More stories

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star Ashley Young could face his SON in FA Cup third round as Everton ace says ‘dreams might come true’

    EVERTON star Ashley Young may face his 18-year-old son Tyler in the FA Cup.The Toffees drew Peterborough United in the third round and will face off on the weekend of January 11 at Goodison Park.Everton star Ashley Young may face his 18-year-old son Tyler in the FA CupCredit: GettyAshley could lock horns against his child, who is currently part of Peterborough UnitedCredit: RexThat means ex-Manchester United ace Ashley, 39, could lock horns against his child, who is currently part of the League One outfit’s Under-21 side.Everton’s versatile full-back is very excited about that prospect as he took to social media and stated a great family dream could soon come true.Ashley tweeted: “WOW………. Dreams Might Come True.#FaCup #GoosebumpsMoment #YoungVsYoung.”Fans are also looking forward to that potential clash between father and son.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “Hoping you play against him mate! Would be a dream for you! Wish you the best!”Another commented: “The Young Derby.”A third wrote: “Football is really special. What a scene that’d be!”This fan said: “That’s brilliant. Hope it happens for you both.”Most read in FA CupAnd that one issued the following hashtag: “#YoungvsOld.”Tyler joined Peterborough from Queens Park Rangers’ Under-18s last summer.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingThe midfielder counts only one senior appearance with the Posh, which took place in the EFL Trophy. More

  • in

    Fans claim FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’ as Man City and Liverpool get lower league opponents but Man Utd face Arsenal

    THE FA CUP third round draw led to furious reactions from a few disappointed fans, with some going as far as to describe it as “rigged”.The third round draw’s most exciting tie is between Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, who will face off on the weekend of January 11 at the Emirates.Some angry fans claim the FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’Arsenal drew Manchester United and their rivals are facing lower-league teamsIn contrast, Arsenal and United’s rivals were drawn against lower-league opponents.Manchester City got Salford, Chelsea drew Morecambe, Liverpool were paired with Accrington Stanley and Tottenham will face Tamworth.And some fans believe the difference of quality between those ties makes the draw, which was conducted by former Manchester United players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin, look suspicious.One fan tweeted: “Absolutely f*****g rigged.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “That’s fixed. Arsenal vs Utd. I’m sure he (Dublin or Hughes) didn’t even mix them around.”A third wrote: “Watching the FA Cup draw and what the hell.”This fan said: “City vs Salford. Liverpool vs Accrington. Chelsea vs Morecambe… Arsenal vs United. Of course.”And that one stated: “Calling fix, United getting drawn away to Arsenal, City getting Salford at home and Liverpool getting an effective nobody.”Most read in FA CupThe draw was conducted at Old TraffordMark Hughes and Dion Dublin pulled out the ballsBut of course there is absolutely no indication that supports those wild claims.Man Utd won the FA Cup last season thanks to a 2-1 win over rivals Man City in the Wembley final, which saved former manager Erik ten Hag’s job.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashThe Red Devils will be facing the most successful team in the competition’s history, with Arsenal winning the trophy a record 14 times.However, if Ruben Amorim’s side were to go all the way they would draw level with the Gunners’ total. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘have weeks to trigger Amad Diallo contract extension’ or risk losing star who’s excelled under Amorim on a free

    MANCHESTER UNITED have just weeks to tie Amad Diallo down to a new deal or risk losing the star for free next summer. Amad, 22, ran the show with a starring performance from right wing-back for the Red Devils as they beat Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.A new contract for Amad Diallo is said to ‘firmly’ on the agenda at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe has played in all three games under new boss Ruben Amorim, including starts against Everton and Ipswich while coming off the bench against Bodo/Glimt midweek.After years on the periphery at United including loan deals, the Ivorian has finally marked himself as a firm favourite in the squad after scoring three goals and adding five assists this season.And following his electric start under Amorim, the Portuguese boss reportedly wants to make giving him a new contract a priority.Amad’s contract expires next summer, meaning that from January he will have the option to speak to clubs overseas about signing a pre-contract deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited – who originally signed Amad from Atalanta in 2021 – do have the option to trigger a one-year extension on his contract to stave off that threat but are yet to trigger it.SunSport previously reported how United chiefs did not want to trigger the one-year option as they wanted to offer him a new five-year deal.According to The Telegraph, Amad’s new deal is now “firmly” on the agenda in the next few weeks.Amorim, 39, has spoken highly of Amad in his opening games, and praised new Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy for his work with him during his interim spell in charge of Man Utd.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking after the Everton clash, Amorim said of Amad: “He was really good again.”He’s in a great moment, but that moment starts with the group. So, I just take advantage of Ruud’s [van Nistelrooy] work with Amad.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decision”Amad was really good defensively and really good attacking and he has to continue to play like that. “You could feel at the end of the game that he was really, really tired, so we also have to manage that as he increases the physical ability.”Man Utd travel to Arsenal on Wednesday for their next game.Amorim is yet to taste a league defeat this season following his 100 per cent record with former club Sporting Lisbon, and will doubtless be hoping that can continue.But recent history is stacked against United, having beaten the Gunners just once in the last five meetings.Meanwhile, the last win at the Emirates came in the FA Cup in 2019, though this run stretches back to 2017 in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited will also find out who they will face in the FA Cup third round tonight.The draw gets underway at 7pm, and you will be able to follow it will SunSport’s Live Blog.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton

