Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares90 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegation

      by

      LEICESTER fans were seen heading for the exits just 35 minutes into their game against Newcastle.The Foxes, who look set for relegation to the Championship, saw their dire run of form of continue at home to the Toon.Leicester fans appeared to be heading home before the half-time whistleCredit: Sky Sports The stands were left empty as Newcastle scored with easeCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares131 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd system is broken and what they need to do with Alejandro Garnacho

      by

      THE Manchester Derby didn’t live up to its usual hype on Sunday as Man Utd and Man City played our a goalless bore draw.Despite excitement over what could have been a feisty clash, as it has been over the years, fans found themselves struggling to stay awake during the weekend’s big game.Manchester United and Man City played out a snooze-fest draw on SundayCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim’s United side failed to take advantage of their underachieving neighbours with issues all over the pitch.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert DEAN SCOGGINS reveals what is broken about the Man Utd system.GARNACHO DRIVING ME AMADYou can’t help but think what Amad Diallo – and possibly even Anthony Elanga – would be doing in Alejandro Garnacho’s role in this Man Utd team.Unselfish runs are so important in football these days and opening up passing lanes too, but Garnacho does the opposite.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust 25 seconds into the game Garnacho had a fantastic opportunity to tee up Bruno Fernandes with a simple pass, but chose not to play the ball.Garnacho’s run-direction is often the wrong way. It’s not that he always goes left or always goes right, it’s that he doesn’t seem to have the awareness of what’s around him to make the right run.In Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 shape, Garnacho should be making runs to occupy defenders or make himself an option whenever Patrick Dorgu gets the ball.Instead, Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund seem to always make runs into the same central positions.Most read in FootballIt might be time to start to question whether the Argentine is understanding what is being asked of him by the new manager.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAlejandro Garnacho chose not to play Bruno Fernandes in with a simple pass in the opening minuteGarnacho found himself in the same position as Rasmus Hojlund on multiple occasionsThe winger should be making unselfish runs to pull away defenders when Patrick Dorgu is on the ballOPEN THE DORGUDorgu worked really hard and he did fantastically well to get up and down the pitch to try and implement Amorim’s system.Amorim’s system means that overloading one side of the pitch can often leave a wing-back wide open on the other flank – a position Dorgu found himself in multiple times.However, his barnstorming runs were either not being spotted quick enough by his midfield teammates or Garnacho was getting in his way in the wide areas.United need to release Dorgu earlier so he can be the one to put the crosses in the box.Amorim’s side didn’t take advantage of Pep Guardiola’s narrow system.Had they defended narrow and then spread the ball wide when they attacked, United could have had more joy against their neighbours.Patrick Dorgu put in a shift down the left flank for Man UtdThe wing-back operated in all areas down the left sideHe wasn’t picked out when he found himself in spaceGarnacho was often getting in his way, not opening the space for Dorgu to run intoMan Utd’s system allowed for space on the wings against Man City’s narrow style, but they didn’t play the ball wide often enoughTRUST ISSUESMan Utd players don’t seem to be trusting the players behind them, causing trust issues that are hampering their performances. The attackers leading the press seem to not trust the midfielders behind them to do their job when it comes to marking the opposition.That makes them drop back and try to help out.However this, in turn, leads to the midfielders dropping back to mark the deeper men and means United’s back three are left marking nobody with very little pressure being put on the ball.Being pushed so far back means that when United win the ball back, they aren’t high enough up the pitch and they are no longer 1v1 with their opposite numbers.It also stops United from being able to transition quickly enough from defence into attack.The system doesn’t seem to be an issue, it could be more of a personnel problem. The Man Utd front line is dropping back to help the midfieldIt leaves the back three of United effectively marking nobodyWhen they do get the ball back they are too deep and outnumbered by the Man City defenceBRUNO… IT MAKES SENSEBruno Fernandes was really good against City, he was at the heart of every good move that United had. By playing him as one of the attacking three, you have his game intelligence to help them create opportunities and utilise the system.At the moment he doesn’t look like he wants to pass to Rasmus Hojlund and doesn’t have the runs off the ball from elsewhere to feed the passes.There were multiple occasions where Fernandes had the ball in central areas and everyone else was narrow too.If players move into wide areas then Fernandes could definitely be the key to unlocking more and finding the right passes.Bruno Fernandes was the best player on the pitch for Man Utd on SundayFernandes has been Man Utd’s best player this seasonSTRIKER LIGHTBoth Manchester clubs were light up top during the derby, but Man City had an excuse with their superstar striker Erling Haaland missing through injury.Meanwhile United had both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee available to them and still didn’t manage to find the back of the net.Hojlund has scored just one goal in his last 24 games in all competitions, while Zirkzee only has a marginally better record with two goals in his last 22 appearances for United.Hojlund hasn’t been getting the service that he should be, given the issues that have already been highlighted, but his average position is baffling.The striker’s average position at half time was deeper than Manuel Ugarte’s.Read More on The SunThe Dane doesn’t push the defender back as much as he should and it seems like he has a lack of confidence when it comes to beating a defender 1v1.Zirkzee offered much more in terms of stretching the City defence, but he just isn’t fast enough to make his runs effective.Rasmus Hojlund was so deep throughout the gameIt has been a disappointing campaign for Hojlund More

