More stories

  • in

    Virgil van Dijk caught ‘screaming’ at Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool star’s disasterclass vs Man Utd

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK was caught screaming at Trent Alexander-Arnold as he had a game to forget against Manchester United.The Liverpool right-back was caught out of position on multiple occasions, one of which led to a goal for the visitors.Virgil van Dijk shouted at Trent Alexander-Arnold throughout the matchThe right-back was taken off after a game to forgetCredit: ReutersAlexander-Arnold was warned in the first half after he played Rasmus Hojlund onside for a one-on-one, which the striker missed.He was slammed by Roy Keane at half-time for his terrible defending but he did not learn his lesson and was punished when he gave the ball away in the build-up to Lisandro Martinez’s opener.Keane said: “Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff.”They’re talking about him going to Real Madrid? He’ll be going to Tranmere Rovers after this! He’s got to do better.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLater in the second half the England star was again missing from the backline and Van Dijk had to get across to block a shot from United left wing-back Diogo Dalot – a player Alexander-Arnold should have been marking.Van Dijk responded by shouting at his team-mate, who fortunately for him had turned to face the other way.The Dutchman also berated Alexander-Arnold for taking too long with a throw-in.Arne Slot eventually saw enough and hooked the Liverpool star moments after he was booked in the 83rd minute.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were equally scathing of Alexander-Arnold’s dire display, which came in a week where reports claimed he has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid.One supporter said: “Watching that Trent Alexander-Arnold performance today was unbelievable. Van Dijk and Konate working overtime to compensate defensively.” Luke Littler has cheeky dig at Liverpool fan and rival Stephen Bunting as he reveals plan to take trophy to Old TraffordAnother added: “Van Dijk HATES Alexander-Arnold lol.”A third wrote: “Van Dijk is livid. Way too easy. Sleeping at times.”And another commented: “Did anybody else pick up the notion Van Dijk was really upset with their defensive back? To me it looked like he kept hollering at Trent Alexander Arnold. Wonder if the transfer talks is getting to them.” More

  • in

    Inside Lionel Messi’s ‘unbearably competitive’ training plan as Barcelona legend does ‘naked pull-ups’ in changing room

    LIONEL MESSI has an “unbearably competitive” training plan that once included him doing naked pull-ups in front of his team-mates.The superstar is still going strong at 37-years-old and was named the MLS MVP in 2024.Lionel Messi is still going strong at 37Credit: APAn ex team-mate revealed how has been able to maintain his performanceCredit: Instagram @leomessiOscar Ustari played with Messi for Argentina and Inter MiamiCredit: AFPHe helped Inter Miami win the Eastern Conference before they were knocked out in the play-offs by Atlanta United.Former team-mate Oscar Ustari has revealed some of the secrets behind Messi’s longevity and praised the Argentine’s character.He told DSports Radio: “Messi is unbearably competitive, he is incredible at everything. There are team-mates who had never seen him and are surprised. “Nothing is a coincidence at that level. You see that his passion is football, training, being well and showing every day who he is.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He has fun doing what he does. The first day I arrived at the club he was doing pull-ups buck naked, and all the guys were around him. “He treats everyone equally, he’s very family-oriented. He’s a person who generates a lot for everyone. “He is very involved in the academy, he is aware of everything. That is how I see it.”Another of Messi’s former team-mates spoke about the presence the legend has, admitting he was too nervous to speak to him when they first met.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSComo star Nico Paz met Messi when playing for Argentina Under-23s.He said of their encounter: “I had met him once before, when I was 17 years old, with the U20s, in a training session with the senior national team.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “This was the second time I saw him, but the first time I was in the locker room with him.”I didn’t talk to him, I was too ashamed. I get nervous when I see him.”Nico Paz admitted he was too nervous to speak to Messi when they first metCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes on top form vs Liverpool as Rasmus Hojlund struggles to make an impact

