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      ‘Man Utd directors should be arrested’ – How Scott McTominay proved old bosses wrong and became Napoli’s ‘new Maradona’

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY is proving Manchester United wrong – and Paolo Di Canio right – after becoming Napoli’s “Jolly Blue Giant”.Soon after Old Trafford chiefs sold the 6ft 3in midfielder to the Serie A club for £25million, Premier League legend Di Canio announced, with typical understatement:  “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how do you give McTominay away?”Scott McTominay is the darling of the Napoli fans and Italian pressCredit: RexThe midfielder was sold by boyhood club United in the summer – against the wishes of many fans and then-boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyMcTominay came through the academy under Sir Alex Ferguson – meaning United made pure profit on his £25m saleCredit: Instagram @scottmctominayHow much do Napoli’s fans agree? McTotally.That is the nickname that the club’s ultras have given to McTominay because of his all-action, totally committed, hard-running style.And the former Old Trafford trainee has become so crucial to Napoli’s title charge under Antonio Conte that many regard him as a successor to Diego Maradona as the leader of the team.Leading Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport recenty hailed McTominay as “the warrior soul of Napoli”.The wildcard in Conte’s packThe midfielder was given the “Jolly” tag by local press soon after his arrival last summer.Playing cards imported to Italy from the UK contain a “Jolly Joker” and the Scotland international is regarded as the wild card in Conte’s pack, a versatile player who can be the difference between having a good hand and winning.But “jolly” also reflects how happy McTominay is in his new surroundings.He and girlfriend Cam Reading have been pictured out and about enjoying life on the Amalfi Coast.McTominay said: “It’s not easy going abroad and having to settle in, but it’s been quite seamless, to be fair, in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settling into my house and whatever.”Things I need like a car or a taxi or anything like that. I’m very grateful to them. Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer“They’re real great people who I’m very thankful for as well.”Last summer United cashed in on academy product McTominay – against the wishes of then boss Erik ten Hag and many supporters  – to help them meet Premier League financial rules.But it now looks like a false economy.While United spent around £50m on replacement midfielder Manuel Ugarte but still languish in the lower half of the Premier League, a McTominay-inspired Napoli are top of Serie A.The Scot’s six goals and four assists in 21 appearances tell only part of the story.McTominay’s physical presence at both ends of the pitch and his ability to fulfil a variety of roles has allowed Conte to ditch his usual preference for three at the back.Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte said: “Scott is a complete player, versatile.“He can be a trequartista (effectively No10) behind the striker, he can be a mezzala (a central midfielder-cum-winger) in a three-man midfield, play in a two-man midfield or even wide in a 5-4-1 with licence to attack.”When I first walked into the Maradona Stadium it was surreal, knowing he is a legend of footballMcTominayMcTominay made a big impression in his very first start for Napoli, at Juventus back in September.Conte’s side ground out a 0-0 draw and Italian broadcaster Riccardo Trevisan claimed that McTominay had made Juve stars look like “children”.Trevisani added: “Seeing McTominay live is incredible, impressive. He looked like Gulliver with children, they bounced off him.”Months later, McTominay remains one of Napoli’s main men.Last month he scored in the 3-2 win over top-of-the-table rivals Atalanta. Days later, the Scot won the penalty from which fellow Premier League outcast Romelu Lukaku scored to complete a second-half comeback and seal a 2-1 win.If McTominay can inspire Napoli to their second Serie A crown in three seasons, he will join Maradona in the list of club legends.McTominay celebrates with his Napoli team-mates and coach Antonio Conte, who has hailed the midfielder’s versatilityCredit: GettyFans have compared McTominay to Napoli legend Diego Maradona for the impact he’s had on the title-chasing teamCredit: APPremier League icon Di Canio says United’s directors should be in big trouble for letting McTominay leaveCredit: SplashMcTominay and partner Cam Reading took the brave step of moving abroadCredit: Instagram / @camreading_But the couple have settled in well to their new life in southern ItalyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe club’s stadium is named after the Argentina star who led them to their first ever Italian titles in 1987 and 1990.McTominay said: “When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling – knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football.“The people absolutely adore him, which is a huge factor, because of how well he played for them and the things he did in Naples. “So for us, he is definitely in our head and hearts.”Napoli fans have certainly taken McTominay to their hearts.They even expressed their concern and sympathy when it emerged he was moving to the suburb of Lago Patria.Although the area is popular with ex-pats and close to Napoli’s training ground, it has also gained a reputation as a crime hotspot, with burglaries and car theft.The Italian Navy has stopped showing staff the neighbourhood as a potential place to live.When news of McTominay’s choice of home came out, one fan commented: “I recommend that you close the door tightly in the evening.”But it is that £25m that Napoli paid for McTominay which is starting to look like daylight robbery.Manuel Ugarte was brought in by United for £50m, double what they sold McTominay forCredit: AlamyMcTominay moved to Lago Patria, but the picturesque area has a darker side More

