Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Salah slots in penalty, Everton score two early goals, Newcastle vs Fulham – LATEST

      by

      MATCHWEEK 24 of the Premier League is packed full of thrilling ties at both ends of the table.Nottingham Forest THRASHED Brighton 7-0 to kick off the Prem action today.Top of the table Liverpool head to in-form Bournemouth while Newcastle welcome Fulham to St James’ Park.Today’s action is capped off with a blockbuster West Midlands derby between Wolves and Aston Villa.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm GMTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…HT from Dan King at the Vitality StadiumThey say that refereeing decisions even themselves out over the course of a season. But in the case of Liverpool and Darren England it has taken more than 16 months. It was England whose gaffe as VAR meant Luis Diaz’s goal at Tottenham was wrongly disallowed for offside. In this game, England has awarded a soft penalty for Lewis Cook’s challenge on Cody Gakpo and VAR did not ask him to think again. Mo Salah now has 20 Premier League goals, the first time he has reached that landmark since 2021/2.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIMEWe’ve reached the midway point in an entertaining Premier League card.Bournemouth 0-1 LiverpoolEverton 3-0 LeicesterIpswich 1-1 SouthamptonNewcastle 1-0 FulhamCopy linkCopied45+2 – GOAL!! EVERTON 3-0 LeicesterA dream first-half at Goodison is capped off with a second for BETO!It’s all so simple again but it was a stunning pass from James Garner which splits the high Leicester line.Beto is clean through and passes it so, so nonchalantly by the keeper and into the bottom corner.The finish looked slow motion there it was passed so coolly. A terrific 45 minutes.Copy linkCopied39 – Newcastle 1-0 FulhamConcern for Newcastle as Bruno Guimaraes goes down after a tackle from Robinson.The physio is on and there was a bit of hush around as concern did grow.Thankfully for them, the Brazilian was able to get to his feet and walk to the side of the park and looks like he’ll continue.Copy linkCopiedPremier League latest scoresGoals in every game now!Bournemouth 0-1 LiverpoolEverton 2-0 LeicesterIpswich 1-1 SouthamptonNewcastle 1-0 FulhamCopy linkCopied37 – GOAL!! NEWCASTLE 1-0 FulhamDeadlock broken at St James’ Park and it’s JACOB MURPHY who puts Newcastle in front!A real sweeping move from inside their own half for the Magpies as Burn picks out Gordon on the Newcastle left.He spins Castagne so, so easily and the full back looks like he’s carrying a fridge on his back chasing him back.Gordon gets to the edge of the area on the left and rolls the ball across the box for Murphy coming in and he sidefoots into the net from 12 yards.Copy linkCopiedFrom Charlie Wyett at Portman RoadLiam Delap has proved what a terrific striker he is going to be. He missed a decent chance after Southampton’s opener but he did not let that affect him. Instead, he took three touches before planting a shot past Aaron Ramsdale and he has now scored nine Premier League goals.Copy linkCopiedSalah penaltyTo clear up any scrutiny which may have arrived from that Salah penalty, Premier League Match Centre tweeted: “The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed to have been a trip by Cook on Gakpo. The VAR also confirmed Gakpo was onside in the build-up.”Copy linkCopiedUp the chartsBy the way, that Mo Salah goal takes his total Premier League tally to 177.That takes him up to joint-sixth in the standings, alongside Frank Lampard.Copy linkCopied31 – GOAL!! IPSWICH 1-1 SouthamptonHuge goal at the bottom as LIAM DELAP equalises for Ipswich.Where on earth were the Southampton defenders!?Ipswich turn the ball over just inside their own half before a clever pass forward finds Delap all alone, 10 yards inside the Southampton half.He beats a despairing slide from Bednarek before driving into the box and coolly passing beyond Ramsdale.Copy linkCopied29 – GOAL!! Bournemouth 0-1 LIVERPOOLMO SALAH scores his 20th goal of the season.His penalty right into the bottom corner, keeper no chance and the league leaders are moving nine points clear as things stand!Copy linkCopiedPENALTY LIVERPOOLLewis Cook trips Cody Gakpo in the area and the league leaders have the chance top open the scoring from the spot!Copy linkCopiedPremier League latest scoresBournemouth 0-0 LiverpoolEverton 2-0 LeicesterIpswich 0-1 SouthamptonNewcastle 0-0 FulhamCopy linkCopiedFrom Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkNewcastle started like a house on fire and if Alexander Isak had connected properly with Jacob Murphy’s early cross it could all have been different here.Amazingly, the Premier League’s most in-form striker instead produced an air-kick before Bruno Guimaraes headed over.Fulham have since weathered the early storm and have looked semi-dangerous on the counter, but we are still waiting for the game’s first shot on target as the clock ticks past the 26 minute mark.Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the Vitality StadiumThey weren’t kidding about the confidence of Bournemouth. They have been at it from kick off. Trent Alexander-Arnold has made two errors leading to shots on goal and Antoine Semenyo has hit the post. Yet Liverpool could have taken the lead through Dominik Szboszlai, only for Kepa to make the best save so far of an open game.Copy linkCopied21 – GOAL!! Ipswich 0-1 SOUTHAMPTONA massive goal near the midway point of the first half and it’s JOE ARIBO for the visitors!But the keep HAS to be doing better!It’s well worked by the Saints down the right and when a low cross is blocked, it spins into the path of Aribo who strikes a volley into the ground and on target.It’s not in the corner and Muric dives and flaffs at it trying to scoop it out, only pushing it into the top corner.Huge goal for Southampton in that battle of the basement sides.Copy linkCopied19 – Bournemouth 0-0 LiverpoolBlisteringly quick start from Bournemouth in this game but Liverpool have just registered their first effort on target there.Gravenberch picks out Gakpo with a switch and he drives towards goal before getting his shot away. Kepa keeps it out comfortably.Copy linkCopied16 – Newcastle 0-0 FulhamNot much happening at St James’ Park in the early stages.But Joachim Andersen was just ensuring that Alexander Isak was going nowhere fast there with a bodycheck which earns him a yellow card.Copy linkCopiedFast startJust the two goals from the one game but it was a rapid start.The BBC saying the Doucoure goal at 10.18s was the fourth-fastest goal in Premier League historyCopy linkCopied6 – GOAL!! EVERTON 2-0 LeicesterThe hosts are flying early doors – BETO with the second already!Remarkable stuff but this Leicester defending would have them struggling in the Championship.Tarkowski under no pressure on halfway is able to pick out a decent ball over the top of a high Foxes line for Beto to run into and inside the area.He has Ndiaye to pick out with a pass for a tap in but goes for goal himself and finds the far bottom corner. Great start for them.Copy linkCopied1 – GOAL!! EVERTON 1-0 LeicesterWe’re already up and running just SECONDS into the game as ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE scores for Everton!Nine seconds it looks like as Jordan Pickford just punts one forward from midway inside the Everton half.It’s aimed towards Beto but neither he nor the defender gets a touch and it’s allowed to bounce into the box where Doucoure runs unchallenged to take a touch a pass beyond the keeper.Incredible start for the Toffees.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!Here we go then, the 3pm games are all up and running!Bournemouth vs LiverpoolEverton vs LeicesterIpswich vs SouthamptonNewcastle vs FulhamCopy linkCopiedHeading outThe teams across the 3pm kick-offs are starting to make their way out in our four games.Plenty of twists and turns to come and four really important games to come….Copy linkCopiedFrom Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkWe are seconds away from kick off at St James’ and hopefully we’re in for plenty of goals.The Magpies, winners in seven of their last eight Prem matches, have found the net 22 times during that run.That has them dreaming of a return to Champions League football but opponents Fulham have European hopes also.Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the Vitality StadiumVitality insiders say they have never observed Bournemouth’s players feeling more confident before facing a top-of-the-table team than they are today. And why not? Andoni Iraola’s team have beaten Arsenal, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest here. Liverpool are back to full strength after a second string fell to the third defeat of Arne Slot’s debut season.The Reds have seven full internationals on their bench. If the game is decided by changes, you still fancy them to win. But they will really have their work cut out.Copy linkCopied More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest 7 Brighton 0: Chris Wood hat-trick as hosts destroy sorry Seagulls and boost Champions League hopes