    THE Premier League’s greatest rivals could not be split following a 2-2 thriller at Anfield. Manchester United took the lead through Lisandro Martínez before Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah put league leaders Liverpool ahead.The points were shared at AnfieldCredit: ReutersAmad Diallo then added to his scoring form with a leveller – setting up a grand stand finish on Merseyside. But the game ended in a draw and this is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated United’s players. 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.READ MORE IN football 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.Matthijs de Ligt handled to give a penalty awayCredit: ReutersHarry 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.Most read in FootballLisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three after indifferent form this season. Finished his goal like a seasoned striker – with Gary Neville even comparing him to Ryan Giggs in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final.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.Diogo Dalot got the better of Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AFPKobbie 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 was in fine form at AnfieldCredit: GettyBruno 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.SubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Kobbie Mainoo, 72mins) – 5 Instant impact once he came on by providing the assist and continued to be a threat until the end.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeny Yoro (for Matthijs de Ligt, 83mins) – NAJoshua Zirkzee (for Rasmus Hojlund, 87mins) – NARasmus Hojlund struggled up frontCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Liverpool 2 Man Utd 2: Amad Diallo’s late leveller earns Ruben Amorim’s side a point in Anfield classic

    HERE was everything we thought Manchester United were not – proud, resilient, brilliant and above all United.Sure, they had to settle for a point. Sure, Liverpool remain red-hot favourites to equal their record of 20 top-flight titles.Amad Diallo’s late equaliser rescued a point for Man Utd against LiverpoolCredit: AFPThe Reds thought they had won the clash through Mo Salah’s penaltyCredit: ReutersBut the way this match had been previewed, you’d have thought we were talking about Accrington Stanley’s FA Cup visit to Anfield next weekend, rather than the grandest fixture in English football.Amad Diallo, whose winner at the end of extra-time knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup in a classic quarter-final last season, stole a point with a cool finish.United, written off as cannon fodder, had deservedly led through a Lisandro Martinez strike early in the second half, before a spectacular Cody Gakpo equaliser and a Mo Salah penalty propelled Liverpool into the lead. Yet there was a never-say-die attitude about United which we barely thought them capable of – Harry Maguire magnificent in defence, Manuel Ugarte dynamic in midfield – as Ruben Amorim seemed to discover his best available team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis after United had suffered four straight defeats, failing to score in the previous three.The fixture had never felt so much of a home banker, the gap between two mighty clubs hadn’t been bigger for half a century.In December, United had lost six games in a calendar month for the first time since 1930. Nobody saw this coming.Earlier, it felt as if only the weather could stop Liverpool, that only the miserable Merseyside climate could give us the faintest illusion of a title race – after the trip to Goodison Park was called off in the autumn.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.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut after further slip-ups from Arsenal and Chelsea on Saturday, Liverpool were looking impregnable.A midday safety meeting gave this fixture the green light amid the slow and ice, which had turned to teeming rain before kick-off. ‘Some players are getting on a bit.. they need to go’ – Luke Littler offers savage verdict on his beloved Man UtdAmorim had admitted his side were gripped by fear and anxiety. The Portuguese is not mincing his words about the scale of the task he faces, even bringing up the prospect of relegation.  United fans were even worrying about Ipswich winning at Fulham to further narrow the gap between their side and the bottom three – and it was a measure of their pessimism that they welcomed a late equaliser from Raul Jimenez at Craven Cottage.Ugarte was back from suspension, with Kobbie Mainoo also restored to the midfield.And United started with a basic competence few expected of them, having a fair share of the ball and defending their box with determination.Martinez gave United a shock lead at AnfieldCredit: GettyThe ace celebrated with the ball under his jerseyCredit: AFPGakpo had the first clear sight of goal but shot wide across the face after Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch had combined to tee him up.Then Salah conjured a gorgeous lofted centre but Alexis Mac Allister’s half-volley was blocked by Andre Onana at his near post.Suddenly, on 20 minutes, United created a glaring chance – Diogo Dalot darting down the left and centring for Amad Diallo who somehow headed in the opposite direction with the goal gaping.United enjoyed a decent spell of pressure, although Gravenberch galloped forward to ping one just wide from range.United’s lead didn’t last long as Cody Gakpo netted an equaliserCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman continued his fine form under Arne SlotCredit: ReutersIn the piddling rain and with the odds stacked against him, it felt like a day for Maguire and the England centre-half was putting himself about in a none-shall-pass mood.United were threatening down the left and when Rasmus Hojlund was released, Alisson rushed off his line to block.Without a win at Anfield since 2016 and without a goal in five and a half hours, United were still heading in for half-time feeling heartened.Liverpool have tended to come alive after half-time this season but not this time.Salah looked to have sealed a Liverpool win from the spotCredit: PAAnfield eagerly anticipated moving eight points clear at the top of the tableCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold – a Galactico-in-waiting who had been struggling all afternoon – misplaced a pass to Martinez, who fed Fernandes.The United skipper cased the joint for an opening before he slipped a pass to the Argentinian centre-half, who thumped in off the underside of the crossbar.United’s supporters went berserk, cameramen being knocked to the floor amid the bedlam.Yet the lead lasted just seven minutes. McAllister fed Gakpo with an angled pass and the Liverpool forward cut inside, sent his fellow Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt for a bag of chips then lashed into the roof of the net from an angle.Diallo had the final say in a thriller on MerseysideCredit: ReutersThe ace took his chance and delivered, much to the delight of travelling fansCredit: ReutersIt was a goal of quality, just when Liverpool needed it most.And when Alexander-Arnold centred from the right, Gakpo headed against the upturned arm of his marker, De Ligt, who completed a miserable few minutes by conceding a penalty – the offence spotted by VAR Chris Kavanagh.Onana dived left and almost stopped Salah’s spot-kick but the Egyptian’s effort had too much power.Amorim showed attacking intent by sending on Alejandro Garnacho for Mainoo.And the Argentinian winger – who had incurred Amorim’s wrath in recent weeks, played a sweet cut-back for Diallo to steer his shot past Alisson. READ MORE SUN STORIESConor Bradley was denied by Onana when he shot from a tight angle but United were well worth their point.Then from a Joshua Zirkzee pass, Maguire had a chance to win it in the dying seconds, only to blaze over the bar. More

