More stories

  • in

    F1 star Carlos Sainz’s dad, 61, rescued by team-mate after FLIPPING car during brutal Dakar Rally race

    CARLOS SAINZ SNR has been left stranded in the desert after flipping his car during the Dakar Rally.The highly experienced rally driver – dad of Formula One star Carlos Sainz – crashed during Stage 2 of the epic race on Sunday. Carlos Sainz Snr crashed his Ford during Sunday’s Dakar Rally stageCredit: APThe 62-year-old flipped the M-Sport Raptor during the drive through Saudi ArabiaCredit: APSainz Snr is a rallying legend and has won on the sand four timesCredit: APSainz Snr was racing through dunes in Saudi Arabia when he lost control of his Ford M-Sport Raptor. The 62-year-old has previously won two World Rally Championships and four Dakar Rally titles. Terrifying footage showed the aftermath of the flip, which left heavy damage to the high-tech Ford.The rear half of the vehicle was seen strewn across the dunes following a heavy impact. READ MORE ON F1Fortunately, both Sainz Snr and his co-driver Lucas Cruz emerged from the wreckage unharmed. The pair were left stranded following the remote crash, which occurred 327km into the near-1000km Stage 2.He was forced to wait in blistering heat for team-mate Mitch Guthrie to arrive and offer assistance.The wait cost Sainz Snr a total of 23 minutes, leaving him 20th in the Ultimate car category. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSainz Snr became the oldest winner of the Dakar Rally last year.Driving for Audi, he won his fourth title after navigating the near-8,000km drive at the age of 61. Carlos Sainz Sr interview at the Dakar Rally 2025Following his epic win, Sainz Snr said: “To be here with my age and to stay at the level, you need to work a lot. “It’s not coming just like that. It shows that when you work hard, normally it pays off.”But he’s also had his fair share of scares, including being airlifted to hospital after a terrifying crash in 2023.Hoping to live up to his dad’s legacy, F1 star Sainz Jr enjoyed a strong season in 2024 for Ferrari. Sainz Jr (right) has joined Ferrari for the upcoming 2025 F1 seasonCredit: GettyThe 30-year-old finished 5th in the Drivers Championship, winning the most races in an F1 season since joining the ranks in 2015.READ MORE SUN STORIESSainz will join up with Williams next year after Ferrari replaced him with legendary Brit driver Lewis Hamilton. Last summer, the team announced the Spaniard had signed a two-year deal with an option to extend. More

  • in

    Leeds back in Premier League and Wrexham promoted AGAIN? Full predictions for EFL ahead of business end of the season

