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      Prem ref David Coote facing sack as he admits vid of him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ is real – but claims he can’t recall it

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      DAVID COOTE “cannot recall” abusing Jurgen Klopp in the video rant that seems certain to end his refereeing career.But the Nottinghamshire whistler is NOT denying the accuracy of the footage which has gone viral on social media.David Coote is facing the sack as a Premier League refereeCredit: ReutersHe admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is of himCredit: XThe video, which appears to be at least two years old, in which Coote brands Klopp a “c***” and Liverpool as “s**t”, forced PGMOL chiefs into urgent action.Within a couple of hours of it first being circulated publicly, it was announced the 42-year-old Coote had been “suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation”.It was then claimed the official was “vehemently doubting” the legitimacy of the recording, with suggestions that it was potentially an AI-generated “deep fake”.But SunSport has been told that Coote has admitted to other officials that the video is of him.READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUEHe is now understood to not be denying the accuracy of the comments although he has admitted to refs’ chief Howard Webb that he cannot recall all the contents.In the video circulated online, Coote said: “Liverpool were s*** . Klopp is an absolute c***. “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is all right, I get on with him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c***, f*** me.”In a second video, the man added: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”Ex-Prem ref fears for David Coote’s career after his x-rated Klopp video suspensionThe debacle seems almost certain to end with Coote being sacked as his comments about Liverpool and Klopp will be viewed as evidence that he had an axe to grind with the Anfield club.Coote, a Prem ref since 2018, has been involved in a number of controversies involving Liverpool and their title rivals as both a referee and VAR over recent seasons.That includes a Marcus Rashford goal way back in 2019 which saw Divock Origi seemingly fouled in the build-up – but VAR Coote did not intervene. He was also at Stockley Park when Jordan Pickford crunched Virgil van Dijk, rupturing the Liverpool defender’s ACL – but again Coote did not step in as the Reds did not even get a penalty.And he was once again the VAR when he denied Klopp’s side a penalty last season despite a clear handball from Martin Odegaard at Anfield. Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”His last game was ironically at Anfield on Saturday, when he angered both Liverpool and Aston Villa with his decisions as Arne Slot’s side won 2-0 to move five points clear at the top of the Prem.Coote appeared to wave play on and not acknowledge a blatant “last man” red card foul by Leon Bailey on Mo Salah, although with Darwin Nunes picking up the loose ball and scoring, there could be no VAR intervention.But Coote also left Villa boss Unai Emery seething as the visitors saw two spot-kick claims rejected.READ MORE SUN STORIESA PGMOL statement on Monday said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”Coote insists he does not remember making the comments about KloppCredit: ReutersCoote was the VAR when Martin Odegaard escaped a blatant handball at AnfieldCredit: BBCHe was also in the booth and ignored a trip on Divock Origi before a Marcus Rashford goal in 2019Credit: AFP or licensorsVAR Coote did not intervene as Jordan Pickford injured Virgil van DijkCredit: AFPThe PGMOL confirmed the high-profile whistler had been suspendedCredit: Getty More

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      David Moyes tipped for Premier League return with ‘four teams’ interested in former West Ham and Man Utd boss

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      DAVID MOYES has been linked with a Premier League return with four teams potentially interested.Moyes, 61, has been a free agent ever since his departure from West Ham at the end of last season and his subsequent replacement by Julen Lopetegui.David Moyes has been linked with a Premier League return after leaving West HamCredit: PAEx-Man Utd boss Moyes has been linked with Southampton, Wolves, Leicester and Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyAccording to talkSPORT, however, the Scottish tactician is keen to return to a Premier League dugout this term.And the ex-Manchester United boss has been linked with four Prem strugglers – Wolves, Southampton, Leicester and Crystal Palace.The same source claims the aforementioned clubs could be possible destinations for the ex-Everton boss.Southampton and Leicester returned to the English top flight from the Championship but both have been struggling.Read More on FootballSaints are bottom of the table with four points out of 11 matches, of which they won one and lost nine.Manager Russell Martin still has credit in the bank as he led his team back to the Premier League, but will need to turn things around.When it comes to Leicester, the jury’s still out regarding new manager Steve Cooper who replaced Enzo Maresca at the helm after the Italian tactician led the team back to the top flight.Cooper has only managed 10 points in the first 11 matches, with two wins and five losses along the way.Most read in FootballThe Foxes are Moyes’ only suitors that are outside the Premier League relegation zone as they sit 15th in the table with three points separating them from the drop.Wolves are second to last in the table with six points out of their first 11 matches as they lost seven times and only won once.David Moyes lands new job days after West Ham exit is announcedManager Gary O’Neil has come under fire as he currently has the leakiest defence in the Prem that has conceded 27 times.Palace boss Oliver Glasner might be the safest after his heroics late last season, immediately after replacing Roy Hodgson in the hotseat in February.However, Glasner will have to replicate last term’s brilliance after a disappointing start that saw him picking up a mere seven points in the first 11 matches.The Austrian tactician has endured eight losses and only won once, which has seen the Eagles drop to the relegation zone. More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy brutally axed by Ruben Amorim in new manager’s first decision on day one as Man Utd boss

