More stories

  • in

    Man Utd star looks unrecognisable as he celebrates birthday with adorable childhood photo ahead of FA Cup semi-final

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo celebrated his birthday by sharing an adorable pic from his childhood.Mainoo, who turned 19 today, shared a number of pictures to his Instagram.Kobbie Mainoo shared a snap of himself wearing a Man Utd AIG kit as a youngsterCredit: instagram @kobbieMainoo shared a few pictures to his Instagram page as he celebrated his 19th birthdayCredit: instagram @kobbieOne of the snaps showed Mainoo getting a tattooCredit: instagram @kobbieMainoo also posed alongside brother and former Love Island star Jordan Mainoo-Hames, rightCredit: instagram @kobbieThe first snap in the collection saw the midfielder wearing a blue jacket with a black and white stripe trim and cream sleeves in a car park.Picture number two showed Mainoo in Man Utd training with a woolly hat – something that may upset Paul Scholes based on his previous comments on the matter. The third picture showed Mainoo posing alongside rapper Reubz and brother and Love Island star, Jordan Mainoo-Hames.Next up was an image of Mainoo celebrating at Old Trafford with team-mate Diogo Dalot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMainoo then shared an adorable picture from his childhood, proving he’s always had an ice cool demeanour.He was seen with his hands behind his head while sitting back on a sun lounger and wearing sunglasses, however it was the Nike produced AIG Man Utd kit Mainoo was wearing that most caught the eye.Man Utd’s kit were sponsored by AIG between 2006 and 2010.The next picture showed Mainoo getting a tattoo, before the final image showed him wearing a bright yellow jacket and black trousers while in a car park.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe captioned his post: “+1, Thanks for the messages đŸ€žđŸŸđŸŽ‚”A number of Mainoo’s team-mates responded with heart emojis, while some left heartfelt messages.Watch as Roy Keane features in extremely rare dressing room footage after Man Utd’s Champion League final win of 1999Amad Diallo said: “HBD my little kobbs.”Fellow Carrington prospect Dan Gore said: “Happy birthday Mybro.”Man Utd attacking coach Benni McCarthy said: “Happy Birthday Kobes.”Big brother Jordan said: “My broyeeee đŸ€ love u man.”One fan reacted to the post by saying: “Bro is so clean at everything he does.”A second said: “Bless up young champ.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third said: “Why is everything he does so clean?”Mainoo will hoping for a birthday treat on Sunday when Man Utd take on Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. More

  • in

    I swapped ÂŁ60k hotel rooms and training A-list celebs to reignite British title bid and coach influencer boxers

    DAN MORLEY is aiming to win titles as he prepares to make his return to boxing after two years out of the ring.The Epsom-based fighter has had a rollercoaster career which saw him defeat Louis Isaacs in a fight of the year contender in 2021.Dan Morley is preparing to return to professional boxing after quitting two years agoCredit: RexHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereThe Epsom-based fighter boasts an 8-0 recordCredit: PROVIDED BY DANIEL MORLEYMorley called a halt to his pro career to teach boxing in the MaldivesFast forward a few more months and Morley faced Ivan Njegac, which proved to be his last fight after the 27-year-old quit amid growing pressures and rising costs.Morley suffered a broken nose and broken hand which derailed his progress while fights that earned him ÂŁ500 did little to cover the ÂŁ1500 medical tests needed for each fight.He told SunSport: “I was looking at the next five years of my life when I was 25-26 thinking ‘how quickly can I get through these?’ Which is not a way to live your life.”So the Chelsea fan hung up his gloves and set off around the world for coaching opportunities which saw him train clients in Switzerland and the Maldives.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing ÂŁ60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast.Most read in BoxingAnthony Joshua gets grilled by a nine year old in interviewMorley is hopeful his new-found following will boost his profile when he makes his return to the ring, which he anticipates could be in the summer.The 8-0 boxer aims to fight at British level but is happy to have discovered balance in his life, which has rid him of the pressures that pro boxing put on him previously.He added: “I’m very optimistic and excited. Before I took the break I was looking at those five years with dread. Now in the ring I’m excited to get back, I can see myself winning titles, going up to British level and beyond.”I’m looking at stuff outside too. Continue training abroad and I can get more opportunities like that. I would love to break through as a pundit, have a book published, travel the world with boxing. And build experiences in and out of the ring.”It’s been a much better balance. Before I was obsessive about it to the point where its being fuelled by fear and paranoia. Just like the pressure of having to do it because it was my identity.”Whereas taking a step away from it has given me the clarity to say ‘you know what, there are so many other things I can do – I do this simply because I love it’ and that’s the thing that always drove me, the love, but the pressure was killing me.”Book plansAlong with his return to the ring, Morley wants to publish a book and is still keen to continue coaching.He trained TikTok sensation and world champion football freestyler Andrew Henderson, who boasts two million followers, for a few months and is open to training other influencers – or even fighting one himself.Morley said: “I’m more than willing to help people within the influencer scene. I’m not massively fussed about fighting in it myself unless they offered me a load of money to beat one of them up.”These influencer guys are going in with no experience and earning 50,60 times – even the lower level ones – the amount pro boxers will be earning in hard fights.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is frustrating to a certain degree but I looked at it and thought ‘how can I learn from what they’ve done?’ And do that in my own way without selling my soul.”Morley is yet to decide on his next opponent but is hopeful of having a fight lined up for July – so watch this space.Morley’s clash with Louis Isaacs was nominated for 2021 fight of the yearMorley has amassed 400,000 followers across his social media platforms More

