Premier League

BRENTFORD star Yoane Wissa has revealed his torment at allegedly having acid thrown in his face – insisting he could have been blinded for life.And the Bees’ record Premier League goalscorer, 28, said he has been left in fear ever since.Yoane Wissa has become a fan favourite at the GtechCredit: RexA woman has gone on trial in France accused of attacking Wissa at his home in July 2021, days before he joined Brentford from Lorient for £8.5million.Named only as Laetitia P., the 36-year-old is also accused of attempting to kidnap the player’s baby daughter – as well as actually taking another woman’s baby the following day.She faces up to 30 years in jail if found guilty.The court at Vannes in Brittany heard Wissa deliver an emotional account of the alleged events.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker said he let the woman into his Lorient apartment after she had called round earlier that day seeking his autograph.He said: “I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face.  I screamed and could not breathe.”My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes.”At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned.  Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.Most read in Football”It has been a nightmare.  Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe.”I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.I was a goalkeeper until my mum told me to move outfield – now I’m playing up front in the Premier League”It took me six months before I fully got my sight back.”Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse.”The days afterwards were traumatic for me. I know I will never feel the same as I used to.”I recognised the accused woman straight away.  She was wearing sunglasses even though it was 11pm.”I want justice.  Why has this happened to me?  My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives.”This hugely delayed my move to Brentford. I missed their pre-season, and when I arrived the manager [Thomas Frank] said he had already drawn up his first team.’I HAVE BECOME MORE WITHDRAWN'”He sympathised with me, and gave me time to adapt – but I got injured quickly as I wasn’t feeling great.”After the attack I reacted like a father more than a footballer, and told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.”Since that time I have become withdrawn. I can no longer tolerate being around people I don’t know.”I don’t now express as much love as I used to, and when I’m walking I instinctively look behind me.”And at nights I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself.”My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened.”I have been offered an operation. But I have refused, as this is part of my personal history.”My wife and I have to see a psychologist, and she suffered depression. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We got married soon after the incident, as you never know what fate holds in store for you.”The trial continues. More

MANCHESTER UNITED have admitted they are at risk of breaching PSR in a shock letter written to their fan groups.The club posted losses before tax of £312.9million over the last three years.Man Utd have admitted they are in danger of breaching PSR rulesCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has since implemented cost-cutting measures including reducing the salaries of club ambassadors Denis Irwin, Andy Cole and Bryan Robson.The club state in a letter to The 1958 fan group that the current level of losses is not sustainable – with PSR (profit and sustainability rules) limiting clubs to a total loss of £120m across three years.United are seeking ways to avoid a breach which could mean selling an academy graduate as they guarantee pure profit – Alejandro Garnacho has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this month.And they have now written to fans’ groups after they voiced concerns that the need to cut losses could result in ticket prices increasing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEarlier this season United introduced a flat rate ticket for members costing £66, without consulting fans.A letter sent to The 1958 and FC58 Coalition read: “As previously communicated, we are however currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years. “This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.“We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here.”That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.“None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restoring financial sustainability to the club which will underpin us as we work to get back to the top of English and European football.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED fans made jokes at their club’s expense after taking a look at Amad’s dodgy training kit.United have had troubles on and off the pitch this season.Amad Diallo’s training top featured an upside-down crestCredit: ReutersThey are 13th in the Premier League table having lost 10 of their 22 league games, with Ruben Amorim even smashing a TV following their defeat to Brighton at the weekend.Off the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe has attracted criticism for his cost-cutting measures, which has led some to poke fun at the latest mishap.Players gathered for training as normal but there was one anomaly – Amad’s training top.That is because the United crest on the jacket was upside down.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans joked that it has epitomised the state of the club in recent weeks.One reacted saying: “If you want to realise the depths of broke we are, Amadis wearing a tracky top off DH Gate”The club, and crest, is truly upside down.”Another added: “Lmfao what on earth.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “As bad as being 13th in the league table 🙃🤡”And another commented: “We’re that broke huh?”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did it More