    WE are into the second half of the season and now have a good idea which teams look likely to stick with the pace.Here are my predictions on who will win promotion automatically and via the play-offs, as well as those who should be in the mix come the end of the season . . . Leeds look good for automatic promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexCHAMPIONSHIPAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONLEEDSThe Elland Road club won’t fall apart again. Their 3-3 draw at Hull was a blow but Leeds are scoring for fun and I tend to think teams who score bag-loads get out of this division.Daniel Farke lost Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Luis Sinisterra and Glen Kamara.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Joel Piroe and Dan James have stepped up to the plate.BURNLEYScott Parker is promotion king in the Championship and bids for three out of three at the Clarets after taking Fulham and Bournemouth up.They don’t let many goals in and Josh Brownhill is a big goal threat. Burnley should squeeze just enough results out to make the top two.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPLAY-OFFSIt’s like pinning a tail on a donkey predicting play-offs but I have a sneaky feeling for SUNDERLAND.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRegis Le Bris has made the Stadium of Light a fortress and on-loan Wilson Isidor’s nine goals so far have been very handy.But keep an eye out for Danny Rohl’s SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY and you cannot rule out SHEFFIELD UNITED under Chris Wilder.MIDDLESBROUGH will be there and WEST BROM surely will have a puncher’s chance.Wrexham will be there or thereabouts in League OneCredit: PALEAGUE ONEAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONBIRMINGHAMIt’s a disgrace the Blues are even in the third tier after a relegation that should never have happened.But the American owners poured millions into the club in the summer in a bid to make it a one-season stay — and it will be.Jay Stansfield, a £15million buy from Fulham, has 12 league goals.But, getting striker Alfie May in from Cheltenham was the best bit of business. His ten league goals, including two in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Wigan, are a big reason why they are in the title race.WREXHAMPhil Parkinson had to do things a bit differently this season from the two previous campaigns in the National League and League Two.With Birmingham buying almost everyone that he wanted in the summer, he brought in potential.Keeper Arthur Okonkwo, 23, from Arsenal was great business, while striker Steven Fletcher is still doing it up top at the age of 37. I expect them to nab second.PLAY-OFFSHUDDERSFIELD are another club that should never have gone down last season. It was madness to get rid of Neil Warnock, who miraculously kept them up the campaign before.But Michael Duff has a great shot at going up in the play-offs.WYCOMBE are punching above their weight with Matt Bloomfield and will be in the promotion chat — along with BARNSLEY, READING and STOCKPORT.Walsall have shown their class this termCredit: AlamyLEAGUE TWOAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONWALSALLThe Saddlers are nailed on to go up under Mat Sadler. Nathan Lowe and Jamille Matt have netted 14 and seven goals respectively — and their defence is frighteningly stingy.AFC WIMBLEDONThe Dons have made steady progress under Johnnie Jackson and I reckon he has found the right formula to lead them up.Matty Stevens has been excellent up front with 12 goals — while defensively they are sound. I see them breaking into the top three.NOTTS COUNTYDavid McGoldrick is rolling back the years at the age of 37 with his beloved Magpies.The ex-Sheffield United, Ipswich and Southampton man is on a mission to shoot them into League One under Stuart Maynard. And his deadly double in the 2-0 victory against Swindon on Saturday meant he has netted ten this season in the league.PLAY-OFFSI like the look of CREWE. Lee Bell was so close to taking the club up last season before their painful loss to Crawley in the play-off final.They are hard to beat — only four losses so far. My only worry would be they don’t have an out-and-out goalscorer who can provide the firepower.But the experience of Mickey Demetriou, 34, fused with the  talent of 20-year-old Zac Williams and James Connolly, 23, have made for a great defensive base.I can see PORT VALE slipping out of the automatic spots under Darren Moore and Grant McCann should steer DONCASTER to make the top seven.If Paul Cook cannot get CHESTERFIELD into the play-offs it will be a massive failure for the Scouser who has a huge budget.READ MORE SUN STORIESSALFORD should also be in the argument but I fancy eighth-placed BRADFORD under Graham Alexander making a strong push.And I wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Lindsey can conjure another miracle — after taking Crawley up last season — to get MK DONS gatecrashing the play-off spots. More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim ‘really mad’ as Man Utd earn brilliant point at Anfield after horror run and says ‘I don’t understand it’

    “MAD” RUBEN AMORIM left Anfield raging after watching Manchester United produce a brilliant display at Liverpool.And captain Bruno Fernandes was left asking why he and his team-mates cannot perform like this every week.Ruben Amorim said it was hard for him not to feel mad after his team’s good displayCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes questioned why his side have not shown similar levels against other opponentsCredit: EPAAmorim, who suffered six defeats in his first 11 games going into this, was far from pleased despite the excellent performance as he fumed: “It makes me more mad because of the other games. It’s hard to understand even for the coach.“It was a point, they deserved the point, but it’s just one point. I think we should be more mad than against Newcastle or Nottingham Forest, we’re really disappointed.“We are in a difficult moment, but it’s hard not to get really mad. We have to do it against every opponent, we need to fight really bad to get out of this situation.“The way we were really competitive, that’s the crucial thing going forward.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“It’s not just the players, it’s everybody. I’m happy for the performance but not with the result, but I’m really mad because of the other games.“It’s the way we faced the game, it’s the way we are competitive, not just the training, I don’t want to use that, in that, we don’t need training.“You can ask any person on this pitch, the way we fight, believe and face the opponent, go for the second balls, it’s so clear.“Today the players really wanted it and the important thing is to forget, relax and in the next game return to the same behaviour. We have to move on, congratulations to the lads for the performance but not the result.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That should be a big issue for our players that even one person thinks you have the ability but not the character, we have to fight that and change that.“I think it is really clear. When we are focused, when we fight for every ball, when we suffer and we are tired when the game is finished, we are a good team.Man Utd Player Ratings vs Liverpool“If we don’t do that all the time then we are going to lose games. That is clear to everybody.”Fernandes, whose team are 13th in the table after their worst December since 1930, added: “We have been criticised and fairly.“Our position in the table says it all, we have lost too many points. Even today we can’t be happy with a point. We need the points and we could’ve won the game at the end, but it’s a fair result. Both teams played good football.“I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me. Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.“Being 2-1 [down] then scoring it’s good to get a point but we need more. Now we have an FA Cup tie at Arsenal and it is going to be very tough but we want to get to the final again.“We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool. Today we put in a real effort into the game, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game. You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something from today.“It can’t stop here. We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level. If we can do it at Anfield, we have to do it everywhere.” More

