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    Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim’s wife glum in gloomy Manchester as boss targets shock Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED have endured yet another difficult week.Last weekend, Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered side bowed out of the FA Cup to Fulham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim’s side bowed out of the FA Cup last weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Devils lost to Fulham on penaltiesCredit: PAAs usual on a Thursday, SunSport’s team of experts take you through the latest goings on behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.CHECK MATEMANCHESTER United are monitoring Jean-Phillippe Mateta and could make a shock summer swoop for the Crystal Palace striker.In-form French frontman Mateta has emerged as a major target for the goal-shy Red Devils.Ruben Amorim admitted following their FA Cup penalty defeat to Fulham that his side is suffering from a goalscoring problem.It means securing a striker in the summer has now become a priority for Old Trafford chiefs.Top of the list is Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim’s former striker at Sporting Lisbon.But despite Gyokeres being keen on the idea of a reunion with Amorim, he’s pushing for a move to a Champions League club, which would make a switch to United a total non-starter.This has led to United casting their net wider, and they’ve watched Mateta’s last three Premier League matches.United’s scouts were also watching on as Mateta was pole-axed by the kung fu assault by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie, which saw the Eagles ace ferried to hospital before receiving 25 stitches in a head wound.Mateta has been in a rich vein of form since the turn of the year, scoring eight in as many Prem games including a double in Palace’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford.The striker, 27, has scored 34 goals in 106 Prem appearances – with 40 of those off the bench – since converting his initial loan move from Mainz into a permanent £11m deal in January 2022.His mobility and willingness to toil as the arrowhead means Amorim’s scouts believe he would be a prime fit for the manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation.The chance to switch from Selhurst to Old Trafford would appeal to a player who believes he is ready to play on one of the game’s grander stages if the opportunity arrives.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starHOME IS WHERE THE HEART ISUnited bosses have re-assured parents and players that the academy remains “at the heart” of the club’s strategy – despite 450 job cuts and cost-cutting measures at the club.Academy Director Nick Cox acknowledged it has been an “unsettling” season given poor results on the pitch for the first team and the “difficult decisions being taken to improve the financial position of the club”.But he added that the “development of young players is at the heart of our strategy for returning the club to the top of English and European football” and that the club remains committed to providing the academy with the money and the staff it needs to be successful.He sent out the message to parents and players in the wake of the announcement earlier this week that up to 200 more staff faced redundancy as part of cost-cutting measures introduced by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Several academy staff were made redundant last summer, with some being told the news as shocked children and parents were being welcomed back to Carrington for the start of the season.A source said: “There’s been an awful lot of negative news coming out of Old Trafford so Nick wanted to try and reassure everyone that United is still the best place for their boys.“They have spent several years getting the academy back up to speed after losing out to Man City for a while, so don’t want all that hard work go to waste.”Academy graduate Toby Collyer made his first team debut this season while Chido Obi-Martin – who arrived from Arsenal in October – was one of the few bright spots in the FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Highly-rated Elyh Harrison, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone and Jack Moorhouse were all on the bench for last month’s defeat at Spurs.United’s Under-18s beat Arsenal 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last week.Chido Obi was in action for Man Utd last weekCredit: GettyThe Red Devils named an inexperienced bench against TottenhamCredit: GettyWINTER OF DISCONTENTManchester United’s winter of misery has put Ruben Amorim in the spotlight.But the city’s miserable winter has taken its toll as well.Training ground talk is that Amorim’s wife Maria has struggled to come to terms with the wind, rain and dark nights over the first few months of his Old Trafford reign.After a preference for the delights of home played a part in Pep Guardiola’s marriage split, there might be some concern if Amorim’s family are not settled in the north west.Ruben Amorim’s wife Maria has not immediately taken to the Manchester weatherCredit: Steve Allen – Commissioned by The SunTRAVEL EXPENSESAny United players unhappy at the prospect of being whisked half way around the world at the end of the season are set to be told there is a financial imperative for the trip.United are due to fly out to the Far East straight after their final Prem game of the campaign against Aston Villa on May 25.Ruben Amorim’s men will meet the Asean All Stars in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on May 28, with a further stop in Hong Kong.But dressing room moaners will be told the estimated £8m the club will earn from the trip is vital as they juggle their finances ahead of an expected season without any European football and after a campaign likely to bring a substantial cut in Prem prize money.The Red Devils went on a lucrative tour last summerCredit: GettyDORG IN THE FIGHTItalian club Lecce saw United coming in January – which is why they had to pay £25m for left-back Patrick Dorgu.Danish youngster Dorgu joined the Serie A side from Nordsjaelland in his homeland on a youth contract in 2022, becoming a fixture in their first team last term.The deal represented pure profit for Lecce, currently just three points above the Serie A drop zone.And the middle man who put the deal together, long-serving agent Frank Trimboli, pointed to the nous of Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino in ensuring United paid top dollar for a key target.Trimboli explained: “Corvino who has a long tradition of buying players cheap, developing them and then selling on for substantial profits.“In his mind he’d done the research and seen what was out there, understood that January is one of those windows where if you have an asset and have to sell, there’s a premium attached – because it is the worst time to sell.”Another factor was the 2023 sale of Dorgu’s fellow Dane, highly-rated defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmund, to Sporting Lisbon for £18m.Hjulmand had arrived in Italy from Austria’s Admira Wacker for just £170,000 barely 18 months previously.Trimboli added: “They knew what previous players have been sold for and started with that number.“Then it came down to market forces, supply and demand.“United knew what they wanted to pay. Lecce knew what they wanted to receive.“There was a bit of brinkmanship that came into play but eventually they got there.”Patrick Dorgu has had an encouraging start to life at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyDIAL IT DOWNFan favourite Amad Diallo was back at Old Trafford on Sunday – but there seems little chance of supporters seeing him on the pitch before last season.Ivorian Amad, who scored the late Manchester derby winner over City and then netted a hat-trick to pull off the comeback victory over Southampton, was spotted at Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by Fulham.Amad, 22, underwent ankle surgery last month and was wearing a protective boot and using a crutch as he made his way into the stadium.While United have publicly stopped short of ruling him out for the season, he did not look like a player expected to be back on the grass any time soon.Amad Diallo is not expected back this seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Moment IShowSpeed is DENIED entry by security after Thierry Henry and Micah Richards invite him on to CBS Sports show

