Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd could line up with Cunha and Mbeumo after £125.5m transfer spree – and where does Bruno Fernandes fit in?

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are making early moves in the transfer market. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos have made a fast start to their second summer window since their arrival as co-owners at Old Trafford – and the stakes could not be higher.Man Utd have already confirmed the arrival of Matheus CunhaCredit: AFPBryan Mbeumo reportedly has his heart set on an Old Trafford transferCredit: GettyBut what does this all mean for Bruno Fernandes after he snubbed a deal to join Al-HilalCredit: PAWhile there is an argument to be made that none of the transfers made in the last 12 months were TOTAL flops, it did not stop Man Utd from having their worst-ever Premier League season.And the squad clearly needs a lot of work to bring it up to the standard of even a top-half team.Fortunately, club transfer chiefs have wasted no time in trying to address those issues, first of all confirming the signing of 15-goal Wolves Brazil ace Matheus Cunha for £62.5million.The 26-year-old’s move will be completed once he returns from international duty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen, just a day later, reports emerged revealing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo had his heart set on a move to Manchester.Mbeumo scored 20 goals and added seven assists last season, and, according to reports, is ready to snub Newcastle and Arsenal to seal a deal estimated to be around £50m.Furthermore, club captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes will now NOT move to Al-Hilal after turning down a crazy offer of £700,000-a-week – and around £100m for United.While Fernandes – the team’s only genuine world-class player – seemingly staying is doubtless a positive, it poses the question of how Ruben Amorim will arrange his new assortment of attacking goodies. Most read in FootballSunSport has taken a look at three ways Man Utd could line up next season, including some other stars the fallen giants have been linked with ahead of a huge summer.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs mentioned earlier, Man Utd need work from top to bottom, including both a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker, even after the Cunha and Mbeumo deals.For our first possible team, we have named World Cup winner Emi Martinez in goal after SunSport exclusively revealed how the Aston Villa star was “up for the challenge” of turning Man Utd around.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!The starting back three sees Lisandro Martinez, who prior to his injury was one of the best performers under Amorim, alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, who both got better as the season went on.Fernandes is in midfield, where he can get on the ball the most and set the tempo from deeper, which seems to be his new main position under Amorim.Next to him, is Brighton star Carlos Baleba, who would act as the perfect foil to the 30-year-old in the middle of the park, but crucially also bring on and off the ball quality.The data suggests the 21-year-old is among the best in the league for defensive contributions such as blocks, interceptions and tackles in the attacking third.He also ranks fifth in ball recoveries in the league, behind Moises Caicedo, Fernandes, Elliot Anderson and Joao Gomes. This would naturally be an expensive deal, so only time will tell whether he firstly wants the move and secondly whether Man Utd can agree a good deal with Brighton, who are notoriously tough negotiators.But then, with Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu as the wing-backs supporting Mbeumo and Cunha, we have added former Premier League bad boy Aleksandar Mitrovic into the attacking mix.The Al-Hilal star is reportedly open to a return to England, and joining Man Utd to link up with Cunha and Mbeumo would see the club have three of the best midtable stars the Prem has seen in the last five years.However, our other teams have also swapped some of the names mentioned for similar players linked.In goal, we have also speculated on the arrival of former Man Utd academy shot-stopper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Serie A star Zion Suzuki.Man Utd will need a top midfielder who is physically fit and capable on the ball to strengthen the spine of the team, which also leads us to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as an alternative to Baleba. Again, this is an expensive deal. But Man Utd should be eyeing sure hits in the market this summer, rather than speculating on potential – a criteria both Baleba and Wharton, while admittedly still young, already possess. In terms of Fernandes’ role, there is an argument to be made that his best football for Man Utd came playing right behind the striker, where he is most impactful in the final third. Cunha and Mbeumo represent two strong profiles to link up with.And should Man Utd suffer a striker crisis or fail to land an appropriate ace this summer, they could always deploy Cunha as a “false 9” with Mbeumo and Fernandes buzzing off of his link play.There is also a chance Amorim switches to a more attacking two-striker system if he wants to really stretch games. Read More on The SunIf Man Utd can set up a reunion between Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres, he may look to have two fast forwards leading the line to stretch the opposition defence before the likes of Cunha arrive to support them in the final third.Sales will be key to these plans of course, but many are already seemingly in the works, with Rasmus Hojlund attracting interest from Inter Milan, Marcus Rashford linked with Barcelona, and bad boy Alejandro Garnacho tipped for a move to Chelsea or Napoli. More

    • 238 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor desperately trying to SELL stake to stop Eagles being booted out of Europa League