  • in

    Liverpool 2-2 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Amad’s late equaliser stuns Anfield as United take a shock point on a snowy derby day

    MANCHESTER UNITED have claimed a shock point against Liverpool after a frantic derby day on Merseyside.Early in the day, severe snow hit the region, which prompted an emergency meeting to discuss whether the game would go ahead with the safety of supporters at the forefront of everyone’s mind.But the show went on and Man Utd took a shock lead on 52 minutes after Lisandro Martinez slammed home the opener to stun Anfield into silence.Minutes later, Cody Gakpo fired in a superb equaliser to send the home fans wild.Liverpool were awarded a penalty midway through the second half after Matthijs de Ligt was adjudged to of handled the ball in the box after a VAR check – and Mohamed Salah tucked away the pen to give the Reds a 2-1 lead.But there was another twist in the tale as Amad slotted away a stunning equaliser late on to make it 2-2 and secure a shock point for the Red Devils.Match result: Liverpool 2-2 Man UtdLiverpool team: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Salah, DiazMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Amad, Fernandes, HojlundFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from AnfieldWe woke up this morning expecting the game to be frozen off – but it went ahead and the action was red hot!In what was billed as a contest between two clubs in stark contrast, the action was thrilling, and for 90 minutes there was nothing between them.The 2-2 draw has set the bar high for Premier League action in 2025, and there’s plenty more football to be played before either Liverpool are crowned champions, or Manchester United’s resurgence is cemented.Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.Copy linkCopiedAmorim furious despite improved performanceOr perhaps that should be because of the improved performance.In an astonishing post-match interview with Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison, the Manchester United boss could barely contain his anger.And while he expects many plaudits for the manner in which his side played at the league leaders, he admitted he was furious because of the previous displays from his team.The 39-year-old is demanding to know where the mentality that his players showed today was during some of their shambolic showings in recent weeks.Amorim went on to reveal that he hadn’t even spoken to his players because he was so mad.We always talk about the system, but you can see that it’s not hard. It’s not about the system, it’s about the mentality. Today was a good performance, but I want to tell my players that I’m very angry about the previous games. We have to do this in every game.Ruben AmorimSky SportsCopy linkCopiedRed Devils target TrentThe final statistics show that 53.8% of Manchester United’s attacks this afternoon came down their left-hand side, compared to just 28.1% on the right.Was it an approach to target the defensive frailties of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, or did United purely see Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes as their most creative options?Speaking on Sky Sports, Roy Keane was in no doubt: “United definitely targeted him. They would have looked at how he is defensively. He’s usually brilliant going forward but when he’s not and they’re running at him, United got so much joy. I thought Liverpool would have taken him off earlier.””I thought he was really poor,” added Jamie Carragher. “I don’t think the game could have gone much worse for him.”Copy linkCopiedArne fires parting SlotLiverpool manager Arne Slot paid tribute to opponents Manchester United after today’s thrilling 2-2 draw – but perhaps with one or two barbed comments thrown in for good measure.The Dutch coach suggested that the faltering Red Devils are actually a squad full of good players, who were desperate to show their ability against their rivals – a desire that had been missing in recent weeks.We played against many good individuals, and it was a chance for them to show themselves against us, more than they have in other games. It was a chance to compete with the best in the league. We weren’t surprised with anything they did, they’ve played this style for a few weeks, but maybe the only thing that was different was that they mostly played the ball long.”Arne SlotSky SportsCopy linkCopiedA touch of classBruno Fernandes may be down on some of his recent performances (and rightly so), but the Manchester United captain was excellent today.The midfielder led his side for most touches (88), most final third entries (12), most duels won (11), most possessions won (8) and most chances created (4).Copy linkCopiedCaptain Bruno questions recent showingsBruno Fernandes finally put in a performance worthy of a Manchester United captain – and then asked why he and his teammates can’t do so consisently?In a frank post-match interview, the Portuguese midfielder criticised his recent performances, and indicated that they need to back up today’s showing with the same commitment in the coming weeks. If we can show this here at Anfield against Liverpool, why can’t we do it every week? This is the first proper performance from myself for a while. Today was about putting real effort into the game, and playing with passion. Obviously you have your tactics, but at the end of the day you have to put the effort in to get something.Bruno FernandesSky SportsCopy linkCopiedDiallo Amad for derby daysAmad Diallo is Manchester United’s hero again.After his 90th-minute winner at Manchester City last month, the 22-year-old has popped up with another late goal at the home of a fierce rival.In doing so, the winger becomes only the third Manchester United player to score away to both Manchester City and Liverpool in the same Premier League season.Amad follows in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney in 2004-05, and Robin van Persie in 2012-13.Copy linkCopiedUnited on Anfield road to recoveryManchester United remain winless in 10 away games against Liverpool in all competitions (D5 L5), their longest ever run without victory away at their old rivals.However, they scored as many goals today (2) as they had in their previous 10 visits to Anfield combined.