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      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio? Jamaica star ‘stable’ after horror car crash

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      WEST Ham striker Michail Antonio was taken to hospital following a horror car crash.A witness told The Sun they first saw car at 12.50pm on Saturday December 7, but the West Ham star wasn’t cut out by fire crews until around 1.45pm.The Hammers posted confirmation of the smash and an update on the star’s condition: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Wreckage from Michail Antonio’s horror crashCredit: X”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. “The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Who is Michail Antonio?Born on March 28, 1990 in Wandsworth, South London, Antonio is 34-years-old.Starting his career at Tooting & Mitcham United, a non-league side, the attacker climbed the English footballing pyramid to the very top.After impressing in non-league, Antonio secured a move to Reading but spent the majority of his time on loan at other clubs. Loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Southampton, and Colchester led to the forward securing a permanent move after a loan with Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe attacker scored 12 goals in 64 appearances for the Owls before making a £1.5 million move to Nottingham Forest.Michail Antonio celebrates scoring a stoppage time equaliser for ForestAntonio netted 16 goals in 50 appearances for Nottingham Forest, a record that caught the eye of Premier League team West Ham United.The Hammers signed the forward for £7 million in September 2015, completing Antonio’s rise to the elite of English football.West Ham United CareerSince his move, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League.Furthermore, the attacker played a vital role in winning the 2023 Europa Conference League – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.Antonio has now scored 68 goals for the HammersCredit: GettyInitially, Antonio played a variety of roles in the squad – appearing as a right-back and a winger. Shortly, the attacker established himself as West Ham’s starting forward and remains a key member of the match day squad.International Playing CareerIn 2016, Antonio rejected the opportunity to play for the Jamaican national side and was called up to the England team by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite being called up, the forward never made an appearance for the Lions and switched his allegiance to Jamaica in 2021.Now, the striker has five goals in 21 appearances for The Reggae Boyz. More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes involved in everything positive but Andre Onana has absolute shocker

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      MANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat with goalkeeper Andre Onana coming under fire again. The United stopper was at fault for Morgan Gibbs-White’s riffler that wrong-footed Onana.Nottingham Forest beat Man Utd 3-2Credit: AFPChris Wood got the deciding third goal for Forest despite Bruno Fernandes pulling one back. Here is how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated United’s players from Old Trafford. ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area. LENY YORO – 6 The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’. He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour. Most read in FootballMATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5 Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going. Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide. Lisandro Martinez lack of height was on show at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersLISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4 It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7 Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role. Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second. MANUEL UGARTE – 7 Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably. Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others. Ugarte constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandablyCredit: ReutersKOBBIE MAINOO – 6 Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat. DIOGO DALOT – 6 Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7 Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team. Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for UtdCredit: GettyRASMUS HOJLUND – 6 That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5 Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho looked far from happy when he was hauled offCredit: RexSUBSTITUTIONS:MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6 These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case. MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6 One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6 When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5 Not surprisingly failed to have an impact. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6 Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85 More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

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      MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.Most read in Football”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More

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      Brentford 4 Newcastle 2: Bees keep up pace in race for European football but Toon’s winless slump continues

