More stories

  • in

    ASEAN All-Stars 1 Man Utd 0: United humiliated by Asian minnows in miserable start to post-season tour

    MANCHESTER UNITED suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to makeshift Asian side ASEAN All-Stars.Ruben Amorim named a strong XI in Malaysia three days after United’s shock 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday.Man Utd suffered a shock loss to ASEAN All-StarsCredit: APRuben Amorim named a strong line-up for the matchCredit: GettyMaung Maung Lwin scored the decisive goalCredit: MUTVBut yet again, the majority of players etched their name into the chopping block in the sweltering 30 degree heat in Kuala Lumpur.After suffering the ultimate humiliation of losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final a week ago, United lost the Maybank Challenge Cup on Wednesday.Nearly 70,000 fans, most wearing Man Utd scarves and hats, came to see their favourite Premier League stars, with the club visiting for the first time since 2009.After a cagey start, it was the visitors who were on top, enjoying the best chances.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCambodia’s Coulibaly Abdel Kader slipped a pass down the outside of Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire for a bright Nguyen Hai Long to run onto.Nguyen was just about offside when he whipped a left-footed shot just wide of Andre Onana’s post, but the dangers were clear.Amorim appeared like he could barely watch at times, looking down at the turf while Nguyen got in behind again.Onana was the first keeper to be called into action when he got down low to stop Sandro Reyes’ shot from 18 yards after dopey work from Manuel Ugarte and youngster Reece Munro.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordASEAN All-Stars celebrated with a team photo after the goalCredit: AFPAmorim had seen enough. The Portuguese gaffer made his first four subs in the 30th minute, with the shirts sticking and sweat pumping from United’s XI.United’s first shot on target came three minutes later when Kobbie Mainoo’s effort was curled wide by keeper Khammai. Mainoo had another cleared off the line before half-time.Man Utd players ride open-top bus through Malaysia during post-season tour of AsiaThe four teenagers injected pace and youth, with Sekou Kone and Shea Lacey particularly impressive in their short cameos.Half-time brought 11 changes from Amorim.Alejandro Garnacho, at the centre of a blazing row with his manager after his post-Europa League final comments, received a huge applause from fans.But the game was at walking pace now.Garnacho and Amad Diallo brought more quality, but United were knackered against a side made up of different teams from Asia.And before long, tragedy struck for Amorim in the 71st minute with United hit on the break.A diagonal pass from left to right by Adrian Segecic caught Godwill Kukonki napping and Maung Maung Lwin stormed through the inside-right and buried his shot past Tom Heaton.United’s best – and only – piece of quality came through Bruno Fernandes’ long ball over the top to Garnacho, who was frustrated to find NO-ONE in the box.The home side, who celebrated with a team photo after scoring, almost doubled their lead at the death if it wasn’t for 17-year-old Jim Thwaites. Read More on The SunSegecic, who laid on the assist for the opener, was set to pull the trigger until Thwaites recovered with a goal-saving challenge.How low can you go? United keep proving more heartbreak is to come.Ruben Amorim was left stunnedCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Matheus Cunha given savage new nickname after Man Utd try to pay £62.5million transfer fee in five instalments

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Matheus Cunha has been given a savage new nickname – and it is not even his fault.The Wolves star is subject to a transfer bid from the Red Devils.Matheus Cunha has been given a new nicknameCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has a buyout clause worth £62.5million which United are prepared to meet.However they have seen a bid knocked back after attempting to pay the fee in five instalments, with Wolves demanding it is paid in full by the end of the 2026-27 campaign.Wolves’ rejection of the deal structure has been made public knowledge and has been met with mockery by fans.One fan likened United’s approach to a consumer buying a product with online financial service company Klarna, which allows buyers to pay using instalments.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAs a result, one supporter came up with a clever nickname for Cunha: Matheus Klarna.Other fans found the joke highly amusing, with one responding: “Tweet of the day easily.”Another added: “Very clever 😀”And a third wrote: “Absolutely fantastic.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCunha signed a new Wolves contract – which included the new release clause – in February after receiving interest from both Arsenal and United.But he has reportedly agreed a five-year deal to move to Old Trafford and will take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt.Rasmus Hojlund leaves Man Utd fans unimpressed in training video with AngrygingeCunha struck 17 goals and six assists in 36 outings this term.While Rashford is expected to leave United and his representatives have met with Barcelona over a permanent transfer. More

  • in

    Newcastle ‘ready to make statement £100m-plus double transfer swoop’ for Marc Guehi and Bryan Mbeumo