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY will NOT remain at Manchester United.The interim boss has been brutally AXED by new manager Ruben Amorim after he’d hoped to go back to his assistant role.Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to depart Man UtdCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim made the brutal call after meeting CEO Omar Barrada earlier on MondayCredit: GettyThe former United striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and was installed as interim gaffer following his compatriot’s sacking on October 28.Van Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a role following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester, which capped an unbeaten four-match stint in charge.But that proved to be his final game with United with Amorim deciding to let him go in his first decision as boss.The makeup of Amorim’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but Van Nistelrooy, 48, will not be part of it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Sporting manager, who won his final game in Portugal just 24 hours ago, arrived in Manchester earlier today.The Portuguese coach said on Sunday he planned to hold talks with Van Nistelrooy regarding his United future on Monday.He said: “About a legend of the club. He did a great job. I have to talk with him tomorrow. Then I will explain everything. I am very clear and I will tell you like it is. Let’s wait until tomorrow.”Amorim’s flight, a private jet from Beja international airport, was the most tracked flight in the world on popular flight tracking site Flightradar24.Most read in FootballUnited chiefs welcomed Amorim when he landed at Manchester AirportCredit: INSTAGRAM @manchesterunitedFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 39-year-old is set to bring a number of coaches along with him to Old Trafford, but United will have to pay a fee.Amorim was given the last say on whether he wanted to incorporate the Dutchman into his backroom team and has ultimately decided against it.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureVan Nistelrooy was given a standing ovation as he enjoyed an emotional and teary-eyed farewell with the Stretford End on Sunday.The club statement read: “Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. “Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.”Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.”We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.”Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future.”We will confirm the full men’s first team coaching composition in due course.”Van Nistelrooy was serenaded by the Stretford End after Sunday’s 3-0 win over LeicesterSporting have moved on quickly themselves, announcing a new boss at the club before Amorim even touched down in Manchester.The Portuguese giants confirmed B coach Joao Pereira, 40, as manager earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited fans face a wait to see their new boss, whose first game will be the visit to Ipswich on November 24.Amorim signed a contract until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Chelsea face £100m midfield conundrum as Enzo Fernandez is one of biggest creators but has to settle for place on bench

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      COLE PALMER has had one shot on target in his past two Premier League matches for Chelsea.Enzo Fernandez has not started the last two Premier League matches for Chelsea.Cole Palmer struggled against Arsenal amid a recent injuryCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez has failed to nail down his spot in Chelsea’s strongest line-upCredit: GettyWhen he came off the bench yesterday against Arsenal, within two minutes the Argentinian provided the assist for Pedro Neto to score the goal that lifted the Blues into third position in the table.Yet still the debate rages that the £106million midfielder can be a liability for the team and cannot play alongside £115m partner Moises Caicedo.Fernandez is finding it tough proving to boss Enzo Maresca that he deserves a regular place in the starting line-up.Proof that a gargantuan price tag counts for nothing in the eyes of the demanding Italian whatever the figures say. And some of them are pretty convincing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea’s highly-priced star might not be able to read the numbers very well on the speedometer of his Porsche when out driving in Wales, having been banned from driving for six months.But there is a surprisingly strong mathematical argument in the World Cup winner’s favour that he is a key component of the team. So far this season nobody has done better than Fernandez at playing the ball forwards to Chelsea’s formidable bunch of young, hungry forwards.In all competitions so far this season, he has delivered 20.3 passes per 90 minutes that finish in the final third of the pitch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFor someone bought primarily as a holding midfielder that’s life in the fast lane as he would no doubt grasp.Portuguese winger Joao Felix, a featherweight, waspish forward, is next on 19.7.Need someone to set up a goal? He’s your man.Fernandez is second only to Jadon Sancho for assists this term on 0.49. Sancho is streets ahead on 0.88 but only six games into his Chelsea career, the average is bound to be higher.And going back to Palmer, only Wesley Fofana and Caicedo have picked out Chelsea’s talisman with a pass more often than Enzo.The tail end of last season was a microscope into the world of the anti-Fernandez brigade who dismiss him as overpriced.His last game of the season was April 23 – Black Tuesday when Arsenal smashed Chelsea 5-0 under previous boss Mauricio Pochettino.Fernandez checked out for a hernia operation the next day and did not play again until the summer.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesThere were six games left of the Premier League campaign and Chelsea performed a better U-turn that Fernandez could even when being chased by the Old Bill in his flash motor on the way to two speeding convictions.From abject losers they won five of their last six games. So evidently, with Enzo out of the side, Chelsea can throw off the shackles and pour forwards.They scored 16 goals in those last six games – but they’d scored that in the previous six too.He missed the 6-0 thrashing of Everton eight days before the Arsenal debacle but was in the team when Chelsea smashed four past Manchester United 11 days prior to that on April 4.So whatever Chelsea’s problem at the time was, it wasn’t his, even if Fernandez was clearly struggling with abdominal issues.Now fit-again, Fernandez has created 1.9 chances per 90 minutes this season – fifth most in the squad. And that includes Sunday’s assist.The salient point is that Chelsea paid nine figures for Fernandez primarily to shield the defence.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is now six Premier League games since they kept a clean sheet. Chelsea are third in the table but could be even higher.Maybe it’s not the attacking part of Fernandez’s game that Maresca is upset about?Moises Caicedo is proving his worth but the jury is still out on Enzo FernandezCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs ArsenalRobert Sanchez – 6Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.Malo Gusto – 6Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.Wesley Fofana – 7Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.Levi Colwill – 6Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.Marc Cucurella – 7Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.Moises Caicedo – 6Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.Romeo Lavia – 6A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.Noni Madueke – 6Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.Cole Palmer – 6Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.Pedro Neto – 7Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. Nicolas Jackson – 6Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though. More