  • in

    Fans baffled as forgotten ex-Premier League star unveiled as new boss in ‘most hype manager announcement video ever’

    FOOTBALL fans have been left in shock after a Premier League cult hero was announced as the manager for his new club in an over the top video.Former Newcastle star Steven Taylor has been named as the new boss of United Arab Emirates club Al Qabila.Former Newcastle star Steven Taylor has been announced as the new head coach of Al QabilaCredit: AFPAn over the top announcement video saw the club’s owner, Soheil Varahram, discuss Taylor’s abilitiesCredit: Instagram @soheil.varVarahram watched as an blacked out van approachedCredit: TIKTOK @SOHEIL.VARTaylor emerged from the van as dramatic music playedCredit: TIKTOK @SOHEIL.VARThe pair posed together as they announced Taylor as the new manager of the clubCredit: TIKTOK @SOHEIL.VARAl Qabila are yet to play a professional game of football and have been created by TikTok sensation and former UAE first division footballer Soheil Varahram.The club is a project created by Varahram with the intention of being built from the ground up in just 365 days. And after announcing club names, badges and kit designs, Varahram and his business partner took to social media to announce the arrival of their new manager, Taylor.In a video shared with Varahman’s 1.2million TikTok followers the 25-year-old and his partner discussed Taylor’s impressive CV before having the ex-Toon defender pull up in a blacked out Mercedes van.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVahrahman said: “This coach, his mentality is on a different level, he’s been at the highest level of football – what else could you want?”While the announcement video finished with Taylor looking directly down the camera in an all-black suit and saying: “Guys, I’m excited to be a part of the tribe. Let’s take over.”Despite his 194 Premier League appearances as a player, Taylor also has valuable experience as a manager too.The 38-year-old has held the position of manager of fellow UAE side Gulf United since 2022 and guided the club to back-to-back promotions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn fact Taylor was in charge of the team when he offered Vahrahman his first ever professional football contract in September 2022.Regardless of the connections and the experience held by Taylor, fans were still shook by the announcement and took to social media to react.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersOne fan wrote: “Steven Taylor with the most hype head coach announcement video ever.”While another added: “You could have given me 1,000 guesses at who was in that car!”A third joked: “If other coaches are now not announced like this, I have zero interest.”And a fourth posted: “This could only be better if Andy Carroll was announced as his assistant.”Steven Taylor’s playing career
    2003: Wycombe Wanderers, LOAN (6 apps)
    2003 – 2016: Newcastle United (268 apps)
    2016 – 2017: Portland Timbers (12 apps)
    2017: Ipswich Town (3 apps)
    2017 – 2018: Peterborough United (51 apps)
    2018 – 2021: Wellington Phoenix (62 apps)
    2020 – 2021: Odisha FC, LOAN (17 apps)

    The announcement video was shared on social mediaSteven Taylor spent the last few years of his career playing in New Zealand for Wellington PhoenixCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Usain Bolt spotted at Premier League training ground as best friend’s son plays in academy clash