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      Man Utd tipped to lose EVERY game except one as Rio Ferdinand reveals Red Devils relegation fears

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      RIO FERDINAND fears that Manchester United might not win again in the Prem this season.The Old Trafford legend has no confidence in Ruben Amorim’s side — who are still in the Europa League and FA Cup but only 12 points clear of the drop zone.Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United could genuinely suffer relegation this seasonFerdinand can’t see United winning any more games bar oneCredit: GettyIn fact, the former centre back has expressed fears of a potential relegation to the Championship.United are rotting in 15th place in the table after losing for the 12th time this season following a 1-0 defeat by fellow horror show Spurs.The 12 defeats are the most from their first 25 matches of a league campaign since 1973-74 – which ended in the club being relegated.Ferdinand, 46, said on his YouTube channel: “Only Wolves and West Ham separate my club from the relegation places.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“Do you realise we’re that close? Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up.“I’ve got the fixture list: Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest away.“Before hosting Man City, and going to Newcastle away, and then Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.“The only place I see us getting anything — and I’m not even saying a  win —  is Leicester.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I’m not seeing wins. That’s the problem.”One month ago, Everton were nine points adrift of the Red Devils but have now climbed a point above them in the table under the new manager bounce leadership of David Moyes.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Ferdinand’s nerves come after United endured their eighth Prem defeat under Amorim, who joined the historic club in November.A couple of wins would of course ease those concerns and leave United on track for what must be now regarded as a best-case scenario – mid-table obscurity with some deep runs in the FA Cup and Europa League.But a fresh injury crisis threatens to complicate an already dire situation.Amorim, 40, was without 12 squad players at Spurs, including Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Christian Eriksen.Meanwhile, Wolves will continue fighting and put in a stunning second-half display against Liverpool on Sunday.In fact, Vitor Pereira’s side could’ve got something out of the game – which finished 2-1 – after restricting the Prem leaders to zero attempts in the second 45 minutes. With 29 points after 25 games, and 31 points behind leaders Liverpool, United are now only two spots above the drop. More

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      Tottenham captain Son Heung-min reveals conversation with James Maddison following scathing Roy Keane criticism

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      SON HEUNG-MIN has told Roy Keane: You are wrong about James Maddison.Midfielder Maddison made it clear Keane WAS the target of his ‘shush’ celebration after netting the winner against Manchester United on Sunday, with a TikTok video posted later that night.James Maddison directed his darts celebration at Roy KeaneCredit: GettyHe shushed the former Manchester United captainCredit: GettyIt came after Red Devils icon Keane, 53, belittled the oche-obsessed star’s ability last week, saying: “Maddison isn’t bad, when he’s not at the darts.”Now Tottenham skipper Son has leapt to his team-mate’s defence, revealing the pair discussed the stinging criticism and how to prove it to be wide of the mark.South Korean international forward Son, 32, said: “Everybody has an opinion but I don’t care what they say.“Madders is one of the best team-mates I’ve played with in my career.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM“In big games, he steps up and scores goals, that’s why we’ve missed him. “Me and Madders had a chat about this because he’s always had a good personality and been able to move on.“He’s shown people that it’s wrong. He showed great character and put on a great performance.”Keane’s comments about Maddison went viral — to the point where they even caught the Tottenham midfielder’s attention.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited’s legendary Treble-winning captain Keane claimed: “If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.“He’s a talented player. But if you’re a player in Spurs’ dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, ‘He’s back, we’re going to be fine’.”Tottenham launch bizarre ad to reveal new kit with Gavin and Stacey star, Maddison playing darts and Peter CrouchKeane’s dig appeared to fire up Maddison against the Irishman’s old club, as he returned from three weeks out with a calf problem to net the game’s only goal after just 13 minutes.England star Maddison then hit back with his celebration where he made a ‘talking’ gesture with his hand before his trademark darts-throwing routine and then shushed Keane with his finger.He did not name who it was aimed at in his post-match interview.But it became clear later that evening with a video posted on social media platform TikTok.The footage started with Keane’s criticism, then fellow pundit Ian Wright urging Maddison to “silence” the former midfielder’s damning verdict, before a clip of Maddison’s goal and celebration to the backdrop of amusingly dramatic music.Maddison, who attended the Bafta Awards after-party on Sunday night, was one of four Spurs players to return from injury against United along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and subs Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert.After a long three months with so many absentees, Spurs’ problems look to be easing with Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven hopefully back soon.Son paid tribute to youngsters like Archie Gray, 18, and 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall for stepping up over the winter in the absence of the injured senior pros.The Tottenham captain added: “I don’t want to dwell on our dreams or blame anything on us missing our main players.“In the period of time they have been out, everyone at the club should appreciate the job the young players have done and never forget all the tough moments they have faced in the last two-and-a-half months.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They didn’t deserve it but they have handled it really well.”Now it’s the turn of the senior players to step up.”Keane had a pop at Maddison on Stick To FootballCredit: YouTube @ stick to footbllSon Heung-min stood by his vice-captainCredit: Getty More

