Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans joke Garnacho has ‘lost his skill after being away from Cristiano Ronaldo too long’ after HORROR miss vs Fulham

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are hoping Cristiano Ronaldo comes back to Old Trafford soon.Alejandro Garnacho, 20, has already put in a strong contender for miss of the season as he scuffed wide with the goal gaping against Fulham.Alejandro Garnacho missed an absolute sitterCredit: GettyThe wonderkid is a huge fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PAAnd supporters think it is because he has been away from his idol Ronaldo, 39, for too long.Cottagers defender Calvin Bassey completely missed the ball to send Marcus Rashford through on goal.Fulham keeper Bernd Leno closed down the angle and Rashford played a poor ball to Garnacho, who still should have made it 2-0.Viewers raced to social media to have their say.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne said: “Garnacho been away from Ronaldo for so long he’s lost his skill ffs.”Another added: “The Bassey clearance, the Rashford pass, the Garnacho finish. Maybe the worst sequence of play this sport has ever witnessed.”A third posted: “How do you miss this? No wonder he is a bench player.”A fourth ventured: “horrible pass by rashford.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fifth ensured Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez caught some strays by writing: “He has become Nunez.”Garnacho took his love of Ronaldo to new levels in January after being spotted wearing a pair of CR7-branded boxers during an FA Cup game.Gary Neville fires savage dig at new Man Utd transfer signing Matthijs de Ligt and Roy Keane reveals his ‘big worry’In December last year it was revealed by his Argentinian team-mate Leandro Paredes that he has been teased for his love of the superstar so much in the Argentina dressing room that it’s made him “too shy to talk.”Roma star Paderes said: “We joked about it with him. He is very shy and does not answer.”Poor guy, we drove him crazy. We also talked to him about what the group is, somehow we try to make them feel part of it and feel comfortable.”Although in this case he got very nervous and couldn’t talk. But as he said, I think he is his idol, he always followed him a lot and he plays quite similar.”So it’s normal, nothing happens. Obviously, when he comes to the national team he has to change a little bit.”Garnacho is so keen to emulate Ronaldo that he even copied the Portuguese superstar’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration.Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine… but Mount and Amad struggleDEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…Andre Onana – 6Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.Noussair Mazraoui – 7A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?Harry Maguire – 7Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.Casemiro – 7Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.Kobbie Mainoo – 8So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.Mason Mount – 5So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.Amad Diallo – 5Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.Marcus Rashford – 6Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.Bruno Fernandes – 7Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.SubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to doJonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5 More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      New Liverpool boss Arne Slot must plough his own furrow… he’d be stupid to follow Jurgen Klopp’s way of doing things

      by

      ARNE SLOT faces a mammoth task trying to emulate Jurgen Klopp.But my main piece of advice is: DO NOT TRY TO COPY HIM. Be your own man, Arne.Arne Slot has big shoes to fill at AnfieldCredit: APThe Dutchman takes on Ipswich tomorrowCredit: RexDavid Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson, Unai Emery after Arsene Wenger, Slot after Klopp…It’s almost impossible to follow such monumental managers at such iconic clubs.So Slot would be stupid to, and try to change everything in a day. They’re already on to a successful and winning formula.But I just hope for his sake he doesn’t try to play Klopp’s exact brand of high-press, gung-ho football.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSI am buzzing for the start of the new season and I cannot wait to see how managers try to overcome the different hurdles in front of each of them.Slot’s biggest challenge is undoubtedly getting Liverpool fans on side rapidly because they have become accustomed to the way they attack.They’re used to watching a relentless, ruthless machine who score bucketloads of goals.They don’t care if they’re playing Manchester City or Aston Villa or Luton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s all: ‘Bang, bang, bang, we’re coming this way. This is who we are, it’s our identity.’I was on the end of a few thrashings from Liverpool in my time.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolThey were almost impossible to play against and the fans will want Slot to recreate the Klopp glory days, immediately.But he should try to sever that tie as soon as possible and send a message to his team, the fans and the rest of the Premier League: This is my time and this is my brand of football.Along with the rest of us, Liverpool supporters should know exactly what Slot is about after three games — starting with tomorrow’s trip to Ipswich.He could not have asked for an easier first Premier League match, really.So I expect them to win but I will be watching the performance like a hawk.That’s the most important thing. He’s had a pre-season to get his ideas across but it’s a different kettle of fish being thrown into the fire and brimstone of the  Premier League.So things may not click straight away.But as long as it’s obvious what he is trying to do and the players are clearly trying to implement his ideas, Liverpool fans can sleep easy.Jurgen Klopp left behind a huge legacyCredit: PAWhat they have said about Arne SlotMATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord”He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time. “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand. “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot”When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach. “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself. “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league. “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord”I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm. “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”The problem is, when your team is expected to be at the top of the table, Slot must develop his players and implement his style at the same time as delivering consistent results.He has to get top four minimum. Anything less and he should be out the door.Because, let’s be honest, their squad is still a joke.They have elite world-level stars in Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.  Their midfield is hardly bad and Alisson is also in the planet’s top three keepers.Even Darwin Nunez is an outstanding team player.If Slot can calm him down in front of goal, the Uruguayan would be a completely different player and those sitters he missed last season could deliver another 11 or 12 points this time around.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.All of this is obviously easier said than done.And given the instant judgment from players when a new manager joins a club, Slot’s tenure may have been made or broken already.The early days are absolutely vital. Especially as he will be constantly battling to emerge from Klopp’s shadow.All of his firsts are huge. First meeting, first training session and, of course, his first competitive game.And, look, I had 16 managers at Watford, so I know what I am talking about more than most.I worked under a vast array of people.Marco Silva arrived and he was straight in with: “This is what we’re doing, how we are doing it and this is what I expect.“Get on board or get out.”You knew where you stood.But I’ve had other managers come in and pussyfoot around with English that wasn’t great.They’d be getting words muddled up and having stuff get lost in translation.And you’d know instantly they were not going to last.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo Liverpool’s players will have made their mind up on Slot already.And tomorrow will be a perfect indication of whether they are having him or not. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans joke Harry Maguire is auditioning for the Olympics after ’embarrassing’ dive in box for Man Utd against Fulham

