Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ramp up ticket prices despite disastrous season and Sir Jim Ratcliffe slashing staffing costs

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed their season ticket prices are going up for 2025/26 despite their latest disastrous campaign.There will be a five per cent increase in prices for adults, but tickets for under-16s will be frozen at the current amount.Manchester United fans have been hit with a price hike as season ticket renewal costs are revealedCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe has increased Man Utd’s ticket prices againCredit: GettyUnited fans called on the ownership to ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’Credit: AFPThousands of Man Utd fans protested the Glazer Family’s ownership of the club before the match against Arsenal this monthCredit: PAIn a club statement, CEO Omar Berrada said: “We appreciate the loyal and patient support of our fans, and particularly our Season-Ticket holders who represent the core of our match-going support base.”We understand the importance of their backing for the team and have worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable. “After 11 consecutive years of price freezes, we increased prices by five per cent for the past two seasons and intend to do the same for next season to offset continued rises in operating costs. “We understand that any price rise is unwelcome, especially during a period of underperformance on the pitch, and we listened carefully to the strong arguments put forward by the FAB in favour of a freeze. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”However, the club has decided that it would not be right to keep prices unchanged while costs rise and the club continues to face financial issues.”Berrada did however, add that the club had protected the youngest fans from any rises.That approach is in contrast to the one shown with regular match tickets which were ramped up to £66 earlier this season with no concessions available.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere was initial excitement about the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but price hikes and the axing of hundreds of staff have soured the Ineos chief’s relationship with the Old Trafford faithful.Most read in FootballRatcliffe did, however, warn last week that there would be increases in season ticket prices.Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’He told Gary Neville on The Overlap: “A little bit, yes, we will [put prices up]. But not a lot.”United also announced that game categorisation will be introduced for regular match tickets next season, with the highest profile matches costing more.And Berrada admitted that the Man Utd Fan Advisory Board had not supported the price increases, arguing for a freeze in ticket prices across the board, rather than just for U16s.Red Devils fans were quick to respond to the announcement, with many left fuming.Jokingly referring to the proposed £2bn new stadium as a ‘tent’, one fan said the club would ‘have to pay for it somehow’Credit: AFPCEO Omar Berrada admitted that not all the changes had been supported by Man Utd’s fan advisory boardCredit: PAOne posted: “Embarrassment. Worst season for 50 years and you still have the cheek to put ticket prices up.”Another wrote: “How about actually rewarding loyalty by freezing ST prices for those who have attended the minimum number of games?”And a third commented: “Terrible ownership decisions, not even surprised at my own club doing this. Congrats Man United I’ll always be a fan but you have lost a season ticket holder.”But a greater number of fans appeared to be understanding of the decision.One commented: “A reasonable increase.”Another one wrote: “I was expecting much worse, not going to lie. As an ST holder I can live with 5%, will be interesting to see the detail of the match banding for member ticket sales, hopefully they are not going to be silly money for the top games, but suspect they may.”Another comment read: “Find it funny that the people that never go to games in their life are the ones outraged by this”Meanwhile one season ticket holder told angry supporters to “get real”, commenting: “My ticket has gone from £41 per to £43.05. “I’d prefer it didn’t but people need to get real. “We want to be competing at the top end again, £43 to watch 90 minutes of entertainment isn’t so bad. “You’d pay an awful lot more for theatre or gigs these days.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd another fan posted: “People kicking off who go to the games I get completely but people doing YouTube content 3 times a day who don’t go to the games kicking off is just weird.”And one, referring to the £2bn new stadium’s design, joked: “Got to pay for that tent somehow” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth in Caoimhin Kelleher transfer chase and confident of beating Chelsea and Tottenham to Liverpool keeper

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH are confident of beating Big Six clubs to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher this summer.The Republic of Ireland international wants to leave Anfield to get first-team football, and may have played his last game for the club in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. Caoimhin Kelleher is wanted by Bournemouth and several other Premier League sidesCredit: RexChelsea, Tottenham and Carabao winners Newcastle are also interested.Bournemouth are ready to move first however, putting them in pole position, as manager Andoni Iraola has made signing a goalkeeper a priority with Kelleher his top target.Iraola has used on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for most of the season, but there is no obligation to buy in the loan contract with Chelsea and his performances have been mixed.The Spaniard was dropped by Iraola earlier in the season for another young Irish goalkeeper, Mark Travers, who is now on loan at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIraola regards Kelleher as a big improvement on both his current goalkeepers and has asked Bournemouth to move quickly when the transfer window opens in June.Chelsea have also expressed interest, but will not commit to making a bid at this stage.Boss Enzo Maresca wants to back his current goalkeepers, Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, despite the doubts of others at Stamford Bridge.Tottenham’s goalkeeping position is also unclear, with Guglielmo Vicario, Fraser Forster and Antonin Kinsky all being used by Ange Postecoglou this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd while Newcastle want an extra goalkeeper and like Kelleher, the club’s PSR problems mean they may not be able to meet Liverpool’s £30million asking price.Bournemouth may also be able to offer European football as Iraola’s side are currently ninth in the Premier League, but Kelleher does not regard that as essential.Shay Given loses the rag over Liverpool’s treatment of Caoimhin Kelleher Kelleher’s priority is securing a move to a Premier League club that can provide regular first-team appearances after his career has stalled at Anfield through no fault of his own.The 26-year-old has played 17 matches so far this season, but has been restricted to appearances in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since Alisson Becker returned from a hamstring injury in December.Liverpool are aware of Kelleher’s frustrations and will not stand in his way.Arne Slot has already signed Kelleher’s replacement, with Georgian international Georgi Mamardashvili due to arrive from Valencia at the end of the season. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Two Premier League managers lined up to replace Ange Postecoglou as pressure grows on Tottenham boss

