More stories

  • in

    ‘I can’t believe what I’m watching – it’s awful’ – Neville lost for words by Man Utd’s ‘hopeless’ display vs Tottenham

    GARY NEVILLE raged at Manchester United and claimed he “could not believe” what he was watching during their dismal first-half against Tottenham.Micky van de Ven, 23, robbed Marcus Rashford of the ball inside the Tottenham half and drove at the Man Utd defence in the third minute of the game.Micky van de Ven stole the ball from Marcus Rashford in his own halfCredit: Sky SportsHe dribbled past four Manchester United players with incredible pace and powerCredit: Sky SportsVan de Ven got to the byline and pulled it across for Brennan JohnsonCredit: Sky SportsJohnson tapped home from two yards to give Spurs a third-minute leadCredit: GettyGary Neville pulled no punches in his assessment of his former sideCredit: GettyHe weaved his way past four Red Devils players before producing a brilliant low cross for Johnson to tap home into an open goal.Legendary Man Utd defender Gary Neville labelled his former side’s defenders “helpless” when analysing the move on commentary.He also said: “Absolutely brilliant from Van de Ven.”He drives through four Manchester United players. It’s amazing. Brilliant.”Less than 10 minutes later, Neville labelled Man Utd’s start to the game as “hopeless”.He also added: “Dominance [for Spurs so far]. There’s a long way to go, but this game can’t go like this.”Erik ten Hag, coming into October, November, this is where he’s really going to be judged.”He’s had five transfer windows, these are his players out on the pitch. This is his team. We’ve got to start seeing some real progression.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd before half-time he furiously said: “I can’t believe what I’m watching, it’s awful.”And fans on social media were left utterly baffled at how easily Van de Ven waltzed through he Red Devils’ defence.Man Utd arrive for Tottenham clash in new George Best adidas rangeOne said: “Three minutes in, and Ten Hag’s defence revealed its strategy: ‘Build the suspense, then let them score’!”While another added: “These days anybody can score against Manchester United!!!”A third replied: “So similar to the goal Twente scored too. No one willing to make a challenge, even if it’s a tactical foul. Every other team does it.”And a fourth responded: “Surely Ten Hag’s time is coming to an end, he is completely clueless.” More