  • in

    Steven Gerrard to be a grandad at 44 as daughter Lilly reveals she’s pregnant

    STEVEN Gerrard is going to be become a grandad, aged 44.The football legend’s daughter Lilly has announced she is pregnant with her first child.Stephen Gerrard’s daughter Lilly (far left) is to become a mumLilly announced the news with this sweet postLilly has been dating her baby’s father Lee Byrne since 2022Influencer Lilly, 20, shared the news on her instagram, posting a snap of a pregnancy journal, two positive pregnancy tests, two scan snaps and a pair of cute baby shoes.She wrote: “Our little secret, the best news, mini us is on the way.”The dad is Lee Byrne, who Lily has been seeing since April 2022.Steven was quick to comment, saying “we can’t wait” on an Instagram post by Lilly.read more on steven gerrardProud dad-of-four Stevie, now managing Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, added: “Great news and congratulations, we love you.”Lily’s mum Alex Gerrard added: “Can’t wait.”The Sun on Sunday revealed in 2022 that influencer Lilly had started dating Lee in around April of that year.They were first linked when they enjoyed a holiday to Ibiza together and posted snaps kissing.Most read in FootballLee moved into a gated community in Freshfield, one of Merseyside’s more exclusive addresses, which is how he got to know LillyThe Byrne and Gerrard families are said to grown close since the young couple began dating.Lee has describing WAG Alex as his second mum.Lilly was born in February 2004 and regularly posts pictures of her jetset lifestyle on social media.Steven and Alex are also parents to  daughters Lexie, 18, and Lourdes, 13, and a son named Lio, eight. Steven will have turned 45 when his grandchild arrives.Lilly is also yet to disclose the gender of her unborn child.Influencer Lilly Gerrard has been seeing Lee Byrne for several yearsCredit: Steven and wife Alex have four kids together More

  • in

    Man City ace Erling Haaland ‘puts down roots’ as he buys stunning six-bedroom country mansion

    GOAL ace Erling Haaland has quit city — for a new country pile.The Man City striker, 24, is thought to have moved in before Christmas.Erling Haaland has bought a new six-bed mansion in CheshireCredit: PAHe previously rented a city centre apartment where team-mate and pal Jack Grealish was once a neighbour.But the Norwegian was seen in October viewing homes with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, 20. The couple, who had their first child at the end of the year, have decided to “put down some roots”.Their new six-bed mansion is just a ten-minute drive from the Cheshire pad Jack moved to a year ago.Read More on SportA source said: “Erling spent a couple of years living in the city centre and loved it, but he’s been keen to get his own place and put down some roots.“He wants somewhere peaceful where he can relax off the pitch and enjoy a quieter time as he is very recognisable so going out in Manchester was becoming difficult for him.“Jack moved out a year ago and Erling is a frequent visitor. “He likes the area so started looking and found the perfect place.Most read in Football“The bonus is that it’s just down the road from Jack, so they can still spend time together off the pitch.”Man City booed off by own fans after Haaland misses penalty to make it just one win 13 games for Guardiola’s side More

  • in

    Tottenham snap up £12m goalkeeper in first January transfer – and rule change means he can play in Europa League

