More stories

  • in

    Man Utd target Ansu Fati lined up for shock transfer to rival Premier League club as Barcelona ‘offer huge swap deal’

    ANSU FATI is being lined up for a shock Wolves transfer, according to reports.The Barcelona wonderkid is set to be on the market this summer, having fallen out of favour under Xavi.
    Ansu Fati could make a shock move to Wolves this summerCredit: Rex
    Fati, 20, has started just 11 LaLiga matches this term, with his agent Jorge Mendes now keen to bring him to the Premier League.
    According to Catalan paper Sport, Wolves are willing to offer £26million plus midfield talisman Ruben Neves for Fati’s services.
    The winger himself is yet to be convinced by a move to Molineux, and would like to transfer to a bigger club, should he leave Barca.
    It’s claimed that Mendes, who has many clients on the books at Wolves, has begun the process of trying to convince Fati that a move to Molineux could be a good idea.
    READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
    Mendes reportedly believes that the Spanish international could use Julen Lopetegui’s side as a stepping stone, in order to settle in the Premier League before moving on to a bigger club.
    Fati is yet to be convinced, however, and could yet opt to stay at Barcelona.
    But Xavi is believed to have indicated that Fati’s game time will be severely limited should he not depart.
    While the Barca boss would be keen to get Fati off the books, he is claimed to not be a huge fan of Neves.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Xavi would rather pursue other midfielders, but understands Barcelona’s financial situation and would make it work, should they bring in Neves.
    Fati has also drawn concrete interest from Manchester United.
    But so far the Red Devils have been unwilling to meet Barcelona’s demands.
    Fati emerged as a 16-year-old starlet at Barca, before injuries stunted his progress.
    He penned a six-year contract in October 2021, with a £1billion release clause.
    The wing wizard has made 104 appearances in total for Barca, scoring 26 goals and laying on nine assists.
    Ruben Neves could be included in a deal for FatiCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Watch Paul Ince’s hilarious reaction after fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp ‘sneaks up on him’ after Brighton beat Man Utd

    JAMIE REDKNAPP hilariously snuck up on Paul Ince in the aftermath of Manchester United’s loss at Brighton. The ex-Liverpool team-mates watched as Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty in the 99th MINUTE sealed the game.
    Jamie Redknapp hilariously snuck up on Paul Ince at the AmexCredit: Sky Sports

    But no one was in as much shock as Ince when Redknapp returned from the tunnel having interviewed Lewis Dunk.
    The former England midfielder turned around and flinched as he saw Redknapp over his shoulder.
    Ince said: “Don’t sneak up on me Jamie.”
    United’s defeat leaves them still in the Champions League places four points above fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
    READ MORE IN football
    A top four finish is well within their reach as manager Erik ten Hag called for focus in the last four matches of the season.
    He said: “The last five games, we had four wins, one draw. We were in a good run, we are improving. But we still have a way to go.
    “We have to stay focused. We have everything in our hands, and we have to bounce back.
    “We have to take the lessons from tonight and then we move on and we go to West Ham. Then we have to bounce back.”
    Most read in Football
    United’s five-match unbeaten run in the league was snapped at the Amex but Ten Hag insisted he is not concerned.
    He said: “I have seen our physical outputs in the last games, we still have high levels, performing really well. We are still going up.”
    For Brighton, they sit in sixth with two games in hand over Liverpool, leaving them dreaming of European football next season.
    Brighton beat Man Utd with a late penaltyCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd’s shocking away record against Premier League teams in top 9 laid bare after last-gasp heartbreak at Brighton