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      Is Ruben Amorim in danger of axe? Inside Man Utd boardroom disagreement that could have seen Thomas Frank hired

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      CAST your mind back 11 years to the last time David Moyes was in a Goodison Park dugout for an Everton v Manchester United match.Then, we were treated to the ghoulish sight of a bookmaker’s stooge dressed as the Grim Reaper, seated yards away from Moyes, dangling his scythe at the soon-to-be-former United boss.David Moyes’ brilliant Everton run could inflict more misery on Man UtdCredit: PARuben Amorim’s side head to Goodison on Saturday lunchtimeCredit: ReutersMoyes knows more than anyone about the scrutiny that comes with being the Man Utd managerEverton won 2-0 and two days later, Moyes was sacked.‘The Chosen One’ banner, displayed at Old Trafford since he had replaced Sir Alex Ferguson, was hauled down after eight months in situ.And 11 years later, the Red Devils haven’t recovered from their spiral of chaos and doom.On Saturday, Ruben Amorim takes what remains of his battered United squad to Goodison for his club’s final visit to Everton’s historic home. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd this time, Moyes himself can play the Reaper.The Scot, 61, who returned to the Toffees last month, has amassed 13 points from his past five matches — four wins and a dramatic draw against runaway leaders Liverpool.That points tally is only one fewer than Amorim has mustered in 14 league games as United boss.One month ago, Everton were nine points adrift of the Red Devils and also West Ham. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlready, Moyes’ side have leap-frogged both of the clubs who scorned him.It would be too simplistic to claim that if United had stuck with Moyes back in 2014, rather than becoming just another hire-and-fire Premier League club, then everything would have turned out fine and dandy.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis It is likely that no manager in world football could have successfully succeeded Ferguson.United’s squad was ageing and Fergie was a genius who had run the whole Old Trafford empire, leaving behind no recognisable modern  management infrastructure.And perhaps Moyes’ skill-set has always been better suited to overachieving at clubs just outside the elite, rather than getting the best out of world-class players. But still, the contrast in fortunes between Everton and United is glaring.Amorim’s side plunged into the bottom six at an advanced stage of a Premier League season for the first time when they lost Sunday’s ‘Hell Clasico’ to fellow strugglers Spurs.There, the Portuguese named eight teenaged substitutes who had never previously played for United’s first team, using only one of them —   forward Chido Obi — as a 91st- minute replacement for a gone-at-all-levels Casemiro.Perhaps Amorim should actually have named his 63-year-old goal-keeping coach Jorge Vital among his subs in North London having claimed last month he would rather select the old boy over Marcus Rashford.Amorim named eight untried teenagers to his bench at SpursDefeat by Tottenham was United’s sixth in nine league matches.And looking at the table, it is easy to imagine United finishing in the bottom six.Their position is not a false one, unless you want to argue that they should actually be even further down, among the dead men.Three of the four league wins Amorim has mustered have been  fortunate — they trailed 1-0 at home to Southampton after 80 minutes, they were 1-0 down to Manchester City before a miraculous late derby turnaround, and won 1-0 at Fulham with their only shot on target, which was massively deflected.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou offered no sympathy for Amorim’s current injury crisis — ‘welcome to my world, mate, try it for two months’ was his comment.But United had left themselves wide open to this eventuality by loaning out Rashford and Antony in the winter window, without replacing either.The subsequent season-ending injury to Amad Diallo — the one bright spark of Amorim’s reign — would not have felt quite so debilitating had United not left themselves so short of attacking numbers.And the fact that Antony has now won three successive man-of-the-match awards for Real Betis, while Rashford is showing early promise at Aston Villa, only adds to questions over Amorim’s decision-making.His insistence on refusing to compromise on a 3-4-3 formation, even when robbed of the services of 12 senior players, is beginning to look like severe bloody-mindedness. Beware of the dogma.There’s much to like about Amorim, such as his unswerving, often damning, honesty about United and a charismatic strength of personality which makes it believable he could turn around the club’s fortunes in the long term.But there comes a point at any major club — and we still have to regard United as one of those despite a dozen years of trauma — when things become so bad that you have to wonder whether the manager even has a long-term future.Amorim’s appointment seemed like a massive coup. He was the hottest young property in management after an excellent spell at Sporting Lisbon.And yet it is increasingly intriguing to consider why Dan Ashworth — United’s hugely-respected, short-lived sporting director — should have left after just five months having disagreed over Amorim’s appointment.Brentford’s Thomas Frank was Dan Ashworth’s pickbefore United hired AmorimAshworth is believed to have favoured replacing Erik ten Hag with a manager experienced in the English game. His three previous appointments — Eddie Howe at Newcastle, Gareth Southgate at England and Graham Potter at Brighton — were all great successes and all three were linked with United.By the time Ten Hag was sacked, Brentford’s Thomas Frank was Ashworth’s pick, with Amorim the choice of chief executive Omar Berrada — the finance man, rather than their football man.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spent £25million in hiring and firing Ashworth, sacking Ten Hag and poaching Amorim with some of this cost being recouped in demoralising mass redundancies among the club’s staff.United must sell before they buy this summer, reviving the prospect of stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho being flogged off to keep the club in line with Profit and Sustainability Rules.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith a dysfunctional current squad and no quick fixes in sight, Amorim, 40, must be wondering whether he made a serious mistake in taking on the biggest basket case in world football.So perhaps, at Goodison Park on Saturday, Moyes should bring along a Scary Movie mask and scythe.Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      How Pep used the world’s best striker Erling Haaland as a decoy to set up Marmoush masterclass

