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      in Soccer

      Decapitations, death plunges & electrocutions… how Saudi’s World Cup with 11 new stadiums ‘is being built on blood’

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      CONSTRUCTION workers building Saudi Arabia’s 11 new stadiums for the World Cup have been dying heinous deaths – from decapitations to death plunges.Human rights groups have warned of a terrifying “surge” in the deaths of migrant construction workers in the Middle Eastern region as it gears up to host the 2034 tournament.Migrant workers are seen at a construction site near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in MarchCredit: GettyHuman rights groups have warned of a terrifying “surge” in the deaths of migrant construction workers in the Middle Eastern regionCredit: GettyFIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously faced accusations of steering the nomination towards Saudi ArabiaCredit: PAAfter being confirmed as the host of the 2034 men’s football World Cup in December, Saudi Arabia is throwing tens of billions of pounds at insane building projects – including an entire mega-city.In preparation, the Saudis unveiled plans to build or upgrade 15 futuristic stadiums – 11 of which will be entirely new.Despite the Cup being nine years away, labourers working to build the sites are dying in horrific yet preventable incidents, reports from Human Rights Watch and Fairsquare claim.It comes just a day after the President of FIFA Gianni Infantino visited Saudi Arabia alongside US President Donald Trump as the pair attended a US-Saudi investment forum.READ MORE SPORTHuman Rights Watch were able to speak to the hearbroken families of 31 workers from Bangaldesh, India and Nepal.Their relatives either fell from heights at the sites, were crushed or decapitated by heavy machinery – or electrocuted.But Saudi medical authorities rarely conduct autopsies to establish the exact cause of migrant workers’ deaths, FairSquare claims.A couple of months ago a Pakistani foreman, Muhammad Arshad, was reported to have plunged from a construction site at a stadium under construction in the eastern city of Al Khobar.Most read in FootballMuhammad’s tragic death marked the first related to the World Cup – with many more to follow.One widow of a 46-year-old Bangladeshi man who was working in Saudi Arabia told Human Rights Watch of her husband being harrowingly decapitated in the workplace.Migrant workers are seen at a construction site near RiyadhCredit: GettyThe Roshn Stadium has one of the most striking designs of all the 2034 venuesCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Qiddiya Coast Stadium will host games in the group stage, as well as the rounds of 32 and 16Credit: www.dezeen.comShe said: “According to his colleagues and the foreman, he noticed a mechanical issue with the machine he was operating. “He turned off the machine to fix it and was trying to remove a stone that was stuck inside when someone accidentally turned the machine back on. His head got caught inside, and he died on the spot.”The grieving woman added that when her husband’s body arrived in Bangladesh, “his head was separated from his body” which resulted in her losing consciousness “seeing him in that state”.And another widow of a 25-year-old Nepali man revealed that despite her husband getting electrocuted at work, his death “is officially classified as a natural death”.She added: “We did not receive the dead body of my husband, but were instead informed that his last rites were already done in Saudi Arabia itself without our permission. This has put us in further pain.”We believe all this was an elaborate plan to deprive us of compensation. There are so many questions unanswered.”Who gave them permission to bury [my husband] instead of repatriating [his] body? Witnesses say that the death was caused by electrocution.”With many deaths of workers wrongly classified as being natural, grieving families have received no compensation, the reports claim.Human Rights Watch’s director of Global Initiatives Minky Worden said: “The 2034 Saudi World Cup will be the largest and most expensive ever, but it could also have the highest cost in human lives, as millions of migrant workers build infrastructure, including 11 new stadiums, a rail and transit network, and 185,000 hotel rooms.”FIFA says it has a “steadfast commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in the context of its operations”.The Neom stadium has been dubbed the ‘most unique stadium in the world’Credit: www.dezeen.comThe King Salman Stadium will be Saudi’s largest stadium and is due to host the World Cup finalCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Roshn Stadium has one of the most striking designs of all the 2034 venuesCredit: www.dezeen.comIn 2024, the Saudi government defended that there had been “tangible achievements” in occupational health and safety, claiming that the rates of deaths and injuries among workers were falling.And FIFA praised the alleged “significant steps” taken by Saudi Arabia to improve its labour laws since 2018.But the global construction worker’s union, or BWI, revealed there had been an “alarming rise” in accidents that could have been prevented.BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said: “These are the result of systematic negligence, corruption and inadequate oversight and accountability.”And FairSquare’s co-director James Lynch has described FIFA’s human rights policies as a “sham”.He added: “While FIFA praises Saudi Arabia to the rafters and highly-paid western law firms generate vast profits for curating Saudi’s reputation, children in places like Nepal grow up without their fathers and never even learn how they died.”FIFA told Human Rights Watch of its plans to establish a workers’ welfare system to ensure mandatory standards and enforcement mechanisms are dedicated for construction related to the World Cup. as well as service delivery in Saudi Arabia.Football’s global governing body said: “We are convinced that the measures implemented to ensure construction companies respect the rights of their workers on FIFA World Cup sites can set a new standard for worker protection in the country and contribute to the wider labour reform process, helping to enhance protections for workers on World Cup sites and beyond.”But Human Rights Watch has slammed FIFA, saying no further details were given on how the so-called welfare system would actually work.The group said: “Saudi authorities, FIFA, and other employers should ensure that all migrant worker deaths, regardless of perceived cause, time, and place are properly investigated and that families of deceased workers are treated with dignity and receive fair and timely compensation.”Eight stadiums are being built in the capital Riyadh, four in Jeddah, and one in each of Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom.Neom is the brand new £1 trillion desert mega-city the county is planning to build from scratch – and half of which will be floating in the ocean.Read More on The SunThere have been concerns, however, that the city will not be finished in time.They are also promising to whip up the world’s biggest airport, King Fahd International Airport, which is due to open in 2030.It is thought the King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia will be the largest in the world when it opens in 2030Credit: Foster + Partners More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Most humble man I’ve met’ – Anthony Joshua stuns customers at Morrisons as he works behind till