  • in

    Man Utd 0-1 Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Brennan Johnson taps in early opener – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED are taking on Tottenham in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW.And it was Spurs who struck first through Brennan Johnson’s close-range tap-in after a great run from Micky van de Ven.The headline team news from Old Trafford is that Son Heung-min has been ruled out for the Tottenham squad due to a hamstring injury.TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee, RashfordTottenham team: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison, Johnson, Solanke, WernerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Man Utd 0-1 Tottenham37. Garnacho gets in behind the Tottenham defence.He slides in, looking to cross into the box and pick out a teammate.There is no one in there to get on the end of it and it is half-cleared.Man Utd recycle the ball and Rashford sends a cross into the back post.Garnacho hits it on the volley, only to see his effort crash against the outside of the post.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham35. Spurs are struggling to find that final pass in the build-up.It seems they are letting the hosts off the hook all too often.Postecoglou will know more than anyone how quickly a game can change if they do not assert their dominance.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham33. Udogie tries to get another shot off at goal but it is deflected wide for a Spurs’ corner.Maddison swings the ball in but it is too deep for anyone to get onto it.Tottenham recycle it and Porro crosses towards Romero.The Spurs’ defender tries an outlandish volley, which goes just wide of the far post.Mazraoui is booked for a rash challenge out wide.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham31. The hosts are giving the ball away regularly.This game is like a stroll in the park for the visitors so far.Ten Hag is looking furious with what he is seeing from the touchline.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham29. Tottenham have had their fair share of chances to give themselves a considerable lead this afternoon.At one-nil, it is still a slender lead for Spurs.Another goal before the interval would really turn the screw on the hosts.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham27. Kulusevski threads a ball in behind the Man Utd defence.Johnson drills a ball across goal but Mazraoui slides in to clear with Werner waiting to tap the ball in behind him.Important challenge from the Red Devils’ full-back.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham25. There is no press at all from Man Utd.It is almost as if they are just waiting for Tottenham to give the ball away under no pressure whatsoever.Postecoglou will want to see his side take full advantage of the space and time they are being given by the hosts.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham23. First real chance of the game for Man Utd.Mainoo gets down the right and plays an inch-perfect pass to Zirkzee in the middle of the goal.He gets a shot off but Vicario makes a good save at full-stretch to deny him.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham21. Another big chance for Tottenham.Udogie gets forward and squares the ball to Kulusevski.He opts not to shoot and feeds it to Johnson wide in the box.The Welshman gets a shot away, only to see it come back off the far post.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham19. Maddison is bundled over by Ugarte.A free kick is awarded to the visitors.United win the ball back and Fernandes clips a ball over the top for Garnacho to run onto.The move breaks down as the hosts are penalised for offside.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham17. Mainoo plays another stray pass straight into touch.That is two or three times he has done that already.Man Utd need to find some energy and spark to get back into this game.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham15. Maddison has a real chance to dictate play in this game.He is making some good runs and nobody seems to be tracking him.Even at this early stage of the game, you feel Tottenham need to get a second goal to assert themselves in this match.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham13. More great play from Postecoglou’s side.On this occasion it is Udogie who has a sight of goal but he sends it over the crossbar.Man Utd are playing like mentally they are still in the dressing room.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham11. Great interplay between Maddison and Kulusevski.The midfielder is through on goal but as he looks to lift it over Onana the keeper manges to get a block in.So close to Spurs doubling their lead.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham9. The Red Devils are struggling to string more than three passes together.All too often they are gifting possession back to the visitors.Onana hits the ball long and Rashford uses his pace to get onto it, looking to beat Vicario at his near post, but the keeper saves.The flag goes up for offside to save the attacker’s blushes.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham7. You feel in these early stages if the visitors do not take their foot off the gas, there could be more goals for the taking.Solanke is making plenty of runs into the channels, stretching the Man Utd back four.Erik ten Hag is not looking a happy figure on the touchline.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham5. It is the perfect start for the visitors.They feel this Man Utd side are there for the taking.Already it seems a struggle for the Red Devils’ defence to cope with the pace and movement from Postecoglou’s side.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Tottenham3. Rashford loses the ball in the Tottenham half and van de Ven strides out of defence with it.He runs towards the United goal, beating three players in the process, before squaring it from the byline.Johnson arrives at the back post to tap into an empty net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Brennan Johnson (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Tottenham1. Spurs look to get a feel for the ball early on.Passing it around the backline, making the hosts chase it down.Man Utd are opting not to press high up the pitch, giving Tottenham plenty of time on the ball.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Man Utd vs TottenhamWe are underway at Old Trafford.A packed house for the visit of Ange Postecoglou’s side.Man Utd get the game started.Copy linkCopiedRashford looking to rediscover formIt has been the one frustrating factor for Man Utd fans in recent seasons, the disappearance of Marcus Rashford.He has shown his potential for many seasons in a Man Utd shirt but has gone missing for the last few seasons.Many players thrive on confidence and Red Devils’ fans hope that one good performance can spark the attacker back into form.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSpurs looking to avoid unwanted recordTottenham have only failed to win any of their three opening Premier League matches once before in the 2019/20 campaign.If they fail to win today, they will equal that record.Spurs can win consecutive top-flight games for the first time since March at Old Trafford today.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils favourites for winThe bookies cannot see past a Man Utd win against Tottenham this afternoon at Old Trafford.Man Utd – EvensDraw – 21/10Tottenham – 15/8All match odds brought to you by Betfair.Copy linkCopiedSide needs some leadershipMentality seems to be a big problem for Erik ten Hag’s side.Often heads drop and there seems to be a lack of effort on the pitch for periods of the game.Many have questioned whether Bruno Fernandes was the right man to be made captain, now is the time for him to prove his doubters wrong and offer some leadership out on the pitch.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Ipswich 2 Aston Villa 2: Delap scores brilliant double either side of Rogers and Watkins goals to seal impressive point

