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    Man Utd legend Juan Mata, 36, makes shock return to football after eight months unemployed

    JUAN MATA has made a shock return to football after EIGHT MONTHS of unemployment.The former Manchester United and Spain star has been twiddling his thumbs since the expiration of his contract with Vissel Kobe in January.Juan Mata has been unemployed since leaving Vissel Kobe in JanuaryCredit: TWITTER@JUANMATABut the former Manchester United man has found a new home with Western Sydney WarriorsCredit: PABut the winger has found a new home… Down Under.Mata, 36, has joined Aussie side Western Sydney Warriors, although the details of his contract have yet to be revealed.The A-League side have yet to officially announce the arrival of the Spaniard, although they have teased an imminent announcement on their social media pages.The Warriors will be the SEVENTH professional club of Mata’s illustrious career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSMata started his career off at Real Madrid Castilla in the Spanish second division before joining Valencia in 2007.He spent four seasons at the Mestalla before a big-money move to Chelsea, where won the FA Cup, Europa and Champions League.Mata would leave Stamford Bridge in January 2014 to join Manchester United.In EIGHT-AND-A-HALF seasons at Old Trafford, Mata won the FA and Carabao Cups with the Red Devils as well as the Europa League before leaving for Turkish Galatasaray on a one-year deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he continued his streak of winning trophies at every club he’s ever been at as he helped guide the Lions to the 2022/23 Sup Lig title.Mata left the Turkish big boys last July but was scooped up by Vissel Kobe the following September.Juan Mata says goodbye to Man Utd fans as he leaves the club after eight years He made a solitary appearance for the J-League outfit but was awarded a winners’ medal for the 2023/24 season, continuing his incredible trophy streak.After leaving the Japanese champions, he wrote on social media: “Thank you very much to all my team-mates and all the people who are part of Vissel Kobe for these unique months with you.”It has been an incredibly interesting experience that ended in the best possible way, making history, winning the league for the first time for our club.”I’m really happy to have been part of your family at such an important moment that will be remembered forever! I wish you all the very best for the future!”Of course, thank you very much to our fans, you are my most special memory of these months, and I will keep your love and respect with me forever.”Incredible people, incredible culture. I’ve learned so much from you.”I’m looking forward to continuing enjoying football somewhere else, and hopefully to keep winning trophies, let the streak continue!” More

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    Watch moment Cristiano Ronaldo mimics Lionel Messi’s ill-tempered rant as he cashes in on YouTube success

    THIS is the hilarious moment Cristiano Ronaldo went viral after mimicking Lionel Messi.Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo, 39, launched a brand new YouTube channel last month.Cristiano Ronaldo copied a famous quote from Lionel MessiCredit: YouTubeMessi went viral during the World Cup after an outburst during an interviewCredit: tyc SportsIn doing so, the serial record breaker became the fastest YouTuber to reach one million subscribers on the platform.And in one viral clip, the football icon appeared to borrow some inspiration from one of the few stars of the beautiful game who can be called his equal. While appearing opposite partner Georgina Rodriguez – who he appeared to suggest he had married after calling her his “wife” – the pair were seen giggling before the Portuguese said: “Que Miras bobo.”This sentence translates to “What are you looking at, fool?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, while it may have been seen as Ronaldo simply speaking in Georgina’s native Argentina’s language of Spanish, it is actually a direct quote from Messi.Messi uttered the words during the 2022 World Cup following Argentina’s quarter-final clash against the Netherlands. The now 37-year-old had been left furious with the behaviour of the Dutch, with the ill-tempered clash resulting in 17 yellow cards.Following the game – which the South American nation had only won after a penalty shootout – he aimed a verbal blast at former Man Utd striker Wout Weghorst in the tunnel.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn one of the most memorable clips from the tournament, Messi caught the eye of Weghorst during a post-match interview before shouting: “What are you looking at, fool?”It was a stunning contrast to the usually very demure persona of the former Barcelona ace. BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo launches lucrative side hustle as Man Utd legend says ‘it has been on my mind for a long time’Weghorst insisted he had only wanted to show Messi “respect” and said the incident was overblown.He jokingly added in an interview with De Telegraaf: “I wanted to show my respect for Messi after the game, but he didn’t want it.”I think he was still angry with me. Oh well, I see it as a great compliment that he knows my name now. Then at least I did something right.”Al-Nassr ace Ronaldo copied Messi’s line for his YouTube video, which has now reached almost 60 million subscribers. More

