Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’

      by

      OLD TRAFFORD has started LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s press conference.The leak started after the Red Devil’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.Ruben Amorim’s press conference was interrupted by a leak from the ceilingCredit: Sky SportsIt followed the 3-0 defeat to BournemouthCredit: AlamyAmorim, 39, was addressing the media following the shambolic performance.But the Portuguese manager was interrupted when water started coming through the ceiling.The leak was caught on camera by the media in the room and shared on social media.Water could be seen dripping from a gap in the ceiling by the lighting while Amorim spoke about the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans have reacted to the leak on social media with many saying it is the “perfect metaphor”.One posted: “Even the ceiling is crying at the downfall of this club.”A second wrote: “It’s their fans tears.”A third commented: “A metaphor if ever I saw one.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “Sums the state of the club up right now.”Another added: “Leaks in our defence, leaks on the roof, leaks from the dressing room.”OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. In the match, Manchester United were second best for most of the 90 minutes.Dean Huijsen headed the visitors into the lead after escaping marker Joshua Zirkzee in the 28th minute. Noussair Mazraoui was then at fault in the 60th minute as he gave away a reckless penalty for a foul on Justin Kluivert.The Dutchman converted from the spot to double the visitor’s lead.Antoine Semenyo then made it 3-0 two minutes later as he finished off a great move from the Cherries.It is not the first time Old Trafford has seen leaks emerge from its roof.Back in May, a deluge of rain poured down during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.The rain caused the stadium’s roof-draining system to overflow.Former club CEO David Gill has insisted that the roof of the historic ground has been leaking for over a decade.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen on updating Manchester United’s stadium, which has fallen into disrepair.There is currently a £2billion dilemma between rebuilding Old Trafford or moving into an entirely new ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Amorim left Marcus Rashford out of the matchday squad again.It follows the forward admitted that he is “ready for a new challenge” ahead of the January transfer window.Man Utd ratings vs Bournemouth as Malacia is hooked after horror first halfRUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries. SunSport’s Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad…Andre Onana – 5Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters.Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.Harry Maguire – 4All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.Lisandro Martinez – 5Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.Diogo Dalot – 6Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.Manuel UgarteBooked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.Kobbie Mainoo 6Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.Tyrell Malacia 3Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.Amad Diallo 7The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.Bruno Fernandes 8Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee 5Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.SubstitutesLeny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony. More

    • 250 Shares31 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 0 Wolves 3: Danny Ward blunders hand Vitor Pereira early Christmas present as new boss gets huge win

