Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea & Forest are ripping up the script of how to run a football club… just don’t try to make sense of it

      by

      IT’S time to forget everything we thought we knew about how to run a football club.Forget stability, forget continuity, forget financial prudence, forget carefully-targeted player recruitment, forget inspirational managerial appointments.Chelsea chief Todd Boehly has splashed out over £1billion on signingsCredit: RexEvangelos Marinakis has turned Nottingham Forest into top-four contendersCredit: GettyJust tear everything to shreds, sell everyone, then max out the credit card by buying footballers.Dozens and dozens of footballers. Not just one new squad of players but two or three squads’ worth.Buy so many footballers that they can’t all fit into the dressing room at your training ground.Already got seven elite wingers? If another one becomes available, go and buy an eighth. You only live once.Read More on FootballBecause Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are the two great overachievers of this Premier League season — the Blues just two points off the summit and Forest in the Champions League places, above Manchester City.Both clubs have spent like sailors piddling it up on shore leave.If you have previously received the impressions from this column — or pretty much anywhere else in the media — that Chelsea’s Todd Boehly is a clueless American muppet, your mind must be playing tricks on you. Boehly always was a football genius.The nine-year contracts for unproven players. The knifing of more managers than Roman Abramovich. The transfer-window trolley dashes. Genius, all of it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd any ideas you had that Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis was a panic-buying shopaholic — a wild conspiracy theorist who hired that bloke off Gladiators to rumble referees — must have been the product of your own overactive imagination.Here is a big cuddly Greek Santa, laden with gifts and leading Forest into the promised land.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordSince Boehly and his Clearlake crew purchased Chelsea in the summer of 2022, the club has signed 45 players for a total of £1.3billion.Since Forest won promotion to the Premier League that same summer, they have got more than 40 players for a combined total in the region of £300million.And at both clubs, somehow, it’s working.At the age of 33, Forest’s Kiwi striker Chris Wood is the new Erling Haaland. Chelsea star Cole Palmer was Pep Guardiola’s blind spot.Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho are more effective than any winger currently on Manchester United’s books.The Premier League is a madhouse. To succeed, join the stark-raving lunatics, as Chelsea and Forest have done.Understated managersWhat both clubs needed, it turns out, was an understated, unheralded manager to sift through the shopping, to settle on a core squad, to play ball with eccentric owners and coach a bloody good football team.Neither Enzo Maresca nor Nuno Espirito Santo were wildly popular appointments.Maresca had led Leicester to the Championship title but was nobody’s first choice to succeed Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Yet the Italian was 20/20 in his vision of Chelsea’s best team, ruthless in his pre-season squad-slashing and he is now presiding over a premature vindication of Boehly’s seemingly-unhinged regime.Nuno, after his car-crash reign at Tottenham, replaced Forest’s promotion-winning Messiah Steve Cooper to a chorus of shrugs, just before the club would be deducted four points for breaching PSR last season. The Portuguese boss with the charisma bypass is the polar opposite of Brian Clough. Yet he is threatening to become the best of Forest’s 29 managers since the exit of Old Big ’Ead.Enzo Maresca is proving his doubters wrong alreadyCredit: GettyDon’t make sense of itSimilarly to Maresca, it’s been a case of clearing dead wood from the Forest, seeing the Chris Wood for the Tricky Trees.Of course, this is a snapshot in time. Nobody expects Forest to play in the Champions League next season and nobody expects Chelsea to win the title this term.There are still PSR concerns at both clubs, still plenty of unwanted players on long, lucrative contracts.For every Palmer at Chelsea, there’s a Mykhailo Mudryk. Boehly’s mob are still paying Raheem Sterling £200,000 a week not to play for Arsenal.And at Forest, for every Morgan Gibbs-White, there’s a Jonjo Shelvey.But, at present, these two clubs — who seemed to be giving us a crash course in how not to run a football club — are doing exactly the bleeding opposite.Whatever you do, just don’t try to make sense of any of it.Andy’s AwfulLIVERPOOL’S exhilarating 2-2 draw with Fulham will be a contender for the Premier League’s match of the season.Which suggests that, to make things more interesting for everyone, the Reds should always be reduced to ten men for no apparent reason inside 20 minutes.One troubling aspect for Arne Slot is that his side were better AFTER Andy Robertson’s harsh early dismissal than they had been with the Scot, 30, on the pitch.Full-backs don’t tend to go over the hill, they fall off cliffs — as Robbo and his fellow stalwart, 34-year-old Kyle Walker at Manchester City, have done.Cottagers’ Antonee Robinson, 27, man of the match on Saturday, has a Scouse accent despite his USA international allegiance, and would be an ideal replacement.Except that Fulham are loath to do business with Liverpool, after the Kop outfit signed academy products Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho on the cheap.Is Andy Robertson coming to the end of his prowess at Liverpool?Credit: EPABrit Of A ChangeTHERE can rarely have been a more predictable sacking than that of Gary O’Neil at Wolves.It wasn’t just two wins from 16 matches, it was his players’ meltdowns in consecutive defeats by West Ham and Ipswich which turned his side into Wolver-tantrum Wanderers.His exit came just before the equally obvious departure of Russell Martin at Southampton.It means there are   only  two  English bosses — Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche — in the top flight, along with just one other Brit, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.A complete wipeout of homegrown bosses is on the horizon. Unless the Etihad sheikhs decide it’s time to break the glass on the emergency alarm and call up Fireman Sam Allardyce?He’s A Must PickJORDAN PICKFORD’S heroics in Everton’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday suggested that, of all the changes Thomas Tuchel might make as England boss, the goalkeeping position will NOT be one of them.He has as many caps as Gordon Banks and more major final appearances than every other goalkeeper ever to play for England put together.And with the Wembley debacle against Greece in October perhaps his only truly bad performance in a Three Lions shirt, it might soon be time to show Pickford some proper appreciation.Jordan Pickford should continue to be England’s No1 for a while yetCredit: ReutersGive Spoty Men A GoIF the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award were for sporting achievement it would go to  Joe Root, who this year confirmed himself as England’s greatest ever batsman.If it were down to force of  personality, it would go to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Luke  Littler, who has made the Ally Pally arrow-slinging jamboree a global must-watch. But it will go to athletics’ Keely Hodgkinson — not unreasonably, as she’s an Olympic 800 metres gold medallist with a sparkling personality.And note that the previous three winners have all been women. Is it time for separate SPOTY awards for either sex — some  positive discrimination just to give the blokes a chance?Not Gund enoughWHILE  focus has fallen on Rodri’s injury, Kyle Walker’s terminal decline, Phil Foden’s form crisis and Erling Haaland’s lack of goals, the  re-signing  of  Ilkay  Gundogan has escaped much criticism.But Manchester City’s decision to bring back their 34-year-old former captain —  a year after he decamped  for Barcelona — was an extremely retrograde step from such a forward-thinking boss as Pep Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan has hardly pulled up trees on his return to Man CityCredit: Getty’Statistical anomaly’   TOTTENHAM have lost as many Premier League games as they have won this  season, yet after a 5-0 win in the “principles derby” at Southampton, they boast a goal difference of plus-17.This wild statistical  anomaly is perfect  testimony to the unique wonders of Angeball. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara announces shock commentary comeback to reunite with icon after three-year health battle