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      PEP GUARDIOLA’S new signings can make a Real difference in Madrid as Manchester City’s ‘mini Rodri’ and Omar Marmoush look ready to start.It was a case of Marmoush? You can’t handle Marmoush… for Newcastle at the weekend. Erling Haaland played a supporting role as Omar Marmoush helped himself to a hat-trick against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe stand-in skipper thrived in his unusual role as sidekickCredit: GettyMarmoush turned on the style with his quickfire trebleCredit: GettyHere, Dean Scoggins from our brilliant Tactics Exposed show, explains how Pep destroyed Newcastle and what that means for the Champions League second leg on Wednesday.HAALAND’S THE DECOYSeems amazing – using the world’s best striker to be a decoy runner.But that’s exactly what Guardiola did against Newcastle as Marmoush bagged a hat-trick.Unselfish captain for the day Erling Haaland dragged Newcastle’s defence upfield and they kindly followed him to allow flying Egyptian Marmoush to run in behind for his first goal. READ MORE ON MAN CITYHis third was more good work from Haaland – who cleverly took the defenders to the back post, allowing space in front of Marmoush for Savinho’s cross to find him. Haaland may not have scored – but City hit four.Haaland started as the lone striker supported by Marmoush, Phil Foden and SavinhoCredit: SunSportWhen Haaland dropped in, the defenders followed and allowed Marmoush to run in behindCredit: SunSportThose runs created space for his team-matesCredit: SunSportHaaland would usually run towards the penalty spotCredit: SunSportBy going outside his marker, Marmoush could move into the gapCredit: SunSportMarmoush operated on the left but came in with devastating impactCredit: SunSportHaaland made 22 touches in the matchCredit: SunSportMINI RODRI GLUES CITY TOGETHERNico Gonzalez gave a midfield masterclass that Rodri would be proud of, and Pep labelled him ‘mini Rodri’ after the game.He’s not very mini at over 6ft and was dominant against a physical Toon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was his ability to read the game that was so impressive – he is almost one pass ahead of everyone else.He read where the next Newcastle pass was going and was there to press or cut it out.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheNico Gonzalez was dubbed ‘mini Rodri’ by GuardiolaCredit: GettyGonzalez cuts out the passing lines as part of the pressCredit: SunSportThis helps Manchester City win the ball backCredit: SunSportGonzalez is also comfortable on the ball so can play the ‘2-in-1’ roleCredit: SunSportHis stats make for impressive readingCredit: SunSportExactly 100 completed passes knitted City back together and kept them going forward against a stretched Newcastle.EDERSON VOLLEYSAnother assist for City keeper Ederson showed his value, with that help from Haaland’s run. But Ederson also hit some great passes out of his hands to the chests of the City widemen who maintained their width to stretch Newcastle sideways and loosen their grip on midfield.The keeper also stepped into the defensive line to create an overload which meant Newcastle, who press 1v1, didn’t know whether to stick or twist.Ederson picked up yet another assistCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper is happy to step out as the free man and pick his passCredit: SunSportHe is now clear at the top of the all-time assist list among Prem goalkeepersCredit: SunSportNOW A REAL CHALLENGECity set up in attack with a 2-3-5 shape, with the right-back inverting into midfield to give them more dominance and Josko Gvardiol providing attacking width on the left.But that often leaves them exposed defensively, as Real showed in the final ten minutes of the 3-2 defeat in the first leg.With the emergence of Nico and Marmoush, who were both subs in the game, Pep could opt to make it a more 3-2-5 shape with Stones staying in defence from right-back to replace the injured Manuel Akanji.READ MORE SUN STORIESNico could be trusted to play the ‘2-in-1’ role that Rodri plays in attack and defence and it could be Kevin De Bruyne who misses out in attack to allow Marmoush to play in attack for direct balls with Haaland again. But it’s a big call for a big game!Guardiola may go for a 3-2-5 shape against Real MadridCredit: SunSportGonzalez will relish his battle with Jude BellinghamCredit: SunSportKevin De Bruyne may miss out while Josko Gvardiol can offer width on the leftCredit: SunSportJohn Stones may start in the right-back role to step into midfieldCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League introduces new ‘Thierry Henry-style’ ball as fans say ‘has anyone run this past Arteta?’