      by

      LEICESTER CITY owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha spread some Festive cheer by dishing out cuddly Foxes and City scarves to fans before kick-off.Then watched through his fingers as his team gifted Wolves three slapstick first-half goals to give new boss Vitor Pereira an early Christmas present.Foxes keeper Danny Ward suffered a howler to concede Wolves’ second goal to Rodrigo GomesCredit: AlamyGoncalo Guedes opened the scoring for Wolves with an acrobatic effortCredit: ReutersNew Wolves boss Vitor Pereira was greeted with a hug from Ruud van Nistelrooy before the gameCredit: GettyPereira pocketed three welcome points on his debut while poor Danny Ward suffered in a Winter Blunderland!Foxes fans groaned when they heard his name announced BEFORE kick-off as it became clear first-choice Mads Hermansen had failed to shrug off a groin injury.At 2-0 down they booed their own goalie – then sarcastically cheered him when he safely gathered a bread and butter through ball!By the time Wolves helped themselves to a third the poor guy was in bits and looked as if he had Poppadom wrists as he got both gloves to Matheus Cunha’s shot but couldn’t keep it out!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the goals flowed Vitor Pereira was the calmest man at the King Power.He just stood in his Technical Area, arms folded, before taking more notes in his notepad.Perhaps he was compiling his Christmas shopping list because the Portuguese coach couldn’t have asked for an easier start to life in the Premier League than this walkover.Pereira has now won nine of his 11 debuts as a boss. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLeicester imploded as they handed out their first gift of the day after 19 minutes to get Wolves off to the perfect start under their new gaffer. New skipper Nelson Semedo swept a long pass out of defence, Jorgen Strand Larsen blocked off Jannick Vestergaard way too easily and the ball ran through to Goncalo Guedes.He reacted way quicker than Conor Coady who allowed him to hook the ball home from the corner of the six yard box, under the gloves of Ward.As the Foxes defence looked around to see who they could blame there didn’t seem to be any shortage of contenders.But they failed to learn their lesson and surrendered an even softer goal nine minutes before the break.Matt Doherty played a raking diagonal ball from right to left.James Justin appeared to have the situation under control until he inexplicably chose to leave the ball.Unless he got a rogue call from Ward, it was a suicidal bit of defending, because lurking off his right shoulder Rodrigo Gomes was waiting to cash in.He took the ball down on his chest then bundled the ball beyond Danny Ward who had already over-committed and actually dived out of the way for Gomes to find the gaping net.There was a VAR check for a potential handball but VAR Michael Salisbury decided the Wolves man had taken the ball down cleanly.It was the 21-year-old’s first goal in English football following his summer arrival from Braga.The look of horror mixed with stunned bewilderment on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face said it all.But his defenders weren’t done yet because they leaked a third before Wolves headed off for their half-time cuppa.Semedo set the ball rolling again when he picked out Guedes who had run behind Victor Kristiansen who looked as if he was towing a caravan.He fed Cunha who had left Boubakary Soumare for dead and once again Vestergaard was slow to cut out the danger.Cunha simply swept the ball in off Danny Ward’s limp wrists to clock up his ninth goal of the season.RVN sent out an SOS and sent on Wout Faes and Harry Winks for Vestergaard and Skipp at half-time.Hamza Choudhury and Bobby De Cordova-Reid followed them on eight minutes later but the match was already over.Coming hard-on-the-heels of a 4-0 hammering by Newcastle, this is not a good couple of weeks for Leicester.At one point in the second half Soumare actually had the ball at his feet, then trod on it under no pressure at all, to set off another Wolves raid!Yes, Leicester really were that bad.Van Nistelrooy will have his work cut out unless ‘Top’ starts dishing out a few January presents in the shape of a couple of battle-hardened Premier League defenders in January.As always Jamie Vardy did his best up front.The veteran striker almost got the Foxes off to a flier at the start when he raced onto a through ball but his shot was blocked by Jose Sa, who had raced yards outside his box. But the Portuguese keeper somehow managed to keep his hands off the ball and cleared with his chest.Then with the game long gone, Vardy rounded Sa but shot into the side net from a tight angle, before flashing in a header from an Ayew free kick which Sa saved.Meanwhile Wolves fans partied and serenaded their unpopular Chairman Jeff Shi.They sang: “I don’t care about Jeff Shi. He don’t care about me. All I care about is Wolves FC.”Then rubbed salt in Leicester wounds by chanting: “We want our ball back,” after a period of home possession.READ MORE SUN STORIESTellingly, Leicester’s loudest roar of the day came five minutes from the end as Danny Ward held a Joao Gomes shot to a prolonged roar from home fans who had long since lost their Christmas cheer!The visitors gave their new boss the perfect start and piled more misery on the FoxesCredit: PAMatheus Cunha added a third before half-timeCredit: GettyCunha wheels away celebrating as his side secured scoring his side’s third before half-timeCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares39 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham 0 Southampton 0: Four-fingered Aaron Ramsdale earns Saints a crucial point in front of new boss Ivan Juric