      by

      CHRIS KAMARA will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battle.The former Swindon and Brentford midfielder, 66, left his role on Sky Sports in 2022 after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid the year before.Chris Kamara will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battleKamara will reunite with Sky colleague Jeff StellingCredit: TwitterHe developed speech apraxia and the impact on his mental health was so great that he revealed he had even considered taking his own life.Now Kammy has revealed he’ll return pitchside for Prime Video on December 26 alongside his old Sky colleague Jeff Stelling.The beloved TV personality will be covering the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham at City Ground.He shared on X: “Best phone call ever this afternoon inviting me to do the Forest v Spurs game on Boxing Day – reporting back to the Unbelievable @JeffStelling in the studio.Read More on Football“I thought I was done, so it’s a big thank you Amazon – I’m back.”Chris worked as a presenter and football analyst at Sky Sports from 1992 to 2022 before being forced to quit.His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico.And while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Most read in FootballKamara said in an interview this summer: “I’ve been there twice now [Mexico]. I’m going back for a third time.”I’ve got the fluency in my speech. The only thing I haven’t got is the speed of old, I know I talk 300 miles an hour before, but I’d like that back if I can. ‘My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”So I’m going back for more treatment.”What is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports identify Kelly Cates’ replacement with ex-BBC presenter already working with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

      by

      SKY bosses are lining up a move for Rebecca Lowe as they plan for life after Kelly Cates.Cates is set to make a switch to the BBC as part of a new presenting team on Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is leaving from Sky Sports to join a team hosting Match of the Day on BBCCredit: GettyRebecca Lowe is expected to replace Cates after working with Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyExecs at Sky are said to be gutted at losing the presenter, who will leave her role at the end of the season.But SunSport understands producers are already making plans for what comes next.And they’ve identified Lowe, who is currently a star presenter on US channel NBC, as a replacement for Cates.Lowe, a former BBC journalist, is one of the most highly regarded broadcasters in the business and Sky believe she’d be attracted by the idea of a move to help anchor Sky’s football coverage.Read More on FootballShe’s also good pals with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, with the trio launching a podcast last year. The podcast titled “It’s Called Soccer” sees Lowe debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.In one epic recent rant she showed exactly what she thought of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr’s decision to snub the Ballon D’ Or ceremony as she called him “unbelievably classless”.Her co-host Neville agreed with Lowe and put more of the blame on Real and the club’s feeling of entitlement and attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.Cates is expected to link up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, with whom she will share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBCThat is after legendary presenter Gary Lineker steps down following 26 years hosting the popular show.Lowe has presented FA Cup coverage in the pastCredit: Action Images – ReutersShe is hugely experienced having worked at the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPNCredit: AlamyShe has appeared on a podcast alongside Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: Alamy More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City fan dies after medical emergency during Man Utd derby as tributes pour in