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from AnfieldManchester United’s 13 shots are their most at Anfield since 2013.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Liverpool 2-2 Man UtdAnd breathe.A classic Liverpool v Manchester United contest of old.After a first half that was competitive if uneventful, this exploded into life in the second.Lisandro Martinez thundered United in front, but the league leaders roared back through Cody Gakpo and a Mo Salah penalty.But the Red Devils weren’t done, and defying the dross of recent weeks found themselves a late leveller through Amad.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+7. HARRY MAGUIRE TO WIN IT!! OVER THE CROSSBAR!!With just 25 seconds remaining, Joshua Zirkzee broke free down on the left and moved in on Alisson.Rather than shooting, the striker squares to Maguire, who – having stayed up from a set-piece – fired over from ten yards.In fairness to the defender, it was a bobbly pass that sat him unkindly for him, but it will still go down as a huge chance to win an epic game.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+6. Anfield groans as one as Gravenberch miscontrols a sloppy Robertson pass.Has the chance gone? Has their momentum gone?Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+4. Have United settled for what would be an excellent point?Those in white have dropped very deep with just a couple of minutes remaining.But Liverpool keep on coming…Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+2. Inside seven minutes of stoppage time, and still both sides believe they can win.Conor Bradley is almost the unlikely hero with an attempt to catch out Andre Onana with a shot towards the near post from the byline.The United goalkeeper claws it behind, and from the subsequent corner, Virgil van Dijk heads straight at him from point blank range following Alexis Mac Allister’s flick-on.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90. Brilliant challenge from Yoro!Nunez burst into the box and looked to set to thump home the winner until the United substitute dived in and denied him.The Kop scream for a penalty, but that is as clean a sliding tackle as you’re likely to see.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd88. Bruno Fernandes is putting in a captain’s performance now.The Portuguese playmaker is enjoying himself now, and almost catches out Alisson from wide on the left.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd86. But not now.Arne Slot does replace the troubled Trent with Conor Bradley while Harvey Elliot is on for Cody Gakpo.Who will make themselves a hero in the final minutes?Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd84. Another change for the visitors sees young Leny Yoro on to replace Matthijs de Ligt.Trent stays on for now.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd82. Another bonehead Trent Alexander-Arnold moment sparks another Manchester United counter!Amad leads the charge and finds Bruno Fernandes, whose cross is only cut out by some brilliant Virgil van Dijk defending.”He’s not at it today, Alexander-Arnold,” panics Jamie Carragher. “He needs to come off.”Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd80. It’s level once again at Anfield, and Amad continues his reputation for scoring big Manchester United goals!Trent Alexander-Arnold is caught out of position, not for the first time, and the visitors move to exploit the Liverpool right.Substitute Alejandro Garnacho pulls a low cross back beyond Virgil van Dijk from the byline, and Amad gets in ahead of Andy Robertson to sweep past Alisson.What a second half!Copy linkCopiedAmad for it!Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd77. Ooof! Darwin Nunez!The Liverpool substitute absolutely clatters into Matthijs de Ligt as they challenge for an aerial ball, and is rightly booked.It will be a one-game suspension for the Uruguayan too.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd75. Salah hits the free-kick, but he’s less accurate with the dead ball from 20 yards than he was from 12.Fifteen minutes remain, and the home side’s lead is slender.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd74. Harry Maguire has been hard done by there!The United man lunges as Salah weaves his way across the pitch, and appears to win the ball.Michael Oliver is right there though, and immediately whistles for a Liverpool free-kick and books the centre-back.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd72. Ruben Amorim’s response to that second Liverpool goal is to throw on Alejandro Garnacho.The Argentine forward replaces Kobbie Mainoo as United switch up the shape.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    ‘He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘schoolboy’ defending vs Man utd