      by

      AARON RAMSDALE returned from his fractured finger injury to produce a string of heroic saves to bag Southampton a precious point.Ramsdale was back in the line-up for the first time since early November wearing a special glove with two fingers in one extra large alien-like finger slot. Aaron Ramsdale wore a special four-fingered glove after breaking his finger but still kept a crucial clean sheet for relegation-threated SouthamptonCredit: GettyNew Saints boss Ivan Juric could only watch from the stands but his new team battled to a pointCredit: GettyIt did the trick as the ex-Arsenal shot-stopper denied rasping shots from Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson to squash Fulham’s hopes of soaring into sixth place, above Manchester City. Incoming Saints boss Ivan Juric was sitting in the stands at Craven Cottage since 1pm with a thick black coat on and a cup of tea in hand, knowing there is a lot of work to be done. After all the point was only Saints’ second in eight-matches in what has been a bleak season with former boss Russell Martin sacked last Sunday. Fulham started brightly with Iwobi latching onto a pass from Josh King and curling a shot at goal which took Aaron Ramsdale’s fingertips to keep out. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFulham 17-year-old midfielder King was making his first Prem start, starting alongside Tom Cairney having walked out at age 11 for the play-off semi-final against Derby with the Fulham skipper. Saints hit back though with Adam Arsmtrong having a shot blocked in the box. Fulham looked stronger but their plan of attack consisted with Robinson running the length of the pitch and sending one into the box. There was the odd pretty passing sequence but no real end product, with Harry Wilson firing a shot over the bar midway through the first-half as only the odd clacker could be heard in the Cottage. Most read in FootballEven Saints’ chants of “you’re support is f***ing s***” was strained before Iwobi livened things up again by cracking a shot just wide of the far post. Fulham emerged from the restart with a fire in their bellies. All Saints fans could do was laugh at yet another dismal performance, chanting “we’ve had a shot, we’ve had a shot” when finally they had their first one on target through Armstrong 55 minutes in.Adama Traore came on an hour in and instantly made a difference, zipping down the right flank and firing an inch-perfect cross to Iwobi who forced Ramsdale into a blinding save. Ramsdale was back again with another jaw-dropping save to keep out a rasping close-range shot from Wilson. Traore almost won the game for Fulham late on but dragged his low shot agonisingly wide of the far post from the edge of the box.Fulham’s Antonee Robinson battles Nathan Wood for the ball during the dull 0-0 at Craven CottageCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares48 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED failed to impress as they were swept aside by Bournemouth at Old Trafford.Dean Huijsen headed the visitors into the lead after escaping marker Joshua Zirkzee in the 28th minute.Manchester United were hammered by BournemouthCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes was one player that showed some qualifyCredit: ReutersTyrell Malacia struggled to impressCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui was then at fault in the 60th minute as he gave away a reckless penalty for a foul on Justin Kluivert.The Dutchman converted from the spot to double the visitor’s lead.Antoine Semenyo then made it 3-0 two minutes later as he finished off a great move from the Cherries.Bruno Fernandes was one player who managed to show some quality, while Tyrell Malacia continued to struggle for the Red Devils.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Ian Whittell has given his player ratings for the Man United performance…Andre Onana – 5Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was  transmitted to United supporters.Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp onto long shots.