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE co-owner John Textor is trying to SELL his stake in the club to prevent the Eagles being booted out of the Europa League, reports suggest.Despite winning the FA Cup, the Eagles face being unable to compete in the Europa League for the first time ever next season due to Uefa multi-club ownership rules.Crystal Palace face not being able to compete in the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rulesCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe issue comes from co-owner John Textor, who also owns LyonCredit: GettyHe is now trying to sell his stake in the Eagles less than a month after their FA Cup gloryCredit: APAmerican businessman Textor owns a 43 per cent share in the Selhurst Park outfit.However, his ownership of Ligue 1 side Lyon has placed Palace’s place in the competition in jeopardy without a ball even being kicked.That is because the French outfit also qualified for next season’s Europa League, but due to their superior league position have preference for a spot.Palace chiefs flew out to Switzerland for a meeting on the shores of Lake Geneva earlier this week for crunch talks with Uefa about the problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to the Daily Mail, those talks lasted for around two hours and ended in Textor putting the club up for sale to avoid a potential disaster.He has previously declared his intention to sell when trying to buy Everton, alongside the fact he has access to just 25 per cent of voting rights at the club.Speaking to the Mail about the meeting, he said: “Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting. “They listened and we’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t be trying to sell (his stake) if I did.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 59-year-old added: “We are trying to help separate it and sell. “We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityThe report adds Uefa lawyers will now consider the argument before making a decision in the “near future” ahead of the draw for the qualifying stages of the Conference League.However, Palace being booted out of the Europa League is not the worst-case scenario due to the unprecedented nature of a third club being involved.The Eagles could even be booted out of the Conference League if they were forced to suffer a “relegation” to avoid two competing interests, due to the ownership of shareholder David Blitzer.Blitzer is said to own around 18 per cent of the shares in the club, but also owns Danish outfit Brondby.They appear to be in line to take a spot in the Conference League which would bring Palace into conflict with ownership rules again.Brondby finished third in Denmark’s league, but Palace would argue that qualifying for a higher-ranked competition by winning the FA Cup entitles them to the spot.That being said, if Palace end up being thrown out of European football entirely, bitter rivals Brighton would inherit a spot in the Conference League, while Nottingham Forest move up to the Europa League.Manchester United faced a similar issue last year when they won the FA Cup and were placed below French club Nice in the priority list due to their higher finish in Ligue 1.Both were ultimately allowed to compete, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos agreeing to a transfer embargo between the two clubs and major changes at board level for Nice in a so-called “blind-trust” deal.Read More on The SunManchester City had to do the same when Spanish side Girona, owned by the UAE’s City Football Group, surprisingly qualified for the Champions League last season.As a precaution, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made similar changes when it appeared both the English side and Greek outfit Olympiakos were on course to qualify for the Champions League.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. More

    • 200 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham ‘hold talks with Aaron Ramsdale’ with Southampton desperate to get £100k-a-week wages off payroll

      by

      WEST HAM have opened talks to sign Aaron Ramsdale with Southampton reportedly eager to offload the goalkeeper’s wages.The England international, 27, only joined the Saints from Arsenal last summer. Aaron Ramsdale carries the burden of being relegated with three different clubsCredit: RexHammers manager Graham Potter is a big admirer of RamsdaleCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal man wants to go to the World Cup next yearCredit: GettyBut the club’s relegation means he needs a move back to the Premier League to keep his World Cup hopes alive.Before joining Southampton, Ramsdale spent much of the 2023/24 campaign on the bench at Arsenal after falling out of favour. His spot was taken by David Raya whom Mikel Arteta preferred not only for his shot-stopping ability but also for his composure and distribution with the ball.In a bid to secure regular first-team football, Ramsdale moved to Southampton but things haven’t gone according to plan and now he’s seeking a fresh start.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS According to a report from talkSPORT, West Ham manager Graham Potter is a long-time admirer of the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United shot-stopper.Potter is open to bringing in Ramsdale to provide competition for Alphonse Areola. The Hammers are short in the goalkeeping department following the departure of long-serving keeper Lukasz Fabianski.Talks are still at an early stage with West Ham hoping to negotiate a cut-price deal or possibly arrange a loan with an option to buy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRamsdale is believed to be keen on securing regular game time knowing that’s his best route back into the England squad.This move could also offer him a path back into the limelight following his early success at Arsenal before Raya’s arrival.’Do you want me to swear-‘ – Graham Potter in meltdown as West Ham boss taunted with X-rated ‘the German’s right’ chantsThe Hammers endured a tough campaign under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, finishing a disappointing 14th in the Premier League.However, Potter is said to have credit in the bank with many believing he inherited a struggling side and will be judged more fairly on progress next season. More

