More stories

  • in

    Mo Salah leapfrogs Harry Kane, Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer to break Premier League record in 5-0 win over West Ham

    MO SALAH broke a Premier League record during Liverpool’s 5-0 drubbing of West Ham.The Hammers were humiliated by the Reds at the London Stadium as the Egyptian forward played a starring role.Mo Salah broke a Premier League record in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West HamCredit: ReutersHe scored and assisted two goals against the HammersCredit: GettySalah, 32, scored one goal and provided two assists for Liverpool as he put in a man-of-the-match performance.He set up Cody Gakpo for his side’s second of the game before firing in the third himself.Salah also picked up the assist for Diogo Jota to wrap up the scoring in the match.In doing so, he became the first player to score and assist in eight matches in a single Premier League season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSince the competition was started in 1992, it has only been managed seven times previously.Before doing it for the eighth time, Salah was level with the likes of Harry Kane, Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer.Bruno Fernandes and Robin van Persie had also managed the feat seven times in a single season.Salah’s impressive form has seen him already hit 20 goals for the campaign in all competitions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn the Premier League, he is leading the scoring charts with 17 goals as well as the assist leaderboard with 13.He has also scored or assisted in each of his previous 11 games to help his side lay down their title credentials.’We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warningArne Slot’s team are currently leading the Premier League, eight points ahead of second-placed Nottingham Forest.They have only lost once in the league this season, which came against Forest at Anfield in September. Nuno Espirito Santo’s brave Tricky Trees have played one more game than the Reds.Arsenal are in third place with only 18 games played but are nine points off the pace.Meanwhile, Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and can negotiate with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement in January.After the win over West Ham, he insisted that he is still focused on Liverpool.He said: “No we are far away from that and I don’t want to put anything in the media and people start saying stuff.”Now I am focused on the team.”The only thing in my mind is for Liverpool to win the league, I just want to be part of that.”That is the only thing I have been focusing on since the start of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I will do my best for the team to win a trophy, we are in the right direction.”There are a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again.” More

  • in

    Hugo Sotil dead at 75: Barcelona legend who formed legendary partnership with Johan Cruyff dies after ‘health problem’

    BARCELONA hero Hugo Sotil has passed away 75. The Peruvian was hospitalised earlier this month after experiencing a “health issue”.Barcelona legend Hugo Sotil has passed away aged 75Credit: Barcelona FCThe Peru international was hospitalised earlier this month but never recovered from his health issueCredit: AFPDoctors placed Sotil in intensive care and did their best to improve his condition.But the former striker was sadly unable to recover and passed away on Monday.Barcelona announced his passing an emotional statement, an excerpt of which read: “On Monday 30 December Hugo Sotil passed away.”Born in Ica in Peru on 18 May 1949, ‘Cholo’ as he was known, was considered one of the best South American players of his generation, and was a from fan favourites at Baraa during his time at the club.READ MORE ON BARCELONA”The striker came to Barça for the 1973/74 season from Peruvian club Municipal de Lima.”Sotil was a vital part of a team that included legends such as Johan Cruyff, [Juan Manuel] Asensi, [Carlos] Rexach and Marcial [Pina].”He became a favourite of the Camp Nou crowd who would chant “Cholooo, Cholooo” in his honour.”A social media post from the club read: “FC Barcelona mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barca from 1973 to 1976, and offers its condolences to his family and friends. Most read in FootballHugo Sotil was part of Barcelona’s successful team of the early 1970sCredit: GETTYHe formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan CruyffCredit: AFP”Rest in peace, Cholo.”Scores of Barca fans responded to the X post to pay tribute to the late Sotil. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend.”Another said: “”He wasn’t just talented on the field with his amazing dribbling and assists, loved by so many. “Rest in peace, Cholo.”Sotil joined Barcelona in 1973 from Peruvian side Deportivo Municipal and won a slew of trophies with the Catalan club. He scored 29 goals in 96 appearances during his four years at the Nou Camp. He formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan Cruyff, which is still talked about to this day.Sotil had incredibly fond memories of his time with the club and the love he received from the Nou Camp faithful. He said: “The love of the people of Barca is unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The day I die I hope they bury me in a Barca shirt.”Barcelona will likely pay tribute to the late Sotil when they welcome Valencia to the Nou Camp on January 26. More

  • in

    Newcastle lining up £20million James Trafford transfer but Burnley set to push back on England star leaving