    ROY KEANE tore into Trent Alexander-Arnold for his “schoolboy” defending against Manchester United – and had a cheeky pop at his Real Madrid links.The right-back was caught out of position for a key United chance in the first half.Roy Keane slamed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defendingThe right-back was caught out of position for a Man Utd chanceCredit: AlamyDaniel Sturridge had his head in his hands over the commentAlexander-Arnold failed to stay in line with the rest of his back four which meant he played Rasmus Hojlund onside for a golden opportunity.His team-mate Ibrahima Konate could not get back in time so Hojlund got his shot off, but hit it straight at goalkeeper Alisson.Alexander-Arnold could breathe a sigh of relief but he was targeted for criticism by pundit Keane at half-time.He said on Sky Sports: “Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They’re talking about him going to Real Madrid? He’ll be going to Tranmere Rovers after this! He’s got to do better.”He has to do better defensively.”Keane’s colleagues could do nothing but laugh with Daniel Sturridge burying his head in his hands before adding that he had “no words”.Alexander-Arnold was punished for another mistake early in the second half as he gave the ball away in the build-up to Lisandro Martinez’s goal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England star’s pass was cut out and he then failed to pressure Bruno Fernandes, who slipped the ball through to Martinez in an area Alexander-Arnold had vacated.He was later booked and subsequently hauled off by manager Arne Slot, who brought on youngster Conor Bradley in his place.Roy Keane says ‘looked like he’d never played right-back’ in savage criticism of England star Trent Alexander-ArnoldAlexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid with reports in Spain this week claiming a deal has already been agreed.Tranmere produced an amusing response to Keane’s comments as they shared a photo of their right-back Cameron Norman alongside the caption: “❔ Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks.” More

