More stories

  • in

    Gary Neville names four Man Utd stars who must leave this summer and the transfer exit that’s a ‘step too far’

    GARY NEVILLE has named four Manchester United players he thinks should leave the club this summer.He’s also pinpointed one player who can’t be allowed to leave – despite speculation linking with with an exit.Gary Neville has named the players he thinks Man Utd should sellCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been tipped to leave Old Trafford permanentlyCredit: GettyThe Red Devils endured a nightmare season both in the Premier League and in Europe this term.They finished the campaign 15th in the Prem table with 18 fewer points than last season.United also failed to qualify for European football after losing to Spurs in the Europa League final last month.Several players are now expected to be sold in the coming months, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe targetting a rebuild.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd former right-back Neville has named the players he thinks should be in line for the axe.Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, the 50-year-old said: “Marcus Rashford has to leave for him and the club. I think that ship has sailed and he needs to find himself another club.”I would worry that Aston Villa haven’t announced that they’re keeping him already because I think that could have been an easy deal to do with United if they were going to keep him, so it sounds to me like Villa aren’t going to keep him.”I would say for Marcus’ sake and for United’s sake that it feels like that path has come to an end.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNeville can also see a similar situation unfolding with Jadon Sancho following his Chelsea loan spell.He continued: “I feel a little bit similarly with him as I do with Marcus. I’d be a bit concerned that Chelsea haven’t made the noises that they’re going to keep him.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!The Red Devils are set to seek a permanent move for Jadon SanchoCredit: AlamyThe former United defender believes Antony should stay in SpainCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho has been told by Ruben Amorim that he will have no place in the United squad next seasonCredit: Getty”Again, Manchester United have to make sure they part ways with him and, from Jadon’s point of view, he has to make sure that he parts ways with Manchester United.”Since Neville’s comments, it’s emerged that Chelsea will NOT take up their option to sign Sancho.The former England right-back also believes that Man Utd should consider selling Antony to a club in Spain following his loan spell with Real Betis.Neville explained: “I can imagine he was absolutely going under while he was at Old Trafford.”He’s gone to Spain and having seen a couple of players that I played with not do it Old Trafford but do it in Spain… I think he’s suited down to the ground and it’s been proven.”Over there, there’s a different tactical awareness, there’s a different technical ability and there’s a way of playing that’s just more suited to players.”The players I’m referring to are players like Kleberson or Diego Forlan. It just didn’t quite happen for them but they had really good careers and I think there are players like that who just aren’t suited to a league.”I think Antony is perfect for Spain and, again, somebody who Manchester United should facilitate leaving. It’s best for Antony and best for the club.”Alejandro Garnacho has been embroiled in a public fallout with United head coach Ruben Amorim over the last few weeks.The 20-year-old was left furious after being limited to just 20 minutes of match time in last month’s Europa League final defeat in Bilbao.His brother then claimed that he was “thrown under the bus” by Amorim.Garnacho has now been told that he will not have a place in the Man Utd squad next season.And Neville believes the club should cash-in on the forward when they can.He continued: “I think if players are taking on the manager and if players are questioning the manager in public through social media or through other means, the manager has to win.”If the manager doesn’t win, the manager has to leave and I don’t think that’s going to happen this time. That’s happened far too many times before. I think Garnacho will leave purely because of that, I think they’ve had enough.”Garnacho can play in the Premier League, no doubt, but I think he’ll love it in Spain, he’ll thrive over there, he’ll score goals. He’ll probably be someone next season that we’re all looking back on thinking, ‘Why didn’t Manchester United keep him?’, that type of thing will probably happen, there’s an element of that, but I think he has to go.”That’s not me throwing my toys out the pram and saying, ‘Get him out the club’… no, for him and the club, I think it’s right that he goes.”Those four players should leave, not just because Manchester United should let them go, but because they should go and find themselves a place in their lives where they can go and play football because it’s not at Old Trafford.”Kobbie Mainoo is another player who has been linked with an exit in recent months.However, Neville insists he still has a place at Old Trafford and could be a crucial asset for the Red Devils in the future.”Mainoo, no. That’s a step too far,” he concluded. “If we can’t give Kobbie Mainoo a job in that two in midfield… I look at Mainoo and the way he plays football and I think a top club would want him.”Why can’t we make him a top player? If he’s one of ours and he’s shown talent.”I don’t know what’s gone on there in the last few months. He’s obviously had some injuries which has caused him a problem so he needs to stay fit, but I’d like to think he could be one of that two in midfield that Ruben Amorim plays.”It’s probably not Casemiro as his partner and it’s probably not Ugarte as his partner, it’s probably someone else in there who is better than those two, if I’m being honest.”But we should be building around Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield and not because he’s come through the ranks.”The Red Devils have already made one signing this summer.Read More on The SunMatheus Cunha has joined in a £62.5million transfer from Wolves.Bryan Mbuemo looks set to follow after choosing to join the club over any other Premier League side.Neville has called for Kobbie Mainoo to stayCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Chelsea striker curse laid bare with £550m spent, only five hits and no No9 for two years – can Delap finally break it?