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      THE Premier League has paid homage to its Barclays roots by releasing a new “Thierry Henry-style” ball.Inspired by Nike Total 90 footballs of the past, it will make its debut appearance when Aston Villa host Liverpool on Wednesday.Nike has released a remake of an iconic Premier League ballThe final Nike Prem ball is an updated remake of the T90 Aerow IThis is the current ball used in the top-flightCredit: GettyThe final Nike Prem ball is an updated remake of the T90 Aerow I – used during the 04/05 and 05/06 seasons. Chelsea fans will be buzzing to see it back as this ball saw the Blues win their first ever Prem title, and follow up again the following year.The likes of Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard all scored some beauties with the yellow version.The throwback colourway sees a classic all-white base, paired with some small added details to the classic T90 blue rings.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSOne fan said: “When I see this ball, I see Thierry Henry of Arsenal.”It will replace the current Hi-Vis winter ball for the rest of the campaign and bring an end to Nike’s 25-year ball reign in style.Puma are set to become the official ball supplier of the top flight from the 2025-26 season.But fans have joked that the Prem should “run it past Mikel Arteta first” after the Arsenal manager’s complaints last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArteta suggested that the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in the Carabao Cup had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during a 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.The Spaniard said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arsenal’s boss added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different.“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”And fans have used the news of a new Nike ball to poke fun at Arteta.Puma makes the ball for the Carabao Cup matchesOne joked on X: “Someone give it to Arteta and Arsenal to make sure it flies correctly.”A second said: “Please tell me Arteta has checked it first.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to Puma from next season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.SunSport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season. More

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      Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what’s going on in Leicester end

