More stories

  • in

    Antony hailed as ‘the GOAT’ after Robert Lewandowski nutmeg as £86m Man Utd flop haunts Barcelona for second time

    ANTONY was hilariously hailed as the “GOAT” after haunting Barcelona once again.The Manchester United flop, 25, has enjoyed a superb resurgence during his loan spell at Real Betis.Antony nutmegged Robert LewandowskiCredit: XThe incident came during the first half of the LaLiga clashCredit: XAnd it got even better with one piece of magic during Betis’ 1-1 draw against Barcelona on Saturday night.With the scores level at 1-1 approaching the half-hour mark at Barca’s temporary Olympic Stadium home, Antony embarrassed Robert Lewandowski. The Brazilian winger received the ball in his own right-back position.Immediately, Lewandowski closed him down to try and win back possession for Barca.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the skillful star produced a genius roll of the ball to nudge it straight through the Polish striker’s legs. Lewandowski’s only response was to yank his opponent down to the ground and give away a free-kick.It is not the first time Antony has got one over Barcelona, though.In February 2023, he grabbed a dramatic winner for United – one of just 12 goals in 96 appearances – against the Spanish giants to dump them out of the Europa League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd fans on social media lauded the £86million man’s latest heroics.One said: “My GOAT.”‘Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flagAnother wrote: “The GOAT in action.”A third joked: “Antony > Messi.”And a final user quipped: “He has to win the Ballon d’Or now.”Antony got out of the tight situationIt finished 1-1 at Barcelona’s Olympic StadiumCredit: AlamyAntony scored the goal to dump Barca out of the 2022-23 Europa LeagueCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

  • in

    Man Utd line up England U20 World Cup hero as Ruben Amorim steps up goalkeeper transfer hunt

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S search for a ‘domestic’ cover goalkeeper has stretched to an England U20 World Cup hero.That’s because the Red Devils are keeping a keen eye on Preston North End’s Freddie Woodman.Manchester United are interested in Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie WoodmanCredit: GettyThe 28-year-old will be one of the best free-agent stoppers around in summer after keeping 13 clean sheets in 37 Championship appearances this season.But the former Bournemouth loan keeper has missed Preston’s last few games with an ankle issue.The Red Devils were checking on him before his ankle injury and he is in the frame, along with Blackburn’s Aynsley Pears.Woodman played in the Prem with Newcastle and may be looking to start every week next season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile fans will remember him for his penalty-saving heroics when England won the U20 World Cup back in 2017.Over the years he has spent time out on loan with the likes of Bournemouth, Swansea, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Crawley Town.Before he made his permanent exit from Newcastle United in July of 2022 to join Preston.Should he swap Deepdale Stadium for Old Trafford, then North End have already got their eye on a replacement.Most read in FootballWoodman was England’s hero in the 2017 U20 World Cup finalCredit: AP:Associated PressBlackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is also on Man Utd’s listCredit: PAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Lilywhites are keen on Finland’s Jesse Joronen, 32, who is set to leave at Italian side Venezia.Manchester United already signed Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir last January, but the 26-year-old has played just six times in all competitions.While Andre Onana remains the No.1 at the Theatre of Dreams despite high-profile errors in the past.Brandon Williams opens up on struggles with ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd pressure and being ‘stabbed in the back’ by friends More

  • in

    ‘Our hearts are fuller than ever’ – Michael Schumacher becomes a grandad as family announce birth of daughter’s baby

