.”A tricky winger, Rodrygo joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019. Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillThe forward rose to fame in Brazil with Santos, joining the club’s youth setup at the age of 11. Since arriving in Spain, he has carved out a regular place in the first team. Rodrygo has already won three La Liga titles and two Champions League winners medals in his short career. So far this term, he’s appeared ten times for Los Blancos, scoring three goals. The Brazilian was recently forced to backtrack on his own controversial social media post.READ MORE SUN STORIESRodrygo claimed he deserves as much hype as teammates Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.He wrote in a since-deleted WhatsApp post: “Last week they talked about the trio of Bellingham, Mbappe and Vini, but they are going to have to add the R of Rodrygo to that acronym.” More

    • 263 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Xavi as he finally brings Barcelona star Ten Hag was desperate to sign

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could finally land a star Erik ten Hag has been desperate to sign for three seasons if they appoint Xavi.Despite the club backing under-pressure manager Ten Hag, reports have emerged suggesting the Red Devils have lined up Xavi as a potential replacement.Xavi has reportedly been tipped as a target by Man Utd chiefsCredit: GettyThey could move for the former Barcelona boss if they sack Erik ten HagCredit: GettyAnd it may result in Man Utd finally landing Frenkie de Jong, three years after Ten Hag originally wanted himCredit: GettyThe legendary Spaniard is out of work after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.And according to reports, United chiefs have identified the 44-year-old as a possible option if the Dutchman is sacked.It’s claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months, with CEO Omar Berrada in Barcelona last Thursday as part of a four-person delegation.In the event Xavi is hired, it begs the question; how might United line up?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLXavi’s team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the “Four P’s” – positioning, possession, pressure and perception.In terms of line-ups, Xavi would not be likely to go searching for a new goalkeeper, given how well Andre Onana suits his style of wanting to play out from the back.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess, though the former’s ability to tuck into midfield could make the difference on who is given the nod.Lisandro Martinez is another star who suits Xavi’s system, though there could be a toss up on who starts as the right centre-back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatthijs de Ligt has looked lightweight at times for United, which could prompt Xavi to ask the club to sign a new defender in the form of Ronald Araujo.This being said, like Martinez, the Uruguayan is an aggressor centre-back, while the Argentine has played his best stuff alongside a covering partner in Raphael Varane.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedThat may instead mean Xavi turns to teen prodigy Leny Yoro, who is back in training after suffering an injury in pre-season.United have left-back options who are good when fit, however, both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been absent for some time, leaving Dalot as the main defender to fill in there.If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.Moving into midfield, Xavi may finally be able to land the midfielder who was Ten Hag’s No1 target in his first summer at the club, Frenkie de Jong.However, while the manager of Barcelona, Xavi had a number of midfield targets which he may switch over to his Old Trafford moving in shopping list. He is said to “love” Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is a transfer target for Arsenal, while Arthur Vermeeren was also linked to Barcelona during Xavi’s tenure.Xavi Simons was targeted by Xavi while at BarcelonaCredit: ReutersXavi reportedly ‘loves’ defensive midfielder Martin ZubimendiCredit: RexAlternatively, and echoing reports suggesting the Red Devils want to bring him back, Angel Gomes could also be a welcome addition in midfield.United academy star Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain in the team – given not just his importance and quality but also because Xavi is more than happy to give a large volume of minutes to youngsters.Further forward, Xavi may see fit to try and ease out club captain Bruno Fernandes by bringing in Xavi Simons – targeted by him in Spain and by United transfer chiefs.Xavi is known to be a big fan of Marcus Rashford, meaning his spot in the team is likely secure. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are other exciting prospects.But should Xavi tell transfer bosses he is desperate for some new additions, he may ask them to sign Barca target Nico Williams. The Euro 2024 winner refused to move to the Blaugrana from Athletic Bilbao last summer as he wanted to stay for another season.READ MORE SUN STORIESXavi may even look to some of his old favourites at Barcelona, with former Leeds star Raphinha and ex-Man City star Ferran Torres among his most used stars at the Camp Nou with 113 and 100 appearances respectively.Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be a consideration, but he would likely be less available than the other options mentioned.Xavi could look to pip his former club to the signing of Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyWhile signing a technical star like Angel Gomes could align with both Xavi’s style and Man Utd’s transfer needsCredit: RexNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