    MICAH RICHARDS apologised to IShowSpeed after he was DENIED entry by security after being invited on to the CBS Sports show. The American streamer was in London when he was told to come into the studio by pundit Richards. IShowSpeed was denied entry by security into CBS’ studiosCredit: CBSFootage of the incident emerged onlineCredit: CBSBut footage showed Speed – real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr – being denied access by the show’s security. So Richards said live on air: “I would like to apologise to IShowSpeed. I’ve been DMing him and he said he wanted to come on the show.”And he came yesterday but his access got denied. I didn’t know he was coming yesterday!”The legend that he is IShowSpeed couldn’t get through the doors. Rejection. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But what I would like to do, what I would like to do, IShowSpeed we would like you to come tonight we’re here till 11pm, Kate, is that right? “We could have a bit of fun. London time of course, we could have a little bit of fun with Thierry and Jamie.” Speed – an avid Cristiano Ronaldo fan – amazingly did show up to the studio eventually – and BACKFLIPPED off the desk. The American social media star recently played against Richards’ CBS colleague Thierry Henry in a charity game in Qatar in February. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Speed claimed Henry’s former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he was faster than the Gunners legend. Speed, 20, said to Henry: “I was talking to your manager and he said you were faster than me [in your prime].”Henry, 47, replied: “Oh yes, maybe. With the ball, for sure,’ said Henry. ‘(Without the ball), I’m not too sure. Check the videos!” The Premier League winner then invited Speed onto the show but he later told Kate Scott, formerly Abdo: “I didn’t! I stay in my lane. I just pass on the message.” Micah Richards left speechless at Kate Abdo introduction on CBS Sports as fans say ‘he turns up to work to get bullied’ More