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      ARSENAL posted a new angle of Mikel Merino’s celebrations – but some eagle-eyed fans were more interested in the crowd.Supporters spotted what looked like a ‘few matchgoers having a fight “massive punch-up” in the Leicester end.Mikel Merino scored twice for Arsenal as they beat Leicester on SaturdayCredit: GettyFans were distracted by chaotic scenes in the home end after the goalCredit: X @ArsenalMerino came off the bench at the King Power to answer Mikel Arteta’s striker SOS call following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.The Spanish midfielder went up front for the first time in his career.And it worked a treat for the Gunners as he broke the deadlock with a header on 81 minutes.He then showed great composure at the back post to turn in a second and secure an important three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal took to X the day after the game to post a new angle of the opener from behind the Leicester goal.The video showed Ethan Nwaneri’s cross, Merino’s header and the wild celebrations in front of the travelling fans in the corner of the stadium.However, the 56-second clip was overshadowed by scenes among the home Leicester fans.As Merino’s team-mates embraced the matchwinner, chaos unfolded in the background.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAn individual in grey can be seen tussling with someone before launching something down the stand as their foe walks away.The person in grey then chases after them down the staircase and proceeds to swing several punches as a fight broke out.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfIt appears they caught them in the head before the victim stumbled down the stand towards the stairwell, where they can be seen clutching their face.Others nearby seemed to check on their wellbeing before the camera pans away to follow the Arsenal stars walking back towards the halfway line.It is unclear what prompted the scrap and who was involved.Although both were in the home Leicester end, there were suggestions the incident may have been between a Leicester fan and an Arsenal fan who had managed to get a ticket in the Leicester seats and celebrated the crucial goal. And the incident was spotted by several social media users.One said: “Leicester fans fighting in the background lol.”Another replied: “Casually scrapping in the Leicester end in the background lol.”A third added: “Can see the Leicester fans have caught an Arsenal fan in the home end 0:20 in…”And a final user commented: “Massive punchup in the stands!”It is not the first time fans have been filmed fighting at the King Power Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeicester supporters clashed with one another in May 2023 as the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League. There were also ugly scenes a year earlier in Italy when travelling Leicester fans fought riot police with batons and shields during the Europa Conference League semi-final defeat to Roma. Two supporters can be seen fighting and swinging punchesCredit: X @ArsenalMerino headed over towards the away fans after his headerCredit: GettyHe was congratulated by his team-matesCredit: ReutersTensions boiled over in the Leicester endCredit: AP More

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      Premier League’s worst spenders revealed with Man Utd spending FOUR TIMES as much as Liverpool on flop signings