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCaught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.Harry Maguire – 4All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.Roy Keane opens up on fight with Man Utd team-mate that was ‘brewing for years’ and admits he left him with black eyeRuben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.Lisandro Martinez – 5Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.Diogo Dalot – 6Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.Manuel Ugarte 5Booked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.Kobbie Mainoo 6Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.Tyrell Malacia 3Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.Amad Diallo 7The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.Bruno Fernandes 8Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee 5Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.Substitutes Leny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.READ MORE SUN STORIESRasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony. More

    • 225 Shares39 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ratings vs Everton: Fernandez continues to shine but Jackson costs Blues all three points in dull display

      by

      CHELSEA extended their unbeaten run to nine Premier League games with a performance that will quickly be forgotten.Chances on goal were few and far between although Nicolas Jackson had two opportunities to put the Blues ahead in the first half.Chelsea were left frustrated at Goodison ParkCredit: AlamyNicolas Jackson missed the best two chances of the matchCredit: AlamyChelsea were rarely threatened too but any talk of a title challenge will quickly be put to bed if their attacking quartet have more games like this.Cole Palmer was stifled by Everton’s all consuming midfield but neither Jadon Sancho nor Pedro Neto made use of the extra space they were given.In the end Enzo Maresca appeared happy to settle for the draw as he delayed making changes – Joao Felix even failed to come off the bench.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Chelsea display.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRobert Sanchez – 7Smart stop down to his right to deny Orel Mangala shortly before the break.Pulled off an even better save when Jack Harrison looked certain to score in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Dealt with the tricky Iliman Ndiaye reasonably well. Lacked an attacking threat which hindered Blues going forward.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Made a brilliant block 15 minutes from time to stop Ndiaye finding the net with Sanchez beaten.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also looked assured on the ball and comfortable doing the nitty-gritty every time he plays. Deserves more game time.Ruben Colwill – 7An accomplished display as he limited Everton’s chances on goal, worked well with Adarabioyo.Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea futureMalo Gusto – 5Was caught out a few times by Harrison, who should have scored when he got in behind the left-back.Almost opened the scoring in the first half but Pickford charged down his shot well.Moises Caicedo – 7Protected the defence well and cut out a lot of loose balls to prevent Everton getting near the Chelsea box.Enzo Fernandez – 8Perhaps Chelsea’s best player. Saw a lot of the ball and kept possession nicely.Had one shooting opportunity he aimed straight at the keeper.Cole Palmer – 5Squared well for Jackson’s chance. Failed to influence the match in his usual manner, which is a credit to the Everton defence.Pedro Neto – 5Plenty of effort and endeavour but not really his day. Every time he did threaten he was quickly fouled. Jadon Sancho – 5Some nice touches and passes but rarely posed a threat.READ MORE SUN STORIESNicolas Jackson – 4Missed a big chance first half as Pickford was equal to a close range effort.He then missed an even easier opportunity minutes later as he directed his header onto the post with the goal gaping.SubsChristopher Nkunku (for Jackson, 76mins) – 5Noni Madueke (for Neto, 76mins) – 5 More