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    How Myles Lewis-Skelly handed Thomas Tuchel major England dilemma with best and worst of Arsenal wonderkid on display

    WHEN Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager back in October, the world had barely heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly.The left-back had only just made his Arsenal debut as a late sub in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly offers quite the dilemma to England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel is set to name his first ever England squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly has received two red cards already and almost had a third oneCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s temparatent will play a huge role for his England hopesCredit: GettyDuring a post-match fracas at the Etihad, Erling Haaland asked the young Gunner, “Who the f*** are you?” — and Tuchel might well have asked a similar question.Now, as Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad next week, Lewis-Skelly is providing the German’s most fascinating selection dilemma.As Mikel Arteta’s men ran amok in Eindhoven on Tuesday night — obliterating the Dutch champions PSV 7-1 — we saw the good and the bad side of 18-year-old MLS. First, he provided a gorgeous assist for fellow England prospect and old mate Ethan Nwaneri to provide an emphatic finish for the second goal.Read More on ArsenalBut then Lewis-Skelly narrowly avoided a third red card in less than six weeks with two clumsy tackles, which earned him one yellow before he was hooked by Arteta after only 35 minutes.Since Tuchel’s appointment, Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are the only two kids to have burst on to the Premier League scene and into serious contention.For MLS, the prospect of a lightning-fast promotion into the senior squad is far more likely.The Three Lions have been crying out for a fully-fit left-back for years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith Newcastle’s Lewis Hall – who made his international debut under Lee Carsley in November – ruled out for the season, the Arsenal star has a great chance of being called up.England’s premier left-back Luke Shaw is, sadly, almost permanently injured and there are few other options. Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongThe issue is Lewis-Skelly’s temperament.While his first red card against Wolves was rescinded, it was for a wild challenge.His second sending-off, 17 minutes after coming on as sub in the loss to West Ham, saw Lewis-Skelly undone by the positioning of keeper David Raya.It meant his foul on Mohammed Kudus was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity. But in Lewis-Skelly’s first match back, in Eindhoven, the youngster was fortunate to find a lenient referee.Arteta was right to haul Lewis-Skelly off.And then there was the way he marked his first senior goal, mocking Haaland’s goal celebration in the 5-1 hammering of City at the Emirates last month.Was this refreshing self-confidence or premature arrogance?Tuchel faces riskThere is certainly no doubting Lewis-Skelly’s belief but can Tuchel trust such an inexperienced player in World Cup qualifiers?For Nwaneri, just 17 but with eight goals in his breakthrough season, the route to an England place is more crowded.Although his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke will miss Tuchel’s first squad through injury, England have plenty of wide options.Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze are among them.Tuchel is effectively only in the England job for 16 months, with a contract that runs until next year’s World Cup, so he will have less of an eye on the long-term future than predecessor Gareth Southgate.Unless he can envisage a player capable of featuring in the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 next year, he is unlikely to call him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor all his promise, Nwaneri is likely to be on the bench once Saka is fit.So he looks destined for a place in the Under- 21 squad. But for left-back Lewis-Skelly, the World Cup could be calling. More

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    Matheus Cunha facing extended ban as Wolves star is handed extra FA charge after ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card