    OVER the last 22 years Chelsea have spent almost £550million on strikers — but only a handful have proven to be a success.The No9 shirt has been “cursed” at Stamford Bridge and nobody has worn the number since flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed two years ago with one league goal to his name.Liam Delap is joining Chelsea from Ipswich for £30mCredit: GettyThe club have a long-running striker curse dating back to Adrian MutuCredit: GettyNobody has worn the No9 shirt since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leftCredit: RexLiam Delap is next to fill the centre-forward boots, arriving for £30m from Ipswich.But despite the 22-year-old’s talent shining through in a relegated side, there are no guarantees he will end the club’s long-standing nightmare.It dates back to 2003 when Adrian Mutu arrived for £15.8m from Parma.The Romanian managed just six Premier League goals before he was released following a positive test for cocaine.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince then, the likes of Hernan Crespo, Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres have all failed to match expectations after joining for massive fees.In more recent times, Alvaro Morata and Timo Werner have been added to the long list of big-money mistakes.Romelu Lukaku has cost Chelsea a total of £117.5m, taking into account his two spells at Stamford Bridge.And in his 36 league matches, the Belgian hit the back of the net a disappointing eight times at a rate of £14.7m per Prem goal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe difficulties also stretch to loan signings like Radamel Falcao, Alexandre Pato and Gonzalo Higuain.They managed just seven goals between them before the club happily showed them the exit door.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsEven away from centre-forwards, the “cursed” No9 shirt usually worn by goalscorers went to others like midfielder Steve Sidwell and defender Khalid Boulahrouz.Success stories are hard to find with the £24m deal for legend Didier Drogba and the £32m splashed on cult hero Diego Costa among the few that have not been weighed down by the pressure of leading the line for the Blues.But Delap has the ability to join them in becoming a Chelsea hero.His movement is exceptional, he links up play well and boasts the pace to stretch the pitch.The Blues risk becoming predictable in Enzo Maresca’s structured approach and when Nicolas Jackson was out injured, the team struggled for goals and an outlet.But Delap is also a provider, creating 21 chances for his Ipswich team-mates on top of his 12 goals for a side that hit the back of the net just 36 times all season.BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes Delap can be Harry Kane’s England successor, saying: “I think he’s the best young English striker out there. “I know he’s got a bit to learn, and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league, but he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.Read More on The Sun“I just don’t see a weakness for him. He’s scored enough goals in a struggling side, really, but he gets a lot of chances and he’ll score more.“He’s just got that lovely balance between physical and technical. Rarely you get both. He’s really just super talented.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAndriy Shevchenko was another expensive flopCredit: Times Newspapers LtdFernando Torres’ form dipped when he arrived at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Tottenham tipped to appoint Man Utd legend after speaking to other managers over replacing Ange Postecoglou