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA proved he is a knockout on the checkout after posing for pictures with fans at Morrisons.The heavyweight superstar was an unexpected icon in the bagging area as he stunned Watford locals with his presence in the supermarket.Anthony Joshua proved he is truly top shelf after posing for pictures with fans at MorrisonsCredit: INSTAGRAM @dawnswatfordzumbaAJ posed for pictures with fans in WatfordCredit: INSTAGRAM @dawnswatfordzumbaHe was hailed as the ‘most humble man’ by fansCredit: Instagram @syrenitycoachingJoshua appeared to be promoting LucozadeCredit: Instagram @meek_million_ via @anthonyjoshuaJoshua, king of the counters, put in a shift on the supermarket tills – while appearing to be promoting sponsor Lucozade – and made time for fans.One posed for a shelfie – sorry, selfie – with AJ and posted online: “What perfect timing to pop into our local Morrisons.”And meet the amazing @anthonyjoshua. What a lovely, smiley, friendly man. I hope they gave him the job.” Another added: “The most humble man I have ever met!”READ MORE IN BOXINGThose are certainly more reasons to shop at Morrisons.It was only in March the down-to-earth multimillionaire took the No32 bus to Kilburn Park Station in front of shocked passengers.Joshua, 35, is yet to return to the ring since his September knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, 27, at Wembley. He most recently visited Nigeria and the Middle East on holiday and revealed he plans to fight again before the new year. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoshua told ESPN Mexico: “December, I will fight again. That’s when I want to fight again, I’ll take some time and I will go in December.”I just want to get my body feeling good and then I’ll fight. It’s a simple job.”Tyson Fury’s dad rips into son’s corner and claims he saved Gypsy King getting KO’d by Oleksandr Usyk (main)Promoter Eddie Hearn had warned the two-time champion was carrying an injury.And now Joshua revealed to DAZN: “I’m trying to get my body right.”I have got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow. A small surgery sometime in May. I’m finalising the details. “That will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks, and then when I’m healed, I will be back.”A long-awaited Battle of Britain bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury was expected to materialise this year.But after Fury, 36, twice lost to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year he announced a shock retirement in January. Read More on The SunHearn has admitted they are waiting to see if Fury reverses his decision – for a fifth time – before deciding who AJ’s next opponent will be. Meanwhile, Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh revealed he is in talks with Joshua over a fresh two-fight deal. Tyson Fury has remained retiredCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Dave Allen is the ex-supply teacher turned boxer who overcame gambling addiction to become heroic fans’ favourite

