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    Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgery

    NOTTINGHAM Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and recovering well after his urgent abdominal surgery. The striker ruptured his intestine after colliding with the goalpost during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester and was rushed to surgery on Monday.Awoniyi ruptured his intestine after a collision with a goalpost against Leicester on SundayCredit: PAHead coach Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Awoniyi is recovering wellCredit: PAForest owner Evangelos Marinakis was among many frustrated at how the situation was handledCredit: AFPHe was put in an induced coma to regulate his heart rate and restrict his movement but head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that he is now doing well.He said in Friday’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s away clash with West Ham: “He went to surgery and surgery went well, thank God.”He is on observation now. He is recovering. We are concerned but we are positive.”It has been very difficult on us and on everybody.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere was outrage over the in-match handling of Awoniyi’s injury as the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis came on to the field to voice his frustrations on the matter.SunSport understands that he is set to launch an investigation into the incident.The striker was allowed to continue playing despite his obvious pain and many blamed the ill-fitting offside rules for the injury occurring.Forest said in a statement: “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium.Most read in Football”There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”Nuno Espirito Santo argues with Nottingham Forest owner on City Ground pitch moments after disastrous drawFootball’s offside rules are again being scrutinised as Awoniyi’s awful collision could have been prevented if play was stopped earlier.Anthony Elanga was in a clear offside position when he released the pass that Awoniyi was chasing when he got hurt.It was not flagged and play was allowed to continue, leading to the incident.This is due to an IFAB rule which states delaying the flag is ‘only permissible in a very clear attacking situation when a player is about to score a goal or has a clear run into/towards the opponents’ penalty area.’The rule, introduced in 2021, favours the run of play by directing the linesman to keep their flag down if there is any element of doubt over the offside position.This allows offside technology to make the tight call instead of the fallible human eye and prevents onside goals be wrongly ruled out.Frustration arises, however, when obvious offsides are not called and players get injured in runs of play that should have been stopped earlier.Speaking on Ref Watch, Stephen Warnock said: “Surely common sense has to kick into gear at some point.”If it’s two or three yards [offside] and something in your mind is thinking, ‘is it offside or isn’t it? I’m not so sure here’. Then keep your flag down, I understand that.”But that? Just put your flag up.”Read More on The SunAwoniyi will be kept in hospital for observation for at least five days.Nuno hopes that he will be able to return to Forest’s training ground after that to see the players and staff.Awoniyi will stay in hospital for observation for five days minimum after surgeryCredit: Getty More

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    Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want it

    BRUNO FERNANDES has been named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at Manchester United for the fourth time, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. However, the United captain has urged his team-mates to raise their performance levels next season, because he doesn’t want to win it again under the same circumstances.Bruno Fernandes has been special even if others have failed to keep upCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain has grown into his roleCredit: GettyRegardless of who has been the manager at United Bruno has excelledCredit: AlamyFernandes made headlines not for his on-field prowess, but for his humility in accepting the award.The award, voted for by fans, recognises individual excellence, but Fernandes said he would prefer it if others raised their game and challenged him for the honour.The 30-year-old midfielder shared what he had told some of his team-mates.He said: “The main thing I want and I was even joking with Josh [Zirkzee] the other day.READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS “We were talking about the awards, and they were saying, ‘Oh, who’s going to win Player of the Season?’ They were kind of joking about it.”And I said that I hope next year I’m not even in the conversation, even if I have the same season I had this year and that I’m not involved in winning that trophy.”Because that will mean you step up, Amad will step up, Garnacho will step up, Rasmus will step up.”If they start scoring goals, providing assists, running back, and tackling, then they’ll be the ones getting the attention, not me.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”And I’ll be the happiest person in the world.”I’m here to help my team-mates get the best out of themselves, and that’s all I want to do, because I know that when they’re at their best, the team will be much better.”Sean Dyche wants to manage MAN UTD as he gives Ruben Amorim advice and claims he’d have won more games as bossHis comments reflect a selfless attitude, prioritising team success over personal recognition.United fans have praised Fernandes for his leadership and commitment.One supporter commented: “Bruno’s decision shows true captaincy. He leads by example, always putting the team first.”Another added: “It’s rare to see such humility in a player of his calibre. He deserves the award, but his focus remains on the collective.”A third said: “Bruno is the only player who truly makes me happy at Manchester United.”While Fernandes’ gesture is commendable, it also highlights the challenges United have faced this season. Read More on The SunDespite his individual brilliance, the team has struggled for consistency and his desire for others to step up underscores the urgent need for collective improvement.As the campaign draws to a close, Fernandes and Manchester United will hope to beat Tottenham and win the Europa League-a much-needed consolation in what has been a disappointing season.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Leeds target Newcastle star Callum Wilson on free transfer with Daniel Farke desperate for more firepower up front