    LIAM DELAP scored a brilliant brace as Ipswich came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.The former Manchester City striker, 21, fired the newly-promoted side ahead at Portman Road after just eight minutes.Liam Delap scored both Ipswich goals to salvage a point for the home sideCredit: GettyHe fired the hosts in front after eight minutesCredit: GettyMorgan Rogers levelled for Aston Villa as Ipswich’s lead did not last longCredit: GettyOllie Watkins headed the visitors in front shortly after the half hour markCredit: PADelap stole the show for Ipswich with an all-round brilliant performanceDelap had 22 touches in the game as he terrorised Villa down the left-hand sideMorgan Rogers levelled for the visitors after a quarter of an hour, playing a one-two with Ollie Watkins inside the area before he lashed a smart finish into the bottom corner.And Unai Emery’s side completed the turnaround 13 minutes before half-time when an unmarked Watkins headed Villa in front.Ipswich pressed for an equaliser after the break and got their reward in the 72nd minutes in superb fashion as Delap breezed past Diego Carlos with two delightful step overs and rifled into the far corner.The result sees Kieran McKenna’s men climb out of the relegation zone and up to 15th, while Villa miss out on moving level on points with table-toppers Liverpool as they remain fifth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich took the lead when Villa failed to clear the ball and Jack Clarke cut the ball back for Delap, whose first-time shot slipped through goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s glove even though he had the near post covered.But Villa responded seven minutes later when Jacob Greaves gave the ball away in a poor clearance, with Rogers picking it up in the box and playing a one-two with Watkins before firing home the equaliser.Portman Road was quickly silenced soon after when Leon Bailey whipped in a cross that took out both Ipswich centre backs and Watkins made it 2-1 with a header for his fourth goal of the season.Ipswich had two glorious opportunities to level but Martinez came to Villa’s rescue when he palmed away a rocket of a shot from Kalvin Phillips before sticking a leg out to deny Delap when he was clean through on goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWatkins now has four Premier League goals in six matches this seasonCredit: GettyBut Delap produced another moment of brilliance in the 72nd minute to equaliseCredit: GettyIt is Ipswich’s fourth point of the season and lifts them out of the relegation zoneCredit: GettyThe second half was not as chaotic as the first as the two teams played with more composure.Ipswich equalised on a counter-attack after 72 minutes, however, when Delap beat the offside trap and got the better of defender Diego Carlos with a sublime shimmy before beating Martinez. More

  • in

    I shared a year with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd – he trained like an ANIMAL and always tried to be the best

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo worked hard to be the best since a young age as he trained “like an animal”.That is according to fellow United great Dimitar Berbatov who joined the club from Tottenham in 2008, one year before Ronaldo, 39, left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.Cristiano Ronaldo trained ‘like an animal’ at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationMan Utd legend Dimitar Berbatov spent a year with RonaldoCredit: Getty – ContributorBerbatov was amazed by Ronaldo’s dedication in training at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut during their brief spell together, Berbatov, 43, quickly knew the then-23-year-old was destined for greatness as he never missed a training session and showed incredible dedication.The Portugal captain went on to win a whopping five Ballons d’Or as well as the 2008-09 Premier League title with the Bulgaria legend before his departure to Real.Berbatov told The Telegraph: “We shared a year together, he was starting to grow by leaps and bounds. “He trained like an animal, he tried his best to be the best. It was nice to see that dedication up close. Read More on Man Utd”I don’t remember him missing a single training session.”Berbatov almost never played with Ronaldo as Manchester City came close to hijacking his summer deadline day move to rivals United.Tottenham accepted an offer from City just hours before the striker finalised his move to the Red Devils.But the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star ordered his agent to snub Man City and push for a deal with United with an X-rated statement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBerbatov added: “They wanted to sign me on the last day of the market.”I told my agent: ‘F*** off, we’re going to United’. Because of the history, the prestige, the players, the manager, the shirt.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag steals famous Cristiano Ronaldo quote but refuses to name him as furious spat rages on”I never had any doubt that Old Trafford was the right decision.” More

  • in

    Eagle-eyed fans spot Chelsea star’s ruthless message to Cole Palmer on his match ball after Brighton heroics

    ONE Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ball despite the ace scoring four goals against Brighton.The Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kick and grabbed a fourth BEFORE half-time as Chelsea claimed a 4-2 win.One Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ballCredit: XThe Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kickPalmer then grabbed a fourth before half-timeCredit: RexPalmer hit the net in the 21st, 28th, 31st and 41st minutes in a bonkers first half at Stamford Bridge.And that saw him become the first player ever in a Premier League match to score four goals in the first half.Last season, a mystery man wrote “s*** player” on his match ball after he netted a hat-trick in the 4-3 win over Manchester United in April.And this time it was Romeo Lavia who played the role of the mischief-makers he wrote “You’re a mid player regardless” on Palmer’s ball.READ MORE ON CHELSEALavia tagged Palmer as he posted a picture of his graffiti on Instagram, saying: “There you go CP”.And his prank has caused a stir on social media.One fan said: “Cole Palmer is a world-class is what he meant.”Another added: “Best Player in the Premier Rn.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some saw the truth in Lavia’s message and said: “Palmer is truly a mid player. He never turns up for big games.”Sceptics should take a look at the scoring and assists charts, where Palmer ranks second with six goals and four assists this season.Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalThe midfielder has racked up 43 Premier League goals and assists since the beginning of last season – more than any other player.In another freak twist, Palmer has now scored four goals in the Premier League more times than he has bagged for three.He snatched a dramatic hat-trick to complete an outrageous 4-3 turnaround victory against Man Utd on April 4.Just 11 days later, he banged in four as Chelsea tore Everton apart. More