    TOTTENHAM have been tipped to appoint Manchester United legend Michael Carrick after speaking to potential replacements for Ange Postecoglou.The Aussie’s future remains in doubt despite guiding Spurs to glory in the Europa League.Tottenham have been tipped to appoint Michael Carrick as their new bossCredit: GettySpurs have been speaking to other managers amid doubts over Ange Postecoglou’s futureCredit: EPAThe Londoners finished the Premier League season in 17th.And Tottenham chief Daniel Levy has been speaking to other managers about potentially replacing Postecoglou in the dugout this summer.Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have both been linked with the job.While there is also interest in Crystal Palace FA Cup winner Oliver Glasner and Inter Milan Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, former Chelsea, West Ham and England winger Joe Cole reckons Spurs should be looking in another direction.He has urged them to drop their gaze to the Championship and take a look at their former midfielder Carrick, who is now in charge of Middlesbrough.The five-time Premier League winner with Man United has been in charge at the Riverside since October 2022, winning 63 of his 136 games in charge.Carrick’s Boro finished 10th in the table this season, four points off the play-offs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut despite missing out on a promotion push, Cole feels Carrick could be a perfect fit for Tottenham, where he made 75 appearances between 2004 and 2006 as a player.Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League parade“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham  fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.“I’d love to see Glenn back, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”Managerial records: Carrick vs Big AngeMichael CarrickMan Utd (caretaker), Nov-Dec 2021: P3 W2 D1 L0 (W%: 66.67)Middlesbrough, October 2022-Present: P136 W63 D24 L49 (W%: 46.32)Ange PostecoglouSouth Melbourne, 1996-2000: P160 W85 D33 L42 (W%: 53.13)Australia U20s, 2001-2007: P34 W23 D4 L7 (W%: 67.65)Panachaiki, Mar-Dec 2008: P33 W16 D9 L8 (W%: 48.48)Whittlesea Zebras, Apr-Aug 2009: P16 W2 D4 L10 (W%: 12.50)Brisbane Roar, 2009-2012: P84 W42 D24 L18 (W%: 50.00)Melbourne Victory, 2012-2013: P32 W15 D7 L10 (W%: 46.88)Australia, 2013-2017: P49 W22 D12 L15 (W%: 44.90)Yokohama, 2018-2021: P161 W79 D31 L51 (W%: 49.07)Celtic, 2021-2023: P113 W83 D12 L18 (W% 74.5)Tottenham, 2023-Present: P101 W47 D15 L39 (W%: 46.53)TrophiesSouth Melbourne: National Soccer League x2, Oceania Club ChampionshipBrisbane Road: A-League x 2Yokohama: J1 LeagueCeltic: Scottish Premiership x2, Scottish League Cup x2, Scottish CupTottenham: Europa LeagueAustralia: AFC Asian Cup More

  • in

    Bryan Mbeumo ‘chooses Man Utd over Arsenal with transfer talks with Brentford to begin in huge boost to Ruben Amorim’

    BRYAN MBEUMO has decided to join Manchester United over Arsenal, according to reports.The winger has a year left on his Brentford contract and is expected to leave the club this summer.Bryan Mbeumo has picked Man Utd over ArsenalCredit: GettyMbeumo has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.But he has chosen United and the Red Devils are set to open talks with the Bees over his transfer, reports The Athletic.Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are also said to be in the running to sign the Cameroon international. Mbeumo, 25, is hot property after scoring 20 Prem goals this season, while notching eight assists.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Brentford ace returned from a lengthy injury he sustained in the 2023-24 and proved his fitness, featuring in all 38 league games.Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted his talisman could be sold this summer if the right offer was made.He said: “If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it.”United are looking to complete their transfer business early this summer having already wrapped up a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey have also been linked with a move for former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as Ruben Amorim seeks to bolster his attack.Ipswich’s breakout star Liam Delap was the club’s No1 striker target, but the former Manchester City academy star is set to join Chelsea instead.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!United scored just 44 league goals this term, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund netting just four times.That has led Amorim to overhaul his forward line, with Alejandro Garnacho set to join a list of potential departures that includes Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony. More