    • 225 Shares45 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton 0 Chelsea 0: Blues fluff chance to temporarily leapfrog Liverpool into top spot but unbeaten run continues

      by

      CHELSEA blew the chance to go top, albeit temporarily, as Everton did neighbours Liverpool a favour for the second-straight week.It was Arsenal left frustrated at the Emirates last weekend, and this time it was Enzo Maresca’s team that failed to find a way past the tough Toffees backline.Everton and Chelsea played out a drab goalless drawCredit: PAEverton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford clashed with Chelsea ace Levi ColwillCredit: GettyChelsea boss Enzo Maresca saw his players struggle at EvertonCredit: GettyChelsea were chasing a sixth-successive Premier League win since November 2019, but instead they fired their first blank since the opening weekend.It was not just the weather that was miserable on Merseyside as Cole Palmer and his fellow attackers failed to find their spark.And they were left thanking giant centre-half Tosin Adarabioyo at the end for being able to escape back to the capital with a share of the spoils following his brilliant clearance at the death.It started with new blue hope all around the locals at Goodison for the first game under the ownership of the Friedkin Group, and even the horrendous wind and rain failed to put a dampener on it.Read More on ChelseaAlthough Enzo Maresca’s high-flying side threatened to once the action got underway.It only took three minutes for Cole Palmer to get his first sniff when he drove forward and pulled a shot wide.And the early pressure continued as Nicolas Jackson almost rounded Jordan Pickford only to run out of room to set more nerves jangling.Despite having the wind behind them, a Dominic Calvert-Lewin header straight at Robert Sanchez was Everton’s best early offering.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd even that led to the visitors responding with Pedro Neto forcing Pickford into a routine save.The banks of Everton bodies continued to frustrate and hold Chelsea at bay, and it took until 26th minute until the first big opportunity arrived.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by EvertonGreat work by Palmer teed up Jackson for a tap-in just yards out, but the England stopper produced a terrific point-black save to keep it goalless.Maresca’s men were moving through the gears now, and PIckford did well moments later to deny Jackson again after initially almost being caught in no-man’s land.It was starting to get personal between the Everton stopper and Chelsea’s Senegalese striker as the game continued to spark into life.Though it was the post that came to the rescue of the Toffees’ and denied Jackson next.Enzo Fernandez’s corner whizzed through everybody and found Jackson free at the back only for his header to cannon back off the post.The danger was still not cleared as Malo Gusto fired the rebound wide with Pickford flying at him feet-first to try and stop him – although a VAR check cleared him of any wrongdoing.However, it was up the other end that the next action occurred as Sanchez produced a flying diving save to his right.A rare surge forward from Abdoulaye Doucoure led to him passing it to Orel Mangala to pull the trigger from distance.Everton, who had just 24 per cent of the ball in the opening period, seemed happy to sit in and try and let Chelsea try play around them.But they almost caught the visiting Blues out as they made a rampant start to the second half.And Chelsea had Sanchez to thank for keeping them level as he produced a huge save to smother Jack Harrison’s shot when the winger had been found by Iliman Ndiaye.Dyche’s men were playing with a lot more belief, and the Goodison faithful responded, rocking up the vocal levels.And they were screaming for a penalty when James Tarkowski got his legs tangled with Axel Disasi, and the Toffees skipper gave his rival a mouthful after receiving a nudge from the French international for good measure.Ashley Young was ruled out of Everton’s Boxing Day trip to Man City when he chopped down Jadon Sancho to receive his fifth booking of the season as things continued to get feisty.Meanwhile, it just was not happening for Palmer, and a free-kick straight at the wall summed up his afternoon on Merseyside.And as his side continued to snuff out the threat of Chelsea’s talisman, it was Dyche who smelt blood.With twenty left he made a triple change with Jesper Lindstrom, Beto and Seamus Coleman on for Calvert-Lewin, Harrison and Young.And Beto and Lindstrom were straight into the action as the latter fired a ball low across the away team’s area.Chelsea could not clear their lines, and that left Ndiaye racing forward to smash home the loose ball, only for Adarabioyo to make a tremendous goalline block to ensure that they left with their point.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for Mangala to send Sanchez diving to his right but there would be no late drama as the Toffees secured their fifth goalless draw of the season.And it might not have been pretty, but that is also four clean sheets out of five as Dyche continues to edge them away from danger. More