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      EDDIE HOWE’S unbeaten record against Brentford came to a crashing halt as The Bees finally broke their Newcastle hoodoo.Howe had never lost a Premier League match against Brentford after facing them six times, but his Toon Army have not travelled well this season.Bryan Mbeumo fired Brentford ahead after eight minutesCredit: ReutersMbeumo wheels off in celebrationCredit: PABy losing more than half of their 27 top flight away matches they are in a similar bracket to the likes of Wolves, and also The Bees.Yet they had been a bogey side for The Bees who had lost nine and drawn the other of the previous 10 league meetings between these sides, since a 1-0 home victory in the second tier in January 1948.Brentford’s solitary defeat in their last 13 home league games was 4-2 against Newcastle on the final day of last season. Plus, Newcastle were the only one of Brentford’s 25 Premier League opponents they had never beaten in the top flight.The Magpies would have arrived in London with high hopes following their eye-catching 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday, and with a proud record against Brentford.READ MORE IN football A league-high total of 34 goals had been scored at Gtech Community Stadium before yesterday, and we were treated to six more on a day when the country was advised to baton down the hatches thanks to Storm Darragh.The goal feast started early when Bryan Mbeumo jinked his way into the box and fired Brentford ahead after eight minutes.Alexander Isak stooped to head an equaliser three minutes later, but Harvey Barnes’ woeful cross-field pass after 28 minutes went straight to Yoane Wissa and he punished Newcastle with a fine finish.Barnes atoned four minutes later when he swivelled in the box and scored with a shot inside the far post.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak levelled for NewcastleCredit: RexIsaak celebrates with Jacob MurphyCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDefender Nathan Collins restored the lead after 56 minutes before Kevin Shade came off the bench and completed the win in the final minute, lifting The Bees into the top six.Howe pulled a surprise by resting two of his key midfielders, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, starting them on the bench.It didn’t stop The Magpies making a fast start as in the second minute Sean Longstaff fired a fierce drive from the edge of the box which crashed off the bar.Brentford heeded the warning as Mbeumo scored one of his trademark specials.Skipper Christian Norgaard, back from injury for his 100th Premier League appearance, picked him out on the right edge of the box with a ball from inside his own half, and he skipped inside Lewis Hall and Joelinton before curling his shot high inside the near post.That took Mbeumo to nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, equalling his career-best tally set in each of the previous two seasons, and it ended a run of five matches without a goal.Brentford’s Yoane Wissa put Brentford back aheadCredit: PABrentford were back in the leadCredit: ReutersThe lead lasted just three minutes as Jacob Murphy swung in a cross from the right and Isak stooped at the far post to plant a header back across Flekken.Impressively, Isak has now been directly involved in seven goals in as many league games, scoring five and setting up two.His record should have gotten even better when he had a free run at goal as he cut in from the right after 19 minutes. He skipped past Flekken but delayed his shot and the goalkeeper saved the day by clawing the ball to safety.Barnes was guilty of a shocking error when he misplaced a pass from the halfway line across his back four. It went straight to Wissa who carried it to the edge of the box before planting it in the far top corner – his ninth goal in Brentford’s past six home league games.Harvey Barnes again levelled for NewcastleCredit: PAThe game was back onCredit: ReutersWissa’s goal meant he equalled Ivan Toney’s record of 19 Premier League goals scored at the Gtech Community Stadium.It was a case of “to you, to me” however, as Barnes made amends when Murphy provided another assist as he found him in the box with enough time to turn and shoot low inside the post.The woodwork prevented Wissa scoring again two minutes after the break, as his shot hit the arm of goalkeeper Nick Pope – who probably didn’t know much about it – and bounced off the post.There was no escape, however, when Flekken’s free kick into the box eluded everyone and Collins steered it inside the far post for his second of the season.Gordon and Tonali were introduced and although Tonali wasted a decent chance after 84 minutes when he headed over, their impact was minimal.And any hope of Howe rescuing his record was gone when Kevin Schade wrapped up the win in the dying moments. Although The Bees had gone into this game boasting the Premier League’s best home record, earning 19 points from seven games and scoring 22 goals, there were question marks over the quality of opponent during that run.Their six wins came against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich, Bournemouth and Leicester. READ MORE SUN STORIESOf that group, only Bournemouth are not struggling for points at the wrong end of the table.Beating Newcastle will be deemed a proper scalp.Nathan Collins put Brentford back in the leadCredit: RexCollins sent Brentford on their way to victoryCredit: PAKevin Schade wrapped up the winCredit: RexBrentford are on track for European footballCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0: Saints now EIGHT POINTS adrift at bottom of Prem as Emery’s side close gap on Man City