      by

      TWO Premier League managers are being lined up as possible replacements for Ange Postecoglou, according to reports.Pressure continues to grow on the Tottenham boss during a season of struggles.Ange Postecoglou is feeling the heat at TottenhamCredit: AlamyHe survived a nightmare run of form throughout December and January then saw Spurs get knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup within three days in early February.But the North Londoners have not won any of their last three Premier League games – against Manchester City, Bournemouth and then Fulham on Sunday.And although they scraped past AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16, the disappointing defeat at Craven Cottage piled more misery on Postecoglou.His side are way down in 14th in the Premier League table, ahead of Everton and West Ham on goal difference. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd should the club decide to sack the irritated Aussie, they have reportedly drafted up two options as successors. The Telegraph state Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are the leading candidates for the Tottenham hierarchy. Silva was in the home dugout as Fulham secured the 2-0 win on Sunday and his side sit eighth. One point and two places back are Bournemouth, with Iraola doing a fantastic job on the south coast. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as their impressive Premier League campaigns, both Fulham and Bournemouth are in the FA Cup quarter-finals with dreams of Wembley glory in May. The Cherries will fight hard to keep hold of Iraola, who is expected to be in high demand in the summer with reports Real Madrid are keen. Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ AlkmaarAnd they may even try and extend his contract which currently runs to 2026 – but the Spaniard is said to be interested in the possibility of managing Tottenham. As for Silva, his future at Fulham is already in doubt with suggestions the two parties could be open to going in separate directions at the end of the season. Silva’s contract also runs until 2026 but there are rumours of a £6million release clause. Postecoglou’s frustrations boiled over as he clashed with a fan in another heated exchange following the Fulham loss. Tottenham’s remaining hope of ending their long trophy drought this season is the Europa League.But while Postecoglou’s future is not totally dependent on winning the European competition, a disappointing exit to Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals would not help his cause. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly on Spurs’ radarCredit: GettyMarco Silva could be a target for the North LondonersCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He thinks we are all idiots’ – Chelsea fans turn on Enzo Maresca after ‘delusional’ comments following Arsenal loss

      by

      CHELSEA fans were furious with manager Enzo Maresca’s post-match comments after their loss to rivals Arsenal.The Blues lost 1-0 to the Gunners at the Emirates on Sunday following Mikel Merino’s winner in the 20th minute.Chelsea fans were furious with manager Enzo Maresca after their loss to rivals ArsenalCredit: X @ChelseaFCMaresca claimed Chelsea ‘controlled the game’ and ‘competed very well’Credit: GettyThe West Londoners’ faithful were furious with the performance against Mikel Arteta’s side.And their frustrations got worse after hearing Maresca, 45, telling Sky Sports his side “controlled the game” and “competed very well” against the North Londoners.Fuming Chelsea fans took to social media and lashed out at the Italian tactician, with some calling him “delusional”, amid a turbulent run in the Premier League.One fan tweeted: “This guy is delusional. The difference was Arsenal tried to win the game. And we had no intention of doing that.”Read More on ChelseaAnother commented: “We controlled the game”??!! Honestly it’s worrying how deluded he is. Controlling the bits of the pitch with sideways passing doesn’t mean you control the game. “We didn’t look threatening at all. Arsenal forced us wide & shut the central areas out comfortably.”A third wrote: “It’s not the fact that he is watching a different game, it’s the fact that he thinks we are all idiots and that we can not see how dire we are. Insulting.”This fan added: “We certainly didn’t control the game.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesdayplus player ratings and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAnd that one asked: “Does Maresca watch a different game to the rest of us?”Chelsea fans were also left upset with Maresca following a heated exchange with Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber during the closing stages of the game.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress Timber was caught on camera leaning in and telling the ex-Leicester boss on the sidelines to: “Try harder, try harder.”Maresca responded with his mouth covered, before the full-back cheekily held out his own hand.The Chelsea boss shook it and fans were not impressed with his light-hearted reaction.Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalCHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.They were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And which players will want to forget about their performance as soon as possible?See SunSport’s Andy Dillon’s verdict on the Chelsea players here More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It’s not nice’ – Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s scathing criticism of Man Utd captain live on Sky Sports