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      DAVE ALLEN has lived several lives, from supply school teacher to gambling addict and now, thankfully, a beloved boxing star. Allen started as an amateur aged 16 and had just ten bouts before turning professional in 2012 – snubbing the chance to join the GB Squad. Dave Allen opened up on his gambling addiction, which he has bravely overcomeCredit: First Round TVHe was 20 when he made his debut but only three years later Allen had only fought seven times and was in need of cash. The heavyweight made ends meet as a sparring partner – earning around £500 a week – but it was not enough. So he got a job as a supply teacher – lying on his CV to get the gig – before returning to the ring in 2015. But by then, Allen was gripped by a horrific gambling addiction which started after making a £1 bet on the horses with his dad when he was just eight. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd after being introduced to online betting, the boxer’s life began to spiral. He bravely said on ex-middleweight champion Darren Barker’s podcast: “It just snowballed really. “I used to go to the bookies and play on the machines there, they were great times.”But the online stuff is where it got bad for me because it was so easy, it was numbers on the screen. Most read in Boxing”Probably at the worst? It’s difficult to say really. I wasn’t gambling that much in my early 20s, but I was gambling everything that I had. “As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.”John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan Allen – who has sparred Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – said winning the bets was the route of his addiction not the cash. He explained: “I have no interest in the money at all. “The kind of gambler I am, it’s not about the money for me. When the money runs out, that’s the only issue.”I never wanted to withdraw any money, I just wanted to keep winning. To be honest, at that time it was like an escapism from real life.”Allen revealed his routine consisted of going to bed at 6am and waking up by 2pm to catch the first race of the day. Fortunately, Allen has overcome his addiction with the help of his sister and wife, who he shares a son and daughter with. As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.Dave Allen He said: “Since I was 26, I’ve not been in control of my own money. “So at 26, I said to my sister, ‘You’re going to have to look after my money, to be honest.'”My sister set me up a bank account and for the last seven and a half years if I want any money at all, I have to text my sister and now my missus, I get a card and they send me money.”Because, if I could still gamble now, I think I would. I’ve spent mad money on mad s***, I was spending ridiculous money and when I boxed Luis Ortiz, I did it for the money, really.”I think I owed a few quid at the time of the Dillian Whyte fight, I think I lost about eight grand on the day of the fight, I didn’t clear too much more than that really.”Allen has also become a trainer and manager to young fighters to also keep himself on track. He said: “I need it as much as them, start training the kids seven or eight years ago and that’s my sustainability really. ‘He’ll get knocked out'”It’s really kept me on the straight and narrow.”Allen initially retired from boxing in 2020 aged 28 after a brutal knockout loss to 2008 Olympic bronze medallist David Price.But he returned a year later and has fought eight times since, remaining a hugely popular figure amongst British fans. Allen, 33, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Johnny Fisher, 26, in Saudi Arabia last December. But the pair now rematch on Saturday at Fisher’s adopted home of the Copper Box Arena. And Allen – who dropped Fisher in round five – warned: “If he fights me May 17th he’ll get knocked out because I’ll be sharper, a little bit fitter.Read More on The Sun”If he boxes me it will be hard work, of course it is. But I don’t think at the Copper Box he’ll hold it together and box. “He’ll get in a fight at some point. I’m not the biggest puncher but I hit too hard for him and I’m too strong for him. He’s tough, though.”Johnny Fisher controversially beat Dave Allen on pointsCredit: ReutersThey rematch at the Copper BoxCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      How Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other sporting ventures are going as Man Utd chief admits Nice are ‘so much better without’ him