    • 238 Shares63 Views

      in Soccer

      Simone Inzaghi LEAVES Inter Milan just three days after Champions League final heartache and set for lucrative new job

      by

      INTER MILAN have announced the exit of manager Simone Inzaghi, just days after losing the Champions League final.Inzaghi, 49, leaves Inter having led the club to two Champions League finals, one Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and three Italian Super Cups.Simone Inzaghi has left Inter MilanCredit: GettyInzaghi Inter Milan were beaten 5-0 by PSG in the Champions League final on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe Italian manager spearheaded a new era for Inter since his arrival in 2021, but saw his team swept aside in a 5-0 thrashing to PSG in Saturday’s Champions League final.Now the retired striker looks set for a lucrative roll managing in Saudi Arabia after coming to a mutual agreement with Inter execs to call time on his spell as boss.A club statement read: “The Club and Simone Inzaghi’s paths separate. This is the decision taken by mutual agreement after the meeting that took place a few minutes ago.”Inzaghi’s management at Inter will be remembered by fans, players, managers and employees as being characterised by great passion, accompanied by professionalism and dedication.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile club president Guiseppe Marotta added: “On behalf of our shareholder Oaktree and the entire Club, I would like to thank Simone Inzaghi for the work done, for the passion shown and also for the sincerity in today’s discussion, which led to the common decision to separate our paths. “Only when we have fought together to achieve success day by day can we have a frank dialogue like the one that occurred today.”MORE TO FOLLOW…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

    • 238 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Raul Asencio accusers want Real Madrid defender jailed for FOUR YEARS over ‘video of minor having sex with team-mates’

      by

      THE lawyers representing a girl who has accused Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio of sharing a sexual video without consent believe that he should be sentenced to four years in jail.In September 2023, the defender was arrested for allegedly sharing a sexually explicit video involving two women – one of which was 16-years-old.Raul Asencio could face four years in jailCredit: GettyThree Real Madrid reserve team players – Ferran Ruiz, 22, Andres Garcia, 22, and Juan Rodriguez, 23 – were also arrested.The trio reportedly filmed the video, which also involved an 18-year-old.They are being accused of “disclosure of secrets without consent, and violation of privacy, distributing and sending videos to third parties without consent, capturing and using minors for pornographic purposes and possession of child pornography” in the case.Meanwhile, Asencio is charged with “revealing secrets in conjunction with another of child pornography” and could face several years in jail.Read More in FootballSpanish outlet AS reports that if found guilty, the 22-year-old could face around four years behind bars.Meanwhile, Cadena Cope says that the alleged victim’s lawyers want £48,900 in compensation for her and a £16.86 fine per day for 10 months.The 18-year-old woman also involved is expected to make the same request.Asencio fiercely protested his innocence regarding the ongoing legal case last month.Most read in FootballIn a lengthy statement on social media, he wrote: “I have not participated in any behaviour that violates the sexual freedom of any woman, much less minors.”The defender also said the “presumption of innocence must continue to prevail.”He added: “Should charges ultimately be filed and a trial commence, I will continue to defend myself before the Courts and Tribunals, in which I have full confidence, reaffirming my innocence of any criminal conduct.”All of this is without prejudice to the utmost respect for the conduct of the judicial proceedings as a whole, including those of the other persons under investigation.”I want to reiterate, once again, my absolute respect for the rights to sexual freedom and privacy of all women.”Asencio also claimed that he was not at the reported location at the time of the June 2023 incident.But despite the judge making it clear that he is not being charged for recording the footage, he remains indicted on charges of sharing it.The initial complaint was filed by the mother of the 16-year-old in the Canary Islands.Read More on The SunIt was stated that while the sexual activity was consensual, the alleged recording was not.Since breaking into the Real Madrid first team at the start of the season, Asencio has made 42 appearances for Los Blancos. More