    TOTTENHAM have signed Czech ­keeper Antonin Kinsky for around £12million.Kinsky  — who has signed from Slavia Prague — is Ange Postecoglou’s first signing of the January transfer window.Antonin Kinsky has signed for Spurs for £12m from Slavia PragueCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old could be in contention for a debut in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Liverpool or Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.He will provide cover for the injured Guglielmo Vicario and competition for Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin, who made his senior debut against Newcastle.Due to a Uefa rule change, Kinsky will be able to play in the Europa League knockout stages even though he played for another club in the competition.He said: “I’m really happy, it has been amazing to sign the contract. Tottenham are a big name and I’m really happy.Read more in football“I spoke with the coaches, I spoke with the sporting director and I got the feeling this is going to be the right choice.”Hours after Kinsky’s arrival was confirmed, Spurs No 1 Vicario posted a video of himself on Instagram walking without crutches or a protective boot as he continues his recovery from a fractured ankle.Back in November, Vicario fractured his ankle in a clash against Manchester City.Despite that blow, boss Postecoglou revealed the Italian is doing his upmost to return to action soon.Most read in FootballThe Aussie tactician said: “He’s going well, typical of Vic, he’s pushing every boundary. Obviously, he’s still a fair bit away, but whatever timeline that is, he will make sure he’s back as quickly as possible.”He’s still very much around the group. We saw him last night, he’s also training every day.Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool loss”He’s so invested in what we’re doing, helping the keepers, helping the whole group.”He’s one of the leaders and, yes, he’s progressing well.”While Vicario has missed eight Premier League games, veteran Forser has filled his boots.Spurs are winless in their last four matches. More

  • in

    ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Man Utd fans gush over Bruno Fernandes after Red Devils captain’s brutally honest admission

    BRUNO FERNANDES had Manchester United fans gushing after his open and honest post-match interview at Liverpool.The United skipper was a standout at Anfield as the thriller ended 2-2.Bruno Fernandes was brutally honest following Man Utd’s 2-2 draw at LiverpoolCredit: Sky SportsFernandes’ side took the lead through Lisandro Martínez before goals from Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah gave Liverpool the lead. But United – struggling in 13th without a win in five matches – refused to give up as Amad Diallo levelled on 80 minutes. And the visitor’s almost won the game as they pushed to the end – leaving Fernandes hailing their team spirit. He said: “I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.”Being 2-1 [down] then scoring it’s good to get a point but we need more. Now we have an FA Cup tie at Arsenal and it is going to be very tough but we want to get to the final again.”We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool. Today we put in a real effort to the game, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game. “You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something from today.Most read in FootballMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It can’t stop here, We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level. “If we can do it an Anfield, we have to do it everywhere.” ‘He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdUnited fans rushed to social media to praise Fernandes, as one said: “Tears in my eyes, some RESPONSIBILITY.”Another added: “He was absolutely fantastic. And had the humility to say about this about his performances afterwards. Brilliant by Bruno.”One hailed: “Bruno’s post match interview is absolutely bang on. He understands.”Another said: “My captain – being honest. Could use more of this.”Fernandes was a standout at LiverpoolCredit: AP More

  • in

    Man Utd fans ‘on their feet applauding’ as Leny Yoro saves Ruben Amorim’s side in Anfield thriller

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left “on their feet applauding” after Leny Yoro saved Ruben Amorim’s side against Liverpool.The two teams played out a thrilling encounter at Anfield on Sunday, with the Premier League clash ending 2-2.Man Utd fans hailed Leny Yoro’s match-saving action against LiverpoolCredit: GettyLisandro Martinez thumped United ahead to give his side a shock second-half lead.But Cody Gakpo pulled one back moments later as Liverpool moved up a gear.The league leaders’ breakthrough then came when Matthijs de Ligt gave away a penalty for a handball.Top scorer Mo Salah stepped up and fired home his spot-kick for a 2-1 lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, United were not giving up without a fight.And their doggedness was rewarded when Amad Diallo poked home for 2-2, sealing a deserved point for his side.Despite United’s fightback, they almost conceded a third goal late on.After throwing players forward for an attack, the visitors were quickly hit on a break by Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArne Slot’s side charged forward at a furious pace as sub Darwin Nunez took control of the ball.But milliseconds before he could work his magic, the Uruguayan was brilliantly dispossessed by United defender Yoro.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe ace put in an amazing slide tackle to deny Darwin NunezThe teen centre-back, who has missed a large chunk of the season with injury since signing from Lille for £52m in the summer, had come in the 83rd minute for De Ligt.Yet he showed no signs of rustiness with an exquisitely-timed sliding tackle to rob Nunez and end Liverpool’s fearsome break.United fans were certainly delighted by Yoro’s heroics.One said: “Leny Yoro, that tackle on Nunez, I am on my feet applauding.”Another declared: “Leny Yoro you are special.”One noted: “Leny Yoro I’m standing up on my feet clapping wow.”Another added: “Leny Yoro I’m on my feet with that tackle.”Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More