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      Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rant

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      PREM referee David Coote has been suspended pending investigation after a shocking viral video allegedly showed him blasting Liverpool.The highly experienced FA official also appeared to launch a foul-mouthed tirade at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.A leaked video appearing to show Coote calling Liverpool ‘s***’ and Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’ is being investigated by PGMOLCredit: XThe video has gone viral on social mediaCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp clashing with Coote back in 2022The 42-year-old refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday in which he was at the centre of a few controversial decisions.In the shocking footage, which appears to be from several years ago but was leaked on social media today, Coote is allegedly seen speaking with a fellow man. In the brief conversation, he refers to Liverpool as a “s*** club” and extraordinarily dropped the C-bomb to describe ex-Reds boss Klopp.The PGMOL are investigating the video with the referee now facing the sack after being suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe man, who appears to be Coote, said: “Liverpool were s*** .Klopp is an absolute c***. “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is all right, I get on with him. “You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c***, f*** me.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a second video, the man added: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”It is unclear what triggered his comments, but Coote was indirectly targeted by Klopp for criticism as recently as last December.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesDuring Saturday’s match between Liverpool and Villa, Coote was the man in the middle.He appeared to deem Leon Bailey’s last-man challenge on Mo Salah not to be a foul prior to Darwin Nunez scoring.Later in the match he opted not to award Villa a penalty despite Conor Bradley tugged Pau Torres’ shirt in the box.Coote was also the VAR official on the day that Jordan Pickford inflicted an ACL injury on Virgil van Dijk in the Merseyside derby in October 2020.The Everton goalkeeper escaped without any form of punishment.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”He was also on VAR duty when Liverpool were denied a clear penalty against Arsenal after Martin Odegaard handled the ball inside the Anfield box during their 1-1 draw last December.Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue and the game was not halted for a VAR check.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoote has been a top-flight referee since April 2018 and hails from Nottinghamshire.He belongs to the Select Group of Referees in England and officiates primarily in the Premier League.Liverpool were denied a penalty by VAR when Martin Odegaard appeared to handle the ball in the box last season More

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      ‘There’s something seriously wrong’ fumes ex-Premier League referee after baffling decisions at Liverpool and Wolves

