Premier League

NEWCASTLE fans trolled Manchester United by wearing umbrella hats, flippers and swimming goggles at leaky Old Trafford.Shocking scenes on Sunday saw water pouring into the crumbling stadium.Newcastle fans enjoyed taking the mick out of Old Trafford’s leakCredit: XOne supporter even rocked a wet suit and flippers with an umbrella hatCredit: XThe crumbling stadium had a waterfall on Sunday afternoonCredit: GettyA dramatic Manchester storm with 41mm of rainfall sparked the chaotic cascade, drenching seats in a stark reminder of the state of the old ground. It even leaked through an internal ceiling as it started dripping into the away dressing room.The tunnel was even partially flooded while post-match media commitments had to be moved with electrical equipment covered. Workers were on site at Old Trafford on Monday to try and make rapid repairs ahead of United’s final home game of the season at home to the Magpies.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut travelling Toon supporters wasted no time in mocking the Red Devils with a hilarious choice of headwear.A few witty members of the Toon Army opted for fancy dress – or just wise precautions in case of any showers.One rocked up at Old Trafford in a wetsuit, flippers and an umbrella hat while others took their seats in the swimming goggles in brilliant digs.Viewers flooded to social media as they burst into laughter.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “Nah Newcastle fans have goggle and umbrella hats on 🤣🤣”Another wrote: “What kind of shade is this 😂😂😂 Newcastle fans wore swimming goggles to the very old trafford😂😂😂😂”Man Utd’s problems laid bare with WATERFALL flooding through Old Trafford’s leaky roof as heavens open vs ArsenalA third added: “Newcastle fans taking p*** out of the Theatre of streams!! Wearing goggles etc lol”A fourth replied: “‘Theatre of Streams’ has finished me off. We’re a joke of a club. Newcastle fans have got goggles on.”And a final user moaned: “Away fans arriving at OldTrafford with umbrella hats and swimming goggles on… laughing stock of England. Can’t do another year of this s***.”Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundHome fans got the last laugh on the night, though, as sub Rasmus Hojlund grabbed a goal just moments after coming off the bench in a 3-2 win for Erik ten Hag’s men. Following the embarrassing scenes of Sunday, it is understood Trafford Council contacted United to get assurances over the safety of the 114-year-old venue.A spokesperson for Trafford Council told The Athletic: “While we recognise the scale of the torrential downpour during the game against Arsenal on Sunday, we have been in touch with Manchester United ahead of the match against Newcastle this evening.“Club officials have fully cooperated with us and have provided reassurance that the safety of fans has not been compromised. We will continue to monitor the situation.”The gushing water made for dramatic scenesCredit: GettyThe Old Trafford pitch was covered in puddlesCredit: GettyThe tunnel area had dried out by the time Newcastle arrivedCredit: Getty More

FED-UP Chelsea fans can’t wait for this summer’s vote on the future of VAR – after two huge controversies in the Premier League clash at Brighton.The Blues had a penalty overturned and saw old boy Tariq Lamptey unpunished for what some viewers claimed was a nasty “elbow”.VAR helped the ref ruled Buonanotte’s challenge on Cucurella was no penaltyMudryk was taken off injured following Lamptey’s challengeCredit: GettyPremier League clubs will soon vote on whether video reviews will stay next season.And there were two major examples at the Amex Stadium of why it’s such a heated issue.First, referee Michael Salisbury gave a spot-kick when Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte appeared to win the ball against ex-Seagull Marc Cucurella.But before the Blues could take the spot-kick, VAR intervened.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLSalisbury was sent over to watch the tackle on a pitch-side monitor – and reversed his on-field verdict.Fans were also baffled as Chelsea were instead given a goal kick, despite Buonanotte’s touch of the ball being the reason the penalty was not awarded.One fan responded: “No mention that Chelsea were robbed of a corner as a result of a referee mistake. Good use of VAR.”Another suggested: “Proves that the refs are clowns & not VAR.”Most read in Football”It’s taking all of the enjoyment out of the game” 😮Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Andy Cole share their thoughts on the recent news of scrapping VAR next season ❌ pic.twitter.com/T24VxqZRF1— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2024

However, rules state that a drop ball must be given for every penalty award that is reversed by VAR.And ironically, the Blues BENEFITED from that exact same rule during their home fixture against Brighton.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt Stamford Bridge, the Seagulls were awarded a last gasp penalty for handball despite the ball striking Levi Colwill in the face.And Roberto De Zerbi’s players were then furious as they were denied the corner they would have been entitled to had a penalty not been given at all.Frustrated Chelsea supporters at the Amex also insisted Lamptey deserved a red card for a tangle with Mudryk that led to the winger being replaced by Christopher Nkunku before half-time.One observer reacted: “’No conclusive evidence’. VAR isn’t the problem. It’s the officials behind the screen who are the problem in England.”Chelsea legend’s daughter cheekily shows off her bum in bold outfit as stunned fans say ‘excuse me?’ Another posted: “Var continues to be a joke vs Chelsea btw.”And a third wrote: “Two VAR checks/decisions have gone against Chelsea in this first half.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFortunately for the Blues, they were able to win anyway as Cole Palmer and Christian Nkunku netted in a 2-1 victory.But in a rather less controversial intervention, VAR did play its part again in the 88th minute as Reece James was sent off for kicking Joao Pedro. More

