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    Chris Eubank Jr taken to hospital with horror eye cut and swollen face after brutal win over Conor Benn

    CHRIS EUBANK JR was unable to celebrate his heroic win over Conor Benn in front of the British media having been taken to hospital.Eubank won the second generation grudge match in front of 65,000 at Tottenham’s stadium with a clean sweep of 116-112 scorecards from the three judges.Eubank Jr came through an epic battle to defeat Conor BennCredit: ReutersThe former middleweight world title challenger sported a huge cut above his right eye and had two huge swollen eyes.As a result, Eubank was taken to hospital on the doctor’s orders and missed the post-fight press conference.Spurs’ £1billion stadium erupted when Eubank’s legendary dad returned to his side for the historic grudge bout.And Sr watched in awe as his eldest edged out a gruelling unanimous verdict.Eubank Jr said: “I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring that out of me. I’m not going to lie, I did not expect that he’d be the guy to do that. “But the fact that our fathers did what they did all those years ago, it brings out a different soul, a different spirit. That’s what we both showed here tonight.“I pushed through. There’s a lot of things that have been going on in my life that I’m not going to get into right now, but I’m happy to have (my father) back with me.”We upheld the family name like we said we were going to do. Onwards and upwards from here.”Most read in BoxingA rematch clause – already agreed before their individual £8million paydays  –  has already been agreed.But Benn, who left behind a welterweight title charge, said: “I believe I can fight at 160.”But if we don’t do the rematch, which I’d love to avenge that loss, go back down to welterweight and win the WBC world title. “Mario Barrios or the rematch with Eubank, whichever happens next I’ll be content with.” Following the fight, Eubank Jr was taken to hospital on doctors’ advice after picking up a nasty eye cut and being left with a swollen face.The super-middleweight, who only made the weight on the morning of this fight, looked like he was struggling to cling on as Benn’s power punches gained the upper hand in the latter stages of the fight.But Next Gen then dug deeper than he’d ever done before to deliver a brutal final round that will live long in the memory.No quarter was asked and none was given as Eubank Jr ran out the winner on points.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE RESULT: Kounde nets extra-time winner as red-carded Rudiger ‘throws ice pack at referee’