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE is already in hot water with fans – after an outrageous dive.The Manchester United defender was even accused of auditioning too late for a spot on this summer’s Olympics springboard – when hoping to win a penalty against Fulham.Harry Maguire sparked controversy after his reaction to a challenge from Fulham new boy Emile Smith Rowe in the first Prem game of the seasonMaguire went down easily, appearing to scream tooOver he goes, as Maguire makes the most of his moment in the boxMaguire missed Euro 2024 through injury but was paired alongside Lisandro Martinez in United’s defence for Friday night’s Premier League opener.And fans joked he might have made Paris 2024 – if the plunge he made at Old Trafford had come a couple of months earlier.Maguire tumbled over in the box far too easily when Fulham new boy Emile Smith Rowe extended a leg late in the first half.The centre-back flung both arms out in front of him with his mouth wide open in apparent pain as he fell to the deck.READ MORE TOP STORIESDespite his protests, Maguire was booked for simulation.And former Red Devils’ defender Gary Neville described the incident as a “little bit awkward”.Nev then spelt his feelings out more frankly by calling it a “dive” and adding: “Maguire throws himself to the ground.”In fact, just days after the Paris Games ended, one fan pointed out on X: “Hey yo Maguire the Olympics are done mate no need to dive.”Most read in FootballMaguire saw yellow as he was booked for a move that many fans reckon should also have left him with a red faceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA second observer urged someone to let the star know “the Olympic gold for diving was already won last week”.  And a third viewer wrote: “Harry Maguire diving… What a start.”Awkward moment between Erik ten Hag and Roy Keane shown live on Sky Sports as fiery Irishman says ‘I’ll be waiting’But the 63-cap ace also won plaudits for his general display in a 1-0 victory sneaked late on by sub Joshua Zirkzee.And although Maguire’s dive made waves, he won sizeable praise too – for what might be considered the opposite manoeuvre to taking a plunge.One admirer suggested: “Harry Maguire winning a big header is one of the most beautiful sights in the natural world. It’s like seeing a breaching humpback whale.”That certainly blows a hole through all the criticism he gets. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Karren Brady: Lopetegui is already a breath of fresh air at West Ham… but under-appreciated Moyes deserves high praise