    LEGENDARY Formula One driver Michael Schumacher has become a grandfather after the birth of his daughter’s first child.Schumacher’s daughter, Gina, revealed she was expecting back in December and has now announced the arrival of the little one. Michael Schumacher has become a grandfatherCredit: InstagramDaughter Gina announced the birth of baby Millie on InstagramCredit: Instagram @ gina_schumacher’s profile picture gina_schumacherSchumacher poses and wife Corinna are grandparents for the first timeCredit: AlamyGina and husband Iain Bethke were married last year and have now welcomed their first childCredit: InstagramIn a statement on social media, Gina welcomed baby Millie to the world.It read: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever. “We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie.”Naturally, Gina’s comments section was flooded with messages of congratulations and well wishes.READ MORE ON SCHUMACHERMessages from the likes of the Mercedes F1 team and Max Verstappen’s mother were amongst the comments.Gina, 28, revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her seven-time F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof.F1 legend Schumacher, 55, has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.Most read in MotorsportSchumacher is a seven-time world championCredit: GettyThe superstar hasn’t made a public appearance since a serious head injury sustained while skiing in 2013Credit: AFPMichael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Since then, Schumacher’s wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.’Oh s—‘ – Embarrassing moment F1 star drives past his own pit box after forgetting he’s switched teamsThis includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Last year Schumacher’s son Mick is thought to have trusted girlfriend Laila Hasonovic with becoming part of the family’s close circle.The 24-year-old was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumachers to see Michael early last year.Mick Schumacher reportedly let girlfriend Laila Hasonovic into the family’s inner circle last yearCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Max Verstappen makes history as he pips Norris to fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix in first Red Bull win of season

    MAX VERSTAPPEN returned to his usual spot as he took his first win of the season in Japan.The Red Bull driver edged out Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the same way he did in qualifying as he won his fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix – the first driver in history to do so at Suzuka.Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix to become the first driver in history to win four consecutive GP’s at SuzukaCredit: ReutersVerstappen picked up Red Bull’s first win of the seasonCredit: ReutersVerstappen had earned pole position in qualification by setting an “incredibly rewarding” record lap round the Suzuka Circuit.And he used that advantage to nip right in front of Norris from the off, staying in front of the Brit for the entire race.In fact, Verstappen was leading the pack for the entire race, barring the laps he used to catch up following his pit stop.It was that pit stop that looked like it could have been a turning point, as both the Dutchman and Norris came in at the same time.READ MORE F1 NEWSChampionship leader Norris looked like he was going to squeeze past Verstappen as the pair returned to the track, but instead got caught in the grass and lost a second on his rival.From there, both Norris and Piastri were spending the rest of the race trying to make up ground on the four-time world champion.Birthday boy Piastri was actually looking the faster of the two McLaren drivers, but a decision was made to leave Norris in second to keep the 25-year-old in top spot in the Drivers’ Standings.Verstappen crossed the line in 1:22:06.983, with Norris trailing behind by just 1.423 seconds and Piastri taking third spot by 2.129.Most read in MotorsportLando Norris was caught in the grass as he came out of his pit stopCredit: GettyMcLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri propped up Verstappen on the podiumCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCharles Leclerc took fourth for Ferrari, while Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli made up fifth and sixth place.That makeup is the exact same as yesterday’s qualification.Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’Meaning it’s the first time in history that the top six has stayed the exact same on a permanent race track.Lewis Hamilton was the best of the rest in seventh spot, but still finished well behind any kind of podium spot.Verstappen said on the team radio: “What an unbelievable weekend. What a turnaround. We win together, we keep pushing together.”While in a post-race interview, he added: “The two McLarens were pushing me very hard. It started off quite tough this weekend and we had to keep improving the car, but today it was in top form.”It’s important to always maximise your performance and I think we did that this weekend”.Norris was asked after the race his thought on the incident that saw him head through the track-side grass after the pit stop, admitting it’s just part of the race.He said: “Max is the last guy I expect to give me space. In a good way, in a competitive racing way.”Read More on The SunElsewhere 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli managed the fastest lap around the track in a promising start to life on the track.While Yuki Tsunoda improved on his qualification disappointment with a 12th placed finish, ending the race five spots above the man he replaced at Red Bull, Liam Lawson.Norris spoke about his incident on the grassCredit: AFP More

  • in

    F1 Japanese GP LIVE RESULT: Max Verstappen edges Lando Norris to win at Suzuka for fourth straight year – latest updates