  • in

    Chelsea fans say ‘we have our Hazard back’ after Cole Palmer’s nonchalant interview following Brighton heroics

    CHELSEA star Cole Palmer was compared to club legend Eden Hazard by fans after making a casual revelation during a hilarious interview.Palmer, 22, led the Blues to a stunning 4-2 victory against Brighton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge by scoring all four goals with a sensational Premier League performance.Cole Palmer reminded Chelsea fans of Eden Hazard with his nonchalant interviewPalmer revealed he doesn’t really practice free-kicks and instead ‘messes about’ during Chelsea trainingCredit: AlamyHazard used to say he didn’t spend much time at the gym before dominating for Chelsea on the pitchCredit: GettyThat alone would be good enough to compare the winger to Hazard, who amassed a total of 110 goals and 85 assists in 352 appearances during his seven-year stint with the West Londoners.However, it was during the post-match interview that the England international really brought back a similar vibe to Belgian icon.Palmer scored an incredible free-kick from 30 yards out that thundered into Bart Verbruggen’s top left corner to complete his hat-trick against the Seagulls.The ex-Manchester City ace later revealed he doesn’t really practice set-pieces and instead “messes about” during training under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Read More on FootballPalmer said when asked if he had been practicing free-kicks: “No, not really.”Just messing about. Practice, practice… But, yeah…”The star forward reminded fans of Hazard who used to say he didn’t spend much time at the gym before dominating on the pitch and was well liked for being down to earth.One supporter tweeted: “He said he hasn’t practiced Free-Kicks. Just been messing about. We have our Hazard back.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Looks like he hasn’t lost his touch, been messing around and still delivering like the good old days of Hazard.”A third gushed: “AURA.”Fans in hysterics as they spot Cole Palmer’s gesture before West Ham clash as they say Chelsea star ‘didn’t even care’ This fan said: “Palmer has talent like Hazard. In addition, he’s disciplined and loves the club.”And that one posted: “Just messing about bruhhh. This blud is in that [Lionel] Messi & Hazard category I kid you not.” More

  • in

    Ipswich vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Tractor Boys host Emery’s men in first match of Super Sunday

    IPSWICH host high-flying Aston Villa in the first match on Super Sunday.Sam Morsy’s 95th-minute strike rescued a point for the Tractors in last weekend’s encounter against Southampton.And they’ll be hoping for more fortune to fall their way as they face an Aston Villa side who came from behind to beat Wolves that same day.Kick-off time: 2pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channels: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Portman Road with our live blog below… More

  • in

    Liverpool keeper Alisson targeted for shock transfer to European giants managed by Premier League legend

    VINCENT KOMPANY’S Bayern Munich are watching developments on Alisson Becker.The Liverpool keeper, 31,  has been linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, possibly as early as the end of the season.Liverpool star goalkeeper Alisson is being targeted by Bayern MunichCredit: AFPBayern would have to splash a fortune to land Alisson from LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern boss Vincent Kompany could make an ambitious move for Alisson at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBayern, who have fitness concerns over their No 1 Manuel Neuer, are also very keen but it would take a fortune to land Alisson next summer.Ex-Burnley chief Kompany is a big fan of Alisson from his time in English football and could launch an ambitious move at the end of the campaign.Liverpool are braced for Alisson leaving and have already signed Valencia’s Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, to join them permanently next year.Alisson joined the Reds from Roma following a £67million deal in 2018.Read More on FootballSince then, the star goalkeeper has inspired immense confidence between the sticks – something Liverpool had been sorely lacking prior to his arrival.The Brazil international shone bright during Jurgen Klopp’s reign at the helm.The shot stopper helped the Merseysiders win their first Premier League title in 30 years back in 2020.The Brazilian also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlisson has amassed a grand total of 269 appearances with Liverpool during his six-year stint at the Kop.So far this season, the ex-Roma star has played six times across all competitions.Alisson Becker tells Liverpool to cut out ‘stupid’ conceded goals as keeper awaits first clean sheet of the seasonLiverpool manager Arne Slot, though, could also call upon Caoimhin Kelleher if Alisson decides to leave at the end of the season. More