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE promised a bright new dawn for Manchester United.More than a year on, the club are set for their lowest Premier League finish and worst domestic season since their 1974 relegation — all while firing a staggering 450 club staff.Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been busy this seasonMan Utd are set for their worst ever Premier League finishBut Nice are experiencing immense success in Ligue 1Victory over Tottenham in next week’s Europa League final could alter the narrative, sealing Champions League football to add to ambitious plans unveiled recently by Ratcliffe and Ineos – his multinational chemical company.United are just one part of a £2.2BILLION-plus sporting empire that  once looked dominant but is now showing some cracks. Here, SunSport’s MARTIN LIPTON breaks down the rest of Sir Jim’s portfolio — sport by sport . . . FOOTBALLRead More on FootballBEFORE Manchester United, there was Lausanne and Nice.In 2017, Ineos announced a deal to take over the Swiss club, described as part of the chemicals giants’ “continuing investment in youth and  community sports” in the area.A pledge of “full backing” for manager Fabio Celestini lasted until the club were demoted six months later.Lausanne have been a yo-yo club in the Ineos era but now sit well clear of relegation and  are settling into the 13,000-capacity Stade de la Tuiliere, which was opened in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo years after the Swiss investment, Ineos bought French side Nice in an £89million deal, with Ratcliffe stating: “We made some mistakes at Lausanne but we are fast learners.“These have been rectified and we are already seeing the benefits.”Ineos arrived with Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira in the dugout but he was sacked after 15 months. Four full-time successors have come and gone since, with Franck Haise now reaching the end of his first season, where he is well positioned to improve on Ineos’ best Ligue 1 finish of fifth.Despite a winless Europa League campaign, Nice are fourth domestically with a game left.They are one of three teams on 57 points and could finish as low as  seventh. But a home win over Brest on Saturday will all but guarantee Nice entry to Champions League qualifying.Last summer, after investing £1.3billion to take over “sporting operations” at United, Ineos were forced by Uefa to transfer most of their shares in Nice to a blind trust.’So much better without our interference’Ratcliffe admitted in March: “The best season that Nice has had is this one, where we’ve not been allowed to get involved due to multi-club ownership rules. They’ve been so much better without our interference! Maybe there’s a lesson.”When Ratcliffe confirmed his buyout of just over a quarter of United’s stocks from the Glazers, he vowed to lead the Old Trafford club back to the top but said: “It’s going to take two or three seasons.”That looks an understatement.The dismissal of Erik ten Hag was overdue but paying Newcastle £3million for sporting director Dan Ashworth only to sack him after five months was an expensive embarrassment.Ratcliffe publicly backs Ruben Amorim but has criticised certain players.The announcement of the £2bn plan to build a 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” as the centrepiece of a huge development project next to the club’s home since 1910 was a signal of ambition.With Ineos’ finances under scrutiny, it has been claimed Ratcliffe could exit MercedesFORMULA ONEINEOS became Mercedes’ “principal partner” in a five-year £100m deal signed in 2020 and by the end of the year had taken a one-third stake.Back-to-back team championships in their first two years made it eight in a row, Sir Lewis Hamilton winning the drivers’ title in 2020 and only losing out to Max Verstappen on the final lap in 2021.But that was the end of Mercedes’ domination and Hamilton joined Ferrari ahead of this season.George Russell remains a title contender even if his car is slower than the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as well as Verstappen’s Red Bull.With Ineos’ finances under scrutiny, it has been claimed Ratcliffe could exit but team principal Toto Wolff said: “He is one of us three amigos — Mercedes, Jim and I. We are never going to part ways.”New Zealand Rugby launched a legal case alleging a ‘breach of contract’RUGBY UNIONRATCLIFFE’S Ineos became a “performance partner” of the All Blacks in 2021 on a  six-year deal worth £4million per season — but they could be kicked into touch.New Zealand Rugby launched a legal case alleging a “breach of contract” in February after announcing Ineos had “failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit” the agreement.That came with Ineos admitting  it is suffering financially from rising levels of carbon tax in Europe, making chemicals a “tough industry to be in”.Ratcliffe can’t Haka it, moaning in March: “We talked to New Zealand Rugby about the fact that times are tough.“We wanted to see if we could find a compromise, which you would have thought as a sponsor of the All Blacks they’d have listened to, but they didn’t want to listen.”NZ are currently an unacceptable No2 in the world.Ineos bankroll the cycling team to the tune of £40million per yearCYCLINGTEAM SKY had become the dominant force in world road cycling under Sir Dave Brailsford with riders including Tour de France winners Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas.They were rebranded as Team Ineos in 2019, becoming Ineos Grenadiers the following year. The company promised to match or even exceed the team’s £34million annual budget.Colombian Egan Bernal won the team’s seventh Tour de France title in the first year of sponsorship but there have been no further triumphs in cycling’s elite race.Ineos bankroll the team to the tune of £40m per year but are closing in on a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with another petrochemicals giant, TotalEnergies.In January, Ineos announced a third challenge — but without Sir Ben Ainslie’s involvementSAILINGOLYMPIC sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie and Royal Yacht Squadron Commodore Jamie Sheldon were with Ratcliffe in 2018 to announce the launch of Ineos Team UK and its bid to finally win the America’s Cup.The crew, including another Olympic champion in Giles Scott, reached the final of the Prada Cup qualifying campaign in 2021 but were outsailed by Italy’s Luna Rossa, who in turn was comfortably beaten by the holders, Emirates Team New Zealand.Ineos committed more than £110million and renamed the team Ineos Britannia before the 2024 edition of the world’s oldest sailing race.This time, with another Olympic champion, Dylan Fletcher, joining Ainslie at the helm of the twin-hulled craft, the British boat reached the final in the waters off Barcelona.But they again fell short, beaten 7-2 by the Kiwi vessel.In January, Ineos announced a third challenge — but without Ainslie’s involvement.Ratcliffe suggested: “Ben wanted to do his own thing and that’s fine.” But Ainslie claims he has the right to be the “Challenger of Record” with access to more information than other contenders.Ainslie’s team  was “astounded” by the Ineos move, adding it “raises significant legal and practical obstacles”.ATHLETICSKENYAN superstar Eliud Kipchoge’s successful bid to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon distance in 2019 was bankrolled by Ratcliffe through the Ineos 1:59 Challenge.Read More on The SunKipchoge covered 26.2 miles in Vienna in 1:59:40.2 — although it did not count as an official world record as he was allowed a series of pace-setters and it was not an open event.Later, in 2022, Ineos signed an agreement to become “performance partner” to Kipchoge’s Dutch-based NN Running Team.In 2022, Ineos signed an agreement to become “performance partner” to Eliud Kipchoge’s NN Running Team More