    LEEDS are targeting Newcastle striker Callum Wilson.Elland Road boss Daniel Farke is desperate for more firepower after promotion from the Championship.Leeds are plotting a free transfer swoop for Newcastle striker Callum WilsonCredit: ReutersAnd Newcastle forward Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season so is available to Leeds on a free transfer.The 33-year-old was a £20million arrival from Bournemouth five years ago.He has since achieved a terrific record of 47 goals in 111 Premier League appearances in the north-east.But his biggest problem at Newcastle has been injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he has also moved down the pecking order due to the blistering form of striker Alexander Isak.Wilson has made 16 Premier League appearances this term.But just one of those has been a start.And he has also struggled with both hamstring and back issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWilson has won nine England caps too.But his last appearance for the Three Lions was against Scotland in 2023.How Newcastle bamboozled Chelsea in battle for Champions League Leeds, meanwhile, have also been looking at Wilson’s teammate Sean Longstaff.He is in the final 12 months of his contract at Newcastle.The 27-year-old has made 31 appearances this term.And he will count as a club-grown player if he stays and features in Europe for Toon next season. More

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    ‘The crowd just gasped’ – Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton was so good Barcelona tried to sign him aged EIGHT

    ADAM WHARTON has enjoyed a monumental rise since signing for Crystal Palace.The midfielder signed for the Eagles in January 2024 in a £22million transfer from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.Adam Wharton is set to appear in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyHe came through the ranks at BlackburnCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe once caught the attention of Barcelona scoutsCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe was sold in 2024 to Palace for £22millionCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversWharton, 21, is now prepping for the biggest game of his club career so far.He and Palace will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.It won’t be his first final as he was in the England squad for the Euro 2024 final against Spain.And had things turned out differently, England’s opponents that day might have been far more familiar with the youngster.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring an appearance at a youth tournament, he was scouted by Barcelona coaches and offered a spot at their famous La Masia academy.Daniel Stubberfield, who coached Wharton for five years in his younger years, revealed that the midfielder could have had a very different career path.He told the Mail: “There was a trip to Holland where he was player of the tournament at Oldenzaal.”He scored a half-volley in a seven-v-seven game but it felt like it was a long way out, arrowed as an adult would hit it, rocketed straight in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”He was outstanding against Barcelona when he was eight.”To the point where the Barca coaches actually said to his parents: ‘Look, if you ever come to Spain, call us, we’d love him’.”Incredible footage shows Adam Wharton dazzling defenders aged 10 before rising to Euro 2024 stardom with EnglandWharton came up against Jobe Bellingham in his youth daysCredit: RexHe first played at Wembley when he was tenCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe impressed in a video that went viralCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe was featuring in a school’s cup finalCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodWharton came up against the like of Jobe Bellingham in his academy days.The two were pictured duelling for the ball in a youth game between Blackburn and Birmingham City.Wharton has since earned one cap for England as he played 28 minutes at St James’ Park against Bosnia last year.He played a crucial role for Oliver Glasner’s side as they beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final in April at Wembley Stadium.However, that was not his first time playing at the home of football.When he was ten years old, he featured in a school’s cup final at the 90,000-seater stadium.Wharton represented Salesbury CoE Primary School in the National Primary Schools Final in 2015.Video showed his impressive skills that included a Maradona-spin, which left the crowd gasping.His former teacher, Stephen Bird, said: “There are around 10,000 people in the ground at that stage. The crowd just gasped.”They purred a bit when the replay came on the big screens.”Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed that Wharton was a £50m target for Liverpool.Read More on The SunThe Anfield transfer team believe that the midfielder’s passing ability could help the Reds tick.But before the transfer rumour mill goes into overdrive, Wharton will be looking to guide Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory this weekend.Adam Wharton has picked up a cap for EnglandCredit: GettyHe was vital in the FA Cup semi-final triumph over Aston VillaCredit: Alamy More