      by

      CHRIS WOOD walked off with the match ball and the man of the match award but the entire City Ground knew who had been the real star of the show.Never mind three goals for the Kiwi striker – his second Forest hat-trick – Morgan Gibbs-White was the name on everyone’s lips after this record-busting blitz of Brighton.Chris Wood netted an incredible hat-trickCredit: PAThe striker’s goal tally this season is now a whopping 17Credit: PAOnly Mo Salah and Erling Haaland have found the back of the net more than WoodCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White was also amongst the goalsCredit: GettyGibbs-White scored one, made one, won a penalty and had one hell of an all-round afternoon to remember on his 100th game in a Forest shirt.He was frankly unstoppable and it was almost symbolic and fitting when Tariq Lamptey literally wrestled him to the ground for the penalty which completed Wood’s treble.By then it was the only way – bar Jack Hinshelwood’s early yellow card for chopping him down – that the Seagulls could halt his progress.The floodgates opened when Gibbs-White found himself in acres of space down the right and drilled a cross towards the lurking Wood at the far post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLewis Dunk stretched out a boot to make sure it never reached the target – and only managed to turn it past keeper Bart Verbruggen and into his own net.Goal number two came when Gibbs-White ran from beyond the penalty spot to beyond the angle of the six yard box and angled a bullet header into the corner off Anthony Elanga’s corner.Brighton were already buckling, and did so even more dramatically when Elanga turned provider to hang one up for Wood, who headed down and into the roof of the net.The wait for VAR confirmation merely delayed the inevitable… but amazingly the floodgates had barely opened.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNumber four arrived when Elanga slid over a low cross – after some laid-back thigh-juggling from Gibbs-White – and Wood tapped in from close range.And then when Lamptey turned to a wrestling hold to try and shackle Gibbs-White, the Forest striker sent keeper Verbruggen one way while the ball went another.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralNeco Williams was the six-hitter after a goalmouth scramble with Brighton by now in a total mess.And when keeper Verbruggen inexplicably passed straight to Jota Silva – off the bench as Gibbs-White got a well-earned rest – he hammered the ball straight into the back of the net to put Forest in seventh Heaven.Lewis Dunk turned a cross into his own net to open the floodgatesCredit: ReutersNeco Williams scored a smashing sixthCredit: ReutersJota Silva got the final goal in the routCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham’s desperate transfer scramble sees them approach Chelsea for Axel Disasi after asking Man Utd about Garnacho

      by

      TOTTENHAM have made a shock approach for Chelsea star Axel Disasi, according to reports.Ange Postecoglou is desperate to bolster his squad with his side on the brink of being pulled into a relegation battle.Axel Disasi has been approached by TottenhamCredit: RexSpurs made a shock move for Alejandro GarnachoCredit: GettyChelsea are supposedly trying to offload Disasi before the transfer window slams shut on Monday night.Reporter Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs have made a late move for the French centre-back.But Tottenham are already behind in the race for his signature as Aston Villa have already agreed personal terms with him.Villa are pushing hard to bring in Disasi after Diego Carlos’ exit and Tyrone Mings’ latest injury blow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe player will supposedly decide on his future this weekend.Spurs have turned their attention to Disasi after Radu Dragusin joined their lengthy injury list during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League.In their scramble to find another centre-back, they have already been turned down by Fikayo Tomori, who wants to stay at AC Milan.Spurs are also struggling to convince attackers to join after being rejected by Mathys Tel.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club had agreed a £50millon deal with Bayern Munich for the forward and chief Daniel Levy flew out to Germany to seal the deal.But the 19-year-old star has opted to stay and fight for his place at Bayern. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange PostecoglouSpurs also enquired about Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, but looks set to remain at Old Trafford. Amid an injury crisis and poor form, Postecoglou is in danger of being sacked.The under-fire boss summed up his frustrations, saying: “Every time I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s usually been an oncoming train.” More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford ‘on brink of Aston Villa loan after agreeing to cover £325k a week wages… and deal could be PERMANENT’