  • in

    Man Utd 2025/26 home kit ‘LEAKED’ as fans fume ‘Adidas aren’t even trying anymore’

    Manchester United fans are seeing red and not in a good way after the club’s new home kit was leaked online.The 2025/26 Adidas-made strip has sparked fury across social media with furious Reds supporters slamming the red shirt with black and white collar.The United kit will have a different style to the collar next seasonCredit: EPAThe new kit has got fans fuming after it was leakedCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMThe new kit is expected in the market later this monthCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMImages circulating online show a minimal design with barely any detailing, aside from the iconic badge and Adidas logo — with some fans joking that “Adidas aren’t even trying anymore.”One fan fumed on X: “We need to ditch Adidas at the earliest opportunity. “Ironically the ‘bus seat’ kit (which I hated) is the best of the bunch here.”Another joked: “Matches the quality of football at Old Trafford in recent years.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe kit includes an Old Trafford-inspired sleeve graphic, marking the first time in many years that Manchester United has featured sleeve prints on their home shirts.The words ‘Theatre of Dreams’ are printed on the collar and the kit will be available at some point this month, with white shorts and black socks as the primary combination.Some fans, however, aren’t impressed by the design details, comparing it to previous seasons. One commented: “Pretty much a blend of the last two seasons’ kits, very bland, Adidas are definitely running out of new kit ideas.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAdidas, who signed a £900 million mega-deal with United in 2015 for 10 years, are now facing mounting pressure from fans to show more creativity and respect for the club’s rich heritage.One tongue-in-cheek post read: “Next season they’ll just hand us red vests and say it’s ‘retro’.”’With you, I started to smile again’ – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exitUnited have yet to officially unveil the kit but if the online backlash is anything to go by, they might want to head back to the drawing board.United’s poor performance on the pitch has left fans fuming.They finished 15th in the league and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, who hadn’t won a trophy in 17 years. More

  • in

    Chelsea announce first summer signing as star, 20, who broke Luis Figo’s record joins in £18.5m transfer

    CHELSEA have completed the signing of record-breaking Sporting Lisbon midfielder Dario Essugo.The Blues are paying £18.5million with no add-ons, for their first signing of the summer transfer window – which opened on Sunday.Chelsea have signed 20-year-old star Dário Essugo from Sporting LisbonEssugo has signed an eight-year deal until the summer of 2033 – in keeping with Chelsea’s long contractual transfer policy.The 20-year-old spent last season on loan in LaLiga with Las Palmas, where he became a first team regular scoring once in 27 games.Essugo began his career in Sporting’s academy and became the youngest-ever player to feature for the club.He made his senior debut aged 16 years and six days against Vitoria de Guimaraes in March 2021.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSLater that year, he broke Portuguese icon Luis Figo’s record as the youngest starter for Sporting, aged 16 years, 11 months and 17 days.Essugo then gained experience with Sporting B before featuring 23 times for the club’s first team, under then boss Ruben Amorim.He made two appearances for Sporting at the start of 2024/25 season before joining Las Palmas on loan.Essugo spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Primeira Liga side Chaves, where he made 14 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Portugal Under-21 international will have to battle for a place in a heavily congested Chelsea midfield next season.While Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with an exit after just one season at Stamford Bridge, Essugo still faces competition with Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo for minutes.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionChelsea are also planning to standby their £25million obligation to buy Man Utd flop winger Jadon Sancho this summer.But Todd Boehly and Co. are preparing for a huge summer of sales with up to FOURTEEN players facing the axe.The West London club are days away from confirming Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who completed the first part of his medical on Sunday.Essugo became a regular in loan side Las Palmas last season More

  • in

    Man Utd pre-season fixtures 2025: Full schedule and ticket details as Ruben Amorim prepares for busy summer

