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      ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message

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      GARY LINEKER issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the Day after a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixtures.Southampton and Manchester City played out a drab goalless draw at St Mary’s, Everton won 3-1 at Fulham, Brighton prevailed 2-0 at Wolves, Brentford beat Ipswich 1-0 at Portman Road and 10-man Aston Villa picked up a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Gary Lineker issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the DayLineker blasted a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixturesThe games left much to be desired and Lineker, 64, suggested the BBC found it hard to put together an exciting highlight reel.So much so that the famous presenter described Saturday’s action as “probably one of the worst”. Lineker issued the following savage verdict: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Read More on FootballMatch of the Day shared a clip of that remark with the following caption: “No sugar-coating from @GaryLineker there.”Several football fans were left in stitches with that unique sign-off and took to social media.One fan tweeted: “The man Gary.”Another laughed: “Bahahahaha!”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Keepin’ it real, yess!”Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gagAnd a further post read: “Straight shooter Gaz.”Lineker dropped that tongue-in-cheek statement in one of his last ever appearances on Match of the Day as he will step down as presenter in May after 26 years in the esteemed show.The former England international will also leave the BBC altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.The Leicester legend will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker insists he will not be seen on any TV rival after leaving the Beeb and will instead be doing podcasts while also focusing on his personal life. More

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      Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED welcome West Ham to Old Trafford on Super Sunday.The Red Devils go into the clash on a high after booking their spot in the Europa League final on Thursday night.Manchester United will show their support for the (Red) campaign this weekendCredit: GettyAll Ruben Amorim’s side had to do was avoid a catastrophic collapse at Old Trafford after they won the first leg of their semi-final with Athletic Bilbao 3-0.But Man Utd piled on the misery for the Spaniards, smashing the LaLiga side 4-1 in the return leg.The Red Devils will face Tottenham in a blockbuster all-English final at the end of the month, and Amorim will be hoping his side can carry on the momentum as they host West Ham this weekend in the Premier League.Fans tuning into the match will notice that the Man Utd players are playing in a slightly different kit to normal – SunSport reveals why below.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham?Man Utd usually have the logo of sponsors Snapdragon branded across the front of their shirts.But for this afternoon’s game against West Ham, the Red Devils are promoting (Red), a charity that campaigns against health inequality and provides life-saving programmes in vulnerable communities.It was set up by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to help fight Aids.Man Utd’s women’s team also had the (Red) logo on their shirts for their Women’s Super League clash with Arsenal yesterday.Most read in FootballThe agreement for the one-off edit is part of Qualcomm Technologies’ £60million-a-year deal with United.The shirts from the matches will be sold off on online auction site MatchWornShirt to raise funds, with net proceeds going to (Red)’s campaign against health injustice.After announcing the deal with United and MatchWornShirt, (Red) president and COO Jennifer Lotito said: “We believe in the power of collaboration to drive change, and this collaboration is a great example of that mission in action.”These incredibly special shirts represent more than just match-worn memorabilia.”They are a powerful way to engage fans and raise funds to drive more impact where it is needed the most.” More

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      Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson sent off for moment of madness as he brutally elbows Sven Botman in Newcastle clash