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the Japanese Grand Prix to seal his first victory of the season!The Red Bull superstar edged out McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third, respectively.Verstappen became the first driver in history to win four straight races at Suzuka.Result: 1. Max Verstappen, 2. Lando Norris, 3. Oscar PiastriBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…McLaren keep lead at the topDespite finishing second to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris kept his spot at the top of the driver’s championship.He stays one point ahead of his Red Bull rival.The big question will be whether McLaren learn from this missed chance where they opted not to let the faster Oscar Piastri to switch places with his teammate.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTeam celebrate combined effortMany felt this Red Bull car currently is unable to match the McLaren which is looking far more capable.However, Verstappen showed that there is one thing they overlooked, a superb driver.It was a brilliant performance from the current world champion, making it four Japanese Grand Prix victories in a row.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFun and games after competitionDespite going toe to toe for the entire race, it was business as usual on the podium.It is not customary to bathe your opponents in champagne, as magnums are emptied all over each other.Verstappen will take a lot of confidence from this race and remind McLaren they willl not be dominating this season as many thought.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNorris shows class in interviewWhen speaking with Sky Sports, the first question they asked him was about the pit lane incident.The McLaren driver said that he didn’t expect to come out of their in front and Verstappen had no reason to let him through.It led to him losing the one second he gained from the rapid pit stop but it came and went in a blink of an eye.Copy linkCopiedRespect between rivalsOver recent years, when the top three drivers watch the race back, you could often cut the tension with a knife.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen seem to get on far better although this may just be a professional respect.From what we have seen so far this could be some battle this season.Copy linkCopiedRed Bull picking up pointsThe ‘Driver of the Day’ award has gone to Yuki Tsunoda.He finished in twelfth place but seemed to impress the fans who voted.It will take ssome of the disappointment away from his Red Bull debut.Copy linkCopiedBig result for Racing BullThis will be one to remember for Isack Hadjar.He secured his first five points as an F1 driver.While he finished quite some way behind Lewis Hamilton, he managed to hold off Alexander Albon and Oliver Bearman.Copy linkCopiedRivals take time to watch replay togetherMax Verstappen and Lando Norris watched the one bit of excitement when they came out of the pit lanes today.The McLaren had no space and headed over the grass, cancelling out the one second advantage they gained from their pit time.As they watched the replay, Verstappen commented “that’s quite an expensive lawnmower!”Copy linkCopiedImportant victory for Red BullYou felt the Japanese Grand Prix was a real chance for Max Verstappen to put pressure on Norris in the driver’s championship.Getting pole position was important, but not as much as the start to this race.The Red Bull driver got off quickest and then closed off the McLaren so they could not make a move on him.From that point he drove the perfect race to hold them off for all 53 laps.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedMcLaren fail to show team spiritThe big advantage they have this season, aside from having the best car, is their drivers seem to be neck and neck in races.That should allow them to operate as a team, something Verstappen hasn’t been able to do for some time.However, when Piastri was constantly putting in the fastest laps and trailed Norris by 0.5 seconds, you felt they should have switched positions to take on Verstappen.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRed Bull gives you winsMax Verstappen has had a fantastic weekend in Suzuka.This is his fourth consecutive win in the Japanese Grand Prix.Currently, McLaren may well have the best car but Red Bull certainly seem to have the best driver.Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedJapanese Grand Prix resultsHere are how the drivers finished:Max Verstappen (Red Bull)Lando Norris (McLaren)Oscar Piastri (McLaren)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)George Russell (Mercedes)Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)Alexander Albon (Williams)Oliver Bearman (Haas)Copy linkCopiedMax Verstappen wins Japanese Grand PrixCopy linkCopiedLap 51/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen is putting his foot down more now.He is lapping quicker than Norris and looking to protect his lead.The McLaren would have to do something special from here to win.Copy linkCopiedLap 49/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondAntonelli has clocked the fastest lap of the race.The critical point in this finish will be Verstappen’s tyres.Norris is chipping away with each lap but he may not have enough of them left here.Copy linkCopiedLap 47/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondPiastri is in DRS range now.Norris is hunting down the Red Bull in first position.You have to wonder whether the McLaren driver left this a little too late.Copy linkCopiedLap 45/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen leads by 1.3 seconds with 8 laps remaining.Norris is lapping faster than the Red Bull and looking to put the pressure on.This will be a big test for the reigning world champion.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLap 43/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere has been no news from the McLaren team.Norris would not be happy to hear they want him drop back.It would mean him no longer leading the driver’s championship.Copy linkCopiedLap 41/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondIt will be interesting to see the team tactics for McLaren here.Piastri is lapping much quicker of Norris and has closed the gap on his teammate to 0.5 seconds.If he is currently going faster consistently than the Brit, it may make sense to switch the pair.Copy linkCopiedLap 39/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere were high hopes for Tsunoda this weekend.He really hasn’t produced at all in this race and is back thirteenth position, not a debut to remember.There is only 1.3 seconds between Verstappen and Norris, this could be some finish.Copy linkCopiedLap 37/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThis is a good drive from Antonelli today.He became the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix in the process.Now he is lapping quicker than Hamilton and opening the gap.Copy linkCopiedLap 35/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondSurely the tactics for most in Japan will be a one-pit race.With 18 laps remaining, those on the hards should have no issue with tyres needing to be protected at all.Piastri puts in the quickest lap and closes the gap on teammate Norris.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLap 33/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondHamilton heads into the pits and comes back out in seventh.Antonelli is driving well, despite being on mediums he stayed out longer than Hamilton on hards.An unfortunate lock-up from the Ferrari was not what the Brit needed before heading into the pits.Antonelli finally heads into the pits.Copy linkCopiedLap 31/53 – Antonelli leads, Hamilton secondVerstappen has Hamilton in his sights now.He is trying to utilise the grip on those new tyres.The gap is so minimal, Hamilton will slide down the grid pitting, which will be on his mind.Copy linkCopiedLap 29/53 – Antonelli leads, Hamilton secondIt seems the front two are trying to build a lead now.Whether they can make enough of one to pit without losing any places is a big ask.Norris records the fastest lap to close the gap on Verstappen.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Man City face a bigger rebuild than Man Utd with Pep Guardiola needing half a dozen top players in transfer window

