Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘The most important thing…’ – Max Verstappen reveals the blueprint for team-mates to BREAK infamous Red Bull curse

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the blueprint to break the daunting curse of being his Formula One team-mate.Verstappen, 27, is a four-time F1 world champion with Red Bull.Max Verstappen has revealed the blueprint to how to break the curse of racing alongside him at Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen revealed the plan in Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max VerstappenCredit: ViaplayYuki Tsunoda, right, will need to heed the advice to avoid the same fate as previous Verstappen team-mates like Sergio Perez, left, or Liam LawsonCredit: GettyHowever, his team-mates during his time with the outfit have often failed to live up to expectations and rival the Dutchman.But speaking on a new Viaplay documentary celebrating his first decade in F1 – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – he has now revealed how anyone who drives next to him can overcome that curse.He said: “How I would deal with it [racing with me]? Try not to think about it too much you know. It’s always important to focus on yourself.”That’s what I’ve done when I’ve entered new teams or had to go up against team-mates.READ MORE IN F1″So that’s the only thing that you can control and influence so that’s why it’s always the most important thing to look at yourself.”Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull senior team from Toro Rosso in 2016, and became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner at 18 years and 228 days in his debut race.But dating back to 2016, Verstappen’s team-mate have often endured a tumultuous time.Daniel Ricciardo was the first to fall in the Verstappen test when he quit the team to join Renault in 2019.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVerstappen’s next team-mate was Pierre Gasly in 2019, who only lasted half a season before he was swapped for Alex Albon.Albon fared little better in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before he too was replaced by Sergio Perez in 2021.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bossesThe Mexican managed the tricky Red Bull car the best during his three seasons behind the wheel, managing to win five races with the team before a disastrous final season saw him axed.Rookie Liam Lawson then joined the team for the start of the 2025 season, but he lasted only two races – in which he never came close to scoring points – before he too was replaced.Yuki Tsunoda is now the incumbent of the most cursed seat in modern F1, but managed to score two points in his second race in Bahrain before an unfortunate retirement at the Saudi Arabia.Verstappen missed media duties on Thursday due to the expected birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet. The due date is May 6 – two days after this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARKelly also has a daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat, who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although it was reported his private jet was seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete his racing duties this weekend.His future next year has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.And in the documentary Verstappen declared it was “not fun being famous” and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do but can’t due to his career in the spotlight.Read More on The SunThe ace, who earns a cool £52million a year, said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor Benn reveals boxing superstar he wants next if Chris Eubank Jr rematch can’t be made and issues chilling warning

      by

      CONOR BENN has revealed the opponent he’s eyeing if a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr fails to come to fruition.The bitter rivals went to war for 12 incredible rounds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month in one of the best domestic dust-ups in recent memory.Conor Benn lost a closely contested 12-round war with Chris Eubank Jr last monthCredit: GETTYBenn is hoping to have an immediate rematch with his rival but is open to having another fightCredit: GETTYHe’s set his sights on former interim WBC lightweight champion Ryan GarciaCredit: REXBenn, 28, suffered an agonising unanimous decision defeat in the closely-contested Spurs slugfest, which the judges all scoring 116-112 in Eubank Jr’s favour.A rematch clause was placed in the lucrative contract both men inked but Part II is by no means guaranteed as Eubank Jr had to boil himself to the brink of severe illness to make the contracted 160lbs weight – which he MISSED.His dad Chris Snr revealed he was “touch and go” after being taken to hospital with extreme dehydration, although Jr has now said he is in “great shape” and dismissed Benn’s claim he suffered a broken jaw.Benn isn’t putting all his eggs into the rematch basket, revealing he’ll target a showdown with boxing superstar Ryan Garcia if he can’t get his shot at revenge.READ MORE BOXING NEWS’The Destroyer’ roared: “If it’s not Eubank next, it’s Garcia next. I’ll drop back down to 147lbs and go straight back in.”At 147lbs, that’s where I’m the most dangerous. That’s where you see the clinical knockouts.”The 154s, the 160s, seem to absorb the shots better. “No doubt I had I had Eubank hurt at 160lbs four or five times in the fight.Most read in Boxing”I just couldn’t get the finish, I just couldn’t pull the trigger. At 147lbs, it’s a different ball game.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEubank Jr – the son of British boxing icon Chris Eubank Sr – has become the darling of the nation following the biggest victory of his career.But Benn – the son of Senior’s former rival Nigel Benn – couldn’t care less about the adoration his foe is receiving, saying: “He’s good at getting the sympathy vote, let him get it. Let him get it.”How Eubank Sr’s stunning return helped secure son’s victory | Split Decision | Knockout AnalysisShould an incredible fourth chapter of the Benn-Eubank family rivalry come to fruition, Conor is adamant he won’t leave the fight in the hands of the judges.He said: “All I know is he got rocked four or five times by a welterweight.”More fool me, I should’ve pulled the trigger and got the stoppage. I won’t let that happen next time.”I’ll pull the trigger and I’ll make sure when I shoot, I won’t miss.”Benn is itching to get back in the ring less than a week after the incredible 12-round war, insisting: “I’m ready, I’m healed and I’m recovered.”I feel rejuvenated, I feel the energy and I feel alive. I’m ready to just go again.”Former interim WBC lightweight champion Garcia returns to action earlier tomorrow morning against Rolly Romero in New York.Conor Benn is champing at the bit to get back in the ringCredit: GETTYRyan Garcia returns to the ring early tomorrow morning to face Rolando RomeroCredit: RexAnd the pair’s clash will take place in the heart of Times Square, which has had a full boxing ring erected in it.The fight will be Garcia’s first since his majority decision victory over Devin Haney last April was overturned to a No-Contest after it emerged he failed a pre-fight drug test. But ‘King’ insists he didn’t intentionally take the banned substance found in his system, telling SunSport in an exclusive interview: “What did he get out of that?”People still think he cheated, so at the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat. “I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it. Read More on The Sun”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day. “People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent. The large majority do believe that, so who cares?” More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Major F1 rule change comes into force ahead of Miami GP after controversial incident