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    Watch awkward moment Ivan Toney is forced to listen to bizarre new chant as he’s mobbed by fans after £40m Saudi move

    IVAN TONEY has endured a bit of an awkward start to life in Saudi Arabia.It came as the new Al-Ahli signing was mobbed by fans at an unveiling.Ivan Toney completed a £40m transfer to Al-Ahli on deadline dayCredit: GettyHe was presented in front of fans at a club shopCredit: tiktokBut he cast an awkward figure as fans chant a song in his nameCredit: tiktokToney, 28, completed a £40million transfer to the Saudi Arabian side from Brentford on deadline day.He signed a two-year contract to seal the switch, and is said to be earning more than £400,000 a week – a figure that rises to nearly £500,000 with bonuses.And as he arrived in the Middle East after completing his blockbuster move, he was serenaded by fans of the Jeddah-based club who turned out to greet their new forward.However, a video shared on social media showed Toney cutting a hilariously awkward figure as he was revealed to fans at a club shop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLToney is seen conversing with what appears to be a member of staff who asks him to turn around where the crowd was waiting.The six-cap England international duly obliged before the individual kick-started a chant in his name.Fans can be heard singing “Ivan Toney, Toney, Ivan Toney, Toney” while banging on a table can be heard from the crowd.Toney can be seen smiling as the fans sing his name, while also nodding his head and banging his fist on the table when trying to match the rhythm of the song.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe video ends with Toney hugging the man who started the chant, but fans could not help but poke fun at Toney’s awkward look throughout.One user said: “Dood has no idea what he’s bopping his head to.”XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeA second said: “Tears man. He looks so lost.”A third added: “This is too funny.”Another said: “How has Toney kept that together. He truly is ice.”Toney missed the cut for Lee Carsley’s inaugural England squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Finland. His first game for Al-Ahli could see him come up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on September 13.Toney’s new team-mates include a host of former Premier League stars and familiar names in European football.Among the are Gabri Veiga, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, Roger Ibanez and Merih Demiral.Toney is reportedly earning £400k a week at the clubCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saToney’s debut could come against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-NassrCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saToney has six England capsCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.sa More

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    Man City star Phil Foden moves house weeks after late night party at £3m mansion as removals firm shows off gift

    PHIL Foden has moved out of his £3million mansion just weeks after police were called to the property about a rowdy party.Removal firm Warrens shared a photo of a signed jersey from the Man City star on social media.Phil Foden left the removal firm with a signed Man City shirtCredit: InstagramStaff members said they were delighted with the giftsCredit: InstagramWarren’s removal firm helped the footballer and his family move out of his £3million mansionCredit: InstagramThe message from the young footballer thanked the firm for helping his family move. The firm replied: “Normally Phil provides the goals and assists but on this occasion, we provided the assist and achieved our goal.”Staff members from the firm were honoured to help the Foden move home and many left heartfelt messages to the England footballer.The move comes after reports that police were called to a late-night party at Foden’s house in Prestbury, Cheshire.read more on footballA neighbour called 999 to complain about the loud music, with one resident saying it was “like being in a nightclub”.Locals said the kids’ party began around 4pm and continued until midnight.Cheshire police confirmed they received a noise complaint but no officers visited the property.One neighbour in his 80s, who lives near the Premier League footballer, claimed the music was “excessively loud,” even though he had turned his TV up to full volume.Most read in SportAnother neighbour claimed the young footballer had other “parties with loud music” but added that it was not a regular occurrence.The disgruntled resident claimed that it was as if the Foden was “hosting a music festival”.MADDISON’S LUXURY MANSIONA Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: “We received a call on Tuesday evening about a noise issue at an address in Prestbury. “However the caller was advised that it was a matter for the council.”Foden’s former £3million mansion featured five bedrooms, a swimming pool, a cinema room, a gym and a large garden with a hot tub and trampoline.Wayne Rooney used to live nearby until he moved to a £20million mega-mansion nearby.A source told The Sun back in 2022: “Phil loves living in Cheshire but felt it was time to fly the nest now he has two young children with his partner, Rebecca.“It’s in his old neighbourhood so they feel very settled in already.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes after a lucky football fan secured a £3.5million house in Cheshire’s footballers’ paradise – from just a £10 raffle.And James Maddison is flogging his jaw-dropping house that comes with its own football pitch for just £2.5million.Phil Foden’s signed England jerseyCredit: Instagram More

