More stories

  • in

    How Chelsea could line up under Mauricio Pochettino if he takes over with ex-Tottenham boss making Harry Kane transfer

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has his eyes on the Chelsea job if Graham Potter is sacked.SunSport exclusively revealed that the former Tottenham manager is waiting in the wings should Potter get the boot.
    How Chelsea could line up under Mauricio Pochettino
    Pochettino could be tempted to swoop for Harry Kane if he is appointed Chelsea bossCredit: AFP or licensors
    The 50-year-old parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2022.
    And SunSport understands he would be willing to take the Chelsea job if called upon, despite his affiliation with bitter rivals Tottenham.

    Pochettino managed Spurs for five years before being sacked in 2019, just months after losing the Champions League final.
    Harry Kane rose to prominence under the guidance of Pochettino, and he could be tempted to break Spurs hearts with a swoop for the striker if appointed.
    Read More In Football
    Chelsea are in dire need of a goalscorer, with summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netting just once in the Premier League this season.
    Kane is out of contract at Spurs in the summer of 2024.
    Paul Merson recently urged Manchester United to sign Kane, who came close to joining Manchester City 18 months ago.
    But the England striker has also been linked with the Blues in the past.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Joao Felix is another attacking option for Pochettino, if he is appointed.
    The 23-year-old is set to join Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season.
    Elsewhere, Enzo Fernandez has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
    There is an Argentinian connection with Pochettino, who could swoop for the World Cup winning midfielder.
    Current boss Potter is under pressure, with some fans chanting the name of old manager Thomas Tuchel during Sunday’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. More

  • in

    Fans all say the same thing as Facundo Pellistri finally makes Man Utd debut in Carabao Cup win against Charlton

    LAST month Facundo Pellistri had played 182 more minutes at the World Cup for Uruguay than he had for Manchester United. However, last night the 21-year-old finally kicked off his United career by coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
    Facundo Pellistri came off the bench to make his Man Utd debutCredit: AP
    Pellistri signed for the club in October 2020Credit: AFP
    A short but sweet debut for the 21-year-old
    Erik ten Hag only granted Pellistri six minutes plus injury time off the bench against Charlton as he replaced Anthony Elanga late on.
    In his short time on the pitch he showed off his dribbling ability before creating Marcus Rashford’s first goal of the night as he became the first United player to score in eight consecutive home games since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

    And his cameo was enough to convince the Old Trafford faithful he deserves more minutes.
    Taking to Twitter, one user said: “Pellistri deserves to play more man. He looks so sharp.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    A second user wrote: “Pellistri also giving Ten Hag something to think about after that cameo, hopefully he gets more game time, very impressive showing from the Uruguayan.”
    A third said: “Need to see more of Pellestri. Did so well off the bench and got an assist on his debut. Definitely an option moving forward.”
    A fourth user pleaded: “I want to see more of Pellestri!”
    With Pellistri convincing fans he warrants more game time, many called for him to be elevated above Elanga – who played through the middle last night – in the squad pecking order.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    One user’s analysis read: “Facundo Pellistri has to stay & be given a chance at United. He’s a much better option than Elanga. Brings something different from the right-wing.”
    Another user added: “Get Pellestri more game time! Offers more in 5 minutes than Elanga has in 5 months.”
    After finally making his debut following his arrival in October 2020, Pellistri took to Twitter to celebrate.
    He said: “The day has come! 🤯. Happy to make my official debut! ♥️”
    The winger clearly left an impression on Ten Hag as well, with the Dutchman saying: “I see a future in Facundo Pellistri, it’s very clear that he’s progressing.
    “I was also happy with him in the World Cup. Well done, keep going.”
    He added: “He’s come on and had an effect so that’s the next step. I say well done, better, and keep going.”
    According to Jonas Hen Shrag, Pellistri has already “received formal January loan offers” from both Valencia and Flamengo, but considering his impressive debut he may have earned a spot in the team going forward. More

