More stories

  • in

    Tottenham could face ANOTHER Europa League final injury blow as star ‘escorted down tunnel by medical staff’

    TOTTENHAM have been hit by another injury blow after Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel by medical staff.The midfielder was taken off in the 53rd minute and replaced by Yves Bissouma.Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel after coming offCredit: GettyHe was immediately seen to by medical staff and gingerly walked straight down the tunnel at Aston Villa.Sarr, 22, is now an injury doubt for the Europa League final next Wednesday although Postecoglou said he was taken off as a precaution.He said: “Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. “I don’t think it’s anything too significant speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back and I think Mikey (Moore) was okay.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is yet another blow for Spurs, who have lost James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to injury in the build-up.That means Ange Postecoglou will be scratching his head over who to start in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also out.Postecoglou made sweeping changes for the visit to Villa Park with the crucial trip to Bilbao on the cards.But Spurs could not avoid another injury, which has been the case all season long.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt comes after Postecoglou said his side “could not afford to lose” any more players to injury.He said ahead of the Villa clash: “The reality of our existence at the moment is we can’t lose another player to an injury. It’s just too finely balanced for us considering what’s at stake.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles”Look, in a normal world you use this to be sharpening up, but we’re not living in a normal world.”Even with the best planning we’re still getting hit with these setbacks. From my perspective I’ve got to take that into account when considering the [Aston Villa] game.” More

  • in

    ‘It is not how we act’ – Mo Salah says Liverpool fans were WRONG to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold in ‘harsh’ statement

    MO SALAH says Liverpool fans were wrong to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold after he decided to quit the Prem champions.The Real Madrid-bound right-back was targeted by the home crowd when he came on against Arsenal at Anfield last Sunday.Mo Salah has backed his pal Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAWhen asked if Liverpool talisman Salah was saddened by the reception Alexander-Arnold received from his boyhood club, he replied: “Absolutely. I was surprised because it is not how we act as Liverpool fans.“The fans have been harsh with him. He didn’t deserve that because he gave it all to the fans.“We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months.“Imagine someone who gave his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this and I hope it will change in the next game – Brighton or the last game of the season – because he deserves the best farewell leaving the club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He has done a lot for the city and a lot for the club.”Liverpool boss Arne Slot also called on fans to lay off Alexander-Arnold following the abuse in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners.Slot, who takes his side to Brighton on Monday night, said: “We saw the reaction to Trent – positive as well as negative. Now we need to draw a line under the situation and not let it be a distraction any more.”Slot’s players will face the Seagulls having had three days off for a squad trip to Dubai while the Dutchman headed to Ibiza and the Spanish hot spot’s famous O beach club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he insists nobody will be on the beach on the South Coast, saying: “Of course if we lose people will say it our fault for letting the players take a break.“But we will also have had three days’ training by the time we play Brighton and we know that physically the players always give everything. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fans“And mentally, they are always there – as they have shown in winning the league this season.”Slot is understood to be poised to trigger the £30m release clause in right back Jeremie Frimpong’s Bayern Leverkusen that will take him to Anfield.But he stressed : “If I was to say I was bringing in a lot of new players this summer it would seem like I am not happy with some of the ones I already have.“Yet we won the league with very good players and because of that it is difficult to find others just like them.“You assume we need to bring in new players but we are very happy with the ones we have got.”Arne Slot will take his side to Brighton on MondayCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd legend releases EIGHT players including Newcastle fans’ favourite, 33, after EFL relegation

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes has released eight players at Carlisle including a former Newcastle star.Hughes was appointed manager of the Cumbrians in February but was unable to prevent them being relegated from League Two.Mark Hughes has released eight players at CarlisleCredit: GettyPaul Dummett is among the players let goCredit: GettyThe veteran boss penned a rolling contract and is in talks to stay on for next season.And he has overseen the departure of eight players as Carlisle look to start afresh in the National League.The biggest name to be let go is Paul Dummett, who joined Carlisle in January and played three games.Dummett, 33, left Newcastle last summer after making 213 appearances for the Magpies.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarlisle have released seven other players – Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela.While two players have been offered new deals – Matthew Dennis and Kadeem Harris.SunSport exclusively revealed in April that Hughes would be open to sticking with Carlisle in the fifth tier.Hughes couldn’t prevent relegation but oversaw a huge upturn in form.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won the same number of matches in his 18 in charge as Carlisle did in their 32 games previous this season.Carlisle is Wrexham-born Hughes’ ninth managerial stint, having bossed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and most recently Bradford. More

  • in

    Why is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask for Chelsea against Man Utd?

    CHELSEA take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge TONIGHT – but Moises Caicedo has a new look.The Blues are chasing a top five finish, while Utd are searching for momentum as they head towards the Europa League final.Moises Caicedo was seen wearing a mask during Chelsea’s warm upCredit: REUTERS/Hannah MckayChelsea take on Man Utd at Stamford Bridge tonightCredit: GettyLast season saw Chelsea dramatically beat Utd 4-3, with Caicedo’s mistake handing Alejandro Garnacho the first of then Ten Hag’s side on the night.Cole Palmer scored twice in injury time to turn the game from a 3-2 loss to a 4-3 win, and former Blue Mason Mount squared up to Enzo Fernandez to get the crowd going.SunSport can reveal why Moises Caicedo is wearing a mask for the clash tonight.Read more FootballWhy is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask?Moises Caicedo sustained a cheek injury against Newcastle last weekend.The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle.Caicedo will wear the mask as a precaution for at least the game tonight.How to watch Chelsea vs Man UtdChelsea vs Manchester United will come LIVE on Sky Sports.The Blues clash against United will stream on NOW TV, Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.The game will kick-off at 8.15pm BST.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.Most read in Football More