    BARCELONA have beaten Real Madrid 3-2 after extra-time to win the Copa del Rey.Barca took the lead just before the half-hour mark through a wondergoal from Pedri.Kylian Mbappe was introduced at half time for Real and the French superstar levelled the final with a stunning free-kick.Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni thumped a header home to put Los Blancos in the lead for the first time, but Ferran Torres made it 2-2 with minutes remaining to take the tie to extra-time.Just when it looked set to be decided by a penalty shoot-out, Jules Kounde’s stunning strike flew past Thibaut Courtois to secure the Copa del Rey title for Barca.From there, the clash descended into chaos as Antonio Rudiger was seen throwing an object, believed to be an ice pack, towards the referee.The ex-Chelsea star then had to be restrained by the Real Madrid bench to prevent him causing further chaos after he was sent off.Match result: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (AET)Barcelona team: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Lamine YamalReal Madrid team: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Vinicius JrFollow our live blog below…Ice, ice babyAntonio Rudiger was especially angry and had to be held back by multiple team-mates and staff as he totally lost his head.The former Chelsea defednder could even be seen throwing an ICE PACK at the referee.Copy linkCopiedReal see redThere are reports in Spain that Real Madrid had THREE players sent off in the dying minutes of the match.Los Blancos players were infuriated by De Burgos Bengochea as he penalised Kylian Mbappe.Now, Marca says that Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were all shown a red card.Copy linkCopiedSeason of dreams continues for BarcaNobody could have predicted the campaign Barcelona are enjoying in 2024/25 under their German manager.All of the fans are still in the stadium, celebrating with the players.Nobody will forget this night for some time.Credit: EPACredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBarcelona win the Copa del ReyIt was a perfect night in Seville for the Catalan giants.Club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen accepted the trophy.There will be parties long into Sunday morning as the Barcelona fans celebrate victory over their bitter rivals.Credit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMadrid suffer more cup heartacheAfter going out of the Champions League against Arsenal, Real Madrid now suffer defeat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.It hurst even more after they came back from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the match before conceding with just six minutes of normal time remaining,Some of these players may not have another chance to win this trophy with the team, including Carlo Ancelotti.Credit: APCredit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFlick continues brilliant first seasonHansi Flick is still on to win four trophies in his maiden campaign as Barcelona manager.What a way to win your first Cope del Rey trophy against your bitter rivals in extra-time.Barcelona are giving their opponents a guard of honour as Real Madrid head to collect their loser medals.Credit: APCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedFT: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)Crazy scenes in Seville as Hansi Flick’s side celebrate.Jules Kounde’s extra-time goal has won it for them.We also saw absolute pandemonium on the Madrid bench and that may be the first time we have seen a player in professional football throw an object at a referee from the touchline.Rudiger will face some harsh punishment for that no doubt.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBarcelona win the Copa del ReyCopy linkCopiedFT: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)The referee brings the game to a close.Barcelona are Copa del Rey champions.What a final this has been in Seville.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)120+2. It is all going a little crazy now.Real Madrid’s players are throwing objects at the referee.Rudiger is being held back from attacking him it seems.Wild.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)120. Barcelona are on the verge of victory here.Time is running out for Real Madrid.Hansi Flick’s side just need to protect what they have now.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)118. More drama as the penalty is ruled out due to offside.Brahim Diaz was beyond the last man.Lazy stuff from the Real Madrid man.Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Real MadridCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)116. How about this for drama.Mr Real Madrid, Luke Modric, plays a tired pass and Kounde cuts it out.He shifts the ball in front of him and drills it into the far corner to put Flick’s side ahead late on in this match.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jules Kounde (Barcelona)Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)114. The ball is lifted into the box and Bellingham throws himself at it.He almost gets a touch to score possibly the most important goal of his Madrid career so far.Barcelona are under intense pressure now.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)112. Endrick has come on for Rudiger for Real Madrid.How the youngster would love to get a winner here.Ancelotti’s side look to come forward and pile some pressure on Barcelona.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)110. Tchouameni puts in a timely sliding challenge in his own penalty area.It goes behind for a Barcelona corner.Garcia rises to meet the cross and sends it sailing over the bar.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)108. Bellingham is shown a yellow card by the referee.Torres had another sight of goal but slipped as he shot.He kicked the ball onto his other foot and it looped over Courtois and landed on the roof of the net.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)106. You can see some players are feeling it now.Barcelona cross into the middle and Torres slots home.He is offside by a country mile and it is ruled out.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)We are back underway in Seville.Fifteen minutes to make yourself a hero.Barcelona get the second-half of extra-time started.Copy linkCopiedHT: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)The referee brings the first-half of extra-time to close.Still nothing to separate these two teams.There are some leggy players out there in this heat.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)105. As a cross comes into the box for Barcelona, Raphinha goes down holding his face.He needs to be careful now he has already been booked.Torres get a sight of goal and looks to slot it in the far corner and it misses by a matter of inches.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)103. A ball is knocked down the line for Modric to have a race towards with the defender.Just what the 39-year-old wanted am sure.Torres looks to swing a cross in towards Raphinha but Courtois comes to gather.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)101. Mbappe is looking more isolated up top now.He thrives in having someone who can match his pace alongside him.There is no danger Brahim Diaz can do that.Copy linkCopied More

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    Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 2 (AET): Kounde bags extra-time winner as Barca survive VAR controversy to claim Copa del Rey