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD is on the brink of completing his loan move to Aston Villa, according to reports.The out-of-favour Manchester United forward, 27, is not wanted by Ruben Amorim and has been frozen out since December 12.Marcus Rashford looks on the verge of joining Aston Villa on loanCredit: PAReports on Friday emerged that Villa were keen to take the England international on a temporary deal until the end of the season.And now The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano claim a deal is nearing completion for Rashford to join Unai Emery’s side with the final details being thrashed out.It is stated Villa are covering the majority of Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week United wages he gets paid following his five-year contract extension signed in 2023.They are also offering performance-related bonuses. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is largely possible due to the fact the Midlands side sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £64million. The reports also add that there will be an option for Villa to buy Rashford included in the deal – while United may swoop for Mathys Tel if and when the No10’s exit is sealed. Rashford is keen to get his career back on track after a difficult few years under both Erik ten Hag and now Amorim. And the possibility of playing in the Champions League again will undoubtedly appeal. Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBarcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were all linked with the United academy graduate – although the wages proved an issue. But now it appears Rashford will stay put in the Premier League.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerIronically, Rashford made a blistering start to the Amorim regime with three goals in the Portuguese manager’s first two league matches – against Ipswich and Everton. However, their relationship soured when Amorim was told Rashford had been out on a Friday night – less than 48 hours before the Everton game.He called the forward in for a meeting where he denied the allegations – and they still do not see eye to eye. Rashford then angered Amorim further by publicly revealing he is “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.To make matters worse, Amorim said he would rather put his 63- year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vita on the pitch instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.The player feels he is receiving unfair treatment – and there are thoughts it may be orders from the top.A source told The Sun: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him.”There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”Ex-United stars Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes all weighed in on the debate.Ferdinand suggested Rashford could look to sue Amorim for his comments while Rooney and Scholes both laid into the forward.Rooney said: “I went into Carrington on Sunday to take my kids to game day and Marcus Rashford was out on the training pitch with the fitness coach.”But he was right over towards where the parents were walking past for the kids’ games.”I looked at him thinking how embarrassing it must be for him as parents walked past. He’s there and all the parents are walking past him.Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude… the sooner he’s gone, the betterPaul Scholes”I was surprised when this started over two years ago, but now I’m not.”I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club.”Because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same.”For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club.”Scholes added: “I think Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude and I think that’s what the manager is trying to say.”You think of the young players coming through the team and think of [Alejandro] Garnacho.”They’re looking up to people like Marcus now and he’s 27, he’s clearly not training properly, he’s not living his life properly. They’re the examples these people should look at.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In a way, he’s saying he doesn’t want to be involved with the team and the fact of letting his teammates down, he should be banished from the dressing room.”If he’s in and around that and young people are seeing that as an example, the sooner he’s gone the better.”Rashford’s relationship with Ruben Amorim appears beyond repairCredit: GettyUnai Emery lost Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia in a big-money moveCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd sign Arsenal wonderkid as Ruben Amorim makes Ayden Heaven his first signing with ‘substantial’ compensation paid

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the signing of Arsenal wonderkid Ayden Heaven. The 18-year-old becomes Ruben Amorim’s first arrival since he took over as manager in November. Ayden Heaven has joined Man Utd from ArsenalCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedHeaven will immediately join United’s first-team squadCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedMan Utd have confirmed that Heaven has penned a contract until 2029 and he will be a part of the first-team.On signing for the club, he said: “I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.“There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd chief Jason Wilcox added: “We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United. “He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development. “This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential.” SunSport understands Man Utd have paid a “substantial” compensation fee to land Heaven.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe towering centre-back made his senior Arsenal debut in October, coming off the bench against Preston in a Carabao Cup tie.Heaven impressed during the club’s pre-season tour in the US.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerThe left-footed defender is highly-rated by Mikel Arteta and the club are disappointed to lose him.But with his contract up in the summer, the teen reportedly refused a new deal as he felt his path to the first-team was blocked by the number of senior defenders the Gunners have.Both Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt had also made approaches for the England Under-19s international.Heaven follows striker Chido Obi-Martin in switching Arsenal for Man Utd.The 17-year-old hit the headlines last season after scoring ten goals in one game against Liverpool’s Under-16s and then seven versus Norwich.He has continued to be prolific for the Red Devils, netting a hat-trick on his debut against Nottingham Forest. Mikel Arteta handed his his debut earlier this seasonCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      The Marcus Rashford vs Ruben Amorim showdown just days into manager’s reign from which relationship has never recovered