    NEWCASTLE are preparing a statement £100m double transfer swoop after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.The Toon are eyeing moves for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, reports claim.Newcastle are interested in Brentford winger Bryan MbeumoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialEddie Howe’s side previously pushed to sign Marc Guehi last summerCredit: ReutersThanks to Manchester United beating Aston Villa 2-0 on the final day, Newcastle have cash to spend after finishing in the top-five, despite defeat to Everton. And sporting director Paul Mitchell wants to get one final major deal done before he quits St James’ Park after 18 months in June.Newcastle tried and failed to sign Guehi last summer after a long pursuit, but have always remained interested in the England centre-back.And Palace could be tempted to cash-in now with Guehi, 24, entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNewcastle won’t pay the £65million asking price they were quoted 11 months ago, but hope a compromise can be reached, according to The Telegraph.Brentford’s Mbeumo, 25, is a top target for several clubs, including Premier League champions Liverpool, after an electrifying season.Howe has long been an admirer of the Cameroon international, who scored 20 GOALS and provided eight assists in the Prem this season.But Bees manager Thomas Frank won’t let Mbeumo go easily, with the West London club set to ask for between £50-£60million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMbeumo finished just three goals behind Newcastle No 9 Alexander Isak, who came second to Mo Salah in the Golden Boot race this season.A right-sided forward and a defender have been the two more pressing positions to fill for the last couple of years.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childWhen asked about transfers last weekend, Howe stressed that Newcastle must move quickly.The 47-year-old, who led the club to their first trophy in 70 years, said: “Speed is key for us. I’ve reiterated that many times internally. “We have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.“That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment because you can have a period where you think you’ve got time.“But then you can look around quickly and realise that that time has elapsed and you have missed opportunities that you won’t get again.“That’s what we’ll be trying, but obviously the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands. But we’ll be doing our best to do things early.”Newcastle gaffer Eddie Howe has urged the club to move quickly this summerCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Watch Thierry Henry score stunning free-kick for Arsene Wenger aged 47 as Arsenal fans demand Arteta sign him up

    THIERRY HENRY netted a stunning free-kick while playing under Arsene Wenger at the age of 47.Arsenal fans demanded Mikel Arteta “sign him up” as Henry rolled back the years with a sumptuous piece of play at Djibril Cisse’s testimonial.Thierry Henry rolled back the years with a sumptuous free-kick goalCredit: X @lachainelequipeThe ace starred alongside other legends in a testimonial for Djibril CisseCredit: X @lachainelequipeLegends from across the game turned out for the epic battle on Tuesday, which saw an Auxerre Legends side faces a Cisse’s All Stars XI in France.The likes of Didier Drogba, Robert Pires, Claude Makelele and William Gallas all took part in the game.While former Arsenal manager Wenger stepped back into the dugout as he took charge of the All Stars.It didn’t go totally to plan, with the Auxerre Legends triumphing 8-4 on the night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the All Stars opened the scoring with the goal of the game as Henry powered in a magnificent free-kick.The Premier League legend stood over the ball alongside Pires and Drogba, with the Chelsea icon appearing most likely to take the shot.But before he could run up to the ball, Henry cheekily stepped forward to jink the free-kick over the Auxerre wall and into the back of the net.There were no hard feelings though as team-mates celebrated with Henry.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Arsenal fans were quick to react online as they demanded Arteta re-sign him this summer.One said: “I’m deadly serious when I say he could still do a job.” Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners starAnother declared: “Still got it.”One noted: “King of Arsenal, no player today can take a free-kick with such ease.”Another added: “Does he want to play for Arsenal 20 years later?” More

  • in

    Arne Slot’s right-hand man set to leave Liverpool after just one season as he holds advanced talks over top job

    ARNE SLOT’S right-hand man is reportedly set to leave Liverpool after a year at the club.A Champions League side has made an approach for the coach and the Reds have given permission for him to hold talks.Liverpool have given John Heitinga permission to talk to AjaxCredit: AFPHeitinga has been at Liverpool for just a yearCredit: GettyAnd those negotiations are already at an advanced stage, according to Fabrizio Romano.The transfer guru revealed Ajax want to appoint Liverpool assistant boss John Heitinga as their manager.Liverpool have given permission for him to hold talks and have already begun the process of finding his replacement.Ajax are in need of a new manager following Francesco Farioli’s resignation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Italian manager lasted just a year and decided to step down after throwing away the league title by squandering a nine-point lead with five games to go.The Dutch side appear keen on Heitinga, who played for the club and had a brief spell as interim manager in 2023.Heitinga, 41, oversaw 14 wins in 22 games in charge – a 64 per cent win percentage.He has also coached the club’s youth teams and had a spell working as a first-team coach at West Ham under David Moyes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHeitinga moved to Anfield after leaving West Ham alongside Moyes in the summer of 2024.He helped Liverpool become Premier League champions and oversaw a win over Newcastle on the touchline with Slot suspended.Thousands of people line streets for Liverpool’s Premier League title parade as iconic DJ drafted in as special guest More

  • in

    Jamie Vardy tipped for shock Champions League move after leaving Leicester on free transfer