  • in

    Gillingham SACK manager Mark Bonner and brutally announce his replacement less than an hour later

    GILLINGHAM have sacked manger Mark Bonner following a dismal run of form – and announced his appointment less than an hour later.The Gills sit 14th in League Two – without a win in four and beaten in their last three matches.Gillingham have sacked manger Mark BonnerCredit: GettyGillingham confirmed they have sacked Bonner at 6pm on Sunday, and announced Accrington Stanley legend John Coleman as his replacement barely 45 minutes later.The 62-year-old will take charge immediately, with his first game at home to Fleetwood Town on Saturday.Discussing Bonner’s exit, managing director Joe Comper said: “Mark is a top guy, a top professional and has given absolutely everything he could have given to help the club succeed.“We liked him from the moment we met him, and we still do, which makes this decision even tougher.READ MORE IN football “The staff have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, however, we felt if we were going to achieve something this season with what we believe to be a very talented group of players, we needed to make a change to give us the best possible opportunity of getting to where we want to be come the start of May.“With regret we have decided to part company. I would like to place on record my thanks to Mark and I wish every success for the future.”Bonner took over in May and was even named manager of the month in August after an unbeaten start. But performances soon dipped as The Gills sunk down the wrong end of the table. Most read in FootballGillingham were beaten 3-0 by Bromley in their last match under Bonner – as their trip to Chesterfield was postponed due to horrific weather. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Bonner had admitted afterwards: “I understand the frustration of the fans because it wasn’t very good, and there have been too many games where we haven’t been good enough.”We haven’t really got a leg to stand on tonight so we can’t really argue with the fans’ reaction, what I do know is that the club has potential. Two games OFF as heavy snow storms and sub-zero temperatures hit football fixtures with freezing rain to come”I know that I am good and I know we have some good players. It has to change quickly because we need to find the formula for getting to where we want to be.” Gillingham added in their statement: “We would like to thank Mark and Anthony for their efforts while at MEMS Priestfield Stadium and we expect to make a further announcement regarding the management of the team later this evening.” More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua admits ‘time is limited’ as he calls out Tyson Fury to 2025 fight and opens up on ‘turbulent times’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA admits the clock is ticking for a fight with Tyson Fury. The two are in line to finally settle their British beef this year having both suffered recent defeats. Anthony Joshua during his trip to NigeriaCredit: @anthonyjoshuaFury was beaten twice on the spin by Oleksandr Usyk while Daniel Dubois knocked out AJ in September. It has left Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn pushing to get a two-fight deal with the Gypsy King signed and sealed for 2025. And AJ – also beaten twice by Usyk – revealed he is on board. He told Sportboom while visiting family in Nigeria: “I’ve been involved in a whole lot of fights, but this has to happen in 2025. READ MORE IN BOXING“Of course, it has to happen and, hopefully, it does happen. Time is limited. So, I just want to put in more work.” Fury, 36, suffered his first defeat in May after losing a thrilling split-decision to Usyk, 37, in Saudi Arabia. And in the rematch in December, the British legend came up a controversial unanimous loser on the cards. Usyk had become the first four-belt undisputed champion following victory in the summer but he vacated the IBF title. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDubois, 27, was elevated from interim champ and knocked AJ out in his first defence at Wembley. Joshua, 35, snubbed a rematch to take time out to recover from his disastrous defeat as a grudge match with Fury now awaits. Tommy Fury mocked by fans after professional boxer ‘nearly knocks over elderly lady’He said: “Time is of the essence. In 2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more, and I have another chance in 2025 to do more.”I’m going to make sure that I take every opportunity that comes my way. I’m going to go again. Ups and downs, they happen. “To some people, it is always up. My life is up and down, so I have got to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave.”I can’t stop now; I have to keep going until I reach my destination.”Oleksandr Usyk has twice beaten FuryCredit: Getty More