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      ASTON VILLA battered Southampton’s defence as relentlessly as Storm Darragh – but only had Jhon Duran’s first goal since September to show for all their huffing and puffing.The big Colombian celebrated his first Premier League start of the season with a first-half winner.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran scored the winner against SouthamptonCredit: GettySouthampton are now in deeper relegation troubleCredit: PAAston Villa have closed the gap with Manchester CityCredit: AFPAston Villa have won their second game in a row after eight winless matchesCredit: GettyBut Ollie Watkins missed a hat-trick of chances and goalkeeper Joe Lumley blocked a stoppage-time effort from John McGinn with his legs to defy Unai Emery’s men.Villa will just be pleased to head for the warmth of the home dressing room with three points bagged ahead of their Champions League trip to RB Leipzig as they climbed to fifth.But Russell Martin’s toothless Saints didn’t manage one shot on target which is why they remain rooted to the foot of the table.We’ll all miss Southampton when they eventually return to the Championship – for comedy value alone.Read More on FootballBefore Saints fans get their hackles up, you can’t really argue that’s harsh when your travelling support are singing: ‘How s**t must you be, it’s only 1-0?’ after half an hour!There is no such thing as a dull game when Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are in town.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Ryan Manning gave the home fans a scare after nine minutes with a low shot which clipped the inside of Diego Carlos’s boot and flew just wide, to Emi Martinez’s relief.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThen Ezri Konsa had to hurl himself into a brilliant blocking tackle to deny Cameron Archer, who had pulled the trigger from 12 yards after some sloppy defending from Villa.But there were already tell-tale signs that Saints defence was getting bored with such a steady start.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadThey almost blundered trying to play the ball out from the back when Morgan Rogers pounced only to have his shot deflected for a corner by Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Two minutes later Rogers played Duran through on goal as the Saints defence was caught napping.However a brilliantly-timed diving save from Lumley thwarted the Colombian battering ram as he managed to whip the ball off the striker’s toes.But the fun really began midway through the first half when Nathan Wood played a passback to Lumley, who then tried to play to a fellow Saint….. eight yards from his own goal-line!Boubacar Kamara had sniffed out the opportunity, intercepted and the ball broke to McGinn whose shot was desperately blocked.But Saints’ stay of execution only lasted for another 60 seconds as they imploded in the 24th minute.Duran with the winnerThey actually had Villa pinned back with an aggressive high press.When Konsa played in Carlos there was no other option available to the Spaniard other than to play a long hopeful pass into the inside right channel.Then let Duran do the rest!The Colombian kid must be an absolute nightmare to play against.Wood looked favourite to clear the ball until the young battering ram eased him off it.Harwood-Bellis took over but Duran cleverly picked his pocket, nicking the ball off his toes before bursting clear.Aston Villa could capitaliseHe rag-dolled Wood as he attempted to recover then calmly clipped the ball beyond the onrushing Lumley who had sprinted to the edge of his box to try and avert the danger.However there was no stopping Duran from bagging his fifth Premier League goal of the season and his first since he netted against Wolves on September 21.But try as they might, Villa couldn’t capitalise on that lead.Rogers came close with a driving run and low cross which flew across the face of Saints goal but there were no takers from one yard out.Duran had another shot blocked by Wood but at half-time Villa’s lead remained a slender one.However they were up against a team who had enjoyed more of the pressure – Saints had 52.10 per cent of the first-half play – yet hadn’t managed a single shot on target.Martin tried to beef up his attack by sending on Joe Aribo for James Bree at the break.And Konsa did well to head a wicked Kyle Walker-Peters cross over his own bar under pressure from Adam Armstrong.But Emery saw Martin’s substitution and raised the stakes by sending on FOUR subs before the hour.Lucas Digne, Jaden Philogene, Ross Barkley and Watkins replaced Ian Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans and Duran.But the pattern of the game never changed with Villa continually knocking on the door but Saints somehow managing to keep it locked for once.Watkins had a shot blocked before Pau Torres headed over from the resulting corner.Southampton created threatsSaints had a rare sight on goal when Tyler Dibling burst clear and picked out Archer but Kamara – who was superb throughout – got back to block.Eighteen-year-old sub Sam Amo-Ameyaw then curled over a teasing cross which threatened to creep in at the back post until Martinez dived to clutch it.That was as close as Saints got to a shot on target.Meanwhile, Villa continued to squander good chances.Watkins set up Barkley six-yards out but Wood got back to brilliantly block.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Saints defender then managed to clear a Watkins effort off the line before he punched the air defiantly after blocking the England striker, who was sent clear by Rogers.All Martin needs is another four defenders like Wood! 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      Gutted Everton fan spent 17 years saving for 10,000 mile trip for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d match