    • 238 Shares48 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 0 Bournemouth 3: Ruben Amorim suffers worst day since joining as Premier League season doomed before Christmas

      by

      BAH HUMBUG. For all his multi–lingual talents that is a phrase that would probably have been lost in translation for Ruben Amorim.Or at least until now.Ruben Amorim saw his side stuffed at home by BournemouthCredit: PAAntoine Semenyo celebrated in style after making it 3-0Credit: GettyFor Manchester United will be in the bottom half of the table in the festive season for the first time in the Premier League era.It’s going to be cold this Christmas, and not just for Marcus Rashford who now knows for sure that there is no room for him at the inn.Indeed not since 1989 and the former self of England’s top flight have they been lower than seventh on New Year’s Day.But after goals from Dean Hiujsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo left them tattered in bits, they might suffer that same ignominy even if they do win their next two games against Wolves and Newcastle United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAfter this humiliation, United fans shouldn’t be holding their breath on them getting anything from those clashes at all.Bah humbug indeed. Amorim’s team, in the main, were awful while Andoni Iraola’s upwardly-mobile side are now above champions Manchester City in fifth.Quicker feet, quicker passes and above all quicker brains. That’s what side displayed right from the start.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Spaniard’s opponents? Not much of any of those characteristics.Time after time in the first half, United’s players were caught in possession – Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Lisandro Martinez, just a few of those taken prisoner.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterAmorim continues to repeat that his re-education of the great pretenders he picked up from Erik ten Hag would take time.Seven days earlier there had been that late Amad–inspired Manchester derby victory that might have been expected to enhance confidence and morale.Even the ultimately-vain Carabao Cup fightback from three behind to Tottenham in midweek was spun as some proof that a new fire is burning within the Red Devils.But even allowing for the fact that Bournemouth are slick, high-energy and organised, Amorim will have been stunned at the utter lack of cohesion – and even feistiness – within his side.Maybe players are over-thinking, or maybe they just don’t have the capacity and football intelligence to change.Either way, it was therefore no surprise whatsoever that the visitors went ahead in the 30th minute.And no shock, at all, that Dean Huijsen profited from a set-piece, Ryan Christie firing over a free-kick from United’s right.The centre-back rose almost unchallenged at the front of a pack of players to head backwards over Andre Onana’s flailing attempt to save.That’s the fourth time in Amorim’s nine games they have conceded from a set-piece – twice against Arsenal and on Nottingham Forest’s recent visit.What’s more, the Dutchman’s effort meant a sixth time since the Portuguese arrived to start his assessment of the Old Trafford shambles that his side had gone behind.They weren’t helped early in this clash by Onana, who looked jumpy and uncertain, twice almost dropped team-mates in the brown stuff with poor attempts to play out from the back.Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee had been given the nod ahead of the improving Rasmus Hoijlund, who had collected five goals since Amorim’s arrival.What the new manager sees in him few outside Old Trafford can work out for he doesn’t have the body strength to play against big, tough defenders like Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.Nor the knowhow to find space away from his markers – and so until Hoijlund replaced him in the 55th minute, balls powered up to him just kept bouncing back.Skipper Fernandes should have equalised four minutes from the break but for all the fact that his performances have been perking up he, too, found himself caught up in the death wish that gripped the team he leads.Amad cut a perfect pass back to him but the playmaker dragged horribly wide.He looked disgusted with himself and well he might although sixty seconds later he did bring out a decent parry from Kepa.Yet if the faithful were hoping for a repeat of the Etihad comeback they were sadly mistaken.Amorim replaced Tyrell Malacia with £59million Lenny Yoro at the start of the second half and, along with Hoijlund, sent on Alejandro Garnacho for Ugarte.But things only got worse for United – and turned into the same sort of embarrassment Bournemouth inflicted with their 3-0 win this time last year.The Cherries smelled blood, went for the throat and savaged Amorim’s stumbling, clueless crew.Noussair Mazraoui had no chance of surviving VAR’s review of referee Craig Pawson’s decision to point to the spot following his brain-dead challenge on the scampering Kluivert.And the Dutchman then gave Onana no chance with his 61st-minute penalty.READ MORE SUN STORIESMainoo, far, far from his breakthrough best of last season, was again ambushed in possession, Semenyo leaving him in his wake before triggering a quick, devastating move.The Ghanian attacker then sprinted forward, unmarked, to get on the end of Dango Ouattara’s low cross and never looked like at the end of two nightmare minutes for a team that looked as lost again as in the dark, final days of Ten Hag’s tenure.Dean Huijsen rose highest and was unchallenged to head the Cherries in frontCredit: RexThe Dutch-Spanish defender lapped up the adulation of his team-matesCredit: GettyJustin Kluivert sent Andre Onana the wrong way with his penaltyCredit: PASemenyo turned in as Bournemouth ran riotCredit: ReutersThe frustration was clear to see for the United playersCredit: ReutersSupporters showed their love for exiled Marcus RashfordCredit: AlamyUnited could have no complaints over the resultCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils are 13th in the Premier League tableCredit: Premier League More