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      NICOLAS JACKSON was sent off for dangerously elbowing Newcastle star Sven Botman during the race for Champions League qualification clash.The Chelsea striker appeared to look at Botman before leading in with his right forearm while jumping up in the air.Nicolas Jackson was sent off for going in with his elbow on BotmanJackson looked at Botman before leading in with his forearm and catching the Newcastle star in the faceBotman was left holding his nose in painReferee John Brooks shows a red card to Jackson in the 35th minuteCredit: GettyJackson made no attempt to play the ball and clattered his arm into Botman’s head in the 33rd minute, with Newcastle leading 1-0.The 23-year-old challenged Botman in the air, with the Dutchman hitting the deck clutching his face in pain.Replays showed that Jackson was actually watching Botman’s movement before glancing away and striking him in the face.Referee John Brooks initially gave Jackson a yellow card at St James’ Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut VAR intervened to check the footage for serious foul play and decided to send Brooks to the monitor.Fans inside the ground knew what was coming as soon as Brooks went to review the footage.The ref changed his decision and upgraded the yellow to a straight red, which bans Jackson for the next three league matches.Chelsea have two Premier League games left against Manchester United and fellow Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeJackson will also miss the first game of next season, but will be available to play in the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.The FA could in fact review the decision and extend the 23-year-old’s ban. ‘S— happens’ – Sky Sports forced to apologise after Cole Palmer swears before slamming trolls in awkward interviewWithin seconds of Jackson’s early bath, Dan Burn missed a nailed on header to double Eddie Howe’s lead.Sandro Tonali got the Toon off to a perfect start after slotting in Jacob Murphy’s cross after two minutes.Reece James was brought on for Noni Madueke with Chelsea down to ten men at half-time.But any hopes of a comeback vanished when Bruno Guimaraes doubled the Toon’s lead in the dying minutes.Bruno fires home Newcastle’s secondCredit: ReutersJackson will miss the rest of the Premier League seasonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Crystal Palace line up transfer for Chelsea-linked Emanuel Emegha as Prem rivals circle on £30m Mateta

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are chasing Strasbourg’s Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha — in case Jean-Philippe Mateta is sold.Emegha, 22, has proved a big hit in Ligue 1 this season — the Eagles have been to watch him and are poised to swoop.Strasbourg star Emanuel Emegha is being targeted by Crystal PalacePalace are thinking ahead in case they lose Jean-Philippe MatetaThe French club would want £30million for Emegha who is also being scouted by several Premier League rivals, including Chelsea.Palace are willing to go high if Mateta leaves in the summer after his second straight season of grabbing goals.The French hitman, 27, still has two years left on his contract but he could be tempted if Champions League football came on offer elsewhere.He won silver at the Olympics last year and his chances of a national call-up would be helped by a high-profile move.Read More on FootballMateta counts 17 goals and four assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.That adds to the centre-forward’s grand total of 46 goals and 11 assists in 148 appearances since joining Palace from Mainz in 2022.The Frenchman is undergoing a tough season after his horrific injury against Millwall in the FA Cup following an ill-judged challenge by goalkeeper Liam Roberts that led to 25 stitches in his ear.The striker has since been wearing protective gear on his head while playing for the Eagles.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEmegha has also been very impressive with Strasbourg, who are owned by Chelsea owners Clearlake, this season.The Dutchman has 14 goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.Crystal Palace fans earn club an FA charge within 30 SECONDS after engulfing Wembley in smoke by sneaking in flaresThe forward counts a total of 23 goals and five assists in 60 matches since his arrival from Sturm Graz in 2023.That has led to immense interest from Chelsea, who are desperate to sign a striker this summer and are also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Emegha’s Ligue 1 stats are impressive More

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      Why are Newcastle above Chelsea in the Premier League table?