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      MARK HALSEY claims there is “something seriously wrong” with officiating in the Premier League after Southampton saw a goal controversially disallowed.The 63-year-old was a top-flight referee from 1999 to 2013.Southampton saw a goal chalked off after a coming together involving Matheus Fernandes and Nelson SemedoRyan Manning’s effort would have made the score 1-1, but they went on to lose 2-0Credit: RexRussell Martin had ‘every right to be aggrieved’Credit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League referee for 14 yearsCredit: AFPEvery week, Halsey joins SunSport to look back at the weekend’s most contentious refereeing decision, with Southampton’s 2-0 loss to Wolves taking centre stage.In the early season relegation six-pointer, the Saints thought they had made it 1-1 in the first-half when Ryan Manning fired in.But the goal was controversially chalked off by VAR for a foul in the build-up by Mateus Fernandes on Nelson Semedo. Halsey told SunSport: “It’s a clear and obvious error by VAR to get involved. That’s for sure. For me, it’s not even a foul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Russell Martin’s got every right to be aggrieved with that incident. “Why is VAR getting involved in that incident? “I keep saying it, something is seriously wrong with the training and education with the PGMOL officials. We have it week in, week out.”They need to come out and explain it don’t they.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m sure that will get missed off or mic’d up with Howard Webb. I bet that gets brushed aside, that incident.”Halsey also felt there was inconsistency from Stockley Park man Chris Kavanagh for not recommending a review on Wolves’ second goal.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedMatheus Cunha scored brilliantly from outside the box after two Saints players went down claiming fouls in the build-up.Halsey took issue with Kavanagh’s contradiction of himself, saying: “Well, again, we talk about inconsistency with VAR. “In that phase of play that leads up to the goal, VAR can look at that and recommend a review because clearly there are two fouls leading up to the goal. “So if VAR get involved in disallowing Southampton’s goal for a foul, then surely, they have to get involved in this and recommend a review.”It’s absolutely nonsense disallowing the first goal, recommending the review and then not recommending a review with that. “Then obviously the referee, Thomas Bramall, has got to be strong enough when they go over to that screen and say, ‘no, there’s no foul there’.”Halsey was also unhappy with the refereeing performance by David Coote, who took charge of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, labelling him “bang average”.Darwin Nunez opened the scoring as Mo Salah grabbed the assist after a brilliant charge forward on the counter-attack.The Egyptian was floored by a desperate Leon Bailey as he approached the goal, but luckily for Liverpool, his team-mate was on hand to score instead.But Halsey was left baffled by how the ref did not spot the Villa star pulling Salah to the deck, with an advantage not played.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also found it bizarre that the visitors were not given a spot-kick for a clearest shirt pull on Pau Torres by Conor Bradley.And the ex-Prem ref is unhappy with the wording of the laws, explaining: “I get fed up with listening to this ‘sustained holding or fleeting holding’. It’s nonsense.”Halsey could not believe Bailey escaped punishment for his foul on Salah when he was in on goalCredit: TNT SPORTSBradley appeared to pull Torres’ shirt More

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      Man Utd ‘plot shock transfer move for Christopher Nkunku’ with Chelsea star ‘unhappy’ at lack of minutes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly enquired about Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.The Red Devils could dip into the January transfer market following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.Christopher Nkunku is allegedly open to leaving ChelseaCredit: AlamyAnd French outlet L’Equipe claims Nkunku could be at the top of their wishlist.The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Chelsea.Nkunku has started just one Premier League match for the Blues this season.And manager Enzo Maresca is allegedly open to letting him leave.Read More in FootballThe Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including United.It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would allow him join a Prem rival.Nkunku still has five years remaining on his contract with the Blues.The forward joined Chelsea in a £52million transfer from RB Leipzig last June.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis first season at Stamford Bridge was marred by a series of injury problems.Nkunku has now scored 13 goals in 31 Chelsea appearances – 10 of which have come this season.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal Man Utd could sign him to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since joining in the summer.SunSport revealed last week that ex-manager Erik ten Hag did not even want to sign him. More

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      Arsenal star Jurrien Timber ‘fools’ commentators with gaffe you ‘couldn’t do if you tried’ in Chelsea clash

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      ARSENAL fans are convinced Jurrien Timber “fooled” the referee and commentator by faking a hilarious gaffe.The Gunners drew 1-1 with Chelsea yesterday as they slipped nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.Jurrien Timber dropped the ball as he attempted a throw-inCredit: Sky SportsKai Havertz was being bandaged up at the timeCredit: AlamyIn the second-half, there were ironic cheers from Blues fans when Timber seemingly messed up a throw-in.The Dutch defender somehow chucked the ball into his own back and was allowed to retake it as it had not entered the pitch.Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury laughed that you “couldn’t do that if you tried.”But Arsenal, who hit the headlines earlier this season for their use of the “dark arts”, have potentially used their rule-bending playbook again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt turns out Timber’s throw-in blunder occurred while team-mate Kai Havertz was off the pitch receiving treatment after a cut in his head re-opened and blood began to pour down his face.And Gunners fans reckon it was a deliberate action to waste time as they were a player short with the German being patched up.One supporter said: “The commentators and the ref thought that was a genuine attempt. Bro fooled them.”Another added: “Incredible bit of acting, had me fooled until I realised Havertz was off the pitch.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third commented: “Now this is the dark arts I wanna see.”More reacted: “‘You couldn’t do that if you tried’ to something Timber did very deliberately.”Other fans said: “100 per cent time wasting cause we had ten-men on the pitch from an injury.”Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More