    PEP GUARDIOLA always insisted this season would be an almighty challenge — but he never expected the proof to be so painful.After four titles in a row with a Manchester City side that many people — myself included — were calling the best in the world only a couple of years earlier, he wasn’t the only one.Pep Guardiola has endured a tough season with Manchester CityCredit: GettyNobody doubted the need for a total rebuild in Manchester, although you might well have been talking about Ruben Amorim’s boys, too.With United heading for their worst season since they went down in 1974 and with their own boss slaughtering his side, it’s one that has got bigger by the week.So if anything summed up how City haven’t so much slipped but absolutely plummeted, it is the notion Pep, not Amorim, is the manager with the biggest rebuild on his hands.That, plus the fact there is actually a grain of truth in the joke that Sky are promoting today’s Old Trafford game as the mid-table Manchester derby.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPep knows nothing lasts for ever. And with the FA Cup up for grabs, there is every chance he won’t end without a trophy for the first time since his debut year in England.But the problem is when you’ve made such a habit of winning, that doesn’t make for a successful season.Make no bones about it, this has been a disaster. City started as odds-on to win a fifth title on the bounce. With eight games left, they can’t even be sure of the top four.For years it’s not been about whether City will win a trophy, more about how many. If it’s “only” one there are those who even see it as a disappointment.Most read in FootballGuardiola’s Man City and Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd both need a rebuild to compete againCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIf you’d said in August that, with two months to go, it would be FA Cup or bust I’d have laughed in your face. By the way, don’t think that’s a gimme either. The bookies may have City as huge favourites but they’re not playing like it.Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’ in horror theft as man, 25, chargedThere hasn’t been much of the season when they have.I have to admit I don’t think they will do again — not without a mass overhaul.Losing Kyle Walker was massive, especially when you’ve had to play people out of position to replace him at right-back.Something he has had to do all season on the other flank, too. Kevin De Bruyne  is still a fantastic player but not the one he was, Ilkay Gundogan is coming to the end, and Bernardo Silva could be off this summer.Rodri will be fit again, of course. But how long will it take to get up to speed again?So you see what I mean about how the Etihad rebuild is quite probably even bigger than the one at Old Trafford.Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will leave Manchester City in the summerCredit: APRodri could take a while to get back to his best following his ACL injuryCredit: PAThere’s still the verdict — and potential punishment — from the charges [for allegedly breaching the Prem’s financial rules] hanging over them. How’s that going to affect things?Pep has been brilliant with what he’s created. There’s every chance it will go down as the greatest side the Prem has ever seen.But climbing that high means there is farther to fall if you stumble… and City are struggling to keep their feet right now.It demands genius recruitment this summer, and I keep asking the same question: where do you find the talent at the level they need?Arsenal spent a year looking for a centre-forward and couldn’t manage it. Pep faces the same problem in about half-a-dozen positions.Read More on The SunAfter so many titles and a Champions League, a top-four finish is no reason to celebrate. Even with an FA Cup thrown in.There’s a reason I’m tipping a draw today. Not because it’s a battle between two giants who will cancel each other out — more that neither is good enough to win!The Manchester derby kicks off at 4:30pm on SundayCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd vs Man City: Get £50 in free bets, plus 40/1 Bet Builder tips with Betfred