ERIK TEN HAG’S future will reportedly be decided in the next two weeks, with the Manchester United boss 50/50 to remain in charge.Ten Hag has struggled to get a tune out of his Red Devils misfits this term despite an impressive debut season.Man Utd will make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future in the next fortnightCredit: GettyThe Dutchman guided United to the Champions League while also winning the Carabao Cup last year.But it’s been a different story this campaign, with Ten Hag’s men looking set to miss out on Europe entirely.And the odds are stacked against them when they take on Man City in the FA Cup final later this month.United’s recent form has been particularly concerning for supporters, who have witnessed just two wins in the past nine matches.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSA lack of goal from the forwards, including Rasmus Hojlund who has only one in his last 10 games, has not helped.And things could get even uglier when United take on in-form Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.The low atmosphere has seen Ten Hag’s future come strongly under the spotlight, with reports suggesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is eyeing a change in the dugout.Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter have all been linked with Ten Hag’s job.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Guardian now claims that his future will be decided in the next fortnight, allowing him to see out the Premier League campaign while also taking charge of the FA Cup final.Even if Ten Hag succeeds in the latter, there is no guarantee it would save his job.Ten Hag’s six worst defeats as Man Utd managerLouis van Gaal was axed minutes after lifting the trophy in 2016.And the report adds that Ten Hag’s future at United is 50/50.He will be hoping to swing the odds in his favour starting with victory against Newcastle tonight.United then go Brighton on the last day of the season.And a good performance against City in the FA Cup final could also go a long towards Ten Hag’s future.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

CHELSEA used former star and Champions League-winning manager Roberto Di Matteo to help model TWO new retro shirts.Supporters joked “Todd Boehly is trying to make us homeless” as the gorgeous jerseys were released this week.Chelsea brought back legend Roberto Di Matteo to help advertise their new retro kitCredit: INSTAGRAM / CHELSEAMykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku also modelled the amazing shirtsCredit: INSTAGRAM / CHELSEAThe black and white jerseys are based on Chelsea’s shirt from their successful period in 1998Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChristopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk led the way as they posed in black and white jerseys paying tribute to Chelsea’s success in 1998 under the legendary Gianluca Vialli.The Italian replaced Ruud Gullit as player-manager in February that year before winning the League Cup a month later.Vialli followed that up with success in the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup in May.And in August, Chelsea beat Real Madrid to land the Uefa Super Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues wore their famous Autoglass top back then, which featured the controversial modernised badge which was eventually ditched by Roman Abramovich in 2005.Fans immediately fell in love with the reissued jersey as Nkunku and Mudryk tried their hands at modelling.But it was the inclusion of Di Matteo, who scored in the 2-0 League Cup final win over Middlesbrough, which really excited them.As well as the other two trophies in 1998, he also won two FA Cups and a Charity Shield in five seasons as a Chelsea player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDi Matteo then returned as manager in 2012 before leading the Blues to FA Cup and maiden Champions League glory.He was sacked later that year after Chelsea became the first defending European champions to be eliminated at the group stage.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsChelsea won three trophies in 1998, starting with the League CupCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThey then lifted the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup in MayCredit: ReutersAugust saw Chelsea beat Real Madrid in the Uefa Super CupCredit: GettyAnd Di Matteo was controversially replaced by Liverpool hero Rafa Benitez, leading to great discontent at Stamford Bridge.Fans were therefore delighted to see him included in the photoshoot for the new jerseys.However, with the black and white shirts costing £50 each on Chelsea’s Megastore, supporters also joked that Blues chief Boehly was “trying to make us homeless.”One said: “This club never forgets legends… good to see you Di Matteo.”Another declared: “Should have made it next season’s kits.”One noted: “Thank you legendary coach for that Champions League glory, we will never forget.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother boomed: “No way ya’ll slipped Di Matteo in there like that.”One added: “Boehly is trying to make Chelsea fans homeless at this point.”How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More

ANDY COLE has revealed he used to play in silence with his former Manchester United teammate Dwight Yorke.The two played for the Red Devils and won the Treble in 1999.Andy Cole has revealed he used to play in silence with his former MAnchetser United teammate Dwight YorkeCredit: Getty Images – GettyCole made a shock move to the Red Devils in January 1995 from Newcastle. And while the former striker had a well-known feud with then-teammate Teddy Sheringham.The ex-England international opened up on how he never said a word to Yorke during a game.The 52-year-old said on the Stick to Football podcast brought to you by Sky Bet: “I never spoke to Yorke on the pitch.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGary Neville then interrupted his ex-teammate and said: “What? I knew you were quiet but?”Cole continued: “No, I never spoke to Yorke. I just look at Yorke. “But sometimes too much information on a football pitch is too much.”So basically me and Yorke played in silence. We just look at each other.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the lack of communication did not matter as the pair formed a prolific strike partnership.Cole scored 121 goals during his eight years at the club while Yorke scored 65 during his four terms in Manchester.I’m a Man Utd treble winner who had 23-year feud with team-mate and I nearly punched him after a game Not to mention the countless silverware the duo picked up along the way.Cole during his time at United won five Premier League titles including three consecutive wins alongside two FA Cups and a Champions League.In 2001 he left the Red Devils for Blackburn and went on to play for the likes of Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Burnley.Man Utd fans behind the team? I’m not so sure…By Dave Kidd
THERE was much praise for the Manchester United away fans when they sang their hearts out until the end of the 4-0 humping by Crystal Palace.
Not least from Erik ten Hag, who claims their singing is an indication that supporters back him and his mid-table squad.
And on Sunday, United’s supporters were in good voice again — before the match in the Bishop Blaize pub, during the match on the Stretford End and after it on Manchester’s sweatbox trams during an almighty monsoon.
They sang songs about George Best, Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Park Ji-sung, Jaap Stam, Nemanja Vidic and — as Arsenal were in town — Robin van Persie, too.
But there wasn’t a single song about any current player.
And there were also self-deprecating renditions of ‘we’re f***ing s**t!’
Not quite the ringing endorsements that Ten Hag thought he’d heard. More