Premier League

EMILIANO MARTINEZ slapped a TV camera that was following him just minutes after Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Colombia.The fiery defeat happened in the eighth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, played in Barranquilla.Emi Martinez slapped a TV camera after Argentina were beaten 2-1 by ColombiaCredit: XThe fiery defeat happened in the eighth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World CupCredit: XAfter the clash Martinez, known for sometimes losing his cool congratulated several Colombian players on the field including his Aston Villa teammate Jhon Jader Duran.But at one point he walked directly towards the camera and slapped it with his hand which caught by the cameras broadcasting the match.Fans instantly noticed the shotstoppers lash out and rushed to social media calling out the star.One fan said: “He didn’t give a damn about anything, the son of a b**** is crazy.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnother added: “Argentines always leave a gesture when they lose, they don’t know how to lose or win.”A third then put: “This guy has a problem with anger management.”Immediatly after his lose of composure the Villa keeper walked off like had happened and went on to hug his teammates.The 2-1 victory symbolised Colombia ending a 31-year winless streak against Argentina at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut fellow Argentine Cristian Romero wanted to remind his opponents who the reiging world champs are after he was seen subtly wiping the World Cup badge on his jersey.Colombia took the lead in the 25th minute when skipper James Rodriguez chipped a cross to the back post where Yerson Mosquera leapt and headed it into the net.Emi Martinez repeats obscene World Cup celebration despite Argentina star saying ‘I’m not proud of it’Three minutes after half time Argentina evened the scoreline after a misplaced pass from Rodriguez was pounced upon by Nicolas Gonzalez, who sotted past Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas.But Rodriguez converted a nerveless 60th-minute spot-kick to seal a hard-fought win for Colombia who were without injured captain Lionel Messi.It was sweet revenge for Colombia, who were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in a disappointing Copa America final loss in Miami two months ago.”I don’t think I’ve ever scored against them — there’s a first time for everything,” Colombia captain Rodriguez said of his winning spot-kick.”We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything — this victory tastes even better.”The victory at Barranquilla’s Metropolitano Stadium sent Colombia into second place in South America’s 10-team qualifying competition with 16 points from eight points, just two points behind leaders Argentina.Despite the defeat, Argentina remain comfortably on course for a place at the 2026 World Cup which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith the tournament expanded to 48 teams, the top six finishers in South American qualifying will win a berth to the finals.The seventh placed team in qualifying goes into an inter-confederation playoff, with the bottom three teams eliminated. More

PAUL MITCHELL and Eddie Howe have called a truce and will finalise Toon’s January spending plans together.SunSport reported how Newcastle chief exec Darren Eales was backing manager Howe amid his differences with sporting director Mitchell over transfer business.Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell have put aside their differences at NewcastleCredit: GettyIt led to doubts that the latter would continue in the role  — just two months after taking up the position.The lack of new signings — especially the long-and-public failed pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi — had left Howe frustrated.But Mitchell blamed his predecessor for the club’s “not fit for purpose” recruitment set-up as speculation intensified over his relationship with the boss. However, SunSport understands there was no major fallout between the pair.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd any differences have been ironed out as they continue to learn how each other operates.They will look to get their January transfer targets on  the same page over the next few weeks, with the Magpies needing reinforcements.One of the big decisions will be whether to reignite their interest in 24-year-old Guehi.Mitchell refuses to pay over the odds for any player — and the £70million being demanded by Palace last month was deemed excessive.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, both clubs are fully aware the England star’s value will start to dwindle should he fail to sign an extension at  Selhurst Park, with his current deal expiring in 2026.Toon’s transfer business this summer was quiet by their recent standards.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelJohn Ruddy and Lloyd Kelly arrived on free transfers, while Lewis Hall’s loan from Chelsea was made permanent.Newcastle also signed Nottingham Forest goalie Odysseas Vlachodimos.While striker William Osula joined from Sheffield United. More