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD and Ruben Amorim fell out just days into the Manchester United manager’s reign. Rashford is looking to leave the club before Monday’s transfer deadline, having not played in any of their last 12 games.Ruben Amorim’s relationship with Marcus Rashford is unlikely to recoverCredit: GettyRashford thinks Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind the push for him to leaveCredit: AlamyThe Sun can exclusively reveal that Amorim’s sour relationship with the England star can be traced back to before his third game in charge against Everton on December 1.Rashford scored twice in a 4-0 win, but he has been named in just one starting line-up since then.A problem came to a head prior to the Everton game when he was accused of going on a night out by Amorim.The pair had a heated conversation and the manager questioned his professionalism.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA source told The Sun: “Marcus got called in by Amorim who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”It is not the first time partying has been an issue, as last year previous boss Erik ten Hag fined him two weeks’ wages for calling in sick to training after a booze-fuelled bender in Belfast.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRashford featured briefly in the next three games after the Everton win before being dropped from the squad for the trip to Manchester City and he has not played since.Amorim explained his decision to leave him out, citing his “performance in training, the way you eat, the way you push your team-mates”.Amorim fires extraordinary blast at Rashford and says he’d rather put 63-YEAR-OLD coach on Man Utd bench ahead of himTwo days later, Rashford caught United off guard with a bombshell interview in which he claimed he was “ready for a new challenge”.The player feels he has been treated unfairly by Amorim on orders from owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants his staggering £325,000-a-week wages off the books.A source told The Sun: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him. “There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”When asked about his Rashford’s exile last week, the Portuguese boss said he would rather put his 63- year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vita on the pitch instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt leaves the forward desperately searching for a new club and Aston Villa could reportedly make a late loan offer.Moves to Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Barcelona have already collapsed due to his £325,000 weekly wage packet proving a stumbling block. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham ‘make shock Alejandro Garnacho transfer enquiry’ after Mathys Tel rejected move from Bayern Munich

      by

      TOTTENHAM have made a shock enquiry for Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports.The North Londoners are determined to sign a forward player before Monday’s transfer deadline. Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a shock Spurs targetCredit: RexYesterday they agreed a £50million deal for Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel, only for the Frenchman to snub a move to North London following a face-to-face meeting with Daniel Levy.According to the Mail, Spurs have now turned their attention towards Red Devils starlet Garnacho.The Argentine winger, 20, was left out of Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for last month’s Manchester derby and has reportedly been made available by club chiefs in order to ease PSR burdens.Unlike Marcus Rashford, also omitted against City, Garnacho has not subsequently been frozen out – with Amorim having heaped praise upon him earlier today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portuguese, 40, said of Garnacho: “He changed right after that City game. He’s improving but it’s not from me — it’s the way he understands things.“I just want to help him. He understands sometimes I am a different coach.”That I’m demanding in my way and sometimes it is hard to make the first impact.”All the merit is for Garnacho. He understood the position, playing inside and outside. The connection with Mainoo.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYUnited are claimed to have demanded £65m when Chelsea asked about Garnacho earlier this month.While Napoli have had multiple bids, including one of around £50m, turned down by the Red Devils.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Garnacho has made 22 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three times and laying on just one assist.In total he has played 121 matches for United, netting 23 goals and assisting a further 15.The Red Devils have also shown an interest in Bayern teenager Tel, in addition to Aston Villa, Arsenal and Chelsea.But it has not been ruled out that the Frenchman opts to stay at Bayern until the summer after snubbing Spurs.Ange Postecoglou’s side also missed out on Paris Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani earlier this month.The French international instead joined Juventus on loan.Tottenham have been linked with Brentford ace Yoane Wissa in recent days.While Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling and England international Angel Gomes have also been mentioned.In addition to a more attacking player, Tottenham would like to bolster their defence before the transfer deadline, particularly following the injury suffered by Radu Dragusin during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg.READ MORE SUN STORIESClub chiefs are claimed to have agreed a deal for former Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan.The centre-back, 27, is said to be mulling over a potential switch.Tottenham have bid for AC Milan defender Fikayo TomoriCredit: AP More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford must knuckle down at Man Utd and copy perfect pro Harry Maguire – he didn’t act like a baby