    • 250 Shares107 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd star

      by

      FORMER Manchester United star Josh Harrop sparked a mass brawl after a shocking challenge in the Baller League.The 29-year-old is currently playing for FC Rules the World in the new six-a-side tournament featuring ex-pros and social media stars as managers.Josh Harrop’s foul on Sak Hassan sparked a mass brawlCredit: X/ BallerLeagueUKSeveral players grappled and pushed each other as tempers flaredCredit: X/ BallerLeagueUKA fiery game ended 3-3Credit: X/ BallerLeagueUKEx-Prem ref Mark Clattenburg sent him to the sin binCredit: X/ BallerLeagueUKIn the second-half of the clash tonight between RTW FC and John Terry’s 26ers, a huge altercation broke out after Harrop’s wild tackle.Sak Hassan, who was on the books of Tottenham as a youngster, tried to dribble beyond the midfielder but was wiped out by a late lunge.A furious Hassan swiftly bounced back to his feet and angrily pushed Harrop.It led to tempers flaring and a huge fight involving several players kicked off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTareiq Holmes-Dennis, Manuchim Oke-William and J’ardell Stirling were seen grappling with each other as more players sprinted over to get involved.Two yellow cards and subsequent time in the sin bin were given out by former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.The fiery match ended 3-3 as FC RTW remain without a win in the tournament so far after three games.Harrop burst onto the scene as a teenager in the final match of the 2016/17 season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBaller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs UnitedHe scored for Man Utd on his first and only appearance as the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 2-0.Harrop was offered an improved contract by the club that summer but rejected the deal in favour of a move to Preston.Fans joke Baller League is the ‘future’ as madcap footage of debut night emerges He played 83 times in the Championship for them, while spending time on loan at Ipswich and Fleetwood.The ex-wonderkid has played for Northampton and Cheltenham in recent years before signing up for the Baller League after being left without a club for the entirety of this season.Fans were shocked to see him strutting his stuff in the weekly events at London’s Copper Box, with one saying: “Sorry did i read, JOSH HARROP? My word the downfall.”Another added: “How’s he ended up there.”A third wrote: “He’s lost it there.”Josh Harrop scored on his Man Utd debutCredit: AFP or licensorsIt was his first and only appearance for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 250 Shares123 Views

      in Soccer

      FA won’t take action over Phil Foden chants despite condemning sick abuse from Man Utd fans towards Man City star