      by

      A MAJOR new F1 rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.The FIA sporting regulations have been reworked after a confusing incident involving Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman at the Australian GP.A major new rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexRace control now have the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train is passing by to block a back-marker from rejoining the leading mix.This comes after Bearman merged in front of Verstappen after pitting during a safety car in Melbourne.Verstappen, 27, was surprised to see Bearman’s Haas emerge from the pits immediately in front of him during a safety car period on lap 41.Bearman, 19, had been allowed to un-lap himself moments earlier, then came into the pits, which dropped him back behind the safety car.READ MORE F1 NEWSThis was a cause for concern at Red Bull, as it left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the leading McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris later winning the season opener.Red Bull mistakenly believed Bearman would remain there until the restart.Verstappen asked his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “So this car is now staying here, or what?” Lambiase told him: “That’s correct. He’ll have to let you go immediately [after the restart].” Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which allowed Verstappen to restart the race with no lapped cars in front of him.The FIA has changed its rules in Article 55.14 to guard against a repeat of this situation.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerRace director Rui Marques has the power to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during a Safety Car period.The rule now states: “Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed.”Without overtaking and they must make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.”The pit lane exit may be closed when the safety car and line of cars behind it are approaching and passing the pit lane exit.”Ironically, Verstappen benefited from the old rule when he was able to pit and start alongside race leader Lewis Hamilton in the most controversial title deciding finale ever in Abu Dhabi in 2021.Reigning world champ Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami due to the pending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, with the due date two days after the race in Florida. The Red Bull star is still expected to race in Miami this weekend – which will host the second sprint session of the season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘It’s not fun being famous’ – Max Verstappen reveals family dream as F1 rival tips him to take year off

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the one thing he would love to do but can’t because of his Formula One career.Verstappen, 27, missed media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix due to the expected birth of his first child with Kelly Piquet.Max Verstappen missed media duties ahead of the F1 Miami Grand Prix with the expected birth of his childCredit: GettyKelly’s due date is May 6Credit: instagram/@kellypiquet/But Verstappen has revealed what he wants to be able to do in his personal lifeCredit: ViaplayHe was speaking on Viaplay documentary, 10 Years Max Verstappen, about his lifeCredit: ViaplayThe due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.Kelly also has a daughter, Penelope – from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat – who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although his private jet was only seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete all his racing duties this weekend.READ MORE IN F1The birth of his first child comes with Verstappen in his tenth year as an F1 driver.His future has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.In a new Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – airing from May 2, the Dutchman spoke about his personal life.The four-time world champion confessed he does not enjoy the spotlight and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. “But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.”Verstappen, who earns a cool £52million a year, also spoke about his passionate supporter base, known as the Orange Army, and admitted he loves the “positive energy” they give to him every race.The Red Bull ace said: “Yeah it’s always fantastic and great to see the fan support. “For such a small country to still have so many fans and to see them still travelling all over the world is really, really nice.”And for my home Grand Prix, seeing them on the grandstands for me it gives me goosebumps and positive energy.”There’s no more pressure for me but it’s positive energy and you try to use that in the best way possible.”Verstappen currently sits third in the F1 World Drivers Championship standings.Read More on The SunHe is 12 points off of leader Oscar Piastri and two points behind fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris.Verstappen won the first two races around the circuit in 2022 and 2023, before Norris won his first ever Grand Prix in Miami last season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez says Terence Crawford super-fight can be even BIGGER than Floyd Mayweather and Gennady Golovkin bouts