      by

      BRUNO FERNANDES declared “it’s not nice” as he responded to scathing criticism from Roy Keane.The Manchester United captain has been in inspired form recently, starting with a hat-trick in Thursday’s Europa League win over Real Sociedad.Bruno Fernandes said Roy Keane’s criticism of him was ‘not nice’Credit: X @SkySportsPLKeane let rip at the Man United captain in an amazing rant last monthCredit: YouTube/The OverlapFernandes followed that up with a goal and two assists as United made light work of Leicester on Sunday.But before those two games, the Portugal star came under attack from ex-Red Devils skipper Keane.The Irishman blasted Fernandes for a lack of leadership on the Stick to Football podcast last month. Keane claimed the playmaker and teammates were “imposters” who were flattering to deceive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArguing with Ian Wright, Keane said: “I see fans at matches, and they sing for Bruno [Fernandes]. I see these boys, I think they’re f***ing imposters.”You know what Wrighty? I’ve had enough of that rubbish man. You watch Arsenal every week, I’m focusing on United. Sit and watch a game. Sit and watch a game with him [playing].”People [including him] are pretending to be closing people down. They’re 15th in the league. And he’s saving them?! Praise the Lord.”Talent is not enough. You keep coming back to talent. Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough. Leadership is about action.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus player ratings and exclusives from Old TraffordFernands has now responded to Keane’s comments and admits it was not nice hearing criticism from someone he aspires to.The ace added he is working hard to improve the leadership side of his game and hopes that teammates are starting to take a leaf out of his book.Roy Keane slams Man Utd in angriest ever rant and has bust-up with Wright over BrunoFernandes said: “It’s not nice to hear those things about you, I think no one likes that. But at the same time, it motivates and makes you think people think there’s a lot of things you have to improve. “You have to take it in a positive way, and think whatever people are saying, if there’s a margin for improvement or not. I know you’re talking about Roy Keane.“I have huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he was one of the best captains the club had. An amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club. “It’s the way he thinks about me as a player, as a captain. I have to respect that. I try to do the things in my own way to be not the best captain but person and team-mate as I can. I do it every day. I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch. “But obviously, not everyone will like (it), not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone. I have to accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Marc Cucurella breaks down in tears with wife and Mahrez’s Wag gets breast op in dramatic Married To The Game trailer

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE stars – past and present – will be linking up with their Wags in a popular football-related reality show.Married to the Game has returned for a second season on Amazon Prime and will premiere on April 8.Famous football-related reality show Married to the Game returns for a second seasonCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IEChelsea ace Marc Cucurella is seen crying to his wife Claudia RodriguezCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IERiyad Mahrez’s partner Taylor Ward opens up about her breast reduction surgeryCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IETaylor underwent surgery in Istanbul while Mahrez was awayCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IEThe show promises drama and intrigueCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IEManchester City hero Riyad Mahrez and Arsenal ace Jorginho return with their better halves Taylor Ward and Cat Harding respectively.They are joined by new signings Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal, Leon Bailey from Aston Villa and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.Gabriel, Bailey and Cucurella will be coming with partners Gabrielle Figueiredo, Stephanie Hope and Claudia Rodriguez.And the new season promises some major drama and intrigue following the release of its first trailer.Read More on FootballCucurella is seen breaking down in tears next to Claudia as he tells the camera, “We need to learn a lot”.And Al-Ahli star Mahrez’s wife Taylor is seen getting breast reduction surgery in Istanbul while he’s away.The Wags are taking centre stage as they discuss their ambitions on camera.Some of them are also seen taking luxurious trips to glitzy destinations, such as Marbella.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe second season is covering the summer season as clips show Spanish fans celebrating Euro 2024.Cucurella was part of the Spain team that won the European title in Germany.Dramatic moment Prem ace Jorginho’s fiancee confronts woman in late-night doorstep showdown over Arsenal starThe Furia Roja did so by beating England 2-1 in the final in Gareth Southgate’s last match in charge of the Three Lions.Cucurella teams up with partner Claudia in the reality TV seriesCredit: Amazon PrimeArsenal ace Jorginho and Cat Harding return to the showCredit: Amazon PrimeMahrez and Taylor are also a returning couple in the showCredit: Amazon PrimeAston Villa star Leon Bailey is coming to the show with Stephanie HopeCredit: Amazon PrimeArsenal ace Gabriel Magalhaes will also debut with Gabrielle FigueiredoCredit: Amazon Prime More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘What a man he is’ – Touching story behind Bruno Guimaraes’ hat during Newcastle’s wild Carabao Cup celebrations