DAN MICCICHE played a key role in developing Arsenal talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly using some unique methods.The experienced youth coach was previously England Under-16s boss where he worked with Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, to name just a few.Dan Micciche is Player Development Lead Coach in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyMicciche, left, helped Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Marc Guehi become starsHe also helped nurture Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyHe has since worked at Arsenal, where he nurtured the talent of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, helping the former to create history by becoming the youngest player to make his debut in the Premier League.Micciche, 45, worked as Arsenal U15s boss for three years before moving on to the U18s for the 2021-22 campaign, and he is not surprised to see that pair now in the first-team given their focus as teenagers.Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have slotted seamlessly into the first-team – the end product of a long journey that is as much about developing the person as the player.Micciche knows better than most the importance of coaching every aspect of a player, and while they have to be technically excellent to handle first-team training, their physicality and education is equally important.READ MORE ON ARSENALMicciche told SunSport: “You’ve got to be careful not to specialise them too early. One, it is important they play other sports, in particular ones that transfer into football, but secondly positionally as well.”The more they can, for physical literacy, utilise other sports in a controlled manner, the better.”[Take] yoga and gymnastics. Gymnastics is brilliant for non-weight bearing, flexibility and suppleness and discipline as well. What a lot of these sports often test in individuals is being disciplined.”So it’s important that we keep an open mind in football to what benefits we can get from other sports that can then transfer across.”Most read in FootballEducation on and off the pitch can be crucial for a young player to succeed.But rather than bombard budding footballers with instructions and rules, Micciche likes to place his trust in his players and allow them to come up with their own strategies, either as a group or individually.Former Arsenal coach Dan Micciche explains the hidden challenges with youth footballers He continued: “Their education is very important to making sure that you are developing the whole person and not just the footballer, and giving them a lot of variety, because if you want good decision makers and problem solvers, they have got to be able to think independently rather than be controlled by a coach.”You need them to be outstanding decision-makers, so you develop that by one, creating an environment that allows them to make decisions and two, giving them a lot of variety, in terms of competition, game formats, systems of play, etc.”Because the variety gives them different problems to solve, and that’s the game as well. They’re going to come up in their career against different types of opponents and different systems.It’s about giving more ownership and responsibility to the playersDan Micciche”And they got to be able to deal with that and they have got to be able to recognise what they are up against and how to get the better of their direct opponent.”So if he is quicker than them, how are they going to outwit them, how are they going to make up for the fact they are not as quick as their direct opponent, how are they going to overcome that?”Leadership is a big one as well. We often hear people say ‘we’ve got no leaders anymore, we’ve got no characters anymore’. “And obviously, society has changed and they have got a lot more distractions now than back in the day, but you can still do so many things to develop those leadership qualities and that is sort of taking the control away from the coach and giving more ownership and responsibility to the players.”Micciche practices what he preaches and his methods helped him win the Nike International Tournament Cup with a side containing future England stars Marc Guehi, Angel Gomes, Emile Smith Rowe, as well as Foden and Sancho.A lot of the success was down to his players, not just because of their talent but the fact they led meetings and sessions thanks to Micciche’s encouragement.Liverpool star Curtis Jones once came up with a corner routine inspired by Philippe Couthino on the training pitches at Melwood.Jones ended up scoring from a corner in a match for England, leading it to be called the “Curtinho”.Delivering on the pitch has helped the likes of Jones, Foden and Palmer break into their respective teams and represent England at major tournaments.Top 20 players Dan Micciche has coachedPhil FodenCole PalmerJadon SanchoMarc GuehiCurtis JonesAngel GomesEmile Smith RoweMorgan Gibbs-WhiteCalum Hudson-OdoiEthan NwaneriMyles Lewis-SkellyTrevoh ChalobahMatt O’RileyRyan SessegnonOliver SkippOmari HutchinsonRhian BrewsterBali MumbaCharlie PatinoEthan AmpaduNwaneri and Lewis-Skelly could be the next in line for Thomas Tuchel’s side after breaking through this season, having also stood out with big moments in their youth careers.Asked what made them catch his eye, Micciche said: “Those two are technically outstanding. He’s (Mikel Arteta) had them over there since a very young age. He knew about them when they were 14.”First of all it was their focus to play football. They’re great lads but when it is time to train and play they were always 100 per cent focused and committed to what they are doing.”There was never at any time an issue of them lacking focus or that willingness to improve, their mentality was incredible, although they ticked all the boxes. “Technically outstanding, physically they were efficient movers, their football athleticism was good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They delivered when it counts. They won a lot of youth tournaments together, when it came to semi-finals and finals they would deliver that.”They would score goals, they would create goals, they would dominate games. That’s what the best players do, they deliver in big moments and that’s what they did.” More

RUBEN AMORIM is keeping a close eye on Chido Obi-Martin by inviting him to Manchester United first-team training.The former Arsenal wonderkid, 17, has been making headlines in United’s youth ranks during his first season with the club.Chido Obi Martin has been recently called up to train with United’s first teamRuben Amorim and his staff are keeping a close eye on Obi-MartinObi-Martin scored twice in a 5-2 Youth Cup win against Preston North End, having also produced a pinpoint ball for Jack Fletcher’s goal.And the teenager is already mingling with senior players after joining a few training sessions, according to The Mail.He’s often invited the day after first-team matches when numbers in Amorim’s sessions are slightly low due to recovery.United won’t rush him up to the Premier League just yet as they carefully manage his development.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut his progress is becoming increasingly familiar to Amorim and his staff as they monitor him in training.Obi-Martin, the record goalscorer in U18s Prem history, has bagged 10 goals in his first nine appearances for the Red Devils U18s and U21s.The young Dane spent two years in the Gunners’ youth system after joining from Copenhagen in 2022.He starred for the North London side’s academy, catching the eye by scoring 10 goals in one match against Liverpool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, his 32 goals in 18 matches saw him scoop the U18 Premier League golden boot last term.His progress is handy as Amorim has problems up front.’His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red DevilsRasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee cost a combined £108.5million but have managed a total of five Prem goals this season.Amad Diallo’s is the club’s top goalscorer this term with six goals.United will be strongly linked with a summer pursuit of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Obi-Martin is an exciting future option.Obi-Martin turns 18 in November and is believed to have left Arsenal for United due to the better pathway to first-team football.Left-back Harry Amass, who has been named in several first-team squads already, also played against Preston.And winger Amir Ibragimov, 16, has impressed with people at the club comparing him to Wayne Rooney.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton saw United sink to a new 131-year low.It was their sixth loss from 12 home Prem games this season — and it was 1893-94 last time they made such a dismal start to a league season. More