  • in

    Man City boss Guardiola says he has ‘ridiculous idea’ of how he can guide side to derby triumph against Ten Hag’s troops

    PEP GUARDIOLA says he has a “ridiculous” idea on how he can beat Erik ten Hag in Saturday’s Manchester Derby.Title-chasing Manchester City will make the short trip to Old Trafford in desperate need of three points.
    Guardiola says he has a ‘ridiculous’ idea on how he can beat Ten Hag’s UnitedCredit: Getty
    Guardiola’s men sit five points behind league leaders Arsenal, who take on Tottenham on Sunday.
    The last time City met Manchester United, they ran out 6-3 winners at the Etihad, with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland netting hat-tricks.
    But since then, United have been hard to beat, and they’ve won eight consecutive competitive games under Ten Hag heading into Saturday’s clash.
    And for that reason, Guardiola has a “ridiculous” idea that he plans to use to beat United.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He said: “I would like to arrive against United with the average of minutes in the legs of the players quite similar because I have a few ideas, thoughts, ridiculous ones against United.”
    Guardiola coming up with “ridiculous” ideas that end up paying off come as no surprise these days.
    The Spaniard effectively used a false-nine system at Barcelona, with Lionel Messi being his focal point.
    He deployed such tactics last season when his City team were without a recognised striker, but that didn’t stop them from winning the league.
    Most read in Football

    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Right-back Joao Cancelo has been played on the left side of the defence.
    Again, it sounds rather bonkers but it has worked effectively for City in the past.

    Sometimes Guardiola’s big ideas can blow up in his face, though.
    In the Champions League 2020 quarter-final, Guardiola switched to a 3-5-2 formation to counter the speed of Lyon –  a side that had beaten the Sky Blues in the group stage of the competition.
    But City went on to lose the one-off game 3-1 with Moussa Dembele bagging a brace and Maxwel Cornet getting the other.
    On a potential line-up, Guardiola said: “I don’t have a clear line-up against United.
    “I didn’t watch their last games. I have to see the way they play at home and if they change something.”
    City’s next five games are season-defining More

  • in

    Dan Burn leaves Newcastle dressing room in stitches by performing wacky dance to celebrate scoring in Carabao Cup win

    NEWCASTLE cup hero Dan Burn had the changing room in stitches with a celebratory dance after scoring against Leicester City.The defender netted the go-ahead goal at St James’ Park that helped the Magpies beat the Foxes in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
    Dan Burn performed a wacky dance for his Newcastle team-mates
    His team-mates found it hilarious
    Burn netted a vital goal for the Magpies against Leicester City in the Carabao CupCredit: Reuters
    During the post-game celebrations, Burn performed an incredibly wacky dance for his team-mates.
    Manager Eddie Howe was praising him for scoring his goal and then his fellow Newcastle squad members started to request him to “dance”.
    The 30-year-old graciously accepted, which was quite a sight with his 6ft 7in frame.
    After the performance, Burn said he was inspired by watching Magpies winger Jacob Murphy.
    READ MORE ON NEWCASTLE
    He was asked about the dance and told Sky Sports: “Last time I did a dance like that, I didn’t score for two years.
    “So I hope it is not going to be the same again.”
    The dance also went down well with the club’s fans as one commented: “I’m crying, I love him more than my life.”
    A second wrote: “Best dancer in the league.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    A third said: “He is living his best life in his heart club. It’s downright beautiful. Apart from the glitter and the starlets, football is so endearing.”
    A fourth added: “This is a belter.”
    Newcastle were joined in the semi-finals by Manchester United following their 3-0 win over Charlton.
    The two sides will have to wait to find out their next opponents as Nottingham Forest take on Wolves and Southampton face Manchester City in the other quarter-finals tomorrow. More

  • in

    Everton set to rival Aston Villa in transfer race for Villarreal’s former Bournemouth attacker Arnaut Danjuma