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      in Soccer

      Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

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      WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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      in Boxing

      Meet James Dean Fury, the latest pro boxer in Tyson and Tommy Fury’s fighting family who sounds exactly like Gypsy King

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      THE FURY family is arguably the most well-known in the history of British boxing.The biggest and most boisterous name in the fighting family is, undoubtedly, former two-time heavyweight champion Tyson.Tyson Fury is the biggest name from the Fury clanCredit: REUTERSThe Gypsy King’s brother Tommy is also forging his own way in the sportCredit: GETTYTyson’s other younger brother, Roman, is also embarking on his own heavyweight journeyCredit: GETTYTeenager James Dean is the latest member of the Fury clan set to make a splash in the sportCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAMESDEANFURYTyson’s younger brothers Tommy and Roman, who both fought in Budapest last week, are also trying to make their own way in the brutal sport.As is Tyson’s cousin, Hughie, who is on a seven-fight win streak after coming unstuck against retired heavyweight title contender Alexander Povetkin in 2019.Tyson’s other cousins, Hosea Burton and Nathan Gorman, are also professional boxers who compete at light-heavyweight and heavyweight respectively.But another member of the massive Fury family has quietly been making a name for himself in the sport.READ MORE IN BOXINGSuper-middleweight prospect James Dean is the latest Fury to pursue the dream of becoming a world champion.James – the grandson of Jimmy Fury, who is the brother of coaches John and Peter – has been competing as an amateur since October 2021 and has amassed an 8-1 record in his nine outings.The 19-year-old’s sole defeat came in April 2024 at the hands of Oladimeji Shittu.But he’s bounced back with a whopping five wins in the space of TWO MONTHS.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJames is trained by Peter Fury, the brother of Tyson’s dad JohnCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAMESDEANFURYJames has won three National Championships and a BoxCredit: INSTGARAM@JAMESDEANFURYThe teenager, who is trained by Hughie’s dad Peter, already has accolades galore to his name having won THREE National Championships and a Box Cup.James, the cousin of Brit icon Tyson, who he SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE, will bid to add another Box Cup title to his trophy cabinet in the 2025 tournament later this month.Tyson Fury’s dad rips into son’s corner and claims he saved Gypsy King getting KO’d by Oleksandr Usyk (main)And under the watchful eye of head coach Peter, he plans to utilise the famed Fury style to become a world champion at 168lbs.During an appearance on Sky Sports, he said: “Of course there’s a Fury styling, you know. “Like I said earlier, you know, you gotta be a Fury to perfect it.”You know what I mean? It’s in the blood, isn’t it? And look, I’m training every day.As soon as I turn professional, I will light up the super middleweight division.”James Dean Fury”I’ve I’ve got my head down and I’m I’m fully focused and committed on what I want in life and what I want in my career.”I’m training every day. I’ve got my head down.”And I’m fully focused and committed on what I want in life and what I want in my career.Read More on The Sun”And soon enough, everybody will know the name James Dean Fury.”Because as soon as I turn professional, I will light up the super middleweight division and I’ll come for everything.” More