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    Cole Palmer eats jam sandwich and Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit video that was leaked

    CHELSEA’s kit launch video for the 2025/26 campaign had it all.The Blues have revealed their new home kit for next season with a brilliant video on social media.Cole Palmer featured in Chelsea’s new kit launchCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCHe ate his favourite jam sandwichCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCThe new kit is inspired by LondonCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCLauren and Reece James feature in the promo videoCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCThe club’s new kit keeps the traditional blue shirt and shorts with white socks.The shirt and shorts have neat detailing on the body with a white collar.But it was the video that took centre stage as it featured star player Cole Palmer eating his favourite jam sandwich.The midfielder was filmed entering a cafe and ordering the dish before tucking in while wearing the new shirt.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChelsea 2025/26 Home Kit: Available Now!*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.The promo also featured Madness singer and Chelsea fan Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson.The British singer-songwriter stars as a taxi driver who gives a lift to the club’s women’s captain and Lionesses’ star Millie Bright.During his scene in the cab, he turns the radio over to play Madness’ iconic song Our House which serves as the music for the remainder of the video.Chelsea stars Reece and Lauren James also appear with the men’s captain having his haircut at a barbershop.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLauren jokes that the trim is better than when their “dad did it”.Fans have loved the brilliant video as they flooded social media.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering price More

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    Liverpool ‘could sign £52m Chelsea flop in shock transfer but face competition from Newcastle’

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly entered the race to sign Chelsea flop Christopher Nkunku.But the Reds face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle, as well as a European superpower.Liverpool are set to battle Newcastle for Chelsea flop Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyNkunku, 27, has struggled to shine since a £52million move to Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023.The 14-time France international joined off the back of several knee injuries.And disaster struck in pre-season when he hurt the same area once again, forcing him to undergo surgery.Nkunku has now been sidelined since February with a hamstring injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe’s managed to score just 17 goals in 56 outings for the Blues.And as a result, Foot Mercato claims Nkunku will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.However, the versatile forward could end up remaining in the Premier League.It’s reckoned that Liverpool have emerged as shock contenders after storming to the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s debut season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Reds could be set to part ways with Darwin Nunez.While the futures of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa also remain unclear. Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tubeNkunku’s ability to play anywhere across the front line, as well as in midfield, makes him an attractive signing for Slot.And if he could get anywhere near the 58 goals he struck across his final two seasons at Leipzig, it would turn out to be an extremely savvy signing.However, Liverpool aren’t the only English side who are said to be interested.Newcastle have also been informed about Nkunku’s situation and are looking to put together funds for a bid.But the ace could yet be swayed by a return to Germany with Bayern Munich.The Bundesliga champs tried and failed to sign Nkunku in January.Read More on The SunThomas Muller is leaving Bayern this summer, freeing up a position for a new forward who predominantly plays through the middle off a No9.And after his success at former club Leipzig, plus his struggles in England with Chelsea, Bayern could end up being Nkunku’s preferred choice. More

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    Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s fortune plummets by more than £6BILLION as he tumbles down Sunday Times Rich List

    MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has tumbled down the Sunday Times Rich List following a drop in his net worth.The 72-year-old has suffered a £6.5BILLION decline over the last year, making him one of the biggest fallers on the list.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth has droppedCredit: PAThe 72-year-old has suffered a £6.5billion decline over the last yearCredit: PAAs a result, his net worth now stands at £17bn.Last year, Ratcliffe had a net worth of £23.5bn and was placed fourth on the Sunday Times Rich List.And in 2023, he placed second having been worth just shy of £30bn.It comes as…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is now seventh in the rankings amid another difficult season with United in the Premier League.The Red Devils currently sit 16th in the table with just two games left to play.Ruben Amorim and Co still have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballShould they beat Prem rivals Tottenham in the Europa League final next week, they will earn a place in Europe’s elite competition.But if they fail to do that, United will miss out on around £100million worth of revenue.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited must win the Europa League to avoid a huge financial lossCredit: ReutersRatcliffe and his team of Ineos executives have already made hundreds of redundancies at Man Utd since taking over at the start of last year.Many staff members are now concerned about their job safety should the Red Devils fail to win the Europa League due to the loss of revenue.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubOn top of that, the club’s new 100,000-seater stadium is expected to cost more than £2bn which could see Ratcliffe’s net worth decline further.The new stadium is currently expected to open prior to the 2030-31 campaign.Ratcliffe previously claimed that United would have run out of money by the end of this year had he not made a number of controversial cost cuts.Above the British billionaire in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List are Guy, George, Alannah and Galen Weston and family, who previously owned several department stores in the Selfridges Group and now own Fortnum & Mason.Below him is Lakshmi Mittal and family, owners of the world’s second largest steelmaking company.Ratcliffe is the chairman and CEO of the INEOS chemicals group, which he founded in 1998.He made his fortune through INEOS but has since invested a large sum of his money into different sports.The billionaire purchased the Team Sky cycling franchise in 2019 and rebranded it to Team INEOS.Read More on The SunOne year later he and INEOS became principal partners of Formula One giant Mercedes.As well as Man Utd, he also owns Ligue 1 side OGC Nice. More

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    How Martin Zubimendi transfer can take Arsenal to the next level with Declan Rice’s full potential set to be unlocked