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    Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho snaps at social media troll in 11-word now-deleted post over cruel ‘highlights’ video

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Alejandro Garnacho hit back at an online troll in a now-deleted tweet.The 20-year-old has had a mixed start to the season, with the Red Devils losing two of their three Premier League games so far.Alejandro Garnacho snapped back at an online bully on social mediaCredit: EPAGarnacho scored in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City and assisted Joshua Zirkzee’s winner versus Fulham – but his performances have still been criticised by some.After United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, an account on X posted a cruel highlights video of the player losing the ball and misplacing passes.The upload was titled: “Alejandro Garnacho – Season so far.”And to the surprise of fans, the winger snapped at the bully and replied to his post.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGarnacho said: “Wasting your time making clips of me – your life so far.”The horrid troll then responded: “Focus on your first touch and dribbling you bum. If you weren’t so bad I wouldn’t have any footage to post.”Garnacho then deleted his initial reply.The Argentine had a tough afternoon against Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s tactical masterclass often forcing him deep into a right-back position.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his efforts were still appreciated by Man Utd fans at Old Trafford as some booed Erik ten Hag’s decision to sub him off after 69 minutes.The manager was asked about his tactical switch and he explained: “It was the first start for Zirkzee and for Garnacho. Then you decide to bring players on who can have an impact. Man Utd fans say ‘this is a tough watch’ as Ten Hag claims he ‘feels sorry’ for journalist in awkward interview”Amad Diallo, he deserved it [to come on]. He can have an impact. We then brought a player off who is not used to 90 minutes.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Man Utd stars rally around Casemiro and refuse to let him take blame for Liverpool horror show

    CAMESMIRO has won the immediate backing of Manchester United team-mates after his much-criticised display in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford.Sun Online can reveal that United skipper Bruno Fernandes was among those leading a rallying cry after a disastrous defeat in which the Brazilian midfielder was hauled off at half-time.Old Trafford captain Bruno Fernandes led support for CasemiroCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Dominik Szoboszklai and Co left Casemiro flounderingCredit: GettyPortuguese midfielder Fernandes told the squad everyone had to take responsibility for a performance which many pundits think could spell the beginning of the end for manager Erik ten Hag.A source said: “Nobody was pointing the finger at Casemiro after the game. “If anything the opposite was true and the mood among the dressing room was that everybody had to improve and do better.“Fernandes was particularly vocal and made clear it was on everyone to turn things around and to ensure they worked hard to get back on track.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd despite Casemiro’s errors on Sunday a United insider said the former Real Madrid player still has a future at the club.He’s regarded as one of the most popular members of the dressing room and team-mates are backing him to bounce back from a horror-show.The anchorman had been linked with a move away over the summer.But neither Ten Hag or the club’s new management team believed shifting Casemiro would be in the club’s best interests.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOur revelations on the players’ support for the 32-year-old come after his wife also rushed to his defence.Taking to Instagram in the early hours of Monday morning, Anna Mariana Casemiro posted a photo of her husband’s incredible trophy cabinet at their home, reminding fans of all he has achieved in the game.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionHowever, he was widely castigated for his role in Liverpool’s two first-half goals from Luis Diaz.Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher claimed it was a ‘sad sight’ to see Casemiro struggling so badly, and he was replaced at the interval by 20-year-old Toby Collyer.Carragher had also called for United to move on from the midfielder following a humiliating 4-0 loss away to Crystal Palace at the end of last season.Casemiro was also ridiculed on social media after his hapless display, prompting his wife, then as now, to hit back at critics.Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsTom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Luke Littler puts brave face on after Man Utd hammering as darts star brutally trolls Liverpool legend