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S last-gasp loss at Brighton rounded off a shocking away record in the Premier League against top-nine sides this season.Alexis Mac Allister’s 99th-minute penalty left the Red Devils with just one point from those eight games.
    Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford trudge off after the anguished ending at the Amex for the travel-sick Red DevilsCredit: Rex
    Bruno Fernandes is devastated as United stay two points off Newcastle in thirdCredit: Getty
    And the goal difference on elite trips makes even more dire reading.
    United have conceded 28 goals, whilst scoring just eight times.
    Worst of the lot are amazing thumpings at their two biggest rivals.
    Manchester City destroyed them 6-3 back in October, with hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, when only Anthony Martial’s late double reply made the scoreline even half-respectable.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And most incredible of all, Liverpool turned an even, goalless first 43 minutes on March 5 into a record-breaking 7-0 Anfield annihilation.
    It’s not as if Erik ten Hag hadn’t been warned in his very first away match in charge.
    Brentford netted all their goals in a 4-0 win at the Community Stadium on August 13 in the opening 35 minutes.
    Admittedly, in January, Arsenal only beat Ten Hag’s men 3-2, courtesy of Eddie Nketiah’s 90th-minute strike confirmed on VAR.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    But Aston Villa, by 3-1, and Newcastle, 2-0, recorded more comfortable victories.
    That leaves the only trip against a top-nine team that didn’t end in defeat.
    That was last week’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham, where United blew a deserved 2-0 in the face of a storming comeback.
    And Thursday’s agony at Brighton means the Red Devils remain two points behind third-placed Newcastle.
    But if the had averaged just a point a game away to the best teams they would virtually have sealed a Champions League spot by now.
    And even their 2-1 triumph at tenth-placed Fulham last November was only secured by sub Alejandro Garnacho in the 93rd minute.
    Defenders Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof show their dejection following the agonising loss at Brighton in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

    Read More on The Sun More

  • in

    Man Utd ratings: De Gea put his body on the line and was unlucky to be beaten late but Antony petulant again

    ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER made it three Premier League wins on the bounce for Brighton against Manchester United with a 99th-minute penalty.The World Cup winner sent the Amex berserk in a game which looked like it would never see a winner despite almost 40 efforts on goal.
    David De Gea and Luke Shaw thought they were on course to shut Brighton out, only for the converted centre-back to blunder with a last-gasp handballCredit: Getty
    Marcus Rashford was again Man Utd’s main man in attack but they failed to netCredit: Rex
    Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Anthony all saw first half chances wasted before Brighton upped the ante in the second half.
    Manchester United looked like they were clinging on for a point until Luke Shaw slapped the ball away from Lewis Dunk’s head and VAR review awarded a final minute spot-kick.
    Here is how SunSport rated the United players.
    David De Gea – 7
    Put his body on the line when stopping Mitoma’s shot with his face inside five minutes.
    READ MORE TOP[ STORIES
    Recovered from the early blow to make some sharp saves, including two fine stops late on.
    De Gea denied Mac Allister in the final minute of normal time with a superb low save before leaping to get to Caicedo’s late effort in spectacular style.
    But it was all for nothing as he had no chance of stopping Mac Allister’s spot-kick.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
    A very difficult task up against Mitoma and Estupinan, an engaging tussle which the Seagulls winger which was just about a draw by the end.
    Most read in Football
    Offered little going forwards but merely keeping Mitoma in check has been a huge task for almost all full-backs this season.
    Victor Lindelof – 6
    Got very lucky when De Gea stopped a close range effort from Mitoma, who had picked off Lindelof’s loose pass.
    Recovered well from there and, despite being beaten by Mitoma a few times, did enough to keep the Seagulls out.
    Luke Shaw – 5
    A late error undoing a fine performance. Shaw had been superb at centre-back before a last minute rush of blood to the head saw him slap away a corner and concede a late penalty.
    Diogo Dalot – 6
    Slotted in well at left-back and enjoyed a lively battle with Brighton youngster Facundo Buonanotte.
    Casemiro – 6
    Almost opened the scoring with a looping header onto the roof of the net from a Shaw cross.
    Once again United’s standout midfielder, though had to lunge in with a late challenge to spot Alexis Mac Allister’s drive forward in the first half, for which he earned a 12th booking of the season.
    Lucky not to get a 13th for a second challenge on the World Cup winner after the break.
    Anthony Martial rakes in a shot as United took on high-flying Brighton
    Fred – 5
    Outshone by Billy Gilmour in the midfield. The Brazilian offered very little alongside compatriot Casemiro and struggled to make his mark on the ball.
    Anthony – 4
    The only thing he managed to spark was a second half fight after kicking out at Mac Allister.
    Should have put United ahead after just 65 seconds having been sent one-on-one against Jason Steele but fired wide.
    Plenty of flicks and tricks down the right wing but very little in terms of end product.
    Bruno Fernandes – 6
    Blasted an effort well over the bar from the edge of the box early in the first half and it didn’t get much better from there.
    Some neat moments in the build-up but offered precious little in the final third.
    Marcus Rashford – 7
    Had a field day against Moises Caicedo down the left. With the Brighton midfielder playing out of position at right-back Rashford eased past him time and again.
    Try to buy a penalty with a dodgy dive early in the second half.
    Anthony Martial – 5
    Wasted a first half chance by sending his shot straight at Steele having been played in behind.
    Equally wasteful on the ball in the first half and barely got a touch after the break.
    SUBS
    Jadon Sancho (on for Anthony, 76mins) – 5
    Had to do more defending than attacking and offered little from the bench.
    Marcel Sabitzer (on for Fred, 76mins) – 6
    Picked up the pace with his first touch, a driving run through midfield only to be brought down by Levi Colwill.
    Wout Weghorst (on for Martial, 84mins) – 5
    Read More on The Sun
    Brought on to provide a focal point late on but struggled to get into the game. More