      by

      CANELO ALVAREZ says his scheduled super-fight with Terence Crawford can be the biggest of his iconic career.The Mexican superstar has one of the best CVs in the sport and one that can rival even the most legendary of fighters. Floyd Mayweather beat Canelo Alvarez in 2013Credit: AP:Associated PressGennady Golovkin and Canelo had a trilogy, which ended in 2022, aboveCredit: APTerence Crawford is expected to fight Canelo in SeptemberCredit: GettyIt includes two wins and a draw with Gennady Golovkin and a valuable lesson learned in his loss to Floyd Mayweather. But Canelo – who returns over the weekend against William Scull – already has a blockbuster against Crawford lined up for September.And he told SunSport: “I have a lot of big fights. A lot of big fights, a lot of good fights in my career.”I’m focused on this fight, and we’ll see, we’ll see if if that fight happens. We’ll see, maybe it’s gonna be the biggest? We don’t know.”READ MORE IN BOXINGCanelo and Golovkin sold nearly two millions pay-per-views over their three-fight series – generating £230MILLION from box office receipts alone. Amazingly, his points defeat to Mayweather in 2013 sold a stunning 2.2m PPVs, making just shy of £110m.But in a changing of the times, he is expected to face unbeaten pound-for-pound star Crawford on Netflix. The streaming service made its debut in live boxing in November when Jake Paul, 28, defeated Mike Tyson, 58, with over 100m viewers watching. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSuch was the commercial success of the event, it encouraged Paul’s camp to enter talks with Canelo’s team in January. A shock deal to fight on May 3 was close to being confirmed – until Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh intervened in February.Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut Canelo would walk away from a deal to face Paul and instead signed a four-bout deal with Alalshikh – starting against Scull in Riyadh. He also has the chance to win back the IBF belt he had to vacate last year – setting up a 168lb undisputed title fight with Crawford, 37. Canelo, 34, said: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Paul instead returns on June 28 against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr – the man beaten by Canelo in 2017. The YouTuber-turned-boxer refuses to give up on fighting Canelo.But Canelo shrugged: “Calling it a fight is very difficult for me, man. “It’s for me more like event more than a fight, you know, and this is not the moment.”Canelo also prepares for his first fight outside of North America – and has the UK on his bucket list too. He said: “I’m focused 100 per cent on this fight but it’s something I always dreaming in my life. Read More on The Sun”I don’t know who or what fighter I’m gonna face, but I always dreaming in my career fighting in UK.”For sure for me would be crazy to go there and fight in front of everybody there. I actually like it a lot.”Canelo returns against William ScullCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas: Start time, TV channel, stream, undercard as Japanese superstar headlines Vegas show