    LUKE LITTLER put on a brave face as he trolled a Liverpool legend just minutes after they beat his beloved Manchester United.Arne Slot’s lot ran rampant against their bitter rivals on Sunday, registering an emphatic 3-0 win at Old Trafford.Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at the weekendCredit: PAUnited superfan Luke Littler caught the score before his German Darts Masters clash with Peter WrightCredit: INSTAGRAM/MANCHESTER UNITEDLittler decided to take aim at Kop icon Steven Gerrard after the matchAnd rather than take to social media to show his disappointment, darts sensation Littler took to his Instagram to troll Reds legend Steven Gerrard.The 17-year-old – who was filmed playing darts as a toddler while wearing an England shirt with Gerrard’s name on it – posted a side-by-side picture of himself holding his Premier League Darts trophy and the Kop icon looking dejected to his story.And he emblazoned a 1-0 scoreline across the snap in a blunt reference to Gerrard’s failure to win the English top fight.Gerard has yet to respond to Littler’s dig, which came after the teen lost the Geman Darts Masters final to Peter Wright.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLittler was beaten by Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright 8-5 in a sensational final in Hildesheim.Littler was overcome with emotion after losing the match, in which he sarcastically applauded fans.And he later revealed he broke down as one of his best friends is currently mourning the loss of his father.He wrote on his Instagram story: “Not looking for sympathy or anything I was just trying to say how my best mate has lost his dad at such a young age.Most read in DartsLuke Littler lost the German Darts Masters final to Peter Wright on SundayCredit: PDC Europe”I’ve known Ellis since we both was 3,4 and it’s been on my mind all week the strongest lad I know.”And just couldn’t get the job done as I would of liked.”Luke Littler in shock split from girlfriend Eloise Milburn with darts star, 17, heartbroken after 10 months of datingFan favourite Wright received a roaring reception after winning the tournament and was also overcome with emotion.Choking back tears, an emotional Wright said: “I’m on the way back.” More

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    Footballer attacked at home by thugs after appearing in Bayern Munich shirt as police launch probe

    POLICE are investigating an attack on Nurnberg footballer Niklas-Wilson Sommer.The right-back was attacked in his home and shared images of his wounds on social media.Niklas-Wilson Sommer was attacked in his homeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The attack is thought to be because he wore a Bayern Munich shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The incident took place after he shared a picture of himself wearing a Bayern Munich shirt.The image had been deleted from social media and Sommer had already apologised for it.The 26-year-old has been supported by the club, which has condemned the attack.A club statement read: “During the night from Saturday to Sunday, there was a physical attack on one of our U23 players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By lying in wait on the doorstep in the early evening and then physically attacking him a few hours later in the night, these people crossed all boundaries.”The act is apparently a reaction to the player appearing in a Bayern jersey on social media three days earlier.”The photo was deleted shortly after publication and the player also publicly apologized.”The club will never accept players being physically attacked.Most read in Football”That is exactly what happened last night through the actions of individuals.”The club condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. It is absolutely incompatible with the values ​​of FCN.Sommer currently plays for Nunrberg IICredit: GettyHe has also played for Mannheim and DAC Dunajská StredaCredit: Getty”The police investigation into the incident began last night.”If there are any convictions in this connection, the club will of course react accordingly.”Former Premier League star John Paintsil rushed to hospital after terrifying car crashSommer was targeted by a crowd protest during the 4-0 defeat at home to Magdeburg on Saturday.One banner read: “Club pride instead of hipster posing. Niklas Wilson, you’re s**t, like FCB.”Another stated: “Wilson, p**s off, you Bayern pig.”Sommer shared images of the wounds he suffered after the attack on social media.The pictures showed red marks and swelling across his face.Sommer posted his injuries on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Swelling could be seen around his faceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Who are these famous footballers? More