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are the Premier League’s worst spenders – and the club have absolutely nothing to show for it.In fact, United’s horrendous recruitment decisions are one of the main reasons that the club—who sit 15th in the Prem—is going through their worst period since the 1973-74 relegation campaign.Ruben Amorim has inherited an expensively poor squadCredit: ReutersPrem leaders Liverpool are 10th on the spending list after clever transfer movementsTo make matters worse, the Red Devils have spent FOUR TIMES more than Prem leaders Liverpool – who are currently seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.United’s hierarchy, both before and after Ineos came on board a year ago, have spent recklessly and without direction.Put into numbers, United have spent, since 2019, a net amount of £810m – compared to Liverpool’s £212m.But Arne Slot’s team sit a staggering 31 POINTS above Ruben Amorim’s side after the latter’s 1-0 defeat to Spurs on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOld Trafford chiefs meanwhile can boast one Carabao Cup and one FA Cup, but a closer look will tell you those successes covered for some dire Prem campaigns – including a record low of eighth last season.The once-feared Manchester outfit have actually spent more than £1 billion since 2019, with only £285m raised in departures. That period has seen several different managers take the helm and includes some of the worst transfer business ever.Antony was signed for a whopping £82m in 2022 and has been shipped out on loan to Real Betis this January – where he’s flying at the moment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJadon Sancho was a £72m capture from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, but will permanently join Chelsea this summer for around £25m having massively underwhelmed in M16.United made Harry Maguire the most expensive centre-half in the world whilst Erik ten Hag spent a combined £140m to sign Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund in successive summers.Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham: Hojlund arguably worst No9 in club’s history as Dorgu has nightmare debutTen Hag pushed to splash millions on former Ajax players and even handed over £60m to Chelsea for Mason Mount, whose injury record has seen him play just 32 games for United since June 2023.Amorim’s main signing in January was the £29m dropped on left-back Patrick Dorgu – adding to the £200m spent in the summer on the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. And fans could perhaps better stomach this sad reality if it wasn’t for the fact that none of these players are exactly world-beaters.Eyebrows were raised on Sunday when Amorim was forced to name eight untried teenagers on the bench in United’s latest defeat to Spurs, despite all the money spent.Amorim’s side plunged into the bottom six at an advanced stage of a Prem season for the first time when they lost Sunday’s ‘Hell Clasico’ in North London.The truth is, the net spend is the worst in the league because United are struggling to flog players.Ironically, the money banked for Mason Greenwood (£26.6m) and Scott McTominay (£25m) in the summer are among the biggest United sales of all time.Gary Neville previously declared Old Trafford a “graveyard” for players with so many of their big name signings failing to deliver while others have been moved on for huge losses.The fact is, fans are fearing relegation this season or the next as the club break a new embarrassing record each week.While Chelsea are the biggest Prem spenders, they are also the biggest Prem sellers, racking up £863m in player exits.Premier League transfer spending since 2019Chelsea sold academy star Mason Mount to United for £60m in the summer of 2023Some of these outgoings include £88m (Eden Hazard to Real Madrid), £65m (Havertz to Arsenal) and £60m (Mount to United).So while, the Blues have spent 1.60bn, their net spend works out as £739m.Tottenham’s record is the third ‘worst’, with a net spend of £576m as anger continues to be directed at chairman Daniel Levy. That takes into consideration £884m spent on new signings and £308m in sales, but Spurs have gone trophy-less for 17 years.Fans will also look back on the club-record fee received for Harry Kane and wonder how it was, once again, so poorly invested.Ange Postecoglou’s lack of squad depth is currently front and centre as the lack of quality beyond the starting XI is evident as they’re working towards solving a hefty injury list.Spurs’ rivals and title challengers Arsenal are fourth on the ‘worst spent’ list, with £563m in the red.David Raya (£27m), Riccardo Calafiori (£42m), and Mikel Merino (£31m) were the major arrivals but Emile Smith Rowe (£27m), Aaron Ramsdale (£18m) and Eddie Nketiah (£25m) all departed. Arsenal have not been afraid to spend big, splashing out £60m on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and £72m on Nicolas Pepe before the arrivals of £65m Kai Havertz and £105m Declan Rice. Newcastle, West Ham and Newcastle make up fifth through to seventh respectively.Arsenal’s total is £563m in the redSeven-time champions Manchester City being down in ninth on the list would be a surprise to some.In total, the Etihad giants are third for outlays on around £986m.Omar Marmoush’s arrival is fourth in their all-time list, just behind Ruben Dias and then a way off Josko Gvardiol (£77m) and record-signing Jack Grealish who cost £100m.As with Chelsea, though, City fetch huge sales for selling off a wave of youngsters good enough for many teams but just not quite at Pep Guardiola’s required elite level. The Julian Alvarez deal could rise to £81.5m while the money for Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£20m), Liam Delap (£15m), Sergio Gomez (£8.4m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.3m) racks up.Top City striker Julian Alvarez was sold to Atletico Madrid in the summerAfter Alvarez, City’s other biggest sales in the period are Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Cole Palmer (all between £47.5m and £40m). Nottingham Forest even crept above City on the spending chart because their net spend is marginally higher.Last summer, Forest went all out with their signings in an effort to ensure that they remained in the top-flight at the first time of asking, bringing in dozens of new players. Sales have been much harder to come by though, with their most notable departure being that of Matty Cash to Aston Villa in 2020.But it’s paid off as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are enjoying a breakthrough season as the club sit third in the table.Lastly, Liverpool’s brilliantly astute and clever recruitment practices speak for themselves. Perhaps it is no surprise to see Liverpool with the best net spend of the ‘Big Six’ on a mere £282m over the past nine seasons. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, the Reds have actually made a profit in the 2024-25 campaign by only buying Federico Chiesa for £10m and raising £50m in sales from Fabio Carvalho (£20m), Sepp van den Berg (£20m) and Bobby Clark (£10m). It continued a wise – and successful – transfer strategy that has seen Liverpool sell big and then wait to find the right players at the right time for the right price. Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More