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      in Soccer

      The incredible Martin Odegaard stats that show why his drop in form at Arsenal is linked to long-range shooting

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD has been a shadow of his former brilliant self at Arsenal this term.A combination of illness, injury and becoming a father for the first time in December has seen him struggle for consistency and momentum, with large sections of the Gunners fanbase questioning his ability as captain with another Prem title charge falling short.Martin Odegaard has failed to convert from long-shots this seasonCredit: GettyThe stats show that the less he shoots, the worse his output isCredit: GettyBut perhaps more worryingly, it has been his creativity and intent on the ball in front of goal that has been missing – put in the spotlight following key absences to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for large periods of the campaign.One area that has slumped in particular has been his shooting and scoring from outside the box, something that became a real trademark for the Norwegian in previous seasons.But his last two games can give fans hope he is on his way back as SunSport reveals the stats behind his dramatic drop in long-range belters, and why they are so important to his overall game.Odegaard gave a first glimpse of what was to come during his six-month loan spell from Real Madrid during the 2020/21 season, having joined on January 27, 2021.read more arsenalIt came in a Europa League round of 16 first leg clash away at Olympiacos, scoring his first goal for the club with a thunderbolt from 25 yards in a 3-1 victory.Collected on the half turn, he took two touches to compose himself and with the third came a venomous thump to announce himself to the Arsenal fans and boss Mikel Arteta.He ended that campaign with 12 shots from outside the box in 20 games in all competitions.His bravery to shoot in those positions grew in the following seasons, and got his rewards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn 2021/22, he attempted 33 shots from outside the box in all competitions – 32 of them coming in the Prem – scoring twice, from a free-kick in a 1-0 victory away at Burnley in September 2021 and a screamer in a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in April 2022.His most successful and persistent year with long-range shots and goals came in 2022/23, scoring three times from 46 attempts in the Prem against Tottenham, Southampton and Newcastle. In total, he had 47 attempts in all competitions.How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-finalThe strike against Spurs in a 2-0 away win in January 2023 was prime Odegaard – one touch out of his feet followed by a low, driven fizzler into the bottom corner.Odegaard went one better last year with 48 long-range shots in all competitions, scoring twice. The first was against PSV in the Champions League in September 2023. The second was away at Burnley in February 2024, making it one goal from 39 long-range Prem attempts.And the stats show that there is a direct correlation between the number of long-range shots Odegaard takes and his overall performance.Across the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns – his best so far in an Arsenal shirt – he mustered 95 shots from outside the box in 93 appearances in all competitions, just over one a game.Within that period, Odegaard scored 26 goals and notched 18 assists.So, it is perhaps no surprise that we have witnessed a below-par Odegaard showing this term with just five goals and 10 assists in 42 games in all competitions having attempted just 30 long-range shots, the only goal from them coming in the 7-1 Champions League last 16 first leg rout of PSV in March.Of those 30, only 22 have been in the Prem with no success. You have to go back 15 months to find his last league belter from outside the box.There have been signs Odegaard is regaining his confidence in this regard.In last week’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final second leg defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, he was denied by a world class save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.Read More on The SunAnd in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool at Anfield, another long ranger was tipped onto the post by Alisson that Mikel Merino then headed in to complete the comeback.The message is clear then: Odegaard is at his best when he is brave enough to take responsibility and shoot from range. Once that comes back into his game on a regular basis, so will his form. More

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      in Soccer

      Amorim and Ratcliffe’s reputations have been minced by a rotten, stinking Man Utd – who’d blame them for walking away