      by

      CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet England wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, who made history vs Real Madrid, changed name and will eye place under Tuchel

      by

      IN a flash, Jamie Gittens has become Borussia Dortmund’s heir-apparent to Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.At 20 years old and 75 days, Gittens became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League, when he put Dortmund two goals ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.Jamie Gittens suddenly finds himself in the form of his life after scoring his third Champions League goal of the seasonThe 20-year-old became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueGittens beat former Leeds forward Alan Smith by about two months with his clever back-post run and simple finish to establish a stunning two-goal lead over the holders after half an hour.But despite going on to lose 5-2 in Madrid, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior second half hat-trick, Gittens has cemented his name in the Champions League history books after being subbed off at 2-0 in the 55th minute.In fact, only Harry Kane (four) has more European goals than Gittens, who has three, this season.The England wonderkid, who previously went by the surname Bynoe-Gittens before changing it on his Barbadian dad’s advice, is in the form of his life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored six goals and registered three assists in 11 games in all competitions this season.After making history on Tuesday, he told TNT Sports: “To lose how we did should not have happened. But this stadium is so magical. They have great players to make impacts and they did it again tonight.”Gittens scored Dortmund’s first two goals in their last Champions League outing as they beat Club Brugge 3-0, after a stoppage-time penalty from Serhou Guirassy.The Reading-born winger has already starred in a European final, coming on from the bench at Wembley when Madrid won their 15th title in June.Most read in FootballGittens shortened his name from Bynoe-Gittens at the behest of his fatherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGittens went the Sancho route of joining Dortmund straight from Manchester City’s academy four years ago.He has since made 51 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund since joining the first team from the Under-19 side in July 2022.15 year old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens shows why he is such a special player at Man City Bellingham named his fellow Englishman as his successor to the Golden Boy award when the Madrid superstar won it in December.Gittens signed up with Reading at Under-9 level after rejecting an invitation to switch to Chelsea.He told Secret Scout: “I’m from Reading and started when I was about four. “I was playing for a little local team called Cavs and Trents from the age of five to seven. “My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket. “I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit. “I got to U9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until U14s.”He eventually moved north to join Man City’s Under-15s.His train to City would take three hours so he would stay with a host family up there and joined a new school in Manchester. The distance was tough on both him and his family.Gittens revealed he also turned down approaches from Arsenal to move to Manchester.He said: “It was an easy decision. I could have gone to Arsenal but I chose City because they were producing players like Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho back then.”At the start, I didn’t really believe it. I’m from a small town in the middle of nowhere. “When they told me that they wanted me, I was just surprised, but thought that all the hard work I had put in was paying off.”He was highly-rated at City but in 2020 moved to Dortmund, believing it would provide him a quicker route to the first team.England fans are already getting excited at the prospect of Dortmund developing another Three Lions talent.Gittens could be set to earn himself an England call-up as new boss Thomas Tuchel will be fully aware of his talent, having faced him as Bayern Munich manager in March.A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-oldCoach Martyn BeneyGittens played the final half-an-hour of Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Bayern in March.Although he has grown up in Dortmund, he has been progressing through England’s youth levels.The winger was part of England’s triumphant Under-19 Euro campaign two years ago, starting the 3-1 win over Israel in the final alongside recent senior call-up Jarell Quansah.He has made 10 appearances for England’s Under-21s and is set to play a prominent role under Lee Carsley, who will return to the fold after a three-camp stint with the first-team.Martyn Beney coached Gittens as a seven-year-old at local club Caversham Trents, who also produced female star Fran Kirby.The 49-year-old told SunSport earlier this year: “A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-old.Gittens joined Man City’s academy from Reading aged 15Credit: Manchester City“Jamie was a shy boy behind the scenes, with a really nice, sporty family, but they didn’t push him. “They said they wanted him to be coached in a way where he could enjoy it, learn a few things along the way and can develop naturally. That’s exactly what we did.“We worked out quickly that he was a goal-scorer, and he scored a ridiculous number of goals.“But he was happy to play anywhere. He would even go in goal at times and he wasn’t bad.”His German is developing nicely too, after three and a half years of three lessons a week, and is even conducting parts of some interviews in it.He has also had to curb his sweet-tooth ways in his bid to reach the top, confessing: “When I was younger, I used to always eat chocolate and sweets.“I had to cut that out. Now I try to avoid sugar as much as I can.”Future England star?Jamie Gittens was born in Reading in August 2004.He was outstanding at a very early age, and played at Chelsea’s famous Cobham Academy aged eight.Gittens went to Reading before moving to Man City’s academy in 2018.He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, and made his debut in the Bundesliga in April 2022, against Wolfsburg.He is a winger blessed with pace, outstanding dribbling skills and a cool head in front of goalGittens has played for England at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but could also represent Barbados.Gittens in training with the England Under-21s in September 2023Credit: PAGittens playing for England Under-19s v Italy in 2022Credit: GettyThe talented wideman’s new lease of life has coincided with using a shorter version of his surname on the back of his shirt.In August 2024, Dortmund announced that he would play under the surname “Gittens”, rather than “Bynoe-Gittens” as he had previously used. Gittens told Dortmund’s official website: “Both are my father’s names, but he said he thinks it’s better if I’m just called Gittens because it’s shorter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Most people know him as Gittens, so in the future, I’ll only wear Gittens.”The “shorter the better” he told German outlet Bild. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘contact Barcelona legend Xavi over replacing Erik ten Hag’ as three-man shortlist emerges if he is sacked