    • 225 Shares28 Views

      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to ‘best friend’ Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematch

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK showed his class in the ring by beating Tyson Fury for the second time.And then he showed his class outside the ring with a brilliant message for his defeated opponent. Oleksandr Usyk had some classy words for Tyson Fury after their fightCredit: PAThe Ukrainian came out on top after slugging it out for 12 gruelling roundsCredit: GettyUsyk, 37, defended his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and The Ring heavyweight titles with another superb performance against the Brit.At the end of the 12th round, the pair exchanged a warm embrace in an acknowledgement of the respect they hold for one another after two pulsating battles this year. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 to the Ukrainian – giving him eight rounds to Fury’s four.And that finally put an end to the Gypsy King’s talking – especially as he stormed out of the ring without doing an interview on the microphone. READ MORE ON FURY VS USYKBut rather than gloat or rub the victory into Fury’s face, Usyk showed his gentle heart with some lovely words.A smiling Usyk – who did accuse bitter Frank Warren of being “blind” – said: “Tyson is my best friend.”I really respect this guy.”Tyson Fury makes me strong.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Tyson is a great opponent, is a big man, is a tough boxer.”He’s a good man.”Oleksandr Usyk brutally hits out at ‘blind’ Frank Warren furiously claiming Tyson Fury scorecards were ‘nuts’Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on a absolute blockbuster night in Riyadh…Then Usyk added: “A lot of talk, yeah? It’s just for show.”I really respect Tyson Fury.”And the comments prompted a wave of comments applauding the champion’s behaviour.One said: “Proper attitude for a champion. Well met, and congratulations on your deserved win.”Another wrote: “How can you not like this guy?”A third added: “Looks like he almost wanted to shed a tear, wow. Dude meant it, love to see it.”And a final user replied: “Love this man!”In stark contrast, when Fury did break his silence, he claimed he had been “robbed” by the officials.He then slammed the result as a “Christmas gift” for Usyk – before going on a bizarre X-rated rant about computers and electric cars after hearing the AI judge favoured his opponent. But in truth, Fury could have no genuine complaints about the loss.READ MORE SUN STORIESUsyk was clinically accurate with his punches, landing a whopping 42 per cent compared to 28 per cent from Fury. The Gypsy King then gave a cryptic answer when quizzed on his future in boxing and whether fans will see him in the ring again.The two fighters hugged in the ring at the endCredit: AFPFury vs Usyk 2 round by round: How SunSport scored the controversial heavyweight thrillerOLEKSANDR USYK took another controversial decision over Tyson Fury to regain his heavyweight throne.Seven months on from their split-decision thriller, this time the scorecards were unanimous 116-112 all in Usyk’s favour.The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring as his promoter Frank Warren was left stunned by the cards.Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes scored the fight…Round 1The rules were ignored and Fury arrived at 11:15pm local time with a beard that would make Brian Blessed’s chops feel naked.If we thought his face fuzz looked overgrown, we were stunned to see the size of his belly when the cameras caught him topless in his dressing room.His red shorts were so high that you couldn’t even see much of his gut, an inch higher and the 20st beast would have had the option of tucking his nipples down there too.Fury tried to intimidate Usyk with the final face-off, widening his eyes like a monster but the champ remained ice cold.They swapped jabs and fenced with their lead hands. Usyk drove left hands into his wobbling belly and then clipped him with a head shot to snatch the opener. Usyk.Round 2Usyk lands a scoring one-two to the head as soon as the session starts but then returns to the body and lands lefts, one even makes Fury stumble.But the Gypsy King lands a treble-jab and then a meaty right hand to take the round.Still no signs of the body blows and uppercuts that won him the middle rounds of the May fight. FuryRound 3Three times Usyk scores with a jab to the body and left hand upstairs.Fury struggles to deal with the pressure. Fury lands a little check hook and even tries the southpaw stance.But all his threats to skin and cook the bog-eyed rat or ugly rabbit prove empty. Usyk.Round 4Fury makes a bright start with a chopped right hand.Bit Usyk almost whacks his whiskers off with two left hands that score well.But Fury pings back with a big right hand that forces Usyk back.Then that uppercut returns and cuts through Usyk’s guard. Draw.Round 5Fury takes control instantly when a right hand is the perfect start to the sessionThen the Brit gets warned for rabbit punches as he bids to bully the champ.Usyk is then walked into a lead left uppercut and then he starts shipping body blows. Usyk scuttles off and has to recover. Fury.Round 6Fury in trouble. The challenger’s bloated body starts to sweat and Usyk keeps targeting it with his power-punch left.Then he goes head hunting and clips Fury’s skull.The Morecambe giant is buzzed and worried, his head got rocked backwards. He hides the rest of the round. UsykRound 7A quiet round only really features a crisp Fury one-two and a single Usyk left. Draw.Round 8A one-two-hook works for Usyk as he pushes all of the pace an pressure and Fury tries to hide his 20st target.An accidental clash of heads thankfully leaves no cuts.Fury does launch a limp attack but Usyk smiles back and shakes his shaven head. Usyk.Round 9Fury starts to tire, he has so much timber to lug around and lumberjack Usyk loves chopping him down.He’s too big to dance and rub and counter.He is playing super-fit Usyk’s game. Usyk.Round 10Fury lands a rare uppercut and attacks Usyk’s body. He takes the centre of the ring but then eats a couple of shots.Fury tries to hold and lean and sap at Usyk’s engine. But he is punished with a left to the cheek.Big left from Uysk lands and scatters Fury sweat beads off his head.But Fury cracks back with an uppercut. But Usyk’s pressure and punches win in. Usyk.Round 11These could well be the deciding rounds. Usyk is busier, Fury throws an uppercut but it only grazes his guard.Fury walks onto a tippy-tappy combination but then two serious shots. The wind is coming out of his giant red sails.Usyk is relentless and bouncing and prodding and punching and Fury is 20st and flagging. UsykRound 12Fury starts like a man who knows he needs at least a lockdown but that helps Usyk counter him.A combo of three straight punches score for the Ukraine icon.But Fury keeps swinging and slashing and pulling up the shorts that slip down his back and love handles from all the sweat Usyk has drained out of him.With a section of the ungrateful crowd booing and whistling they slug it out for the final ten seconds finish. UsykSunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury. More