    JULES KOUNDE outshone fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe as Barcelona sealed a historic Copa del Rey win over rivals Real Madrid. The match was played following an extraordinary refereeing row, with Madrid forced to deny they would boycott the fixture. Jules Kounde scored a brilliant winner to secure the Copa del Rey for BarcelonaCredit: APLamine Yamal and Co led early in the first half through PedriCredit: ReutersBut Kylian Mbappe turned the game on its head with a brilliant freekickCredit: APDespite the Frenchman’s heroics, it was his fellow countryman Kounde who stole the showCredit: APThe full-back’s late strike came with the game seemingly destined for penaltiesCredit: APLos Blancos trailed early in the contest following a strike from Pedri at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja. But after the break, Madrid stormed back thanks to some inspiration from Mbappe.The French talisman turned the game on its head with his first-ever career free-kick goal. The 22-year-old took aim from just outside the area after being chopped down by Frenkie De Jong.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMbappe unleashed a powerful, low, right-footed free-kick which flew in off the post.And just minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed in to put Madrid on the cusp of their 21st Copa del Rey title.Carlo Ancelotti’s men made it to within five minutes of the whistle before they were pegged back by Ferran Torres.The ex-Man City star was sent clear and rounded keeper Thibault Courtois to level things up.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBarca thought they had won it late in stoppage time as Raphinha went down under a challenge from Asencio.Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea initially gave the spot-kick, only to book the Brazilian for simulation after a VAR review.Barcelona coach SMASHES IPAD in fury as he appeals for penalty in La Liga clashDespite the time ticking past midnight in Spain, the game headed into an energy-sapping extra time.And as time ticked towards penalties, it was Arsenal-target Kounde who proved to be the Barca hero. He intercepted a rare loose pass from Luka Modric on the edge of the box, thundering a low strike past Courtois and sparking jubilant scenes in the Barca end.The goal sealed the Catalan giants’ 32nd success in the competition and their first since 2021.Saturday’s final had been dogged by reports before kick-off that Madrid would boycott the spectacle. Referee Bengoetxea broke down in tears during an extraordinary press conference on Thursday.The Spanish official tearfully responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.Real Madrid later responded to the rumours, writing in a statement: “Our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final. Read More on The Sun”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made 24 hours before the final by the referees appointed for this match cannot taint a sporting event of global significance which will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. “We also express our respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those already in the Andalusian capital.” More

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    Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn: How fight of the year unfolded round by round from controversial slip to thrilling end

    CHRIS EUBANK JR secured the family bragging rights in his second generation grudge match against Conor Benn. With three unanimous 116-112 verdicts, Eubank Jr prevailed in the family feud with his dad making a return to his corner to watch it. Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr went to war in front of 64,000 fans in North LondonCredit: GettyBrave Eubank put in a stunning late surge to clinch victoryCredit: ReutersChris Eubank Sr made a shock appearance to back his eldest sonCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCHIt lived up to the all hype – EVERY round was bloody, tasty and violent, before the more-experienced Eubank stood strong to come back into it and snatch victory. Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg gives you the ultimate breakdown of a gripping clash between the sons of two British boxing legends. Round 1 The referee forces them to touch gloves before the bout starts after initially ignoring his request.Benn unsurprisingly flies out looking for the right, bobbing, weaving, jumping in with another right.ERAD MORE BOXING NEWSEubank triples up jab looking to assert his size, but Benn again flies in wildly.There’s a coming together after Benn throws a right and Eubank holds on.Double jab right just misses for Benn – the round ends having felt like it went on forever.Conor Benn came out like lightningCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRound 2Benn darts forward, ducking under a Eubank shot.Most read in BoxingBoth trade lefts then come together already  – being getting a warning by the ref.Jab from Eubank’s snaps Benn’s head back. He fires back. Right hook lands for Benn and the left just misses. Jab lands for Benn, then Eubank responds with his own and scores with a left hook. Round 3Benn just misses with a counter right as Eubank – who missed the weight by 0.05lb – looks a little lethargic. Right lands on the button for Benn and the follow left stuns Eubank in what is the first sign of danger. Eubank goads Benn and tries to rough him up and snaps his head back with a jab. There’s a coming together and both end up on the floor. Big right for Benn as Eubank looks to go to the body. Eubank fell into Benn as the pair fell into the floor in the third roundCredit: GettyRound 4Three punch combo out the gate for Eubank to the head and body, which pushes Benn back. Both swing out and miss but a huge uppercut off the jab lands for Eubank as the crowd chant his name. Benn slips and lands a left, follows up soon after with a counter right as Eubank misses with the reply.Ben was arguably 3-0 up by this stageCredit: ReutersRound 5Benn hit the floor – does a roll – but it’s ruled as a slip. Eubank looks to stop Benn’s attacks, as opposed to mounting his own. But he drives Benn back with a couple of one-twos and then sends him flying across the ring with a shrug – with his size advantage on full display. Eubank misses with a right and Benn says “what was that?”Down goes Benn, but it appears it was just a loss of balance caused by his own footwork more than anythingCredit: AFPRound 6Both trade on the inside before Benn drives Eubank back to the ropes and stick his gloves in his MOUTH. Sharp counter right lands for Benn, then Eubank replies and both twist around and lose each other. Counter right uppercut lands for Eubank as Benn flies forward. Benn lands right, Eubank responds with a jab and then evades three shots coming his way – the fight appears to be turning here. Round 7Ugly scenes as both boxers try to grab each other and punch. Eubank gets a warning – maybe his last before a point comes off. He them whips in an uppercut, which Benn takes well as the crowd gasps. An Uppercut left shakes Benn, but he fires back. Benn tries to slip but walks into some shots – clearly not defending as well as he was earlier. Eubank still lets the verbals jabs fly too and a big one-two shakes Benn. Eubank took more control by Round 7Round 8Benn comes out strong, swinging from the hip after sensing Eubank’s recent success.Both sit in the pocket and Benn holds his feet as a right hand whiskers past him. It’s like in the movies where two boxers go blow-for-blow – just this time nothing actually lands. Again both trade hooks, bobbing, weaving and throwing with each other. Eubank chases Benn across the ring desperately looking for a big shot and both land on the inside. They sit on the ropes, chest to chest, and throw what they physically can muster but it’s out of pure exhaustion. Eubank Sr was spotted giving his son’s corner adviceRound 9Benn wildy misses with a left hook. They tangle in the centre of the ring as Benn fires back with a right hand. Benn’s backs to the ropes and they left off shots, nothing finds home. He then misses with a looping hook but Eubank is CUT from a head clash. Both land shots and look staggered as Eubank takes the fight to close quarters.Eubank Jr was cut by a clash of heads in the ninth roundRound 10Both quite literally run into each other and let their hands go, turning into a brawl. Eubank forces Benn into the ropes, goes back into the centre and it’s a fight in the phonebox again. Both swing from the hip and land on the button. Benn connects on the chin and Eubank’s legs dip but he just about evades a follow up shot. Eubank somehow comes forward but walks right into a Benn right hand. Round 11Eubank lands a jab and right hook to the body, follows up with a counter uppercut, his legs are going but his upper body stays strong.The 35-year-old unleashes a barrage of shots as Benn backs up to the ropes, bullying the smaller man.Round 12They touch gloves – first glimpse of respect between them.There’s a tussle on the ropes with Eubank getting the better of it, using his size, big right hand rockets off Benn’s dome.Read More on The SunBenn is shaken back with a short shot on the inside and he looks to be in trouble but somehow he battles on.Now Benn responds with a huge right, but Eubank fires back with a left and both trade until the bell goes. The final round was the battle of the centuryCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Jr sensationally WINS Conor Benn fight as he settles family feud in bloody, brutal battle