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted former Barcelona boss Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of last season.Xavi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: PAThe former midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Barcelona at the end of last seasonCredit: EPATen Hag, 54, has come under intense scrutiny so far this season.Following the Red Devils’ 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last month, the Dutchman’s United future appeared to be in severe doubt.They have since drawn away matches at Porto and Aston Villa, before coming from behind to beat Brentford at Old Trafford last Saturday.According to the Mail, United chiefs have identified Xavi as a possible Ten Hag replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada jetted out to Barcelona last Thursday for meetings as part of a four-man delegation.Figures within United claim that several meetings have taken place in the Catalan city recently due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos taking part in sailings America’s Cup there.Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter winning a league title and six domestic trophies, the former midfielder was appointed Barca boss in 2021.Amid financial turmoil off the pitch, Xavi guided the Blaugrana to a LaLiga title during the 2022-23 season, also winning the Spanish Supercup in 2023.Xavi to leave BarcelonaFollowing a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down as boss at the end of the season.In April he had a change of heart, however, saying he would fulfil his contract, which had been set to run until 2025.But the following month, the club legend was sacked by club president Joan Laporta.Prior to Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate had been linked with the Man Utd job.Both have subsequently been ruled out of contention, however, with Tuchel accepting the England job and Southgate vowing that he won’t coach for 12 months.In addition to Xavi, United are claimed to be interested in former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.The latter, however, is also being strongly linked with Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad at the end of the season.Alejandro Garnacho is United’s top scorer in the leagueMan Utd’s next five gamesNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham has last laugh after another Englishman threatened to upstage Real Madrid star at Bernabeu