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed that one of their supporters died during yesterday’s match against Manchester United.City confirmed the tragic news on social media, while sending wishes to the supporter’s friends and family.Manchester City have confirmed the tragic newsCredit: RexA short statement posted on X read: “Manchester City are aware of the tragic news that one of our supporters passed away following a medical incident at yesterday’s match.”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”Several supporters responded to the post with well wishes of their own.One wrote: “I’m sending my condolences to the supporter’s family.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second commented: “Rest in peace… God’s comfort to his family and friends.”A third added: “My thought and prayers are with the family.”City lost the match 2-1 despite leading for much of it.Josko Gvardiol’s 36th minute header had looked like being the winner.Most read in FootballBruno Fernandes equalised for United from the penalty spot on 88 minutes, after Amad Diallo had been brought down in the box by Matheus Nunes.Diallo then scored a 90th minute winner. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan lays into ‘absolutely pathetic’ Kyle Walker as he joins Roy Keane in slamming his ’embarrassing’ dive

      by

      PIERS MORGAN slammed Kyle Walker for his “pathetic” dive in the Manchester derby on Sunday.Walker dropped to the ground holding his face after clashing with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund late in the first half.Rasmus Hojlund and Kyle Walker clashed during the Manchester DerbyCredit: ReutersWalker dramatically fell to the floorCredit: GettyPiers Morgan slammed the full-back’s dive as ‘pathetic’Credit: GettyThe two went head-to-head before the Manchester City full-back dramatically fell down despite minimal contact or force.They were both shown a yellow card as a result.Fans and pundits slammed Walker for his theatrics at half-time.United legend Roy Keane even admitted he was “embarrassed” for the England star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Sky Sports, the ex-midfielder said: “You don’t mind a bit of this, this is going to happen in the game. A bit of argy-bargy, of course.”But I look at it, he’s obviously been blocked but Walker, of course it’s a foul and a free-kick and Hojlund’s not happy, that’s fine.”And he goes over, how can Walker… Walker must be embarrassed. He must be embarrassed to go down like that.”An experienced player, listen there is no contact. Look at this, I don’t know the guy and I’m embarrassed for him. It’s embarrassing.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport columnist Morgan echoed Keane’s words on social media the following day.He wrote: “Well said, Mr Keane. Absolutely pathetic from Walker.”‘We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss Man City went on to lose 2-1 to their local rivals – despite leading for the majority of the match.With the hosts 1-0 up as late as the 87th minute courtesy of Josko Gvardiol’s first-half strike, Matheus Nunes gave away a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Amad Diallo.Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick to equalise, leaving Pep Guardiola furious.And just two minutes later, Amad broke through again, this time poking the ball over Ederson before slotting it into the bottom-right corner.Hojlund trolled Walker with a savage Instagram post after the match.It read: “Manchester is red. Violets are blue. What a brilliant performance. But the Oscar goes to…”Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans brilliantly hijack BBC’s player of the match vote to crown unexpected winner after win over Man City

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans hilariously voted Matheus Nunes as man of the match after his derby horror show.The City midfielder started at left-back for Pep Guardiola’s side and had a disastrous end to the game.Matheus Nunes fouled Amad Diallo to give away the penalty that sparked United’s comebackCredit: PANunes failed to get back on the line in time to clear Amad’s winnerCredit: GettyHe was consoled by Pep Guardiola at full-timeCredit: GettyMatheus Nunes was hilariously voted player of the matchCredit: BBCWith the champions 1-0 up, Nunes played a shocking back-pass to Ederson, which was intercepted by Amad Diallo.The Portuguese star sprinted back but ended up wiping out United’s derby hero to give the penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted.And then for Amad’s 90th minute winner, Nunes was inches away from getting to the ball in time to clear it off the line but just fell short.The BBC had a player ratings vote on their website, only for United fans to brilliantly hijack it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo add insult to injury, Nunes was named player of the match with a score of 9.21.All of his City team-mates scored under 5/10.Nunes even rated higher than Amad, who got an 8.25.It was mistakes from the likes of Nunes that annoyed Bernardo Silva and he raged post-match as City’s nightmare run continued to one win in their last 11 games. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “We deserved what happened. “At this level, a game or two is unlucky. We can’t say this is lucky or unlucky — 10 games it’s not about that.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss “Minute 87 in a derby, winning 1-0 and our corner ends in a penalty for them, if we make these stupid decisions with three or four minutes to go you deserve to pay for that.”Looking at the game I think there was only one team that could win the game, but at the end we lost. “It’s not one game, it’s a lot of games lately.”We have to look at ourselves. You can say ‘oh that’s a bit unlucky’, no. It’s the decisions you make. “Today in the last minute we played like Under-15s.”Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd launch investigation into player responsible for leaking team news with TWO stars questioned by Ruben Amorim