    NEWCASTLE UNITED are lining up a £20million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.The England Under-21 star has impressed in the Championship this season at the Clarets.Newcastle are interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordCredit: GettyTrafford, 22, has kept 13 clean sheets in his 22 league outings, with only nine efforts going past him. SunSport understands that Burnley will do its best to stop the player from leaving the club before the summer.The Clarets are currently third in the Championship, just three points behind league leaders Leeds.Manager Scott Parker believes Trafford is a key part of the club’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle have been long-term admirers of Trafford and saw a £15m bid rejected for him last summer.His asking price is likely to be closer to £20m now.If Burnley were to accept an offer in that region, then it could give Parker a cash injection to invest in his squad.The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss could then bolster his squad in the January window to boost their promotion credentials.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club could then put faith in stopper Vaclac Hladky who has been the number two at Turf Moor this season.The 34-year-old played a crucial role in Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Prem last season.Newcastle fans brutally troll Man Utd with umbrella hats, flippers, goggles and wet suits at leaky Old TraffordHe played in every game as the Tractor Boys sealed automatic promotion.Newcastle currently have Nick Pope as the No.1 as well as Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie as backup options.Vlachodimos was signed from Nottingham Forest in the summer window but has only made one appearance in the EFL Cup.The Magpies also have an interest in Aaron Ramsdale and may look to sign the Southampton stopper if they are relegated.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Classy Ruben Amorim gives young Man Utd fan once-in-a-lifetime tour around Carrington training ground in his car

    RUBEN AMORIM showed his class by giving a young Manchester United fan an once-in-a-lifetime tour around Carrington in his car.The Red Devils manager has only been in charge since mid-November.Ruben Amorim gave a young fan a tour of Carrington in his carCredit: TIkTokThe Man Utd supporter was delighted with the once-in-a-lifetime experienceCredit: TIkTokBut he has already endeared himself to the United faithful with a new style and high hopes for the future.Results are yet to go Amorim’s way, with the gaffer already losing five of his 10 games at the helm.Yet that hasn’t stopped fans from cheering him on from the stands ahead of tonight’s crunch clash with Newcastle.And some have even showed their support for the Portuguese boss at United’s Carrington training base.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne youngster decided to give Amorim a boost by waiting outside the ground all day.The kid even created a custom card welcoming the tactician to the club.And his day was made when Amorim stopped to say hi after a tough day of training.The manager appeared delighted when he was given the gift.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the young fan’s wildest dreams came true when United’s boss made a classy gesture.Incredibly, Amorim opened the passenger door to his Porsche Taycan sports car before offering the supporter a tour of Carrington.Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsThe kid hopped in before they went whizzing off together back into the training ground.Amorim sped around Carrington to give the fan his once-in-a-lifetime tour.And afterwards he dropped the youngster back off at the entrance before making his way home.Other fans were quick to praise Amorim’s amazing gesture.One said: “Ruben is a class act.”Another declared: “What a classy gesture.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Lovely Amorim, you have my respect.”Another added: “I want him to succeed so bad.” More

  • in

    Alex Neil returns to management after more than a year unemployed as Millwall confirm appointment of Scottish boss

    ALEX NEIL has been announced as the new head coach of Championship side Millwall.The 43-year-old has penned a long-term deal with the Lions following the resignation of Neil Harris.Alex Neil has been announced as Millwall’s new head coachCredit: RexHe will be joined by assistant coach Martin Canning.On the appointment, Millwall chairman James Berylson said: “We’re excited to welcome Alex to the club. Having met with him over the last couple of weeks, I have really enjoyed his passion and energy for the role.”We have a clear vision and strategy at the club that Alex is aligned with, and he has some really exciting ideas of how we can progress with those objectives and ambitions together across the entire club.”All our support is there for Alex, and I can’t wait to see what he can do for us. I, alongside everybody at Millwall, wish him the very best as our new Head Coach.”Read More in FootballNeil will take charge of his first match on Wednesday, when Millwall face Oxford United at The Den.The Scot has previously managed Hamilton Academical, Norwich City, Preston North End, Sunderland and Stoke City.However, he had been out of work for over a year until now.Neil was sacked by Stoke in December 2023, with the club 20th in the Championship table.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPrior to his career in management, he played as a defensive midfielder.He starred for Scottish teams Airdrieonians and Hamilton Academical as well as English clubs Barnsley and Mansfield Town.Millwall fans boo their own light show at The Den ahead of Leeds clash More

  • in

    Man Utd star Mason Mount WINS extension battle to build golf simulator at £4million mansion – despite course NEXT DOOR