      by

      IMAGINE if, 18 months ago, you had told Manchester United fans that Harry Maguire would be handed a new contract and Marcus Rashford would be frozen out.They’d have wanted to burn down Old Trafford.Marcus Rashford must knuckle down and get on with itHarry Maguire changed his Man Utd career by being a perfect proWhich just goes to show you the importance of showing a good professional attitude in times of adversity.So my message to Rashford would be this: Stop talking, certainly stop posting on social media, knuckle down and prove to Ruben Amorim and your team-mates that you deserve to be a United player.And remember what it was like for Maguire a year or two ago — which is far worse than anything that’s happened to Rashford.Erik ten Hag humiliated Maguire by stripping him of the club captaincy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEvery time Maguire was partly responsible for a United or England goal, entire press conferences would be dominated by questions over his form.Yet Maguire was a perfect pro, he stuck to the task of proving himself and here he is now as a key member of United’s first team and with a contract extension until 2026.Maguire never said he wanted a transfer. He didn’t go on social media. He didn’t act like a baby.Remember the timeline. When Amorim took over at United, Rashford started the first two ­Premier League games, scoring three goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo weeks later, he was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby, which United won, along with Alejandro Garnacho.Within days Marcus was conducting an interview in which he said he was ready for a new challenge elsewhere.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Alejandro Garnacho worked his way back into the first team after being dropped for the Manchester derbyCredit: APMeanwhile, Garnacho worked his way back into the first team, which shows what can happen if you don’t act like a prima donna.If Rashford remains at Old Trafford beyond Monday’s transfer deadline, he needs to follow Maguire’s example.People keep telling me I’m harsh on Marcus but there is nothing personal. Marcus needs to realise that there is no agenda against him.When he was doing great things on and off the pitch, he was lavished with praise. He even got an MBE!I’d love it if in a year’s time I was writing an apology here, saying that I’d got it totally wrong about him. But I doubt if I will have reason to.If I do sound harsh then it’s because I know from personal experience that far worse happens to footballers who have done nothing wrong.Players get singled out by managers, frozen out of teams and bombed out of clubs all the time.I’ll give you a few personal examples.People keep telling me I’m harsh on Marcus but there is nothing personal. Marcus needs to realise that there is no agenda against him.Troy DeeneyOne was when the Italian coach Walter Mazzarri came to Watford and rarely started me, frequently suggesting in public that I wasn’t giving enough in training.This was entirely unjustified. You could  accuse me of having a bad game or a bad spell but never a bad work ethic.But at least Rashford can have arguments with Amorim in English. Mazzarri could barely speak a word, so we often found ourselves trying to have blazing rows via an interpreter.We’d rant and rage at each other — with this poor interpreter stuck between two big blokes with big egos with steam coming out of their eyes — and by the time he’d translated what either of us said, the sting had gone out of the argument.It was like if you’re having a row with your missus on the phone and just as you’re getting to your best point, you lose phone reception — you can never really start the argument properly again!Then, after Watford were relegated in 2020, I was one of five senior pros who were frozen out of the first-team squad and made to train away from the main group because they wanted to off-load us for financial reasons. Harry Maguire has worked his way back into United’s first XIWe didn’t like it but we always turned up on time, trained properly and didn’t complain publicly.I ended up staying that season, because a move to Tottenham couldn’t be finalised, and I played my part in winning promotion.The previous season, Nigel Pearson arrived as manager and challenged me — just to prove to the rest of the dressing room that nobody was safe.I respected Nigel and on that occasion, a combative approach worked.When I managed Forest Green Rovers briefly last season, I did publicly criticise my players.I want to manage again and, if I do, I’d keep that sort of criticism in house.Thierry Henry recently told me that he’d had a go at his players in the media while managing Monaco. He said players of our generation could take it but that times have changed. I agree.Now players are rewarded with £300,000-a-week, five-year contracts for half-decent form, then think the world owes them a living and that they’re above taking any stick.I’d love it if in a year’s time I was writing an apology here, saying that I’d got it totally wrong about him. But I doubt if I will have reason to.Troy DeeneySo I have no problem with Amorim calling out Rashford — even last weekend’s jibe that he would rather have his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench, rather than a player who didn’t give his all.Amorim is setting standards, building foundations.He’s the sort of manager I’d have loved to work for and he’s United’s best hope in years.Rashford was once United’s great hope but not any more.READ MORE SUN STORIESI don’t foresee a future for him at Old Trafford and he will never go down as a club legend,  merely a decent player who came through the ranks but lost his way.Maybe I’ll be proved wrong. Maybe I’ll write that apology. But I’m not holding my breath.Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate strugglesKOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the breakChristian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SUBSAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.Casemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal. More