    CHRIS EUBANK JR ended his three-year war of words with Conor Benn with 36 minutes of frantic violence.In a 12-round slugfest that left both men exhausted and swinging for the Spurs rafters, the bitter rivalry was brought to a close by a brutal battle.Chris Eubank Jr celebrates after his famous victoryCredit: ReutersEubank won via unanimous decisionCredit: PAAll three judges scored 116-112 in Eubank’s favourCredit: ReutersBenn looked devastated after the lossCredit: GettyEubank suffered a nasty cut above his right eye in the ninth roundCredit: GettyA gash opened up following a clash of headsCredit: GettyThe pair met after two-and-a-half years of waitingCredit: ReutersThe fight became a slugfest from the eighth round onCredit: ReutersBenn was shattered by carrying around an extra 20lbs after moving up from welterweight and Eubank was wrecked after melting off a similar amount in the build-up.All the skill, technique, game plans and mind games went out of the window and the pair attacked each other as much as they possibly could, from the opening bell until the final second.Eubank was buzzed and hurt a handful of times but – willed on by the shock last-minute arrival of his dad – he showed incredible grit, heart and chin to stay upright and get his hand raised.The Eubank vs Benn family rivalry – started by fathers Nigel and Chris Sr, who were both at ringside, is now settled at 2-0 with one draw and does not need a greedy rematch.READ MORE IN BOXINGBenn and his dad made their ring walk together at 10pm to a muted welcome that seemed to fall flat but when he reached the ring he got boos and whistles.Eubank emerged to his dad’s trademark Tina Turner ‘Simply the Best’ anthem and it seemed to win the crowd over, after they also jeered his initial intro.And when he leapt over the top rope – like a chip off the old block – the north London crowd boomed for him.Before the bell, Benn practised vicious combinations from the crouched orthodox stance his dad was famous for, while Eubank Jr stood in his corner barely moving.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPunch stats    EUBANK – BENNTOTAL PUNCHES: 912 – 593PUNCHES LANDED: 367 – 215% PUNCHES LANDED: 40% – 36%EUBANK BENNPunches – Landed – % LandedRd 1 48 14 29% – 25 7 28%Rd 2 59 16 27% – 32 10 31%Rd 3 43 18 42% – 33 10 30%Rd 4 49 21 43% – 33 13 39%Rd 5 53 19 36% – 32 13 41%Rd 6 62 25 40% – 44 12 27%Rd 7 77 33 43% – 51 17 33%Rd 8 99 37 37% – 59 24 41%Rd 9 87 32 37% – 55 24 44%Rd 10 104 43 41% – 65 26 40%Rd 11 109 52 48% – 86 30 35%Rd 12 122 57 47% – 78 29 37%TOTAL 912 367 40% – 593 215 36%Source: CompuBoxRight up until the opening bell, Jr was guzzling water after a brutal weight cut the 48 hours before.Both men missed with wild early shots and then Benn scored with a left hook and right hand.Chris Eubank Sr arrives wih Jr for Conor Benn in huge show of support despite publicly criticising sonThen a double-jab-right-hand combo landed from the Ilford slugger.Eubank needed to suck down more water throughout his first break as trainer Johnathon Banks tried to give him instructions.Eubank’s first eye-catching shot was a second-round jab that was crisp and flush, a left hook also connected but Benn countered with a right hand in another tense early round.Both Brits were jabbing well by the third and Benn’s right hands were landing. Eubank had to tie up after one stinging effort and tried to trash talk the younger and fresher man.Both men collapsed on the floor with 30 seconds left but Benn had enough time to bounce up and land another right hand that was proving to be his honey punch.Eubank started the fourth with a couple of good hooks to head and body and then a textbook uppercut from the Brighton man snapped Benn’s shaved skull back and got the crowd cheering.But Benn never took a backward step and kept headhunting with rasping combinations, even when they continued swapping insults as well as punches.Referee Victor Loughlin ordered them to cut out the conversations before the fifth started.Benn hit the deck and did a backward roll but it was another slip on the heavily advertised canvas.Eubank Jr tried a one-two and Benn growled back “what’s that?” as the aggro intensified.Benn’s frenetic early pace slowed in the sixth and Eubank Jr scored with a bollo uppercut to the body before being warned for rabbit punching to the back of the head.As soon as the seventh started, the ref dived in to stop a wrestle and Eubank was able to score with a left hook. And he landed a jab-right-hook combo before holding and whispering in Benn’s ear.Benn started every round explosively and the eighth was no different but it always tapered off. And the volume of punches he missed must have sapped at his energy levels.Eubank was hurt with a chopping right hand with 30 seconds of the round left.Benn clipped him and his legs stiffened and he boxed like a drunk, stumbling forward and missing. Benn had forced an opening.Benn landed another vicious one-two in the ninth and another thudding little right and Eubank was cut around the right eye, following a clash of heads, and trying to blink the blood away.Eubank’s early finesse and poise were gone and he was hanging on by a thread of pride and freakish genetic fitness.Eubank started the 10th like a man who knew he was on a cliff edge in his career.But Benn buzzed and wobbled him again as he took control of the back end of the bout.Jr was almost finished with a minute left, he was scythed and slashed and thudded by his nemesis and there was no oxygen for trash talk any more.Eubank was a shadow of a fighter by the 11th, powerless and surviving on fumes and dangerously vulnerable.Benn kept slashing away and Eubank and his bruised cheekbone would use clinches to check the clock and see how long he had to last.Both men were exhausted by the final round and Eubank started with a ridiculously wild left hook that missed by a mile.Then they slugged it out for a moment but the quality went out the open roof along with their oxygen.Read More on The SunEubank went to the well one last time, pinned Benn on the ropes and bashed him up but both men showed their inherited hearts and chins to last it out.And when the bell went they both walked away in shattered celebrations and all the fathers and sons mixed and mingled and made amends.The pair tumbled after a coming togetherCredit: GettyNigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr embraced before the fightCredit: Getty More