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an investigation into which player is leaking team news information.Both derby day hero Amad Diallo and axed Alejandro Garnacho have been quizzed by new boss Ruben Amorim as to whether they are responsible.Ruben Amorim’s starting line-up was leaked the day before the Manchester derbyCredit: GettyThe leaked XI was exactly the same as the line-up that started the matchNews of United’s starting eleven for Sundays dramatic late comeback win over Manchester City leaked the night before.Garnacho’s brother Roberto had been accused on social media of being one source.Team news has leaked in the past when Alejandro has been left out.Roberto denied last week that he is the mole.Read More on Man UtdAmorim said after the victory at The Etihad that he was unhappy that the United team news had been leaked ahead of the game.Amorim said: “I know that story, I think it is impossible to fix, you have a lot of people in the club, the players talk with agents, it is not a good thing.”Amorim has already proved he will not stand for players stepping out of line.He axed both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford from the squad for Sunday’s game due to their poor training.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have been quizzed about the leaksCredit: GettyHe also suggested off-field issues like how the players dressed and are with teammates came into his decision making.Amorim is satisfied neither Amad or Garnacho are involved directly in the leaking.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho While Garnacho was watching the match from home Amad was the United hero.He won the penalty for United’s equaliser in the 88th minute before scoring the winner in the last seconds of normal time.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game.Amorim was full of praise for Diallo after the game, saying: “He can play different positions, he is very humble. We have to be very careful with Amad because sometimes in our club we put young players in a special place. Let’s stay clam with Amad.”The new Manchester United gaffer was delighted with the win over City but says there is much to do.He told Match of the Day: “It was incredible. I think we deserved it. It was a very tough match but we believe until the end. We managed to score, we needed that win, it was important for us and for our fans.”We were in the game for 90 minutes and that is very good. We talk about the Arsenal game, we played well in the first half but they were not believing that we could win. Today was so much more different.”I also believe. Then we have Fergie time and we put the things together and something magic happened. It was a good day for us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They [the fans] need it. Just like us, but you can see the way they celebrate is special. But we need to continue. Our club needs to win these kinds of matches, I understand the happiness of our fans but we need to continue.”With a victory for City, the performance was the same. We need to improve a lot of things but today the guys deserved the win. They were in it until the last minute and that is important for us.” More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Kelly Cates? Sky Sports host rumoured to be joining Match of the Day

      by

      KELLY Cates is a trailblazing British sports broadcaster who has paved the way for women in the predominantly masculine world of football coverage.Reports have emerged that she is set to quit her job at Sky Sports and take on a new role hosting Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is a leading sports broadcaster who has worked on both TV and radioCredit: Getty – ContributorShe reportedly joining the Match of the Day team following the departure of Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho is Kelly Cates?Kelly Cates was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 28, 1975.She is the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and has established herself as a respected figure in sports journalism.Kelly was married to Tom Cates between 2007 and 2021, with the couple sharing two daughters together.Broadcasting careerThroughout her career, she has worked for various networks and covered numerous high-profile events.read more on kelly catesShe’s been on BBC Radio 5 Live since 2013, presenting iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sundays up until 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role on the BBC was reduced, but Kelly returned to host midweek sports show 5 Live Sport, while also providing coverage for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.History-makerShe made history as the first female presenter on talkSPORT.Kelly has also presented ITV’s World Cup and Channel 4’s Paralympic Games coverage.Most read in FootballHer versatility as a broadcaster is evident in her work across television and radio platforms.Beyond her broadcasting career, she is known for her involvement in charitable work, serving as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and Unicef.I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever madeMatch of the DayIn mid-December 2024, reports emerged claiming Kelly is set to make a significant career move.She is reportedly set to join the BBC’s Match of the Day team following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker, who started hosting the show in 1999.The former Spurs and Barcelona striker became one of the best and most-loved sports broadcasters in the country. It is understood that the move would see Kelly leave her current position at Sky Sports to team up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.The three presenters would share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis, it’s understood.If confirmed, the change would mark a new era for the staple English football highlights show, which was hosted by Gary for 25 years.Sky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see Kelly leave her roles at the broadcasting giant. More