      by

      ON the first day of every season I am always full of optimism and hope  that West Ham can win the Premier League.You’ve signed new players, things are coming together, and you think, ‘This may be our year’.Ex-Wolves chief Julen Lopetegui has made an instant impression at West HamCredit: RexDavid Moyes was an ‘absolute pleasure’ to work withCredit: GettyEven if we don’t wrestle the trophy off Manchester City,  getting back into Europe is an absolute priority for us — and for our new manager.We made an exciting appointment in Julen Lopetegui, having said goodbye to David Moyes in May after a remarkable period of success.Julen has been a breath of fresh air.He’s an experienced individual we believe can build on David’s great work, get us back into Europe and deliver the wins the fans want. We are giving him every penny we can in the transfer market to do just that, with our eight signings so far.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut I must pay tribute to David again.I had an excellent working relationship with him. His work ethic, attention to detail, passion, drive and energy were all second to none and he was an absolute pleasure to work with.He left for several reasons. Firstly, a bit of inconsistency had crept into results.And without putting words into his mouth, I think he felt very unappreciated by the supporters.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe delivered a first major trophy since 1980, a consistent period of domestic success — including three consecutive European qualifications for the first time in the club’s history — and reached the semis and quarter-finals in Europe either side of the Conference League triumph.As a result, he found it quite difficult to be turned on so quickly last season when things dipped — especially after gaining the most Premier League points West Ham had ever had at the halfway point of a campaign.Jhon Duran ’causes chaos with s—housery’ as Aston Villa ace performs controversial gesture amid West Ham transfer linkNot that he was boo-hooing about it, that’s not his style. He  rolled up his sleeves and got on with it.But things can go a bit stale and both club and manager need a change, and that’s the conclusion we came to together.It’s very sad when a relationship comes to an end with someone you have worked with very closely and admire and like.But parting ways is the easier bit. Getting a better replacement is where the real work begins.It’s a very close relationship so you have to have a bit of chemistry and feel they are someone you can work with who isn’t emotionally draining or  demanding.But I cannot tell you how good it felt being in Europe and winning that trophy.Karren BradyAnd that’s exactly what David Sullivan, Tim Steidten and I felt when we met with Julen. We liked him straight away.We felt he was genuine, hard-working, passionate, enthusiastic, had clear ideas of what he wanted to do and understood the West Ham way.But I cannot tell you how good it felt being in Europe and winning that trophy.To be part of a West Ham that created that memory for hundreds of thousands of our supporters was very special.And we believe we can do that again with Julen.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.Overseas Prem not for meTHE prospect of playing  Premier League games abroad hasn’t been officially raised — YET — but it has been mooted among some owners.But it would be unforgivable to deny season-ticket holders a game and West Ham would definitely vote against any proposal that meant doing that.With foreign investment in the Premier League increasing, some say its global appeal means taking the show on the road is the right thing to do. I understand the logic. But I’m English, I live here and believe all games should be played in this country.We have pre-season tours to let overseas fans watch us play.We would not be the only club to vote against a proposal if every team had to play a match outside the UK every year.Karren BradyWest Ham have just come back from the US where some of the American Prem owners are pushing for a Stateside league game.The idea was floated years ago and shot down immediately.But there weren’t as many  foreign owners then. We would obviously look at the detail of any proposal and, handled right, it could be workable.Particularly if teams have the ability to opt out.And if two other clubs wanted to do it and the League felt it was in its best interest, I wouldn’t stop them.But we would not be the only club to vote against a proposal if every team had to play a match outside the UK every year.Full of hope for new NicHammers’ newcomer Niclas Fullkrug has shown a brilliant attitudeCredit: RexI was really impressed with Niclas Fullkrug — our new striker signed from Borussia Dortmund.As soon as he stepped off the plane from Germany he asked: “Where can I train? Because I don’t like to miss a single day.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s the kind of attitude that you want. He’s a big personality, incredibly professional, a strong individual and a real grown up.He’s going to have a hugely positive impact. We’re all really excited. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      When are semi-automated offsides coming to the Premier League?