  • in

    Fans baffled as Ten Hag hands Sky Sports pundit Ince wine before Man Utd game but there’s a simple explanation

    ERIK TEN HAG stunned Paul Ince and baffled many viewers by handing the pundit a bottle of wine live on Sky Sports.The Manchester United chief acted after Ince claimed the Red Devils showed him a “lack of respect” by not inviting him for a drink when he bossed Reading at Old Trafford in the FA Cup three months ago.
    Erik ten Hag was not quite so relaxed after the wine hand-over as United took on Brighton in a Prem clash vital to both sides’ European chancesCredit: Rex
    “I owe him one” 😅Things we didn’t expect to see this evening – Erik ten Hag giving Paul Ince a bottle of wine before his pre-match interview 🍷 pic.twitter.com/ZtmS0wGUzD— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 4, 2023

    Winger Antony fires close for Man Utd on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
    The former United and Liverpool midfielder looked “embarrassed” as a smiling Ten Hag made the gesture in a pre-match interview for Thursday night’s Premier League clash at Brighton.
    “I owe him one,” said a beaming Ten Hag as Ince put his arm round the Dutchman and replied: “That’s so kind.”
    The ex-England star suggested the pair should share it after United win the FA Cup – with only the final to come against neighbours City on June 3.
    Some curious fans were keen to know why Ten Hag had made the gift to Ince.
    READ MROE TOP STORIES
    “Any context?” was a popular response.
    But all observers seemed to agree that Ten Hag was a “class act”.
    One said: “Literally have no choice but to Love ETH.”
    And another, noticing the former Blackburn chief’s bashful reactions, posted: “Ahhh, Ince is so embarrassed, he doesn’t know where to look does he.”
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Ince had hit out following Reading’s 3-1 third-round loss on January 28.
    He claimed he was “disappointed” he and his family were not asked in for a glass of wine or even a cuppa, whereas legendary ex-manager Alex Ferguson invited him to meet  
    He said: “Whoever it is, win, lose or draw, you say pop in for a drink.
    “Whether it’s wine or tea it doesn’t really matter.
    “None of their staff did that so that was disappointing.
    “I couldn’t give a monkey’s but I just pride it on myself, as a manager, whether or not you get beaten, you say come in for a glass of wine.”
    At the time Ten Hag was furious with Reading’s physical approach – especially a challenge from Andy Carroll that sidelined Christian Eriksen for three months.
    He said:  “This is a tackle – and the two tackles after it – that don’t belong on a pitch. Because there is a high risk of injuring your colleague.
    “So, it’s worse and I’m left wondering about that.”
    Erik Ten Hag gives Paul Ince a bottle of wineCredit: Sky Sports More

  • in

    Watch moment Man Utd legend squares up to match-winner sparking melee after his side lose to 101st minute penalty

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes clashed with a stoppage-time match-winner for taunting him.Crewe striker Chris Long dented the automatic promotion hopes of Hughes’ Bradford with a 101st-minute penalty.