    MASON Mount has been given the green light to build a golf simulator at his £4million Cheshire mansion – despite living next door to a luxury golf resort.The Manchester United star, 25, wanted to transform his garage to make the plans work.Mason Mount has won his battle to build the golf simulator at his homeCredit: GettyThe Manchester United star had faced a possible red card from council plannersCredit: GettyBut he faced a possible red card from council planners as the proposed development threatened five nearby trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).Mount scrapped plans for the garage conversion and submitted revised plans for his six-bed new build, moving the extension 6ft away from the trees.The amended plans still show a ground floor golf simulator along with a gym, sauna, changing room and study.And Mount plans to use specially engineered foundations to avoid harming the trees’ roots.Read More FootballCouncil officials ruled the extension “on-side” after there were no objections from neighbours.A planning officer involved said: “The proposed extension is considered to appear well related to the existing property.”The proposed development is considered to be a proportionate addition.”It is therefore an appropriate form of development in the green belt.”Most read in FootballBut they added: “The view remains that the trees will cause seasonal nuisance issues for the flat roof and that pruning will be required.”Mount’s pad already comes with an array of luxury features, which include a pool room, gym and two cinemas.And the sprawling house backs on to a prestigious golf resort, providing the home with picturesque views.It comes after the midfielder limped off with a muscle problem in the first half of the Manchester derby earlier this month.He moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2023 for £55million but has played just 33 of a possible 78 games in a Utd shirt.A calf injury kept him out for almost four months last season while a hamstring problem has sidelined him this campaign.Mount’s luxury pad was built just two years ago and boasts full-length windows, five bathrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining area, cinema, orangery and office.It also has a number of reception rooms, a first floor glazed balcony with decking and a second cinema in the loft.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther famous footballers who live nearby include Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane, and Man Utd goalkeeper Tom Heaton.Mount’s representatives have been contacted for comment. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans left disgusted at ‘craziest stat’ about Anthony Elanga that shows how dismal Red Devils attackers have been

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left stunned by a shocking stat relating to the club’s attackers.The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with just 22 points from 18 games.Man Utd have struggled for goals this seasonCredit: ReutersAnthony Elanga has registered 20 goal contributions since leaving Old TraffordCredit: AlamyThey have a negative goal difference having scored just 21 and conceded 24 shots.And new head coach Ruben Amorim – who replaced Erik ten Hag in November – is yet to improve results.Amid the club’s poor run of form, the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have all failed to hit their stride.In fact, they have all managed fewer goal contributions than ex-Red Devil forward Anthony Elanga since he joined Nottingham Forest 16 months ago.Read More on Man UtdSince joining Forest in August 2023, Elanga has registered 20 goals and assists.In comparison, Garnacho has managed 15, Rashford and Hojlund both have 14 and out-of-favour winger Antony has just two.Fans have been left stunned by the stats, with one person taking to X to write: “That’s not shocking. We never should’ve sold him for so cheap. Luckily we do have a buyback clause.”Another commented: “That’s because pretty much every player improves once they leave United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGoal involvements since Elanga left Man Utd in August 2023Alejandro Garnacho has managed 15 goals/assists since August 2023Credit: Getty”Whether it’s the scrutiny that comes with the shirt or being dragged down by the club itself it happens too often to be a coincidence.”A third said: “My favorite was people saying ‘Elanga wasn’t United standard’ brothers look around. None of our forwards are.”Manchester United Player Ratings vs WolvesWhile another wrote: “He was definitely better than Antony and Sancho. And only 20 years old when leaving United.”Elanga spent a season under the management of Ten Hag at Man Utd.In 26 appearances across the 2022-23 season, he provided just two assists without scoring.Man Utd next face Newcastle tonight at Old Trafford.Marcus Rashford has 15 in 16 monthsCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund has also struggled for formCredit: Getty More

  • in

    AC Milan sack Paulo Fonseca after less than six months in charge and confirm replacement just hours later

    AC MILAN have appointed Sergio Conceicao as their new boss just hours after sacking Paulo Fonseca.The Portuguese gaffer was given his marching orders after last night’s 1-1 Serie A draw with Roma.AC Milan have sacked manager Paulo Fonseca after less than six monthsCredit: AFPSergio Conceicao has been confirmed as his replacementCredit: GettyFonseca only joined Milan last summer as a replacement for Stefano Pioli after two years with French side Lille.Tasty fees were spent on Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, Salzburg defender Stranhinja Pavlovic, Spurs right-back Emerson Royal and Atletico Madrid’s ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.And Fonseca even managed to bag a late loan deal for Roma forward Tammy Abraham, also once of Chelsea, while also making Blues icon Paulo Ferreira his assistant.But despite the haul of arrivals, Milan were only able to win 12 of 24 matches under their new boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 19-time Serie A champions find themselves eighth in the table, 14 points behind joint-leaders Atalanta and Napoli.They could fall 16 points off the pace if rivals Inter Milan win their game in hand.And San Siro chiefs issued a brutal 41-word statement on Monday to confirm that Fonseca had been given his marching orders.It read: “AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The Club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.”Milan have not wasted any time appointing a successor, with fellow Portuguese ace Conceicao penning a contract until 2026.Watch AC Milan star stitch up her OWN gory wound in incredible video thanks to side hustle as a DOCTORHe starred for rivals Lazio, Parma and Inter as a player.While his son, 22-year-old winger Francisco, currently plays for Juventus.It marks his first role since leaving Porto in June.He spent seven years in the Portuguese capital, winning three titles and eight cups.Conceicao was renowned for his fiery attitude and bullish tactics.And he could opt for a 4-4-2 formation, potentially pairing ex-Chelsea duo Morata and Abraham together. More