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE fans will breathe a huge sigh of relief at the news that video assistant referees will no longer be drawing wonky lines across the pitch.That’s because the English top flight have agreed that VARs will no longer make calls on offside – though they will still be used for other decisions – with Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) coming in for the 2024-25 season.SAOT has been used with great success in the Champions League and Euro 2024Credit: TNT SportsLuis Diaz had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR for offside last seasonCredit: SKY SPORTSFans were left fuming at refereeing controversies like Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham being ruled out and Arsenal being denied a goal at Brentford because of dodgy offside decisions.SAOT technology has been used with great success during the Champions League, 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 – although England fans were gutted at an extremely tight offside call that went Spain’s way in the final.However, despite the joy at an updated offside system, Premier League fans will be made to wait for it.What is Semi-Automated Offside Technology?Sports tech company Genius Sports are the firm behind SAOT in the Premier League.The tech is powered by artificial intelligence and promises to “minimise breaks in the game and deliver accuracy”, helping referees manage games more smoothly and with less controversy.Mikel Oyarzabal scored as Spain won Euro 2024 with a decision that initially looked offsideBut semi-automated offside technology quickly and clearly ruled it onsideEach Premier League ground will have new cameras installed with the GeniusIQ AI system able to create 3D renders of all players, the ball and the offside wall in just seconds.That will enable officials to quickly and precisely make offside decisions – without the need to draw wonky lines on the pitch.Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “The introduction of semi-automated offside is an important move to maintain the flow of the game in the Premier League. Most read in Football”We are confident that by using the newest and most accurate technology available we will see the time taken for offside decisions reduced significantly alongside a consistent application of the offside lines. “The experience for all participants including supporters will also be enhanced through quicker communication and clearer imagery around offside decisions.”What are semi-automated offsides?PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides from the 2024-25 season.The technology tracks 29 different points on the body of every player.Together with a chip in the football, the tech then can produce almost instantaneous decisions, even on the tightest of calls.These are then visualised with computer-generated 3D images which clearly show the offence on a screen for fans watching the broadcast from home.Referees on the pitch will need to step in and intervene if the offside call is subjective – ie the player in an offside position does not touch the ball.Here’s how it works:Each ground will have up to 12 special cameras with limb-tracking technology.These will focus on 29 goal-scoring body parts from every player on the pitch and will record their position 50 times per second.During the World Cup in Qatar, the microchip in the ball sent back data points 500 times every second to determine the  precise instant it was played by an attacker OR a defenderThat allowed the computer technology to alert the VAR that a player was in an offside position when the ball was playedBut all decisions were then checked to ensure the attacker was interfering with playThe average time for an offside call in Qatar was cut to 25 seconds per incidentIn future, a 3D animation will “show” the decision to fans in the stadium and via broadcasters, and this will be available by the next stoppage in play after the decision.When will Semi-Automated Offside Technology be introduced in the Premier League?The technology is being brought in for the 2024-25 season.However, the cameras have not been installed in grounds around the country so they will NOT be in use for the first few weeks of the season.There is currently no official date for when the technology will be ready to go.That means for the first part of the season, VARs will still be in charge of making offside calls from Stockley Park.The technology is expected to be introduced after one of the international breaks in September or October.Earlier this year, former Prem referee Mark Halsey blasted the decision to have a different technology added after the season had started.He said: “It’s ludicrous we are not bringing this in from day one next season.”The Premier League is awash with money and it needs to be operational for every match.”It’s got to be ready for the season kick-off. We can’t bring it in four, five or six weeks into the season as that will question the competition’s integrity. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If it’s not ready, then wait until 2025-26.”There have also been a couple of other significant changes to the Premier League rule book for next season.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arne Slot’s fines system leaked by former player as new Liverpool boss prepares for first Premier League match

      by

      ARNE SLOT has a big job on his hands succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.And one of his priorities will be to instil discipline in a squad full of high profile players such as Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Arne Slot has a unique approach to finesCredit: APTo do that Slot will have to implement a fines system which deters players from breaking the rules.According to Cole Bassett, who played under the Dutchman at Feyenoord, Slot dishes out fines for the usual reasons – turning up late to training or to the team bus on matchday.But instead of handing out tough sanctions, Slot seeks to use punishments as a positive for the squad.One such example was to order a player to take the squad out for a team dinner in a bid to build harmony.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBassett revealed Slot’s secrets, telling The Mirror: “There’s a line with him [Slot], but he didn’t want to make too big a deal out of anything to the point where it affected the team or performances, and everybody started talking about it in the media. “Sometimes players do things and coaches go out in the media and make a big deal with it, and then the focus isn’t on the team for the game. “I think he did well when we did have issues to keep it internal. Everyone makes mistakes and then you move on with it.“There was a time when we had an international break and the guys who didn’t get called into their national teams were able to go away for three or four days. One player didn’t come back on time for training on the Monday. Arne did well to sort it out. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.“The player got fined and he had to take us out to a team dinner.”That marks a change from Klopp, who allowed his squad to decide punishments using a mock court, where defendants would argue their case.Premier League Drama: Football Kicks Off and Glamour Models! More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Fulham LIVE SCORE: Ten Hag’s men get Premier League season underway at home to Cottagers – latest updates