    EVERTON are set to enter the race for former Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma.Under-pressure Frank Lampard is looking for more edge up front with his goal-shy Toffees finding themselves in another relegation battle.
    Arnaut Danjuma has gone from strength to strength at VillarrealCredit: Getty
    They are now reportedly one of a number of teams in for Danjuma, according to the Mail.
    The 25-year-old has improved since leaving the Vitality after failing to score a single goal in 14 Premier league appearances three seasons ago.
    The winger is now thriving at Villarreal and proving to be a regular threat.
    He netted 16 goals in 34 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League last season.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Danjuma could be the perfect antidote for Everton who have lacked threat going forward.
    Only Nottingham Forest and Wolves have scored fewer goals in the Premier League than the Toffees.
    But they are one of a few teams who could pounce for the Villarreal man this month.
    GiveMeSport report that the attacker is Unai Emery’s “top choice” to bring to Aston Villa.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The ex-Arsenal boss is looking to bolster his attacking options and add depth out wide.
    He managed Danjuma during his two years in charge of Villarreal.
    West Ham have also been strongly linked to the attacker.
    The Hammers find themselves fourth-bottom and struggling for form this season and were believed to be interested in Danjuma during the summer.
    The Dutch international had also once caught the eye of Manchester United, according to reports. More

  • in

    Man Utd player ratings: Rashford is unplayable, Martinez makes welcome return but Elanga fails to take his chance

    MANCHESTER UNITED got past Charlton to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final after a double off the bench by Marcus Rashford.A stunning goal from Antony gave the Red Devils the lead in the first-half.
    Marcus Rashford has continued his amazing run of formCredit: Getty
    Anthony Elanga struggled while playing up frontCredit: Getty
    Before super-sub Marcus Rashford scored twice late in the game to make it EIGHT home games in a row in which he has netted.
    The England striker’s interventions made the scoreline more flattering for a United side who were not at their best.
    Meanwhile, there was also a moment of concern in the first-half when Diogo Dalot went off injured.
    SunSport’s Martin Blackburn looked at who played well and who didn’t against Charlton.
    READ MORE MANCHESTER UNITED
    Tom Heaton – 7
    Twenty years after he first signed for the club, he finally got his first team debut. Not many shots to save but the veteran’s handling was secure on his big night.
    Diogo Dalot – 6
    Fired an early effort over but just his second start since the World Cup ended early due to another injury. Replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka on 34 mins.
    Harry Maguire – 6
    Club captain given another start and another clean sheet but one or two hairy moments again – and rightly booked for clumsy foul on Sessegnon.
    Lisandro Martinez – 7
    First start since winning the World Cup and like he’d never been away with a couple of trademark crunching tackles and organising at the back.
    Most read in Football
    Tyrell Malacia – 6
    Linked up well with Garnacho down the left. Booked late on for a foul which could have proved costly for the hosts. 
    Scott McTominay – 6
    Found starts hard to come by this season – and helped United take control in the middle. Could have settled any nerves but saw late shot blocked.
    Fred – 7
    Played ball out to Anthony for the opener and rattled the post with a sensational 25 yard free kick towards the end of first half. Made way for Eriksen on the hour.
    Antony – 7
    Curled home a beauty for the opening goal and went close again after the break.
    Looked a threat yet his reluctance to use his right peg is surely a concern.  Subbed off the hour. 
    Kobbie Mainoo, aged only 17, made his first senior Manchester United startCredit: Getty
    Kobbie Mainoo – 5
    Teen midfielder given a chance after impressing in the friendlies in Spain last month. Some nice touches and showed signs of promise before being replaced by the more experienced Casemiro. 
    Alejandro Garnacho – 7
    Nice pull back for Dalot and saw early an shot deflected wide. Young Argentine wideman gets crowd off their seats and looks to have a bright future.
    Anthony Elanga – 5
    Played as a centre forward but barely touched the ball in the first half and saw a goal chalked off for offside after the re-start.  Not a natural down the middle. 
    Read More on The Sun
    Subs
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (on for Dalot, 34 mins) – 6
    Marcus Rashford (on for Antony, 60 mins) – 8
    The England international made an impact again – what a run of form he’s having.
    He’s now scored in United’s last eight games consecutively.
    Casemiro (on for Mainoo, 60 mins) – 6
    Christian Eriksen (on for Fred, 60 mins) – 6
    Facundo Pellestri (on for Elanga, 84 mins) – 6 More