    MARTIN ZUBIMENDI could be the midfield piece that unlocks the rest of Arsenal.The 26-year-old has reportedly agreed to join the Gunners in a £50million transfer this summer, having snubbed a move to Liverpool a year ago.Martin Zubimendi is on the verge of joining ArsenalCredit: GettyThe midfielder could be a game-changer for the GunnersCredit: GettyZubimendi has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta given his impressive performances for Real Sociedad.And it is believed that he could strike up the perfect partnership with Declan Rice in the middle.But how could he transform the team as a whole?SunSport has looked at the midfielder’s top attributes.READ MORE ON ARSENALCONTROLLING SPACEWhen Rice signed from West Ham for a huge fee there was a sense that Arsenal were signing the next top defensive midfielder to sit at the base of their midfield for years to come.That was a mis-profiling and a misunderstanding of what Rice is as a player.He is at his best when allowed to play in a more progressive and box-to-box role, driving forward and affecting the game.The club then signed Mikel Merino to sit behind Rice and allow him to become this version of himself, but it turned out that Merino was not the type to sit and control play.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThat is why the potential signing of Zubimendi makes a great deal of sense.Zubimendi is a Spanish international midfielder who controls the game both in and out of possession.’Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal futureHe is comfortable as a lone six at the base of the midfield, despite being perhaps undersized for that role, or as a defensive eight in a two man midfield and he controls space out of possession.His reading of the game and ability to react to threat and close down quickly over larger spaces allows his teams to be more expansive in terms of pressing higher up the pitch.Zubimendi is able to control the game out of possession due to his holding and pressing abilitiesWe see this above as Real Sociedad are defending in a 4-4-2 block. The front two are stepping off and giving the man in possession time and he is able to split them with a pass to the next level.It is Zubimendi who reacts to this threat first and jumps to press and engage the player receiving the ball.Having a player who can defend in space in this manner and who has the defensive discipline to control large areas of space would help Arsenal to unlock the full potential of both Rice and Martin Odegaard, who could then play more freely as advanced central midfielders with Zubimendi in behind them.This would also allow Arsenal to play in higher positions because they have the defensive security at the base of the midfield.In order to be effective in this manner though, Zubimendi has to be effective in winning duels.He is quick to close and engage but he also wants to put immediate pressure on the ball and win it back high and early.The midfielder can dictate Arsenal’s pressAbove we see Zubimendi moving quickly to engage with the ball and close down the space. This time he does so higher up the pitch, allowing his team to be positioned higher.The signing of Zubimendi would bring a profile that Arsenal are missing from their midfield.DICTATING THE TEMPOWhen they are in the possession phase, Arsenal are also missing a sitting midfielder that can control the tempo and focus of their attack.They still have Jorginho in their squad as a player that fits the profile but his diminishing athletic and physical profile means that Arteta does not trust him in bigger matches or moments. This is another area of the game where Zubimendi brings notable value to Arsenal.While he is a midfielder that can contribute very effectively in the defensive phase, he still has the ability to receive and play quickly.He routinely drops back towards the central defenders to receive the ball in the build-up play. He can receive facing his own goal with pressure behind and play off minimal touches.He also, however, can play higher up and he routinely takes the ball and spreads the play around from the base of the midfield.The midfielder has the abilty to play long passes that change the speed and direction of playAbove we see an example with Zubimendi in possession at the base of the midfield as the opposition sit deeper. He has the ability to play driven passes into the block to find teammates but he can also play longer switches to change the angle of the attack.While Arsenal have two of the best central defenders in the world in William Saliba and Gabriel, it is fair to say that neither of them are the most comfortable when it comes to playing and progressing the ball.This means that Arsenal need to have a deep midfielder who can do this effectively. Zubimendi can be the midfield player to control space and tempo of the attack.The presence of a midfielder who can control the play from deeper positions would be key in allowing Arsenal to dictate the game in the final third.If they were able, for example, to play Odegaard higher up the pitch, this would create space in the wide spaces for Bukayo Saka because the opposition would not be able to double up on him.Because the presence of Zubimendi allows other midfielders to play higher, it opens up space in the wide areas for the wingers to exploitHere again we see Zubimendi in possession of the ball at the base of the midfield. He does not force the game centrally and instead is able to calmly find the next best action to play the ball out and into the wide area.If we do see Zubimendi moving to Arsenal then expect to see him quickly become one of the most prominent players for the Gunners. He will regularly be a player who gets among the most touches for the team and becomes the player who organises the play.HURTING THE OPPOSITIONAs well as being able to control the game in and out of possession, Zubimendi is also a midfielder who can hurt the opposition.This does not mean out of possession with his tackling ability, but with his ability on the ball in the final third.Zubimendi can control the game with good decisions to move the ball and find the free man, but he also has the ability to play more aggressive forward passes to break the line and move the ball into the final third.One of the most interesting aspects of Zubimendi’s game is his ability to change the tempo he plays with.He has a great feel for the game with the ability to play slower when Arsenal are higher and looking to control the game against a team in a high block.In more transitional moments though, when the opposition are not well organised against the ball, he can play quickly and more aggressively.Zubimendi is able to attack the opposition defence with some dangerous creative passesHere, in a more open position when the opposition are not sitting and defending in a deep shape, we see Zubimendi getting the ball and immediately breaking the last line with a forward pass to release a team-mate through on goal.For a team that has runners both in the midfield, in Rice and Odegaard, and from wide areas, in Gabriel Martinelli and Saka, having a player who can read the game and understand when to become more aggressive on the ball and when to trigger the pass forward and hurt the opposition would be hugely beneficial.Below, we see Zubimendi taking the ball in deeper areas before playing aggressively to push it through the defensive line and release a team-mate making a run around the outside.The 26-year-old is able to spark an attack from deeper positionsSigning a player like Zubimendi would unlock all of the other parts of the squad that have been built so far under this project led by Arteta.CONCLUSIONIt is fair to say that Liverpool make very few mistakes when it comes to recruitment and they were extremely aggressive in their pursuit of Zubimendi.Read More on The SunIn the end they did, of course, win the league so things worked out well for them.However, their loss could become Arsenal’s gain as signing Zubimendi this summer could take the Gunners to the next level. 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