    RUBEN AMORIM surprised Manchester United fans before his first Premier League home match in charge.Amorim, 39, led United to a dominant 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford thanks to a brace by Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.Manchester United players practiced corner-kicks before the match with EvertonCredit: XNew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim introduced an unusual warm-up training sessionCredit: RexThe Red Devils looked evidently different under the Portuguese tactician but there were moments during the match that showed the players are still getting used to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.And Man Utd fans quickly found out how different things are under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss the moment they took their seats at the Theatre of Dreams.United stars took to the pitch for the pre-match warm-up, as did their opponents.But then the home fans watched their favourite Premier League team practicing CORNER-KICKS.Read More on Man UtdAnd it seemed like Man Utd were actually focused on defending the set-piece.That is a very rare sight during the warm-up session before a competitive match kicks off.The Manchester giants ultimately didn’t have to worry about corner-kicks as they easily defeated a toothless Everton side.Nevertheless, Amorim refused to get carried away at full-time as he insisted there is still a lot of work to do, hinting there could be some more unusual tactics on the horizon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “The result was good but we were pragmatic. We were pragmatic and did our job. We can still adapt and have a long way to go.”In the right moments we had the goals and that changed the game. We don’t just focus on the result.Johsua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton “We have so much to do but it is better to work with victories.”Let’s focus on the performance more. We have good moments but some where we suffer.”Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

  • in

    Joshua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has revealed all about the MOVIE which inspired his ‘gun shooting’ celebration. Manchester United’s newest striker whipped out his signature moves after netting a double as the Red Devils’ thumped Everton 4-0 on Sunday.Joshua Zirkzee has explained his to-go gun celebrationThe United striker bagged a brace against Everton at Old TraffordIt’s not exactly brand new to the Prem – Phil Foden bends down and poses with an imaginary gun whenever he scores too.But Zirkzee’s cele has left everybody talking – because he sprays an invisible machine gun.Lifting the lid on how he came to choose it, he said: “I started off with something else.”But I got it from the film Django Unchained. There’s a point where he (Christoph Waltz) teaches Django (Jamie Foxx) to shoot.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDElsewhere, Zirkzee also revealed that it pays tribute to Fiorentina legend Omar Batistuta.Argentine legend Batistuta, 55, is famed for creating the firing gun celebration more than 30 years ago.Zirkzee said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoshua Zirkzee said he was inspired by Jamie Foxx’s shooting scene in DjanoFiorentina fans booed Zirkzee for doing the celebration when Bologna converted a penalty against them in November 2023.They thought it was disrespectful to emulate Batistuta’s moves in his former Stadio Artemio Franchi stomping ground, as then manager Thiago Motta was forced to apologised after the game.Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleMeanwhile, Zirkzee will be hoping to award fans with it again and again, after an upward turn in form over the weekend.Many believed his United career was over before it’d even begun after news that he’d arrived overweight and that Erik ten Hag didn’t even want him. The former Bologna striker said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”The Red Devils forked out £36.5million for the 23-year-old but fans were hoping to lure Liam Delap from Ipswich next summer.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

  • in

    Real Madrid ‘ask Man Utd about shock Diogo Dalot transfer’ as they look for Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative

    REAL MADRID are showing significant interest in signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, according to reports.It comes after the LaLiga giants have repeatedly approached Liverpool for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in the summer.Real Madrid are eyeing a shock move for Diogo DalotThe LaLiga side have approached Liverpool over Trent-Alexander ArnoldBut with Liverpool flying high at the top the Prem and Alexander-Arnold being a local boy – Madrid could give up on the fantasy of luring him away from a new Anfield deal.Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have reportedly eyed Dalot as an alternative to the England right-back.Madrid value Dalot at around £41million, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.And United were even approached by the 15-time Champions League winners about Dalot while Erik ten Hag was still in charge.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 25-year-old has played 178 games for the Red Devils and was voted the player of the year by his team-mates last season. Dalot’s importance grew during United’s dismal 2023-24 campaign, as he started 35 of 38 Prem games and scored twice.New boss Ruben Amorim is set to assess which players he fancies moving forward, but Dalot is likely to make the cut.But the Portugal international has four years remaining on his United contract, after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal in May 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Madrid could land Alexander-Arnold for nothing.The Merseyside star is entering the final six months of Liverpool contract after coming through the youth ranks.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldBut Arne Slot will be hoping to convince him to sign a new deal at Anfield – and if the club continue on this upward trajectory, it would be hard to refuse.Alexander-Arnold has won it all with his boyhood club, including their first Premier League title, a Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.In theory, the 26-year-old is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, with his current contract set to expire in June.But Madrid wanted to respect Liverpool, who defeated them 2-0 in Europe last week, by making their intentions clear.Alexander-Arnold, who has provided an astonishing 84 assists and 23 goals from right-back in 326 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, has long been linked with a switch to Madrid.Los Blancos are currently operating without their usual right-back – six-time Champions League winner Dani Carvajal after he ruptured his ACL.Alexander-Arnold is adored by Liverpool fans – he even has his own mural More

  • in

    Man Utd hit with Bruno Fernandes injury fears as worrying picture emerges days before Arsenal clash

    BRUNO FERNANDES has left Man Utd fans sweating on his fitness after limping off during Ruben Amorim’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton.And it comes at an awful time for United with a massive trip to the Emirates looming in just three days time.Man Utd fans are concerned about Bruno Fernandes’ injury status after he was spotted wearing an ice pack at Old Trafford on SundayFernandes provided two goals on Sunday before Amad Diallo did the sameFernandes provided two assists for double goal scorers Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee either side of half-time against the Toffees before he was subbed off in the 66th minute.The Portugal international was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho as United moved into the top-half of the table for the first time in months. But the only potential concern for United ahead of their trip to second-placed Arsenal on Wednesday was the sight of their best playermaker in discomfort.Fernandes was pictured with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle after being substituted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe skipper was, however, able to join his team-mates on the pitch after the game to salute the home fans attending Amorim’s first Prem game at Old Trafford.It could, of course, be precautionary as United had scored all FOUR goals by the time he and Casemiro came off.But United fans are concerned about his availability before they travel to North London in three days time.One posted: “Bruno Fernandes off injured. Arsenal have never seen luck like this.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “So if Bruno gets injured what happens?”A third replied: “Just when Fernandes starts to find some form. I hope he makes the Arsenal game 🙏.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionBut others were more optimistic.One wrote: “Bruno never misses a game. He’ll be there midweek 💪.”While a second quizzed: “Surely he’d be in the medical room if it was that bad?”The returning Kobbie Mainoo has been suspended for United’s trip to Arsenal after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. The England star went into the ref’s book in the 49th minute when he hauled down Dwight McNeil just outside the United 18-yard box.It marked Mainoo’s first start under Amorim having been an unused substitute against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt.Kobbie Mainoo will miss United’s mid-week trip to ArsenalLikewise, Lisandro Martinez will miss the game against Mikel Arteta’s back in-form men for the same reason.Martinez received a caution two minutes later when he pulled back Toffees striker Beto, who looked to get on the end of a through-ball.Meanwhile, United fans fans labelled co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a “c***” as they protested the rise in ticket prices.READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Devils chiefs have hiked Old Trafford tickets to a staggering £66 per game.They have also abolished concessions for children and pensioners as fans outside Anfield had their own protests ahead of Man City’s visit on Sunday.United fans staged a protest against the rise in ticket price More

  • in

    Man Utd ratings: Marcus Rashford repays Amorim’s faith in style but Casemiro’s lack of pace could be major issue

    RUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford got the party started as his volley at the edge of the area was deflected into the goal by Jarrad Branthwaite.Marcus Rashford grabbed a brace against EvertonCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee also scored his first Man Utd goals since the opening dayCredit: GettySuperb work from Amad Diallo then set Fernandes away before he rolled the ball across the penalty box for Joshua Zirkzee to score his first United goal since the opening day against Fulham.Just 20 seconds in the second half, Amad ran through on goal before slipping the ball to Rashford to score a second.Amad was then involved again by winning the ball back on the right wing and passing the ball across the box for Zirkzee to tap home again and complete the 4-0 rout.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils as they won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season in a 5 -1 victory over Leeds United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLANDRE ONANA – 6 Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6 Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAMAD DIALLO – 8 Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6 Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt CASEMIRO – 5 Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6 Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8 Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back. HARRY MAGUIRE ( de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO ( Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench. READ MORE SUN STORIESMANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5 Will be wanting more minutes than this. MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5  Sharp and up for it. More