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      THEY brought in the second-richest man in Great Britain and the hottest young coach in Europe.And yet, as the fans mourned the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family’s takeover yesterday, Manchester United are worse than ever.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a nightmare first 16 months at Man UtdCredit: PARuben Amorim looks like a broken man at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnd United fans are at the end of their tether with it allCredit: GettyIt is easy to forget, after Ruben Amorim laid bare United’s desolate  soul in his latest brutally honest press conference, what a coup it had been to land him in the first place.How Amorim had been hailed as a cross between a young Jose Mourinho and Jesus Christ, when he oversaw a 4-1 Champions League demolition of Manchester City in his final home match  in charge of Sporting Lisbon just six months ago.Sporting boasted a 100 per cent record in the Portuguese league and Amorim was a charismatic tactical mastermind who was going to transform Old Trafford.And what a game-changer it was supposed to have been when Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of United’s footballing operation just 16 months ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis ruthlessly brilliant businessman, this local-boy-made-good, was going to lead the Red Devils back to the place he once held in the Forbes Rich List.Now Ratcliffe’s ruthlessness is regarded as hateful penny-pinching, that business acumen has not translated into football  — and United are two places above the  relegation zone.This rotten, stinking football club minces the reputations of the best of men. As Amorim seems to have realised, according to his extraordinary round of media interviews in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWords which left you seriously wondering whether Amorim wants out this summer.The 40-year-old offered up the idea that if United could not change things “really fast, we should give our places to different people”.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubAfter all, the trend is clear: leave United and start enjoying football again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka, instrumental in both Hammers goals, has been voted West Ham’s player of the season by a landslide and is just one of many players to have left Old Trafford and thrived.Scott McTominay is a key figure in table-topping Napoli’s bid for the Serie A title, Antony has inspired Real Betis to the Conference League final and Dean Henderson is heading for an FA Cup final with Crystal Palace.You can list a composite starting XI of players who left United, either permanently or on loan, in the last two years — all of them considered either dead wood or wrong ’uns — which would probably beat Amorim’s team on current form.The group includes: Henderson (Crystal Palace); Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Willy Kambwala and Eric Bailly (both Villarreal), Tyrell Malacia (PSV Eindhoven); McFred (Napoli and Fenerbahce); Antony (Real Betis), Mason Greenwood  (Marseille), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest).United have become a vast footballer recycling centre which buys good players and makes them bad, before selling bad players who become good again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka was instrumental in both West Ham goals on SundayCredit: GettyLike Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag before him, Amorim has identified a kind of concrete cancer at United which feels incurable once you have been inside the place for any length of time.Win next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao and Amorim will have something to build upon.Champions League qualification would significantly increase the budget, as well as the desirability of moving to United this summer.Lose it and Ratcliffe is in the same ­position as last summer — wondering whether to back a manager who is failing badly in the Premier League.Having erroneously handed Ten Hag a new deal and a hefty transfer kitty last year, would he dare do the same again?Amorim is bright enough to realise this predicament, describing it as “a decisive moment in the history of the club.”Like all good managers, he had the ego to believe he could turn around United.Once inside, however, he realised the full scale of that task was beyond him. Perhaps beyond anyone.Man Utd suffered their 17th Prem defeat of the season on SundayCredit: PAAnd Amorim hinted that he’s prepared to QUIT if he can’t turn things aroundCredit: ReutersUnder the ruinous Glazers, so many things have been wrong at United for so long that nobody even knows where to start when it comes to putting things right.Dan Ashworth, one of the finest sporting directors in the game, was in and out of Old Trafford within months. Amorim may well follow suit.Amorim was correct to suggest that United’s players have been turning it on for Europa League matches on Thursday nights and tossing it off in the Premier League on Sundays.He was also bang-on when he identified that United players are no longer scared of losing and that not possessing “that fear” is “the most dangerous thing a big club can have”.What does the idea of ‘bigness’ actually mean when home defeats in the Premier League have become so routine that everyone knows they can beat you?Since the start of last season, United have lost domestic matches at Old Trafford to Brighton, Crystal Palace (twice), Manchester City, Newcastle (twice), Bournemouth (twice), Fulham (twice), Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and West Ham.When Aston Villa win at Old Trafford on Sunday week it will mean that, of the 16 clubs United have faced in the Premier League both this season and last, only Chelsea, Everton and Brentford won’t have won at Old Trafford.And only Everton will have failed to beat United either home or away.United have been consistently terrible in the Premier League for two years now.Read More on The SunShould they fail to win the Europa League and should any one of the promoted clubs show any serious ambition, United will be genuine relegation candidates next term.So we should not blame Amorim if he doesn’t fancy being around to oversee it.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford… More