    USAIN BOLT made a surprise visit to Burnley’s training ground on Wednesday afternoon.The eight-time Olympic gold medallist, 37, attended the Under-21s’ 4-3 win over Stockport because Che Gardner, the son of Bolt’s close pal Ricardo, turned out for the visitors.Usain Bolt made a surprise visit to Burnley’s training ground on Wednesday afternoonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/burnleyofficial/?hl=enThe Clarets posted a picture of Bolt smiling on social media in front of the slogan: “It’s a way of life.”Jamaican Bolt, the holder of world records in the men’s 100m and 200m, retired from athletics in 2017.The avid Manchester United fan had trials himself with Borussia Dortmund and Central Coast Mariners and is good friends with ex-footballer Ricardo who made over 400 appearances for Bolton and spent 11 years in the Prem.Bolt and Gardner Snr have become pals over the years and the sprinter tries to watch Che in action wherever possible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe attended an Under-15 game between Blackburn – where Che was on trial – and Burnley in March 2023.Gardner’s son Che is a first-team scholar for Stockport County and made a brief late cameo in the game on Wednesday.Only this month, a Jamaican wonderkid broke Bolt’s Under-17 400metre record.Eight-time Olympian champion Bolt set the record 22 years ago – long before he became a sprinting sensation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe legend set a time of 47.33 seconds which has now been beaten by his compatriot, Nickecoy Bramwell.The 16-year-old was competing at the 51st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada.Usain Bolt’s world record shattered by 16-year-old in incredible footage after it had stood for 22 yearsAnd despite being plagued by a number of injury niggles, he broke Bolt’s record by running 47.26 seconds. More

  • in

    ‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in Munich

    ARSENAL fans were branded inauthentic after a chant went viral on social media this week.Prior to the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, fans gathered at a pub in Germany.Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich on aggregateCredit: GettyArsenal fans were filmed at a pub in Munich before the matchCredit: X/ Jackyb_16They were filmed singing a new chant ahead of the quarter-final second-leg which went: “Josh Kroenke went to Spain in a Ford Fiesta, he brought us back a manager, Super Mik Arteta.”However, Manchester City fans accused them of stealing the tune.City’s version, used when Manuel Pellegrini was in charge, went: “Sheikh Mansour went to Spain in a Lamborghini, came back with a manager, Manuel Pellegrini.”One person took to X to write: “Nothing is authentic about this club.”Read More on ArsenalAnother commented: “You want to be City so so bad 😭.”A third said: “Cringing, try and be a bit more original or at least do a good version of it.”While a City fan wrote: “They want to be us so bad. It’s actually painful.”Both Arsenal and Man City crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
    With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
    The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
    And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
    One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
    “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches
”
    Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
    Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

    The Gunners suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich on aggregate after losing 1-0 at the Allianz Arena.Meanwhile, City suffered a 4-3 loss on penalties in a dramatic second-leg clash with Real Madrid.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern Munich More

  • in

    Micah Richards told to ‘consider other career paths’ after dreadful Champions League prediction re-emerges

    MICAH RICHARDS was put on full blast on social media after getting all of his Champions League predictions wrong.A video has reemerged of ex-Manchester City ace Richards, 35, guessing the winner of each quarter-final pair during a recent appearance on CBS Sports Golazo.Micah Richards got all of his Champions League predictions wrongCredit: X @cbssportsgolazoNot one of Richards’ picks made it to the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: GettyThe pundit revealed his picks to presenter Kate Abdo and fellow Premier League heroes Jamie Carragher as well as Thierry Henry but not one of them ended up being right.The former England international predicted his former club City would offload Real Madrid, Arsenal would eliminate Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid would prevail over Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona would best Paris Saint-Germain.Richards said: “Arsenal-Bayern: The Arsenal.”Okay, Real Madrid-Manchester City: Just Man City.Read More on Football”We’ll go over this way [with] a little pirouette there Jamie. Atletico-Dortmund: Atletico.”PSG-Barca: Sorry Kylian [Mbappe], I’m going with Barca.”However, both Premier League giants were ultimately eliminated by Bayern and Real, while Dortmund and PSG overcame Atletico and Barcelona respectively.Fans stormed social media and held nothing back on their assessment of Richards’ predictions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne fan tweeted: “Not a single one right.”Another commented: “An absolute stinker. He should consider other career paths.”Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubA third said: “Wanna make a fortune? Listen to Micah and bet on the opposite of what he says.”This fan wrote: “All wrong.”And that one stated: “Bro hit a quadruple of misses.”Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
    With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
    The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
    And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
    One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
    “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches
”
    Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
    Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