      by

      BRUNO GUIMARAES wore a special hat to celebrate Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.The 27-year-old played a starring role at Wembley as Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a 2-1 win against the Reds. Bruno Guimaraes wore a hat gifted to him by a young fan after the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Instagram @brunoguimaraesFans have described the midfielder as ‘magnificent’Credit: GettyGuimaraes could not conceal his emotion as he sent a passionate message to Newcastle fans live on Sky Sports at full-time.He said: “It’s all for these fans. They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history.”We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.”I don’t have any words. It’s the best day of my life. For them [the fans] it’s like the World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”People have grown up and not seen us as champions. My first year as captain of this club and it’s one of the best days. This is unbelievable.”This is my second home. We are making history.”The Brazilian was also seen celebrating with a special bucket hat after the trophy ceremony.And it has now been revealed that a young boy gifted it to him weeks before the final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNewcastle fan Megan Price has shared that her son gave the black and white hat to Guimaraes outside the club’s training ground.She took to social media to write: “Weeks ago my son Henley gave Bruno a hat so they could match, today Bruno took that hat to Wembley and wore it holding our first cup in 70 years.Moment Jamie Carragher ‘does a Lampard’ live on Sky Sports after Bruno Guimaraes gatecrashes interview “What a man he is and what a club we have got, Howay the lads!”Fans were quick to comment on the kind act, heaping praise on the midfielder.One person wrote: “This needs to be shouted from the roof tops. What a magnificent human being that man is.”Another said: “Just when you think you can’t love him more, he does something to make you even more so.”A third commented: “What an utterly magnificent bloke he is by the way. The epitome of everything a professional footballer should be!!”While a fourth wrote: “Sometimes football is just beautiful!”READ MORE SUN STORIESNewcastle players celebrated the Carabao Cup win at Boxpark Wembley after the match.Club legend Alan Shearer was also there to party with them. More

    • 263 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I almost wasn’t there for my kids’ – Michail Antonio ‘happy’ to have ‘another chance at life’ after horror car crash

      by

      WEST HAM striker Michail Antonio has bravely opened up about his horrific car accident for the first time.The 34-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio has opened up about his horrific car accident for the first timeCredit: PAAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legCredit: Steve BellThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurCredit: InstagramHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is now determined to get back on the pitch.The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.Michail AntonioBBCIn an interview with the BBC, he said: “Yes, 100 percent. I will play again.”That’s what I am focused on and why I am working six days a week. I’ve always been positive from this situation. It’s a horrendous accident, and it’s a massive injuryREAD MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s the biggest injury I’ve ever had in my career. But the fact that I’m already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I’ll play again, and I know that once I’m playing the game I’ll get the sharpness back.”Antonio also admitted that his outlook on life has changed in the wake of the accident.I know that I’ll play again.”Michail AntonioBBCHe continued: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.Most read in Football”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it. He’s 13, and obviously people were showing photos of the car. So he came down and saw me in the hospital. But the younger ones, they never really knew how bad the situation was. We kind of avoided letting them get on the internet.”The striker’s accident shocked the football world, but he has no recollection of how it actually happened.West Ham star Michail Antonio injured in horror crash in Ferrari as club reveals he’s ‘stable’ in hospital”The back of the car kept swinging out on me, so I didn’t feel safe,” he said.”I had had it for three weeks and I was already thinking about giving it back.””It’s weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody – the police, the people, and the person who found me.”My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car.”Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn’t get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”Michail AntonioBBCAntonio shattered his femur in four places and had a pole fitted into his thigh via surgery with four bolts to fix the bone.His leg is now expected to heal properly within six to 12 months.The Jamaica international has thanked West Ham fans, players and staff for their support during the difficult time.”The love feels good. When I got into football, I did it as a hobby and didn’t support any clubs.”Now I am definitely a West Ham fan. What the club did for me, the support they gave me on and off the field, the hospitals and the specialists, was unbelievable. I thank the club, the fans, the emergency services, the people around me.”Antonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.He told West Ham TV: “I remember watching the Wolves game in hospital, and it made me emotional. I loved the support.”Over the next six to eight weeks, every time I watched a game I could hear the fans singing my name, which is something I really appreciated and that has actually helped me massively.”The support I’ve had has truly been amazing, from day one. Everyone at the Club has been incredible – they were the ones who called my family to tell them what was going on, and they were the ones who turned up to the hospital straight after the crash.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Karren Brady came to the hospital to see me, the players came to see me, and [Julen] Lopetegui and his staff.”I’ve had fans sending me gift packages, and so many messages from supporters, friends and family, so it’s all been a bit overwhelming. It’s been a really emotional time, just from the amount of love I’ve had.”Antonio returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his accident last weekCredit: PA More