      by

      NAOYA INOUE will defend his title outside his native Japan for the first time since 2021 as he takes on challenger Ramon Cardenas THIS SUNDAY. Inoue, widely regarded as one of the most skilled boxers of his generation, is undefeated and has titles in four different weight classes.Japan’s Naoya Inoue is one of the modern stars of boxingCredit: AFPThe 32-year-old star – nicknamed ‘The Monster’ – has made three successful defences of his undisputed super bantamweight title, and will make a fourth as he aims to extend his 10-fight knockout streak.Inoue’s challenger, Ramon Cardenas, will be heavily undervalued going into the dust-up. There is the belief that this is just a holding fight for the Texan ahead of one scheduled with Murodjon Akhmadaliev in the next four months.This fight will be of a potential host of fights set to make headlines on Cinco de Mayo weekend. READ MORE IN BOXINGFrom Friday with Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in Times Square to Saturday with Canelo Alvarez in Riyadh in another undisputed bout, boxing fans will be entertained all weekend long.SunSport brings you all the information worth knowing for the much-anticipated fight.When is Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas ?Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas will take place on Saturday, May 4 – concluding an expected world-class spectacle of boxing.The fight is the main event of a card that also features seven more fights. Ring-walk times are set to commence at 10.45pm EST (3.45am BST), which means the time of the fight is expected for 11pm EST (4am BST). TV coverage of the card is set to start at 8pm local time (1am BST)T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is the allocated arena with attendance capable of rising up to 20,000. What TV channel is Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas on and can it be live streamed?Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas will be available to watch on ESPN and ESPN+. Most read in BoxingThere are two options for a ESPN subscription, annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – flexible. An annual pass can be purchased for $119.99. A monthly flexible pass is priced at $11.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.A subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on ESPN.The fight will not be aired on UK television.What is the Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas undercard?The undercard is sprinkled in incentive with Rafael Espinoza vs Edward Vazquez fighting for the WBO featherweight title. Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas (undisputed super bantamweight titles)Rafael Espinoza vs Edward Vazquez (WBO featherweight title)Rohan Polanco vs Fabian Maidana (welterweight)Emiliano Vargas vs Juan Leon (super lightweight)Art Barrera Jr vs Juan Carlos Guerra (super welterweight)Mikito Nakano vs Pedro Marquez (featherweight)Ra’eese Aleem vs Rudy Garcia (featherweight)Patrick O’Connor vs Marcus Smith (cruiserweight)What has been said?Though backed as the heavy favourite, Inoue has talked-up his opponent in the build-up. Another knockout is expected on May 4, but while confident, Inoue isn’t taking his opponent lightly.”Cardenas is a beautiful fighter,” Inoue told media after touching down in the U.S. “He’s an all-around good fighter, but for me, it’s easy. No matter how he comes out, I think I have the advantage.”On the huge bout, Cardenas added: “This means the world to me. I’ve always aspired to fight for a world title, but to get a chance to fight for all the belts is a dream come true.Read More on The Sun“I always knew our paths would cross. I never had any doubts. When the fight was offered, I instantly accepted. “I wouldn’t say it’s a lottery ticket, but you can’t turn it down if you get a chance at the undisputed title. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Tottenham fans facing brutal reality check for Europa League final as hotel rooms soar to £1,000 PER NIGHT

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans need to dig deep into their pockets to be at the Europa League final as prices soar.It looks set to be an all-English final in the Spanish city of Bilbao on May 21.It is set to be an all-English Europa League final in BilbaoCredit: ReutersFans face a travel headache trying to get to the Spanish cityCredit: GettyThe cost of flights and hotels for fans have soaredCredit: GettyUnited took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford for the semi-final second leg after beating Athletic Club last night.While Spurs saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 ahead of going to Norway.Both clubs have one foot in the final and supporters are researching their trips to Bilbao for the showpiece.But with less than three weeks to the game, the prices of hotels and flights have rocketed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany places to stay in the city centre have been booked up already and very few remain under £1,000 per night.All direct flights to Bilbao from London and Manchester across the entire week have sold out.The cheapest option to go the day before the game and leave the day after now involves a stop in Milan – though that will still break the bank at around £350.Fans could potentially fly to cities like Madrid and get a train or coach, or they face gruelling drives across Spain after landing elsewhere.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited and Spurs fans have been left horrified at the costs, with one saying: “Just looked at hotels in Bilbao. Is there any camp sites near by?”Another added: “Good luck booking a hotel in Bilbao for the 21st.”Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd A third wrote: “Literally stuck between I need to get to Bilbao for the final and my bank account disagreeing with the flight paths.”More commented: “Corr flights and hotel priced for Bilbao are crazy for the Europa League final.”Man Utd ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Fernandes leads by example but Ugarte strugglesMANCHESTER UNITED are on the cusp of a first European final since 2021 after stunning Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes ran the show in Spain to sink one of LaLiga’s meanest defences.Ruben Amorim opted for a bold XI as United faced up to Europe’s best home rearguard.Bilbao had conceded just 11 goals at the Estadio de San Mames all season, with the arena a cauldron of noise in the early stages.But after some half chances for the hosts, the game turned on its head following Casemiro’s opener against the run of play – after Harry Maguire channelled his inner Lamine Yamal.The Brazilian headed United ahead, with Dani Vivian controversially sent off just minutes later for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.Bruno Fernandes stepped up to roll in the spotkick before adding to the rout on the stroke of half-time, firing past Julen Agirrezabala one-on-one.Bilbao retreated into their own half for the remainder of the game, keeping the score down to three.And United – so dismal for much of this season – are now overwhelming favourites to reach the Europa League final.Here’s how SunSport’s Jim Sheridan rated the Red Devils in Bilbao… More