    Bradford manager Mark Hughes refuses to back down in his exchange with Crewe Alexandra match-winner Chris Long following the EFL matchCredit: https://twitter.com/footbalIfights
    Long is still smiling as he is led away by one of his own playersCredit: https://twitter.com/footbalIfights
    Long also appeared to anger at least one rival player with his attitude after the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/footbalIfights
    And Hughes was furious when Long came rushing over at the end to try to shake his hand.
    The ex-Barcelona and Chelsea frontman attempted in vain to shrug aside the home hero. 
    But Long patted him on the back and followed him while talking to him.
    Hughes squared up to the 28-year-old, who himself looked reluctant to back down despite pushing and shoving behind as players and staff gathered around.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    The ex-Wales manager yelled at Long, who laughed and had to be pulled away by a team-mate.
    Fans on social media criticised both the Bradford chief and the Crewe star following the Bantams’ 3-2 away defeat in League Two.
    Some blasted Long for hoping to wind Hughes up and “trying to make a name for himself”.
    But others accused the ex-Manchester City boss of refusing to shake hands.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    One said: “Chris long went for a handshake like usual and patted him on the back instead that doesn’t warrant Hughes acting the hard man ffs.”
    Bradford need a point at home to new champions Leyton Orient next Monday to guarantee a play-off spot.
    Mansfield, the only team who can catch them, are three points behind and with a goal difference also three worse – as they visit lowly Colchester. More

  • in

    Roma ‘slash transfer price of Man Utd target Tammy Abraham and are willing to let him go in summer’

    ROMA are reportedly willing to sell Tammy Abraham for a cut price amid interest from Manchester United.It was claimed last month that the Italian giants are holding out for £70million – the value of Chelsea’s buy-back clause.
    Tammy Abraham has scored just nine goals so far this seasonCredit: Getty
    But now it is understood he could be offloaded for just £39.5m.
    According to Calcio Mercato, Jose Mourinho’s men would be open to selling Abraham for little more than the £35m they paid Chelsea in 2021.
    It comes following a difficult season for the ex-Blues man in which he has scored nine times in 46 appearances.
    That is a significant drop off from the 27 goals he registered in his first campaign in Italy.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Speaking about his recent struggles, Abraham said: “I know I haven’t been the real me, I know I haven’t been playing the best I can be, but I am human at the end of the day.
    “I’ve been low in confidence, but today I had to show the fans I’m still me and I am still willing to fight for the team and do as much as I can for the team.”
    Yet despite his poor form, Man Utd, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly interested in the 11-cap England man.
    But the Red Devils are also looking at alternative options – namely Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Erik ten Hag is seeking a striker to take the burden of scoring off Marcus Rashford’s shoulders.
    Rashford, 25, has netted 29 times in all competitions this season.
    Bruno Fernandes is the only other Man Utd player to hit double figures with 11 goals. More

  • in

    Man Utd’s summer war chest revealed with Ten Hag to be forced into major fire sale in order to land top transfer targets

    ERIK TEN HAG will be forced into a major fire sale to land his top targets this summer.That’s after Man United’s measly war chest was revealed amid ongoing takeover talk.
    Erik ten Hag’s measly summer transfer budget has been revealedCredit: Reuters
    Man Utd will have to sell players for extra funds regardless of the Glazers’ futureCredit: AFP
    The Glazers are looking to sell up for a world-record £6billion after 18 years at the helm.
    They received fresh offers from British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim last month.
    But the Athletic claims boss Ten Hag will be limited to just a £100million transfer kitty, regardless of the final takeover decision.
    It’s said that United cannot go on a mammoth spending spree due to Financial Fair Play rules.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to reinforce the squad with several world-class players.
    But he will have to axe numerous current stars if he wants more transfer funds added to the pot.
    It means United may only be able to strengthen one or two key areas this summer.
    The Red Devils are looking for a new goalkeeper amid doubts over David De Gea’s expiring contract.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Ten Hag also wants a new centre forward, with a midfielder and winger also on his wish list.
    But unless buyers are found for misfits like Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek, Ten Hag will have to see just how far £100m will stretch in the current climate.
    Asked about summer funds amid takeover talks, Ten Hag said: “I don’t have an influence on that… also I don’t know.
    “The only thing what I know is that Man United is one of the biggest clubs and I think it’s among maybe the two biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective.
    “So I think this club has to compete for the highest in the world, so Champions League, Premier League.
    “But in football you need funds to construct squads because at the end of the day, the level from your players makes you successful or not.
    “Everyone knows you need funds to construct a squad. High level players cost a lot of money.
    “I, we, see this as a project. In a project you are in windows, you strengthen your squad needs or make refreshments, so you get more balance and you bring young players in.
    “But at the end of the day we want to be in the Champions League and we want to compete and knock them all out, so then we have a way to go.” More