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is the United legend whose sniper’s eye for the target once made him the deadliest finisher in football.His single-minded self-confidence brought 150 goals in 219 games — a century in the first three seasons — and a case to be called Manchester United’s greatest modern-day striker.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been backed to replace his boss Erik ten Hag as Manchester United managerCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was a lethal goalscorer for the Red Devils from 2001 to 2006Credit: ReutersAs an up-and-coming coach, Van Nistelrooy made such an equally blockbusting impact that two separate Holland bosses made him a key figure in their backroom team.And one full season as a manager saw PSV Eindhoven win two trophies — before he quit, claiming the club were not backing him enough.So when Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag brought Van Nistelrooy back to England as assistant boss in July, many hailed Ruud’s return as the best signing of his two-year tenure. Now, just three games in, gags that Ten Hag had appointed the man who would one day take his job no longer look a joke, after a poor start.READ MORE ON MAN UTD Despite backing from on high, bookies rate the Dutchman as favourite to be the first Prem gaffer sacked and Ruud tops their list to replace him.And one man who knows Van Nistelrooy better than most says bringing him back was a masterstroke.Javier Rabanal was working his way through the coaching ranks at Willem II, when he got the call to join the Eindhoven backroom team.Van Nistelrooy had been hugely impressed when the two met at Under-19 level and quickly added Rabanal, now boss of Independiente Juniors in Ecuador, to his staff.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Spaniard admits the focus was on harmony as much as hard work, with the manager demanding team spirit must match a fighting one.United have been accused of lacking both under Ten Hag — none more so than Marcus Rashford, a misfiring misfit.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteAs a striker himself, if anyone can get him back on track it is Van Nistelrooy.Rabanal said: “Ruud had a great connection with the players and it was great to see the relationship he had with everyone, from top to bottom.“Although he was an elite footballer, a world legend, he is such a humble guy and so calm and unaffected by difficult moments. “That doesn’t mean he wasn’t demanding but working with him was a pleasure. He was so infectious and created a really positive environment.“Perhaps another person with that standing in football would have a massive ego. But he just knows how to talk to people and enthuse them.“What really impressed me was he was available for anything, at any time for anyone and when he spoke, it was with real feeling, and I know he touched the players’ hearts.”United could certainly do with Van Nistelrooy’s magic touch to get back on an even keel.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhether that ends with their one-time centre-forward as manager remains to be seen — yet Rabanal is sure his pal will play a huge role. He added: “Ruud is going to contribute so much. Working with him was a master’s degree in elite football.”Ten Hag has endured a tough start to the seasonCredit: EPAVan Nistelrooy was previously PSV Eindhoven gafferCredit: GettyThe former striker is passing on his expertise to the United attackersCredit: GettyNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

A MIDFIELDER once linked with a move to Manchester United is now being compared to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.Fabian Ruiz was on Erik ten Hag’s transfer shortlist when the Dutchman first took over at Old Trafford two years ago.Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been compared to Zinedine ZidaneCredit: GettyUnited opted to sign Casemiro over Ruiz two years agoCredit: PAThe 28-year-old was valued at just £26million when United officials approached his entourage.However, Ten Hag instead opted to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in a £70m deal.Ruiz went on to join Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth £18m.And the Spaniard has since become one of the most in-form midfielders in Europe.Read More on Man UtdHe was named in UEFA’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament this summer after scoring two goals and assisting two in seven games.And he came away from the tournament as a European champion with Spain.Ruiz is now being likened to legendary French midfielder Zidane.In response to the comparisons, the PSG star told the media: “It’s a big deal to compare myself to Zidane.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I always try to help the team by giving my best and repay the coach’s trust.”It’s a huge pride to represent my country. It’s the greatest thing.”Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteMeanwhile, Casemiro enjoyed a positive first season at Old Trafford but has since received plenty of criticism.Some fans even called for club legend Michael Carrick to replace the Brazilian after he impressed during a United legends match at the weekend.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More