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    ‘We hurt the squad’ – Ruben Amorim admits decision to axe Marcus Rashford and Antony cost Man Utd around ten goals

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim dumped striker Marcus Rashford and £85.5million flop Antony for the greater good of the club.Homegrown star Marcus Rashford, who is now out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, found a new lease of life on loan at Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim has admitted the losses of loan stars Marcus Rashford and Antony have hurt Man UtdCredit: APAntony and Rashford have excelled while on loanCredit: RexHe scored four goals and had five assists.And Antony has been an instant favourite at Spanish club Real Betis.But ahead of today’s trip to Bournemouth, with United facing their lowest-ever Prem points total, Amorim said he needed to move the unhappy duo on.And not only because the cash-strapped club could save a huge chunk of their combined weekly wage of £500,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a clear signal that he wants them sold to help fund a summer re-build, Amorim said: “We lack a lot of things in the team.“In January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Antony, we lost these players.“And we didn’t bring new ones, that was a risk. We are trying to do something more important.“But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“We can hurt the squad now but in the future it is going to help the club so I think we are on that path.”Amorim stressed he had the full support of technical director Jason Wilcox with the loan deals.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd He added: “It was my idea but I tried to help the team and sometimes helping the players needs something different.”Rashford and Antony’s future lies away from Old Trafford with United pushing on with plans to lure £62.5m forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Liam Delap, available for £30m from Ipswich, is another target, along with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. More

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    Liverpool line up £50m Adam Wharton transfer as Crystal Palace and England star, 21, sets out conditions

    LIVERPOOL will try to tempt Adam Wharton to quit Crystal Palace in a £50million-plus swoop.Anfield’s transfer team are focusing on the midfielder whose passing talent could make Arne Slot’s team tick.Liverpool will try to sign Adam Wharton this summerCredit: GettyWharton has established himself as a Premier League player of real promise since his move from hometown club Blackburn in 2024.And his ability to see the picture and deliver quick balls to attackers marks him out as a future elite star.Wharton, 21, could be interested in a return to his native north west but the snag will be whether he gets enough game time to keep him on an upward path.He forced his way into England’s Euro 2024 squad after joining Palace but has been frustrated by injuries this season, missing three months after a groin operation in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat has restricted his appearances in a campaign that should have seen him take off for club and country.If Liverpool can sell a plan to Wharton – especially with Champions League football available – then he may take the chance.Palace, facing huge interest in their players this summer, are sure to demand a huge fee for Wharton who still has more than four years left on his contract.Blackburn are also due a 15 per cent cut of profit over the £18m Palace paid up front for their former academy star 15 months ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBayern Munich and Real Madrid are also admirers but Wharton has not played often enough this season to make their interest concrete.Wharton has featured heavily since his return from injury, playing in every game since he got back fit.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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    ‘I understand’ – Pep Guardiola joins calls to bring back popular FA Cup feature

    PEP GUARDIOLA made a fresh call to switch FA Cup semi-finals from Wembley to help out cash-strapped fans.Manchester City face Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the last four,  a seventh straight appearance at this stage.Pep Guardiola has backed FA Cup semi-finals moving from WembleyCredit: EPACity are appearing in their seventh-straight semi-finalCredit: GettyBut about 5,000 City tickets are unsold for what is their 28th trip to the redeveloped national stadium, while Forest’s 36,000 swiftly sold out.Guardiola has sympathy for fans priced out of yet another trip south.And the Spaniard called for a return to staging semis at neutral grounds in the country.Asked if it was unfair to always make fans travel 200 miles from Manchester to London, he said: “Yes, one day in the FA Cup maybe we will play them in the north.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Maybe they will come to Old Trafford, Etihad, Anfield or Goodison,  perhaps they will come here.”I understand people all around the world are suffering economically, it’s not easy for them.“We’d love it if they could be there and  will play for the ones who come and the ones who would like to but cannot.“They can’t but I’m  sure they’d love to – it’s just that it’s not possible for them. I’m close enough to them to understand it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOnly Chelsea, with 30 trips, have been to Wembley more since 2007.City are closing in on a tenth visit in four years.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantThe 4.30pm kick-off is another issue as extra-time and penalties would be a big problem for fans travelling by train.Guardiola added: “I know they’d come but the situation is difficult.”For travel, work on Monday, maybe they will get back late.”The prices, all the tickets . . . people cannot afford it.” More