    RUBEN AMORIM will be looking ahead to pre-season with plenty of improvement required on the pitch.The Red Devils recorded their worst-ever Premier League season last term with a dreadful 15th-place finish.Ruben Amorim is preparing for a busy summerCredit: AFPMatheus Cunha will make his Man Utd debut during pre-seasonCredit: AFPMan Utd had the chance to save their woeful domestic campaign in the Europa League final, but Amorim’s men fell to a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.Their defeat in the showpiece match means United will not be playing European football next season, and crucially, will not receive the financial reward that comes with the continental competitions.The Red Devils’ squad requires major surgery in all departments, meaning their pre-season work, both on and off the pitch, is crucial.Amorim is set to add Wolves forward Matheus Cunha to his squad after United activated his £62.5million release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans will get a glimpse of the Brazilian in the iconic red shirt during pre-season – SunSport can bring you the lowdown on all the friendlies confirmed so far.Man Utd pre-season fixtures 2025Here are all of Man Utd’s confirmed pre-season friendlies so far – plus ticket details for each match:May 28 – ASEAN All Stars 1-0 Man Utd (post-season)May 30 – Hong Kong 1-3 Man Utd (post-season)July 19 – Man Utd v Leeds United – 2pm BST (Stockholm) – ticket detailsJuly 26 – Man Utd v West Ham – 12am BST (New Jersey; Premier League Summer Series) – ticket detailsJuly 30 – Man Utd v Bournemouth – 2.30am BST (Chicago; Premier League Summer Series) – ticket details August 3 – Man Utd v Everton – 10pm BST (Atlanta; Premier League Summer Series) – ticket details August 9 – Man Utd v Fiorentina – 12.45pm BST (Old Trafford) – tickets not available yetWhen does the 2025/26 Premier League season start?The 2025/26 Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 16/17, 2025.Most read in FootballThe start date allows for the maximum player rest time available – 83 clear days – from the end of the 2024/25 campaign.33 weekend and five midweek match rounds will make up the 2025/26 season.The Premier League states that the schedule “continues to allow more rest time for players over the festive match-round period”.No two rounds of fixtures will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no game on Christmas Eve.The fixtures for the Premier League 2025/26 season will be released at 9am BST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. More

  • in

    Gutted Liverpool fans convinced star has played his last game as stunning partner pens emotional ‘farewell post’

    LIVERPOOL fans are fearing the worst after Luis Diaz’s girlfriend dropped a cryptic social media bombshell – sparking panic that the Colombian winger may have played his last game for the Reds.Diaz, 27, has been a fan favourite since his 2022 arrival from Porto, dazzling Anfield with his silky skills and tireless work rate.Luis Diaz scored 13 goals for Liverpool as they won the leagueCredit: ReutersHe plays with a commitment and fight that the fans loveCredit: EPADiaz could leave Liverpool this summer with interest from abraodCredit: GettyBut supporters were left reeling this week after his partner Gera Ponce posted a seemingly emotional farewell message on Instagram.The post which included a carousel of photos featuring Diaz and their young family, was captioned: “To the incredible Liverpool fansFrom the first day we arrived we felt first-hand what it means to be a part of this club.”We knew the slogan was ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ but to hear it sung with such passion, to see fans support each other at every moment and show such unconditional love.”It confirmed to us that here you truly never walk alone. This fanbase doesn’t just support — it feels. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “And what you’ve made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.”She concluded: “Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication, and for making us feel at home.”Being a part of this fanbase is a privilege. There’s no doubt- they’re the best in the world.”This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms we’ll never walk alone.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe post sent almost the entire Liverpool fanbase into meltdown.One fan replied: “Don’t do this to us, Gera. Is Lucho leaving.”Another added: “This feels like goodbye. Absolutely gutted if true.”The timing of the post has only fuelled speculation coming just days after reports linked Diaz with a move to Barcelona.While no official word has come from the club or Diaz himself, the silence has only increased speculation.Liverpool are already bracing for a big summer, having seen the departure of local hero Trent Alexander-Arnold and the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong. More