    LEICESTER CITY legend Jamie Vardy has been tipped for a shock move to Newcastle.The 38-year-old announced last month that he would be leaving the King Power Stadium this summer.Jamie Vardy has been tipped to join NewcastleCredit: GettyHe said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time. If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy made his final Leicester appearance on the penultimate day of the Premier League season at the King Power Stadium, 13 years to the day since he joined.It was his 500th outing in a Leicester shirt and he scored his 200th goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.The striker will now become a free agent when his contract expires next month.And Newcastle journalist Dan Murphy believes he could be a great addition to the Magpies.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSClub chiefs are not expected to spend big this summer due to PSR constraints, so Vardy could be the ideal addition.Eddie Howe will also be keen to strengthen the depth of his squad now that they are set to compete in the Champions League next term.Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard boxVardy scored nine Prem goals and provided four assists for Leicester this season.Since announcing his departure from the club, the former England international has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace, Wolves and Wrexham.SunSport revealed last week that Valencia also want to sign him, with head coach Carlos Corberan a known admirer. More

  • in

    Jeremie Frimpong lands in UK on private jet with Bayer Leverkusen star to complete £30m Liverpool transfer

    JEREMIE FRIMPONG touched down in the UK on a private jet today to complete his £29.5million move to Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen right-back, 24, had a medical last week after the Premier League champions met the Dutchman’s release clause.Jeremie Frimpong is on the verge of completing his move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyNow Frimpong is ready to finalise his transfer and become Arne Slot’s first summer signing.His imminent arrival coincides with the departure of long-serving full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid.He is set to be in competition with homegrown talent Conor Bradley, 21, for the right-back spot.Frimpong will increase the Dutch influence at Anfield, alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKop boss Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp and won the league title during his first season in charge, is also from the Netherlands.Liverpool are also closing in on a second high-profile signing from Leverkusen — midfielder Florian Wirtz.The German sensation’s parents met Anfield officials a fortnight ago.And Slot’s men appear to be edging out Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in the race for the £126million-rated midfielder.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManchester City initially held an interest in Wirtz but withdrew from the transfer race last week.City had considered signing him as a replacement for the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne.Thousands of people line streets for Liverpool’s Premier League title parade as iconic DJ drafted in as special guestHowever, the overall cost of a potential deal was deemed too high.The Cityzens were said to be concerned that such a move would not represent good value for money. More

  • in

    ‘Not allowed to do much’ – Amorim gives bad news to Man Utd fans hoping for huge transfer window as he reveals plan

    RUBEN AMORIM says cash-strapped Manchester United must operate with a smaller squad after failing to qualify for the Champions League.The Red Devils are ready to spend £100million on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and Ipswich striker Liam Delap, despite finishing 15th in the Prem and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.Ruben Amorim gave bad news to Manchester United fans hoping for a huge transfer windowMan Utd failed to qualify for Europe and that will have an effect on the transfer windowThat Bilbao defeat by Spurs last Wednesday means there will be no European football on offer at Old Trafford next season and will limit Amorim’s summer transfer activity.The United boss said: “It’s not going to change so much because we have the financial fair play rules.“We are not allowed to do much in this summer, even if we had Champions League, so we are prepared for that.”Despite the Euro exile next term, Amorim will try to improve a squad that arguably delivered the worst season at United since the club were relegated in 1974. Read More on Man UtdYet the latest manager given the seemingly impossible job of restoring the club to its Sir Alex Ferguson glory era claims that a year outside Europe’s elite might be a blessing in disguise.Amorim added: “I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform better, to prepare better for the games, to build that work that we need for the future.“Without Champions League, we don’t need a big squad, we can control the squad in a better way. Then we have a plan to bring some new players.“But our big plan is to improve the team we have, to improve our academy, because I think that is the future. It was the past, so can be the future.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited’s golden eras were built on the Busby Babes and the Class of 92, which featured academy graduates such as Paul Scholes, David Beckham Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil. Amorim had a reputation at Braga and Sporting Lisbon for identifying young players with the qualities to thrive in the first team and giving them their chance.Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man UtdBut the Portuguese head coach recognises the dangers of too much, too young, especially at a club like United.Amorim said: “One of the issues with youngsters is sometimes we push too much from the beginning.“You have social media, all this pressure around young kids.“I believe in all of them and you have surprises.“This is a massive club, that is a big question in our club, putting our young kids on the pedestal and that is an important thing to change because we need to control that.”Amorim did not want to name names but Kobbie Mainoo has gone from being the great midfield hope of United and England last season to a bit-part player in the latest disastrous campaign.Focused on next seasonThe United boss himself cannot wait to put the terrible start to his Old Trafford reign behind him and focus on the new campaign.But first he must steer the team through their post-season, money-spinning mini-tour of the Far East.Amorim, speaking ahead of the friendly against ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, said: “It was important to finish the season, we needed to close that chapter.“It’s not fully behind us. I will rest from that when we finish the tour.“I closed that chapter, I’m excited, I’m nervous, I want to work to the next season.“I don’t have that feeling to disconnect, I don’t need rest.“We have a lot to do during this summer, we have to prepare the team — but when you are Manchester United, people are going to expect us to be at the top.Read More on The Sun“But we have to understand the context. So I don’t want a team to think about a big target.“Just a small target is to win the first game and then we pass to the second game.” More