      by

      VINICIUS JR produced a magical hat-trick after another Englishman threatened to upstage Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.The holders produced a stunning comeback from 2-0 at half time to win 5-2 against the team they beat in last season’s final.Jude Bellingham missed two sitters for Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid completed an incredible comebackCredit: GettyVinicius Junior scored a hat-trickCredit: APDortmund’s revenge mission looked to be on course when they silenced the Bernabeu on the half hour mark.Some great hustling to win the ball back from Julian Brandt led to Serhou Guirassy laying it off for Donyell Malen to finish past Thibaut Courtois.Madrid were in shock – and they were well and truly on the ropes just four minutes later.Dortmund broke furiously as Dutchman Malen raced and jinked to the byline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe slid the ball right across the face of the goal and England U21 star Gittens, who moved to Germany from Manchester City’s academy in 2020, arrived at the perfect time unmarked to knock it home on the stretch.Bellingham was furious but his compatriot was on cloud nine as, at 20 Years and 75 days, youngest Englishmen ever to score vs Real Madrid in the Champions League.Bellingham was even angrier when he blew the opportunity to land an instant response by hedging straight at the keeper.Brandt was denied a third by a flying save from Courtois and it proved a key moment as Real exploded into life after the break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRodrygo and Bellingham were both denied by the woodwork but it was the decision by Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin to replace winger Gittens in a defensive move that ultimately cost them.Antonio Rudiger got Madrid back in business with a header and Vinicius Junior slotted home two minutes later to level.Courtois made a great save to stop Maximilian Beier as the game entered the last ten and within seconds his team had completed the turnaround up the other end.Mbappe’s deflected pass fell for Lucas Vazquez to run on to and lash home.Bellingham then had the last laugh as his brilliant tackle won back the ball before Vinicius made it four.And the electric Brazilian then claimed the matchball with the final kick.The hat-trick hero declared after his magical run and finish for the third: “I want to stay here forever. I love Real Madrid.“We want to win the Champions League again.”While manager Carlo Ancelotti added: “I think Vinicius will win the Ballon D’Or but not because of what he did tonight. He helped us win the Champions League last season. These goals are for the next Ballon D’Or.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMonaco thrashed Red Star Belgrade 5-1 while AC Milan enjoyed a 3-1 triumph over Club Brugge.Girona were 2-0 victors over Slovan Bratislava, Juventus drew 0-0 with Stuttgart, PSG and PSV drew 1-1, while Sporting won 2-0 at Sturm Graz.Jamie Bynoe-Gittens scored for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      European giants in freefall with ‘world’s greatest stadium’ left abandoned and owner told to go home and never return

      by

      THEY were in the Champions League final two seasons running just two decades ago.But now one of Europe’s biggest clubs are in freefall.Furious fans protested after defeat left the club bottom of the leagueCredit: x @sanchis14No work has been done on their new stadium since 2009Credit: GettyThe ghostly shell of a ground sits in the middle of a major European cityCredit: GettyA skip was set on fire as fans protested against the ownershipCredit: X @pacopolitThey currently sit bottom of the league on just six points and staring down the barrel at relegation.And following their latest humiliating defeat, fans blockaded the stadium in the hope of trapping the hated owners inside.Meanwhile, construction of a new ground which was meant to be the ‘world’s greatest stadium’ has ground to a complete halt with nothing done since 2009.As a result of the Nou Mestalla being left an empty shell with no plan for work to restart, it was scrapped as a World Cup 2030 host venue.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd all of this has left the club’s fans furious with owner Peter Lim, who also owns Salford City, alongside Gary Neville and a group of Man Utd legends.Valencia were Champions League finalists in 2000 and 2001, losing to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.But a 3-2 home defeat to Las Palmas on left the club staring down the barrel at relegation.They now sit rock bottom of La Liga, two points off 17th-placed Leganes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAhead of the Las Palmas game, manager and club legend Ruben Baraja commented that the club would not be able to aim any higher than simply avoiding the drop this season.He said: “When we talked about our objectives, what we wanted was to stop the suffering, to improve in that sense. Huge title-deciding match suspended with stadium evacuated and second half played the following day with no fans“But the league campaign has brought us to this scenario. It is what it is.”Footage from the streets in Valencia showed a skip set on fire as the police attempted to disperse the post-match protest.Valencia now sit bottom of La LigaCredit: GettyThey were beaten 3-2 at home by Las PalmasCredit: GettyThe club hold long term plans to move away from their current stadiumCredit: Getty More