    MATHEUS CUNHA is facing an extended ban after the FA handed him an extra misconduct charge for his antics at Bournemouth.The Wolves striker was sent off in the closing stages of extra-time in the FA Cup clash for grabbing Milos Kerkez around the neck before he appeared to punch, kick and push his head into the face of the Cherries defender.Matheus Cunha was sent off for an altercation with Milos KerkezCredit: GettyThe striker had a bust-up on the sidelinesCredit: RexReferee Sam Barrott showed Cunha a straight red.The Brazilian, 25, then remonstrated with Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and pushed team-mate Dan Bentley as he was ushered towards the changing room.The FA said: “Matheus Cunha has been charged following the FA Cup tie between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth on Saturday, March 1.“It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner around the 121st minute of the fixture after his dismissal. Matheus Cunha has until Monday, March 10 to provide a response.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe straight red card for violent conduct means Cunha is already suspended for Saturday’s Prem clash with Everton, plus matches with Southampton and West Ham.If the misconduct charge is proven, he faces a one-game extension that would see him miss the crucial trip to relegation rivals Ipswich on April 5.Wolves are currently 17th in the league – five points and one place above the third-bottom Tractor Boys.Cunha — Wolves’ top scorer with 15 goals in all comps — was banned for two matches and fined £80,000 by the FA in December after a row against Ipswich.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe clashed with a member of Ipswich’s staff, grabbing the man’s glasses, and could face further retrospective punishment following the latest incident at the Vitality Stadium.Cunha’s ban was reduced after he apologised to the Ipswich security guard and offered to buy him a new pair of glasses.Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move More

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    Arsenal raise season ticket prices for THIRD year in a row just weeks after chief pocketed £634,000 pay rise

    ARSENAL have raised season ticket prices for the third year in a row just weeks after one club chief pocketed a pay rise worth £634,000.The Gunners first brought in a rise of 5 per cent for the 2023/24 campaign.Arsenal season ticket prices are rising once moreCredit: RexOne Gunners chief saw their pay increase by £634,000 for 2024Credit: RexAnd last year fans were left outraged after they climbed again.Supporters on average had to fork out an extra £72 for the term.But those figures are on the rise again after prices went up for the 2025/26 season.According to the Mirror, Arsenal season tickets will increase by 3.7 per cent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means an ‘upper centre’ season ticket which previously cost £2,050 will now be £2,125 – a £75 climb.While a ‘lower’ one in the wings or corners has gone from £1,073 to £1,112 – up £39.Arsenal are yet to officially announce any rises.But fans will soon be made aware of changes when prices for next season are released in a club communication.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe ticket hike comes after one Arsenal board member was revealed to have bagged a mammoth pay rise for the year.The Telegraph claims the director took home an extra £634,000 for the year.Arsenal legend’s son scores unbelievable volley and leaves team-mates in disbelief That accounts for the price of 298 ‘upper centre’ season tickets for next term.While the same figure would cover the cost of 570 ‘lower’ ones.Reports of price increases have come a day after Arsenal set SIX records in their 7-1 demolition of PSV.The Gunners put one foot in the Champions League quarters as they blew their opponents away.And fans will be hoping it can inspire Arsenal to victory in their next Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday. More

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    Man Utd quickly act to protect Chido Obi as hoax pages emerge after former Arsenal starlet first-team debut

    MANCHESTER UNITED have come to the aid of Chido Obi after fans set up social media pages impersonating him.The 17-year-old has made first-team three appearances under Ruben Amorim following his move from Arsenal earlier this season.Man Utd are tackling accounts pretending to be Chido Obi onlineCredit: GettyBut since making his debut, the young striker has been the subject of hoax accounts on social media.There has been a surge in pages being created that fool supporters into thinking they are the real player.Man Utd are said to be protective over this happening to teenagers and Obi has been a target.The club recently acted quickly to tackle the issue by removing these fake accounts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd confirmed to SunSport its something done “routinely” to help all players.Obi made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on February 16 before getting more minutes off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Everton.The teenager was also subbed on towards the end of normal time as Man Utd crashed out the FA Cup to Fulham on penalties.Obi got into positive positions on Sunday, taking three shots that were all considered “big chances” by stat gurus.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIncredibly, struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund has had the same amount of “big chances” across all 22 of his Prem games so far this season.But Amorim will be without Obi for their Europa League campaign as he has not been named in the squad.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueHe failed to make the cut for the A List and is ineligible to be a B List player like most academy stars.Uefa rules say you must be at the club for two years to qualify and Obi only joined from Arsenal in October. More