    UNITED and City renew hostilities in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.So our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the top-flight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at 40/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Man Utd vs Man City tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Both teams to score and draw, Bruno Fernandes to score & Matheus Nunes to be carded. ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 40/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Both teams to score and draw: Not been much to split the teams in recent meetings. In fact, United have won the last two league games and won FA Cup final after drawing the game at 90 minutes. United played well at Forest in midweek despite defeat and City also lacked a bit of needle in attack when only scoring two by Leicester. Likely not much between them in the game.Bruno Fernandes to score: Has scored five goals in last four United games and is by far and away their best player. Will take every set piece, including penalties, and picking up those positions in behind City’s midfield could be crucial here. Has scored four goals in 14 career appearances against City.Matheus Nunes carded: Could be in for a tough afternoon if up against pace and trickery of Alejandro Garnacho in his stand-in right-back position. Has been booked in both of City’s last two games away from the Etihad and must be amongst the shortest prices to add to that here. Has committed 26 fouls in 20 appearances – some of which wouldn’t have been starting spots.Back our 40/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

  • in

    VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial pen against Arsenal, says ex-Premier League ref as Arteta rages

    FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey insists VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.Mikel Arteta was left fuming as his Gunners side lost more ground in the title race with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against ArsenalCredit: GettyMark Halsey has revealed why the spot-kick stood, ultimately denying Arsenal victoryCredit: AFPMikel Arteta had plenty to say on the incidentCredit: EPALeandro Trossard gave the visitors the lead on Merseyside before half-time.But minutes into the second 45, Iliman Ndiaye fired Everton back on level terms from the penalty spot.Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison, despite replays suggesting it was a 50/50 AND may not have even taken place in the box.But speaking exclusively to SunSport, former Premier League ref Halsey revealed why there was no chance the decision was ever going to be overturned.READ MORE IN football He said: “Darren England awarded a second-half penalty when Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw at Everton.“They were both tussling for the ball and it was difficult to see who was fouling who – or if there was any foul at all – with contact also beginning well outside the penalty area.“Not one Everton player appealed for a penalty – Harrison got straight back up to play the ball – but VAR Stuart Attwell was never going to recommend a review as it was not a clear and obvious error.“It was one of those subjective calls where if it goes against you, you certainly feel hard done by. And had it not been given it would certainly have stayed not given.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal boss Mikel Arteta was certainly left raging after handing Liverpool the chance to move 14 points clear.He said: “I’ve seen it 15 times. There’s no way, in my opinion, that’s a penalty.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible “There’s no question that apart from that they had nothing but, obviously, that changes completely the momentum and the result.”I think we deserve more, but that’s what we got at the end. We had two big chances to win the game, we didn’t convert them, so we have to accept the point.” More