      by

      THE FA will reportedly not take action against Manchester United fans after their vile abuse of Phil Foden.Foden’s mum Claire Rowlands was the subject of sick chants during yesterday’s Manchester derby, which ended 0-0.Phil Foden was targeted by vile abuse in yesterday’s Manchester derbyCredit: GettyFoden appeared to sarcastically applaud the foul-mouthed fansCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10Chants were directed at Foden’s mum ClaireCredit: Paul EdwardsThroughout the game, sections of the Old Trafford faithful sung about the City and England star in videos that have gone viral on social media.The Mail claim the FA are understood to be aware of the chants and condemn them.However, United will escape punishment as the abuse does not breach their regulations.In one clip that has surfaced online today, Foden can be seen sarcastically clapping and giving a thumbs up to a section of his rival supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity manager Pep Guardiola slammed the behaviour of United fans, saying: “It was a lack of class. “We are so exposed in football – managers, owners and players especially.”I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Most read in FootballSenior City figures are understood to have been shocked and disgusted by the chants, both in the amount of those taking part and the frequency of them.It comes amid claims that Foden’s team-mate Jack Grealish was slapped in the face by a United fan yesterday.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumThe midfielder was apparently assaulted near the tunnel as he made his way off the pitch after the final whistle.A 20-year-old man has been charged with assault and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in July.Jack Grealish was allegedly struck by a Man Utd fan after the gameCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares123 Views

      in Soccer

      Flower stadium bigger than Wembley was left abandoned and half-finished before club were EXPELLED from pro football

      by

      A SENSATIONAL lotus flower stadium that was supposed to be bigger than Wembley was left abandoned for around TWO YEARS.China’s most successful side Guangzhou FC were forced to abandon incredible plans to build their new 100,000-seat home in 2022 after running into huge financial issues.Chinese club Guangzhou FC saw their proposed new stadium sit abandoned for almost two yearsCredit: AFPInitial plans showed that the stadium would have a lotus flower designCredit: Guangzhou EvergrandeThe stadium was planned to have 100,000 seatsCredit: Guangdong Architectural Design and Research InstituteAn aerial photo shows the abandoned siteScaffolding and cranes remained up despite the axed plansCredit: AFPOwners The Evergrande Group, who previously changed the club’s name to Guangzhou Evergrande before Chinese FA restrictions prevented it, put forward initial designs for their ground over five years ago.While work began on construction of the lotus-shaped structure in April 2020.In the years that followed, Guangzhou’s ownership plummeted into severe financial issues after crippling debt totalling a reported £220BILLION plunged the club and their stadium into uncertainty.The issues forced the ownership, who are China’s largest property developers, to abandon the construction in an effort to alleviate their financial troubles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs a result, the stadium was left unfinished, half-built and abandoned for almost two years.Photos from the time show how the lower-tier of the ground was almost complete, while materials, cranes and scaffolding sat unused during the period of uncertainty.The project was ultimately cancelled in 2022 as the club’s owners filed for bankruptcy and sold their best players.Those sales ultimately saw Guangzhou relegated in late 2022 – marking a huge fall from grace for China’s most successful team of all time.Most read in FootballThe bottom tier of the stadium was almost completeCredit: Getty Images – GettyA number of seats had already been put inCredit: AFPMaterials were ditched following the financial issuesCredit: GettyExpelled from Chinese footballAfter winning eight Chinese league titles, two AFC Champions League’s, two Chinese Cups and four Chinese Supercups in the space of eight years, Guangzhou hit rock bottom earlier this year.The club were unable to pay off enough of their mega debt and ultimately EXPELLED from professional football in China.The Chinese superclub were refused permission by the Chinese FA to play in professional domestic football this January.The fall from grace comes after Guangzhou had been home to huge stars such as former Tottenham and Barcelona midfielder Paulinho and Colombia and Porto striker Jackson Martinez over the years.While they had also been managed by iconic bosses like Fabio Cannavaro, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Marcello Lippi.However, the club is still hoping to return at some point in the future.A statement at the time read: “We regret that we failed to make it, hence our sincerest apologies to fans and the people from all walks of life that support the club.”We will not change our original intention and do our best to deal with the aftermath and support the development of Chinese football and Guangdong and Guangzhou football.”Former Spurs and Barcelona star Paulinho used to play for Guangzhou FCCredit: AFPWorld Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro was the club’s manager between 2017 and 2021Credit: AFP or licensorsStadium futureDespite the club now not being able to continue playing professionally, the stadium will still be built.That’s because the ground was seized by the Chinese government and transferred to the state-owned Guangzhou City Construction Investment Group.However, the club’s bold lotus flower vision has been abandoned – alongside the initial proposed 100,000-seat capacity.Instead an entirely new design has been put forward that has reduced the capacity by almost a third down to 73,000.Even though the ground will hold significantly less than the original plan, it will still be the fourth largest stadium in China.The new plans are expected to cost an estimated total of £253million, significantly less than the £1.3BILLION that was initially earmarked for the lotus design.Read More on The SunWork on construction restarted in 2024 and the stadium is set to finally be completed by the end of this year.It’s thought that Evergrande have lost £141MILLION during the process.New plans for a different 73,000-seat stadium are set to completed by the end of 2025 More