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    Man Utd ‘reopen Kobbie Mainoo contract talks as sought-after England star demands less than HALF Casemiro’s wages’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have re-opened talks with Kobbie Mainoo in the hope of tying the midfielder down to a new deal, according to reports.But Mainoo’s representatives want a massive pay rise to £180,00-a-week, plus bonuses, to reflect his status as an England international.Manchester United and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contractCredit: GettyMainoo has been locked in prolonged negotiations with his boyhood club over improved terms on his £20,000-a-week deal until 2027.And his reps believe it’s high-time that Mainoo’s wages match that of his team-mates.If agreed upon, Mainoo’s reported demands would see him earn half of the £375,000 salary fellow midfielder Casemiro pockets each week. It would put the 19-year-old eighth on United’s current wage bill, behind Harry Maguire’s £190,000 salary.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSUnited and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contract but will need to find a compromise, according to The Mail.It’s reckoned FFP constraints mean United might be unable to offer Mainoo similar terms to some of their top earners and no longer see him as untouchable.As a homegrown player, Mainoo would generate 100 per cent in pure profit – which would be substantial given that United value him at £70-80 million.But the Red Devils are believed to be hopeful of convincing the dynamic midfield maestro that his long-term future is best placed at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRuben Amorim has admitted he can’t guarantee Mainoo will stay amid the club’s pressure to fund signings with player sales.The teenager, who has been out of action for a month with a calf injury, still has more than two years left on his current contract. Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonMainoo has failed to replicate last season’s form this termChelsea would lead the chase for Mainoo if United cannot tie the England midfielder to a new deal.The Blues were linked with Mainoo in January when talks with United reached a stalemate.Amorim has also struggled to find the best role for Mainoo in his 4-3-3 system, before he sustained a calf injury in training last month.He enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag, scoring three times in the Prem and the decisive goal in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City.Mainoo is already an important player for club and country despite not turning 20 until April.The Manchester-born star has made 60 appearances for United since his debut two years ago.He has also played ten times for England and was a key figure in their run to last summer’s Euros final. More

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    Michael Oliver NOT given Premier League game after horror blunder to not send off Millwall star for brutal kung-fu kick

    BLUNDER ref Michael Oliver has not been given a Premier League game this weekend, following his stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Michael Oliver has been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: RexThe referee initially did not give a free kick for Liam Roberts’ kick on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: ReutersMateta required 25 stitches for the gash on his earCredit: ReutersThe whistler had not even awarded a free-kick for the horrifying incident in the FA Cup, which saw Mateta taken to hospital and have TWENTY-FIVE stitches for a gashed ear.Eagles chairman Steve Parish branded the reckless tackle as “endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life”.The home side went on to win the FA Cup 3-1 at Selhurst Park and knock out the Championship outfit.The forward was later discharged from hospital after all scans were clear and he was “feeling well”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall manager Alex Neil and Roberts both reached out to Mateta to check on his well-being after the game.Oliver has not been given a match to ref this weekend, and is not down to be a fourth official or VAR.He will officiate Harry Kane’s all-German Champions League clash though as Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in their last-16 first leg.The clash will take place tomorrow night at the Allianz Arena.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPGMOL sources pointed to the fact that ref rotation is a common occurrence in the Premier League.Oliver had the weekend of February 15-16 off too, which followed his reffing of a feisty Merseyside derby which ended 2-2 and saw two players and two coaches sent off.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redArne Slot was furious with Oliver after the Merseyside derby last monthCredit: ReutersLiverpool boss Arne Slot was left fuming after the match by Oliver’s performance.The Dutchman was given a two-match ban and a £70,000 fine for his meltdown after the full-time whistle.Slot told Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him should Liverpool go on to lose the Premier League title.The Reds are the favourites to lift the title at the end of the season despite dropping two points against the Toffees.The FA has backed Oliver on this occasion after publishing the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Both clubs were also punished for the incidents that were sparked by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time celebrations.A three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal tirade.Steve Parish on Mateta injuryCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half time about the injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta…He told the BBC: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More