  • in

    Chelsea vs Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Marc Cucurella SCORES only goal of the game as Maresca’s side take HUGE three points

    CHELSEA have BEATEN Manchester United as they take a HUGE step towards the Champions League.Marc Cucurella scored the only goal of a close game to move Chelsea within touching distance of the Champions League next season.Harry Maguire thought he had given Man Utd the lead in London, but his strike was ruled out for offside.Chelsea then had their own VAR drama, as Andre Onana appeared to catch Tyrique George, but the VAR ruled out the spot kick.Elsewhere, Aston Villa also took a huge step towards the Champions League, beating Tottenham.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Enzo the deceiver keeps goingEarlier in the season, many deluded pundits were talking about Chelsea as title contenders.That has proved to be nothing more than flights of fantasy.The Blues would be living above their station to even be in the Champions League next season but many teams are looking to pip them to that reward still.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAll hope rests in BilbaoWhat has been a dreadful season for the Red Devils domestically, all now rests on the Europa League final.It will be interesting to see how the board reacts to a potential defeat against Tottenham.Amorim has been breaking some unwanted records in his first season and without victory in midweek, does not have much to defend his position with the owners.Copy linkCopiedMo’ money, mo’ problemsSince taking over the club, Todd Boely has spent more than the US black ops budget in West London.Despite that, they look no closer to resolving their problems.With players on contracts longer than the lease at Stamford Bridge, this looks like a project that could run longer than the ‘war on terror’.Copy linkCopiedThe winner takes it allEverything may seem rosey in West London this evening but it is just papering over the cracks.Chelsea are a long way from being challengers for major honours.This side looks disjointed and has too many egos to gel.That is the headache for Maresca with a board who have not shown much patience in the past.Copy linkCopiedFuture not looking so brightDespite having a Europa League final to look forward to, that really masks the problems at Old Trafford.Defeat at Stamford Bridge this evening was the the 18th loss of the campaign for Man Utd.Ruben Amorim is not taking to life at Old Trafford like a duck to water and may be looking over his shoulder in the not too distant future.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedMassive crunch match lies aheadChelsea go into their last game of the campaign travelling to Nottingam Forest.If their rivals win this weekend it could set up a winner takes all showdown.Forest are well out of the top five currently but victory over The Blues could see them leapfrog their counterparts.Copy linkCopiedBlues celebrate vital winMaresca’s side celebrated three points at Stamford Bridge.This was an important win for The Blues in their European ambitions.They know their fate is in their own hands now.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea possession pays dividendsDespite Man Utd creating the most chances in the first half, The Blues managed to secure the win.Chelsea had lots of possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances.Finally Cucurella managed to grab the goal they had craved.Copy linkCopiedBlues keep European dream aliveAfter securing all three points against the Red Devils, Chelsea moved up to fourth in the table.It was integral for them to secure victory with Aston Villa beating Tottenham this evening.Ennzo Maresca’s side still have their own fate in their own hands heading into the last game of the season.Copy linkCopiedRasmus no-goals strikes againMan Utd have a lot of issues to address this summer.One of the main issues is their lack of goals.While many people say that Hojlund is only young and will prosper, there is a valid reason for his poor return.If you spend no time in the box, you are not likely to score.Copy linkCopiedCucurella seals vital winWithout a striker, Chelsea struggled to have a focal point in the box.They struggled to create clear-cut chances against Man Utd.It took a defender to find the winner as Cucurella arrived in the box to head home James’ cross to break the deadlock.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Chelsea 1-0 Man UtdA big win for Enzo Maresca’s side.They need that for their top five spot.Another defeat for the Red Devils.Copy linkCopiedFT: Chelsea 1-0 Man UtdThe referee brings the game to a close.Chelsea have the three points they craved.Massive win for The Blues.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd90+6. Man Utd try to get on the attack but the move breaks down.Chelsea look to break with pace but but lose the ball.Wasted chance from the hosts.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd90+4. Heaven is booked for poor challenge.His first touch saw the ball get away from him and he followed through onto the knee of Gusto.The players and fans wanted to see red card for that one.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd90+2. Maguire tries to spray out wide to Dorgu.It goes straight out for a Chelsea throw in, much to the delight of the home fans.Last chance saloon for the visitors now.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd90. Handbags from the two teams after the foul.Some pushing and shoving before the referee gets involved.Neto is coming off for the hosts, replaced by Gusto.We are going to have seven added minutes.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd88. Palmer goes down in a heap on the floor.A free-kick is awarded to the hosts.Keeping Man Utd pinned into their own half is all that matters now.Uguarte is shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cucurella.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd86. It is all about game management now for the hosts.They have their lead and need to hold onto it.Three points is all that matters in this match.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd84. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in the stands the this evening.Probably trying to work out how to cut costs at the club even more.Chelsea are putting them on the back foot currently.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd82. Chelsea look the more likely to grab the next goal.There seems no drive from the visitors to get something from this game.This has been the problem with this team for far too long.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd80. George is coming off for Chelsea.Fernandes and Shaw are replaced for the visitors.Mainoo and Heaven replace the Man Utd players.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd78. Man Utd have to chase the game now.This will see how much fight they have in them.Amad cuts in from the flank and unleashes a shot but Sanchez beats it away for a corner.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd76. Dorgu is penalised for a foul out wide on Neto.The Man Utd player is not happy with the decision.How he has not been shown a yellow card by now is mental.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Man Utd74. The Chelsea fans are making themselves heard now.Suddenly the away end has gone deathly silent.They should be used to going behind in games this season.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

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

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

  • in

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

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

  • in

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

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