    • 238 Shares127 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish ‘slapped in face by Man Utd fan’ in new crowd shock after vile Phil Foden mum chants

      by

      JACK Grealish was allegedly slapped in the face by a Manchester United fan at Old Trafford.The Man City star, 29, was apparently assaulted near the tunnel as he made his way off the pitch following the Manchester derby on Sunday.Jack Grealish prior to the game on SaturdayCredit: GettyPhil Foden was subjected to vile chants during the same gameCredit: AlamyFootage has emerged of the moment Phil Foden was targeted by Manchester United supportersCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10Grealish was the victim of a violent encounter in 2019, when a Birmingham City fan stormed the pitch and clobbered him from behind – sending the then-Villa player sprawling onto the turf.A 20-year-old man has been charged with assault following Sunday’s alleged attack.He will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in July.Both Man City and Man United are yet to make public comment on the incident, though police are understood to have immediately launched a probe following reports of the assault yesterday.Read more footballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault. “He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court.”This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club yesterday.”Grealish started on the bench for City, but came on for Ilkay Gundogan in the 74th minute of the clash.Most read in FootballThe alleged slap comes after sections of the United crowd chanted “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the drab draw.City manager Pep Guardiola blasted fans for the vile song.​Pitch invader punches Jack Grealish in the middle of Birmingham City vs Aston Villa​Speaking after the game, he said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”He added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden has also issued a three-word message on social media.”We keep going,” the Man City star wrote alongside five photos of himself from the match.Fans flocked to the comments to offer the midfielder some support, with one person writing: “Don’t mind the haters Phil every great person has haters we keep going.”While another said: “We are with you.”It comes after cops promised an increased police presence in the city over the weekend.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, head of Special Operations at GMP and Gold Commander for the Manchester derby, earlier said: “We are lucky in Manchester to have clubs with passionate fan bases represented across all football leagues – a Manchester derby especially always brings excitement as the city unites in its passions for football.“There is a policing plan in place for Sunday – fans will notice an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.“We want everyone to enjoy the match – anyone with concerns can report them to a police officer or a member of security staff on the day.”Birmingham City fan Phil Mitchell, then 27, was jailed for 14 weeks in 2019 after admitting thumping Grealish during the clash with Aston Villa.Mitchell said he launched the attack as a “joke” because he thought Grealish was “a k***”.Read More on The SunIn a tragic twist, the footy fan was then found dead in 2023 aged 32.His body was discovered at an address in Birmingham, and he was later described by family as having “the kindest heart”.Grealish came on as a sub for his side in the second halfCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Baller League LIVE: Scores and results from Night Three as John Terry’s 26ers aim to score first points – updates