  • in

    Awkward moment iShowSpeed confronted by Man City fans and forced to shut down stream during Real Madrid clash

    ISHOWSPEED was caught in an awkward moment as Manchester City fans confronted him.The YouTube star was at the Etihad Stadium for the Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.IShowSpeed celebrated Rodrygo’s goal against Manchester CityCredit: xHe was told to sit down by home fansCredit: xHe was then told to turn off his livestreamCredit: xThere was plenty of tension ahead of the match following the 3-3 draw between the teams in the first leg last week.The visitors stole the initiative in the first half as Rodrygo drew first blood on the night.However, after the Brazilian’s goal, there was a problem in his stand with IShowSpeed.Despite being sat amongst the home fans, the social media star, real name Darren Watkins Jr, was filmed cheering on the goal and shouting: “Lets go, lets go!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was then told to sit down by a fan which left him confused.Speed replied: “Sit down? But they scored, they telling me to sit down when they scored.”A fan then told him not to cheer for Madrid and to cheer for Man City instead.He then shouted: “Come on City, come on City.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSeconds later, IShowSpeed was told that he could not livestream during the match.A steward could be heard telling him that he is not allowed to live stream, much to the confusion of the American.Chelsea legend Didier Drogba asked awkward question by IShowSpeed after charity match and fans LOVE his response He explained: “I am ending it right now. Alright chat I can’t be live, I can’t show my face.”I have to end the stream because I can’t be live; I don’t want to end the stream; what can I do?”Fans reacted to the moment on social media.One posted: “Imaging paying hundreds for a ticket and you end up sitting next to him
”A second wrote: “Bro is a menace.”A third commented: “Speedy looking for trouble.”A fourth said: “Bro need to be chained up.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “He setting himself up for being in the opposition stand.”IShowSpeed has become a massive football fan in recent years and even played in a charity match alongside the likes of Kaka and Didier Drogba in February. More

  • in

    Angry Rantman dead at 27: YouTuber and viral Chelsea fan – real name Abhradeep Saha – dies as tributes pour in

    FOOTBALL YouTuber Abhradeep Saha, also known as Angry Rantman, has tragically passed away at the age of 27.A statement from his family read: “With profound grief and sorrow, we hereby declare the sad and untimely demise of Abhradeep Saha AKA #AngryRantman today at 10:18 hrs IST.Abhradeep Saha aka Angry Rantman has passed awayCredit: X”He touched the lives of millions with his Honesty, humour and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”As we mourn his loss, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives and hold on to the cherished memories we share together. Inspiring change one rant at a time.”The avid Chelsea fan was in a “critical situation” before his death, his family confirmed.Saha burst onto the scene when he formed his YouTube channel six years ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEASome of his viral videos criticising Chelsea made him a popular figure among the football fan community on social media.Tributes flooded in for the YouTube superstar following the announcement of his death.One person took to X to write: “RIP Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman.”His rants were iconic to us all, but I think fewer people know just how kind and generous he was beyond his content.Most read in FootballAngry Rantman’s most viewed sporting rantsAbhradeep Saha, best known as Angry Rantman, had a whopping 482,000 subscribers on YouTube, where he shared his views on football and cinema. These were his most popular sporting rants…

    1. “Humiliating is not the word”Abhradeep clocked up an amazing 3 MILLION views after Chelsea lost 6-0 to Man City five years ago.He raged: “What the hell is that!” and called Marcos Alonso a “shambolic defender”.
    2. “Worst start to the season”A 4-0 defeat to Man Utd four years ago saw him have a meltdown.He fumed: “This is the worst start to the season ever, ever, ever.”
    3. “SetiĂ©n has Turned Barcelona into Real Betis”Abhradeep moved away from his favourite team Chelsea to give his views on Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich three years ago. Half a million tuned in.He said: “That wasn’t a football match, that was a slaughtering house.”

    “Proper Chelsea fan, and a genuinely phenomenal and brilliant human being 💙.”Another added: “RIP brother, lovely human being and he will be missed 💔.”A third wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted. He was one of the kindest, nicest and best people I have spoken to.”YouTuber True Geordie commented: “RIP to the funny football YouTuber Abhradeep Saha, aka Angry Rantman. This guy had some hilarious epic clips and will be missed by our community.”Another said: “Such sad news 💔.”While one fan wrote: “RIP Abhradeep or commonly known as Angry Rantman 💔 One of the original voices in our community that never failed to make us smile.” More