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      NEWCASTLE and Chelsea are set to face off in a highly anticipated match at St. James’ Park with huge Champions League implications on the line.Both clubs are sitting on 63 points, and this Sunday lunchtime showdown could define their seasons.Newcastle are above Chelsea ahead of kick-off this afternoonCredit: GettyCole Palmer was on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekendCredit: GettyWith the Premier League now having five Champions League places, the race for the top five spots has never been more tense.Chelsea come into this match in fine form, winning their last five matches in all competitions.Last weekend, they secured a fantastic 3-1 victory over newly crowned champions Liverpool, and with Cole Palmer back on the scoresheet, his return to form could be arriving at just the right time.As for Newcastle, aside from their defeat to Aston Villa a few weeks back, they’ve been in impressive form themselves, winning five of their last seven Premier League matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were held to a 1-1 draw at the Amex, with Alexander Isak scoring a late penalty to rescue a point against Brighton.The two sides have already met twice this season, with Chelsea winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and Newcastle winning 2-0 in the Carabao Cup just three days later.Both sides are sitting inside the top five currently, but they’ll be desperate to get the three points as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are not too far behind.Why are Newcastle above Chelsea in the Premier League table?With just three games to go, Newcastle are currently sitting in fourth, just ahead of Chelsea in fifth – despite both teams being level on 63 points with identical +21 goal differences.Most read in FootballAnd with this weekend’s clash so crucial, fans want to know why Newcastle have the edge over the Blues.This is because, after goal difference, the next tiebreaker is goals scored, and with Newcastle netting 66 compared to Chelsea’s 62, the Magpies have the advantage.How to watch Newcastle vs ChelseaNewcastle’s huge match against Chelsea will get going at 12:00pm UK time on Sunday, May 11.The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1.You can live stream all the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download on your mobile or tablet device. More

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      Man Utd ready to SLASH Jadon Sancho asking price with Bundesliga side keen after Chelsea snub permanent transfer

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      JADON SANCHO could get an escape route back to the Bundesliga – if he is willing to take a wage drop and cut-price pay-off.Sancho is facing a red-faced return to Manchester United, as Chelsea want to back out of the obligation to buy agreed when he joined them on a season-long loan last summer.Chelsea are not willing to buy Jadon Sancho from Manchester UnitedBayer Leverkusen are keeping tabs on Sancho ahead of the summer transfer windowJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBayer Leverkusen are keen to offer him the lifeline of a third spell in Germany and sources say United would do business for little more than £20million.But Sancho’s chances of a move also rest on him taking a hefty drop from his £250,000-a-week Old Trafford salary.While Leverkusen, who are losing boss Xabi Alonso at the end of the season, could afford the fee, his present wages are way beyond them.That leaves Sancho facing the prospect of twiddling his thumbs for the remaining 12 months of his contract…or accepting his wages must be slashed to get out of Manchester.Read More on Man UtdChelsea’s change of heart means they must pay £5m to return him to Old Trafford, which covers the chunk of his salary United have been paying this season.But they may try to use that to negotiate a pay-off with Sancho, who has no future under Ruben Amorim, even though he was already at Stamford Bridge when he arrived.The one-time England winger cost United £73m when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund four years ago.He made a six-month return to Dortmund last season, after a bitter feud with former manager Erik ten Hag, and played a key role in their reaching the Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut although BVB would like to take him back on a permanent basis – and remain Sancho’s preferred club – Leverkusen’s stronger financial position makes them favourites.The winger introduced himself on the global stage during his first stint at Dortmund where he spent four years before his move to United in 2021.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!The forward amassed a total of 53 goals and 67 assists in 158 appearances with the German giants.Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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      Two Premier League clubs ‘lining up shock Mason Greenwood transfer’ with ex-Man Utd star pining for a return to England

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      TWO Premier League clubs are lining up a shock transfer for Mason Greenwood, according to reports.SunSport revealed last week that the former Manchester United striker is pining for a return to England. Mason Greenwood is a target for two Premier League clubs as he looks to return to EnglandCredit: GettyGreenwood, 23, left his boyhood club United last summer to sign for Marseille for £26.6million. He put pen to paper on a five-year deal in southern France. But after just one season, Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters.And according to The Telegraph, at least a pair of unnamed Premier League clubs are exploring the possibility of making an approach to sign Greenwood. READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOODSerie A or LaLiga could also be the next destination should he leave Marseille, while the Saudi Pro League may be an option, too, if one of the leading clubs can create a space in the squad. Greenwood spent the 2023-24 season on loan in Spain with Getafe, scoring ten goals in 36 games.This term at Marseille, he has delivered 20 goals in 35 games across all competitions, including the crucial late winner at Le Havre on Saturday night.According to Opta stats, that ranks him as Europe’s fifth most effective player and only narrowly behind Cole Palmer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut fans, who protested his arrival last summer, as well as manager Roberto De Zerbi have made their feelings known about his perceived lack of work rate.He was dropped by the ex-Brighton boss in March because he “expects more from him”.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaAnd a banner telling him to “get a move on” and leave the club was unfurled at some matches. Now he is keen to explore his options back in England, for whom he earned one senior cap before switching international allegiance to Jamaica. A source told SunSport: “When Mason first left United, he loved Spain.“He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives.“He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus.“He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France.”Roberto De Zerbi dropped Greenwood in March over his lack of effortCredit: GettyThe striker played 129 times for Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal transfer target Zubimendi was seen as the new Busquets… Arteta will love him but he WON’T win Gunners games