      by

      GRAB your popcorn Baller League fans as night three of this thrilling competition is FINALLY here – and it is expected to be action-packed once again!Angry Ginge’s league-leading Yanited side will be determined to continue their perfect streak and stay ahead of the pack when they take on Santan FC.Deportio managed by Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker are also undefeated and they’ll be hoping to climb above Yanited with a victory over M7 FC.While John Terry’s 26ers battle it out with F.C. RTW, as both look to put their first three points on the board.Follow ALL updates from the Copperbox Arena with our live blog below…Results so far Matchday 1Game 1: Yanited 7-2 N5 FCGame 2: F.C RTW 4-5 MVPs UnitedGame 3: SDS FC 5-2 26ersGame 4: Trebol FC 4-6 Santan FCGame 5: M7 FC 3-2 Wembley Rangers AFCGame 6: Deportrio 6-3 VZN FCMatchday 2Game 1: MVPs United 3-2 M7 FCGame 2: Wembley Rangers AFC 2-4 VZN FCGame 3: N5 FC 3-6 DeportrioGame 4: 26ers 5-7 YanitedGame 5: Santan FC 4-3 SDS FCGame 6: F.C. RTW 1-5 Trebol FCCopy linkCopiedThis evening’s gamesMatchday 3Game 1: 26ers vs F.C. RTWGame 2: Trebol FC vs Wembley Rangers AFCGame 3: Yanited vs Santan FCGame 4: M7 FC vs DeportrioGame 5: SDS FC vs MVPs UnitedGame 6: VZN FC vs N5 FCCopy linkCopiedPre-match reading Including Karren Brady’s column and Roy Keane’s take:Copy linkCopiedRound Three Evening and welcome to the third week of Baller League! The first two weeks have been filled with goals, goals and… yes you guessed it, GOALS! as the high-energy, fast-paced professional football league redefining the game that was promised, is delivering. Yanited are the early pace-setters after the first two matchdays, while the Invincible-inspired N5 FC and John Terry-led 26ers are trialing at the foot of the table. Amin Belaïd is the man to watch with an eye-popping six goals, so far for Luís Figo’s Trebol team. We are set for another jam-packed night of action, with a 5.35 kick-off at London’s Copper Box Arena expected.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

    • 250 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd make Liam Delap No1 transfer target but £40m deal for Ipswich striker will boost rivals Man City’s coffers

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have made Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap their number one target for the summer transfer window.The Red Devils have identified Delap, 22, as their preferred option up top ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen.Liam Delap is Manchester United’s number one target this summerCredit: ReutersDelap has emerged as a favourite amongst the hierarchy at Old Trafford as manager Ruben Amorim prepares to be backed financially in the summer.Delap, who has scored 12 goals in 30 Premier League goals this season, is thought to be available for £40m if Ipswich are relegated at the end of the season – an outcome that looks highly likely.The striker joined The Tractor Boys in the summer from United’s neighbours Manchester City in a £20m deal.And Pep Guardiola’s side are understood to have a £40m buy-back clause in his contract, but are unlikely to activate it given the new nine-and-a-half-year contract they handed Erling Haaland this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, City still stand to benefit from any sale of Delap, with Man Utd potentially about to line the pockets of their local rivals.That’s because the Cityzens hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause, meaning they will receive 20 per cent of any profit made from a Delap sale.It won’t be simple for United to get their man though, with Chelsea amongst a number of other top sides interested in the Ipswich bagsman.Delap, who is the son of former Stoke City star and long-throw expert Rory Delap, would also have to duke it out with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee for a starting spot at the Theatre of Dreams.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever the pair have both struggled for goals this season.Hojlund has scored just one goal in his last 24 games in all competitions, while Zirkzee only has a marginally better record with two goals in his last 22 appearances for United.Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration onlineUnited had been strongly linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, 26, who played under current boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon.But the Swede is likely to cost significantly more than Delap and is expected to be courted by Arsenal over the summer too. More