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      AN Aussie Everton fan was left gutted after Storm Darragh ruined his “bucket list” dream of watching his favourite team.The Toffees were scheduled to host Liverpool for Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park, but the extreme weather conditions led to a postponement.Everton fan Nathan Hamlin flew all the way from Australia to watch the Merseyside DerbyCredit: Sky NewsThe Merseyside Derby was postponed because of Storm DarraghCredit: AFPNathan Hamlin and his mum flew all the way from Perth for the 30-hour trip to Liverpool, which required a total of four stops, but found out two hours before the game that it was all for nought. Storm Darragh has caused disruption throughout the entire country as its 90mph winds caused power cuts, trees to be uprooted and events as well as travel to be cancelled.The game was postponed due to health and safety concern and Everton confirmed all tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.However, that may be of no help for Hamlin, 32, who waited at least 17 years to watch his favourite team in action up close and in person.Read More on FootballThis unfortunate development means he may have missed his last chance of ever seeing a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park as the club moves to Bramley Moore Dock for next season.Hamlin told Sky News: “It’s very upsetting due to the fact my mother and I have flown about 30 hours in total.”Perth-Singapore, Singapore-London, London-Dublin, then Dublin all the way over to here.”It’s been a bucket list item that I’ve always wanted to cross off, and the fact that it’s the last opportunity that we’re going to get to have a Merseyside Derby at Goodison, that was the clinching reason why I came.Most read in FootballAsked if he’s ever watched Everton play in person before, Hamlin responded: “No, I’ve spent probably the last 17 plus years – I’m 32 now – as an Everton fan watching online, watching over [the] product in Australia.”To actually get to go to Goodison, to get to see a game in person was exactly why I came and it’s been very unfortunate.93mph Storm Darragh: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby called off”I understand the weather – I totally get it. I’m a health and safety advisor, so I totally get the reason as to why you called it off.”It’s just upsetting to be coming this far and only finding out a couple of hours before that you can’t go to the game.”This comes after Everton captain Seamus Coleman made a touching gesture to another Aussie fan who blew “all his savings” on a flight to attend the last Goodison Merseyside derby.Mackenzie Kinsella, 15, had made the 10,000-mile 24-hour trip from Sydney to watch his beloved Blues face Liverpool.It was his “dream” to watch his Liverpool-born mum’s Toffees play against their red neighbours at the historic old ground before the switch to Bramley Moore Dock.However, after Storm Darragh forced safety officials to postpone the game, he will miss out unless it can be re-arranged to take place within the next week before he jets back Down Under.Coleman tries to make it upAfter news of his heartbreak spread following the postponement, Coleman attempted to make it up to Mackenzie by inviting him to be a VIP guest at their Finch Farm training ground.In a video message to the youngster, who is staying with an aunt in England, the Irish ace said: “Hi Mackenzie, it’s Seamus Coleman here. I just wanted to send you a video message today to say I know you’ll be so disappointed today.“I know how hard you saved up to travel from Australia for the Merseyside derby. I know you were looking forward to the experience of being at the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.“So I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today. We all are, we were all looking forward to the game. But we’d love to see you down here at the training ground on Monday if that’s OK with you?“Hopefully you can see some of the lads and that will make up for the disappointment on Saturday. We can have a bit of a chat then. All the very best Mackenzie and take care.”Mackenzie’s mum Rita, an Everton diehard, admitted that she thought he had “no chance” of earning and saving enough cash to pay for the trip.Fan spent all his savingsBut he proved them wrong and after spending £1,400 he landed at John Lennon Airport in time to see his team thrash Wolves, who his father happens to support, 4-0 on Wednesday.Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about her initial response to his derby dream just after Easter, Rita said: “You’ve got no chance mate. We’ve just come back from England and there’s no way I can save that money in the time we’ve got.“When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton vs Liverpool game at Goodison Park.