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      ARSENAL are on the brink of starting their summer splurge with a £50million deal for Martin Zubimendi.But what will the Real Sociedad and Spain ­midfielder bring to Mikel Arteta’s side? Spanish-based journalist Andy West runs the rule over the 26-year-old. Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in a £50m dealCredit: GettyZubimendi protects the back four and can smoothly link defence and attackCredit: GettyHe has been compared to midfield great Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyDynamic, composed, aggressive… it’s long been inevitable Zubimendi’s qualities would lead him to Europe’s elite.When a young Zubimendi progressed from Real Sociedad’s youth ranks to become a first-team regular five years ago, he was quickly touted as a target for Barcelona to replace the fading Sergio Busquets.That never materialised, mainly because of Barca’s well-documented financial problems, but the comparison is largely accurate.Zubimendi occupies the same terrain as Busquets at the base of midfield, protecting the back four and smoothly linking defence with attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also press-resistant, capable of receiving and calmly retaining possession in tight spaces.But Zubimendi is physically more explosive than Busquets, able to evade pressure by driving with the ball into space.Zubimendi is an effective and efficient performer rather than flashy — much of his best work unfussily executed off the ball.He reads the game superbly, always popping up in the right place to receive possession from a team-mate or disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. That includes game management.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA central aspect of Real Sociedad’s approach is preventing counter-attacks by physically pressing the first phase of possession, using fouls if necessary.Zubimendi’s 47 career yellow cards — but no reds — show he is not averse to controlled aggression.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsMore tellingly — just 11 goals and eight assists in nearly 250 appearances makes it clear Zubimendi is not a major presence in the opposition final third. That is not his game.Rather than chasing personal glory, Zubimendi makes his team better through positional discipline, distributing simply but quickly, and denying the opposition space.If there is one concern about the long-awaited move to Arsenal, it is whether he can adapt to a new team in a new league.Growing up in San Sebastian and joining his local club aged 12, Real Sociedad is all he has ever known.The Basques boast one of football’s best youth systems, with a clearly- defined style throughout the age groups allowing local talents to enjoy a seamless transition to senior football.Dynamic, composed, aggressive… it’s long been inevitable Zubimendi’s qualities would lead him to Europe’s elite.Away from that comfort zone, Zubimendi has rarely been so ­effective for his country.Since his Spain debut in 2021 he has struggled to become a regular, mostly deputising for Manchester City’s Rodri with just one start at last summer’s triumphant Euros.Can Zubimendi thrive when he leaves the familiarity of his boyhood club?Surely no coach could be better placed to help the transition than Arteta, his fellow San Sebastian native.The Arsenal boss knows exactly what he is getting, with the presence of former team-mate Mikel Merino another help.Read More on The SunAt 26, Zubimendi is in his prime. The step-up to a major title candidate like Arsenal has been brewing for years.As long he is expected to knit the team together rather than win games single-handedly, everything points towards Zubimendi quickly becoming a key piece for Arteta’s Arsenal.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMikel Arteta should be able to get the best out of himCredit: Getty More