    • 238 Shares37 Views

      in Athletics

      Transgender athlete, 17, tells critics to ‘get a life’ as they are booed after winning girl’s state track race

      by

      TRANSGENDER athlete Veronica Garcia has told their detractors to “get a life” after being booed at a state track championship in Washington.The 17-year-old blew away their 400m rivals by a whole second and played a big role in their East Valley of Spokane team-mates winning the 4x100m relay race.Veronica Garcia was subjected to a torrent of boos during a Washington state track meetCredit: runnerspaceFor the second year in a row, Garcia, the first transgender athlete in the state of Washington to win a track title, was heckled by track goers.The Seattle Times claims scores of attendees booed when Garcia – who is permitted to compete against biological females as students in Washington state can participate in sports based on their gender identity – stood on the podium after cheering loudly for their counterparts.That wasn’t the only backlash Garcia had to deal with as a man wearing a ‘Save women’s sports’ t-shirt – shouted: “Let go, girls!”The man, who made his feelings known during the warm-up, also shouted: “Girls’ race!”READ MORE IN SPORTGarcia fully “expected” to be hounded given the reception they received last year.But unlike last year, they had a defiant message for the minority in attendance who targeted them.Garcia said: “It maybe didn’t have their intended effect.”It made me angry, but not angry as in, I wanted to give up, but angry as in, I’m going to push.Most read in AthleticsVeronica Garcia blew away rivals in the 400m by a whole secondCredit: X@RILEY_GAINES_”I’m going to put this in the most PG-13 way, I’m just going to say it’s a damn shame they don’t have anything else better to do. “I hope they get a life. But oh well. It just shows who they are as people.” Garcia could care less about her critics, insisting: “I’m really proud of myself.”I did what I came to do, and that’s good enough for me.” Garcia pipped Lauren Matthew to victory in the 400m, although their rival insisted they were the “real champion” with a homemade sign.Garcia also had to endure a rival school wearing tees which read ‘Keep Women’s Sports Female’ before and after the 4x400m relay. More

    • 225 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool ‘saved £13MILLION’ by not giving Nunez final Premier League start with striker not record signing after all

      by

      LIVERPOOL saved a whopping £13MILLION thanks to a genius business decision regarding Darwin Nunez.Nunez, 25, joined the Reds from Benfica in 2022 following a huge deal that was expected to reach a club record £84million due to a series of clauses involved.Liverpool saved £13m on Darwin Nunez after not starting him in the final Premier League matchNunez is no longer Liverpool’s most expensive signingAccording to A Bola, however, that price will never be met after manager Arne Slot opted against starting the striker in the Merseysiders’ final match of the season.Liverpool drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Anfield two weeks ago – on the same day they lifted the title in front of the Kop.And Slot decided to bench Nunez in favour of Luis Diaz, who played as a false nine against Palace.A Bola report Benfica won’t be receiving one of the clause payments which were agreed three years ago.Read More on FootballThe Portuguese giants were set for a major cash windfall worth £13m that would have been triggered if the Uruguay international had started just one more Premier League or Champions League game.However, the centre-forward instead came on as a second-half substitute against the Eagles.Ultimately, Nunez cost the Premier League champions a total of £71m.That means the Uruguayan is no longer Liverpool’s most expensive signing of all time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat honour returns to captain Virgil van Dijk, who cost a staggering £75m in 2018 following his move from Southampton.Nunez has so far failed to live up to expectations at Anfield as he has only managed a total of 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances since his arrival three years ago.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fansThe forward registered seven goals and seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.This continues to cast doubt over his future at Liverpool, even though his contract runs out in 2028. More

    • 263 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest plummet, shock team in top five and Man Utd boost – how Premier League table would look without errors

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED surge up the table and Nottingham Forest fall in the error-free Premier League.Goalkeepers and defenders wish their mistakes leading to goals could be forgotten about.Manchester United would be better off if individual errors did not countCredit: GettyManchester City would also rise up the tableCredit: GettyAnd number crunchers at AceOdds.com have made that possible by wiping all strikes from existence that came from individual direct errors.A total of 186 howlers have been erased and it changed the results of 65 matches across the season.Brighton are the biggest climbers and rise up the league to fifth to earn a Champions League spot.The Seagulls would have five points more as their No1 Bart Verbruggen made more blunders (five) leading to goals than anyone else.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United and Southampton are the other big movers up the table.Ruben Amorim’s side shot themselves in the foot far too often and it cost them eight points.United would have finished in 13th place without mistakes.And it is a similar story for Southampton, who threw away 11 points due to individual errors.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe boost would have even been enough to see them come 19th and Ipswich bottom instead.Nottingham Forest were in the hunt for Champions League qualification until the final day before eventually settling for a Conference League spot.Tottenham’s subtle reference to lasagne scandal in new kit launch hailed by fansThey punished opponents’ mistakes better than any other side in the division.Taking away those goals would have seen Forest plummet four places to 11th and record 13 points less.Similarly, Arsenal picked up eight extra points from rivals’ defensive errors.Without them, Mikel Arteta’s side would have come behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.Bart Verbruggen made more errors leading to goals than any other keeperCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More