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMackenzie’s nan Jo had previously explained that the person who sits next to her son Michael had to work today, which resulted in his ticket being available.Rita added: “He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago ‘I’d really like to go mum – will you let me go?’ I said, ‘I can’t stop you if you’ve got the money’. We’re very proud of him.”Everton captain Seamus Coleman invited another Aussie fan to trainingCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Red Devils look to bounce back from midweek defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Nottingham Forest in a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT.Ruben Amorim tasted his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night – following a 2-0 loss away at Arsenal.Man Utd will be looking to bounce back this evening as they face a Forest side that have lost three of their last four Premier League games.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: To follow…Nottingham Forest team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…United keep Kath in their thoughtsUnited have kept the memory of much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps at the front of their thoughts on matchday after she died this week aged 85.The club had shared the news of her death by describing her as: “friend, confidant and treasured colleague” – adding “United will never be the same”.Famous past and present figures around Old Trafford, like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, paid tribute.And this afternoon the club posted on social media: “Thinking of you today, Kath.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedUtd landing Raum could depend on Ten HagRuben Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford, writes PHIL THOMAS.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.But Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.David Raum left-Back of RB Leipzig and Germany during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atletico de Madrid and RB Leipzig at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on September 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Credit: GettyThe Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.If the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils’ statement reassures fansEverton’s derby with Liverpool was amongst the victims of Storm Darragh today.But United were able to reassure fans just before noon.They issued a statement saying: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”Copy linkCopiedRed Devils must win to leapfrog ForestWhat odds on this at the start of the season?United host Forest – needing victory to leapfrog the Midlanders into mid-table.Meanwhile, visitors boss Nuno Espirito Santo is chasing three points to show their early run to the top three was no fluke.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim waved to fans on his arrival at Old TraffordCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Lionel Messi beats Prem cult heroes to win MLS MVP award after Inter Miami chief’s big update on icon’s retirement plans

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      LIONEL MESSI has won the MLS MVP award after a stunning season with Inter Miami – and could be set for more with David Beckham’s club.Messi led Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference and helped them lift their first ever Supporters’ Shield by having the best overall record during the regular season.Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP Award after a stunning season with Inter MiamiCredit: X @InterMiamiCFMessi beat three former Premier League aces for the MLS awardCredit: AFPThe eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also registered a staggering 21 goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances after missing almost two months of action as he joined Argentina in the Copa America where he got injured.That led the star forward to the Landon Donovan MVP Award, which he won with 38.43 per cent of the vote.The Barcelona legend beat runner-up and ex-Watford ace Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew (33.70 per cent) as well as Portland Timbers star Evander, who came third with 9.24 per cent.Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke won 7.10 per cent of the vote for DC United, while Messi’s team-mate and Reds legend Luis Suarez finished fifth with 2.71 per cent.Read More on FootballMessi said in front of Inter’s young academy players: “Truly, it is an honour for me to receive this award from all of you. It’s a source of pride to watch you all train.”I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing… “It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”Messi couldn’t lead Miami all the way to the MLS Cup as they suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta United in the first round of the play-offs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Argentina captain’s contract runs out next December, but co-owner Jorge Mas is “very confident” that his star player will sign a new deal.Mas said: “As I said before, I’m very confident that he’ll be opening our new stadium in ’26.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “I’ll be sitting with Leo, you know, now at some point in the off-season.”And I’m optimistic that as long as Leo’s health holds up, that we’ll be seeing him in pink.”Messi overcame runner-up and Columbus Crew star Cucho HernandezCredit: GettyMessi also beat ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa ace Christian Benteke of DC UnitedCredit: AP More