  • in

    Newcastle face transfer battle with Barcelona in bid to sign Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko

    NEWCASTLE will bid to tempt German rising star Youssoufa Moukoko into a summer move on a free.But Barcelona believe they are favourites to land the 18-year-old forward, who became his country’s youngest ever World Cup player in Qatar.
    Moukoko has become one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe after brilliant performances at DortmundCredit: Getty
    Borussia Dortmund want Moukoko to sign a new deal but for £60,000 a week — compared to £85,000 he could get at Newcastle or Barca.
    Toon have not spoken directly to the youngster but boss Eddie Howe wants him on board.
    Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “We would like a decision quite promptly. It is important for all parties to have clarity.”
    The teenager has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as well as Barcelona.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Man City, PSG and Real Madrid have also monitored him in the past.
    Moukoko has been consistently impressive at Dortmund and has contributed 11 goals and eight assists in 59 appearances for Dortmund
    The attacker also became the youngest professional footballer in 2020 at the age of just 16.
    The Dortmund man’s contractual situation suits Newcastle who are looking for affordable deals in the window.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The Magpies are currently targeting free transfers in an attempt to bolster their squad while remaining within Financial Fair Play regulations.
    The club are looking to land a Champions League place after their extraordinary turnaround under Howe.
    The club currently sit 3rd in the table ahead of the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool. More

  • in

    Mauricio Pochettino has eyes on Chelsea job if under-fire Graham Potter is given boot after miserable run

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO is waiting in the wings to become the new Chelsea boss if Graham Potter is sacked.The former Tottenham chief has been out of work since being axed by French giants Paris Saint-Germain in July.
    Chelsea boss Graham Potter is under mounting pressure at Stamford BridgeCredit: GETTY
    Ex-Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is interested in taking the job if Potter is axedCredit: GETTY
    Blues chief Todd Boehly could decide to wield the axe if results don’t improveCredit: AP
    Potter is under huge pressure at Stamford Bridge following a shocking run of only one win in seven games in all competitions.
    Fans turned on the ex-Brighton man following their dismal 4-0 FA Cup third-round exit at Manchester City on Sunday.
    And SunSport understands Argentine Poch, 50, would be willing to take over if Chelsea called.
    But his affiliation with the Blues’ hated rivals Spurs has always been seen as an issue to him moving to West London.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Pochettino still has a home in the capital and spent a lot of time in the country, even when he was at PSG.
    It is understood the Blues board are already considering Potter’s future — despite only hiring him in September.
    However, the 47-year-old is expected to be given the rest of this month to see if he can turn things around.
    But a poor result against local rivals Fulham tomorrow could see the end of his short reign.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Under-pressure Potter said of Sunday’s defeat to City: “The first half was painful and tough for us all.
    “We were second best to a very, very good side. We are not in a great moment and even though it was a cagey first 20 minutes we couldn’t attack the backline well enough, we couldn’t attack as well as we would like.
    “Manchester City are very good at stopping you doing that but at the same time we struggled.
    “In terms of the Premier League, we have lost four matches – to Newcastle away, when we had nine players unavailable, we lost 1-0 to Arsenal, we lost on a bad day to Brighton and we lost to Manchester City.
    “We have also drawn to Manchester United and Brentford so the results in a small space of time aren’t positive.
    “You can make excuses and look for reasons or say it isn’t good enough. Both of those answers are correct.
    “We have to keep improving and stick together because clearly we are suffering as a football club and it’s not nice at all. But that’s where we are at the moment.” More