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED open the 2024/25 Premier League season against Fulham TONIGHT.The Red Devils have undergone a major restructure over the summer as the first full season of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era begins at Old Trafford.Despite speculation around Erik ten Hag’s future, the Dutchman remains as Man Utd gaffer after he signed a contract extension in July.The Red Devils boss has strengthened his side over the summer with the additions of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro – as he looks to guide the club back to being title contenders.Fulham has seen some big players leave during the window, most notably Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich and Tosin Adarabioyo’s short move to Chelsea.But Marco Silva has made a statement signing with the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal – and fans will be hoping to see the 24-year-old in action tonight.Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: To follow…Fulham team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Bru-ing up a stormBruno Fernandes continues to be the go-to star at Old Trafford whenever he is needed.The United captain may be forced to play in an unfamiliar position tonight, but expect him to be knitting things together and leading from the front for Erik ten Hag’s side.Copy linkCopiedTeam newsIt may be a new look and a new era for Manchester United, but it’s the same old injury problems.They’ll be without new £52m signing Leny Yoro as he continues to recover from surgery, following an injury on his pre-season debut for the club.Rasmus Hojlund, who was injured in the same game, is expected to miss the first month of the season with his knock.New striker Joshua Zirkzee is yet to get any minutes for United and would be a surprise starter if he was named in Ten Hag’s starting lineup, with Bruno Fernandes likely to reprise his role as a false nine in Hojlund’s absence.Luke Shaw could feature after returning from injury at the back end of Euro 2024 with England.Victor Lindelof didn’t play any part against Man City in the Community Shield, but his injury is not believed to be serious.Ten Hag confirmed that new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui will be in the squad and could make their debuts this evening.Meanwhile, Fulham fans will be hoping that new boy Emile Smith Rowe is handed a start in their Premier League curtain raiser after some encouraging showings during their pre-season tour.In contrast to United, Marco Silva’s Cottagers currently have no injury issues heading into the Premier League curtain raiser.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood evening and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Man Utd vs Fulham!The wait is finally over the Premier League is back – and we have a cracking opener at Old Trafford this evening.Man Utd will be looking to brush off their penalty shootout heartache in the Community Shield last weekend and start the new season as they mean to go on.Erik ten Hag’s men were minutes away from securing a win over neighbours Man City under the Wembley arch, but Bernardo Silva’s late strike took the tie to spot-kicks.It’s not only a new season for United, but the start of a new era under the control of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The club has undergone a major restructuring under their new billionaire chief and will be hoping he is the right man to steer the Manchester giants back on track.For Man Utd fans, tonight’s clash represents the start of their first full campaign under the stewardship of Ratcliffe.And with a new era comes a new-look squad, as Ten Hag and Ratcliffe have added the likes of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee earlier this summer.This week saw further additions, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui joining the club in a £60million deal from Bayern Munich.Red Devils supporters will be hoping the fresh faces can bring a new lease of life to their team after last season’s dismal efforts in the league saw then finish eighth.Fulham will be aiming to build on last season’s 13th-place finish but will be without star man Joao Palhinha, following his £47m switch to Bayern Munich.However, the cottagers may have found themselves a new superstar after snatching Emile Smith Rowe away from London rivals Arsenal for just £34m.Marco Silva has also welcomed central defender Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal and sealed the return of academy graduate Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham.Copy linkCopied More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Luke Littler tells Man Utd ‘I’m still waiting’ as he wants to join his dad in seeing club dominate once again

      by

      LUKE LITTLER is ready for an early alarm call to watch Manchester United before the New Zealand Masters final day.The teen sensation beat Jonny Tata 6-3 in his first round clash in Hamilton on Friday.Luke Humphries aims to keep up his record of a title a month while hoping Man Utd rediscover their status as Prem top dogsCredit: RexThe Warrington whizkid eventually overcame truck driver Jonny TataCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDCNow Littler, 17, is ready for a red-eye alarm call to watch the Reds against Fulham before his quarter-final clash with Dimitri Van den Bergh on the other side of the world.He revealed: “I’ve set an alarm for seven in the morning. I’ll watch the boys.“It’s always good to get new signings in. I’ve witnessed a few trophies in my time whereas my dad and family have witnessed everything. I’m still waiting to witness it all and I’m very confident.”Littler was smashed 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in last weekend’s Aussie Masters final.READ MORE TOP STORIESHowever, he’s determined to keep up his incredible run of winning a title every month in 2024.He added: “I’d love to win over here and get another title. Tick one off for August, if not there’s plenty of chances.“I saw that stat going into the ProTour and I checked it was the last day so win this one and then I can go home.“I did win it and I am aware that I’ve picked up a title every month.Most read in FootballLittler was thumped 8-1 by Gerwyn Price in the Australian Masters finalCredit: PDC“I’ve got used to New Zealand and Australian time. It’s a bit unfair on myself because I’ve got to go back to the UK in a few days and used to my time.“I felt really good coming into it and practice was going well and I’m just glad to take it on stage and get another win.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.“It’s always good to get back to winning ways no matter how you do it.“Now I can’t wait for tomorrow and hopefully another long day.“Last week I played well in the semis and in the final it just didn’t happen. One of those games you’ve just got to say well done to the winner and just get on with the next one.“I don’t really learn anything from defeats. I just pick myself up and go again.”World Champion Luke Humphries also cruised through with a 6-3 win on Kayden Milne.Inside Littler’s massive riseLUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship. More