More stories

  • in

    Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

    TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim’s replacement ‘not recognised as Sporting manager’ and must ‘pretend not to be the boss’

    RUBEN AMORIM’S replacement Joao Pereira has been caught up in red tape after NOT being “recognised” as the new Sporting manager.Pereira must reportedly therefore PRETEND not to be boss for now and cannot give instructions during matches.The ANTF have declined to recognise Joao Pereira as a Liga Portugal head coachIt comes after Sporting announced Pereria as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successorThe 40-year-old signed a three year deal on MondayPereira doesn’t hold the necessary Uefa Pro licence to manager in the top-flight, according to the Portuguese Football Coaches Association (ANTF).ANTF president pointed to a complaint made about his lack of “necessary qualifications” for the mandated role.The 40-year-old has completed his Level III coaching course and is awaiting certification.However, he still lacks the Uefa Pro licence, which would enable him to manage top-flight teams.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Pereira cannot be sacked from his new role, he will be listed as an assistant coach, as he was with Sporting’s B team competing in Liga 3.His staff member Tiago Teixeira, who has a Pro licence, will be formally recognised as the first team head coach for now, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.Pereira was recently denied official recognition as a coach by the ANTF and must “pretend” not to be manager in front of TV cameras.According to the Association’s statement: “The formal certification process for Liga Portugal coaches has specific requirements which, in this instance, were not fully met by Mr Pereira.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is a legal discrepancy; he is not qualified as he lacks the required certification for the role. As has been customary in such cases, we will report this situation to the relevant authorities.”New Manchester United boss Amorim, 39, was caught up in the same predicament several years ago.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourHe was given a suspended one-year ban from management in the early days of his coaching career at Portuguese third-tier side Casa Pia in 2018.Amorim was punished for giving instructions during a match without the required coaching qualifications and the club were threatened with a points’ deduction.The now-Red Devils man was forced to hand in his notice before the end of the campaign as they faced further punishment for his mishap.The strict coaching criteria and prolonged process has been criticised by many in Portuguese football. The ANTF even blocked Amorim from joining Sporting in 2020.Portuguese journalist Vitor Pinto told Record: “If club chief Antonio Salvador had let himself be intimidated by the ANTF, Amorim wouldn’t have be able to bring success back to Sporting.”Amorim would not have had that path and wouldn’t be at Manchester United now.”This is one of the most serious situations, most incomprehensible and most stupid in Portuguese football. “The ANTF originally tried to block Amorim from becoming Sporting coachPereira could only step into coaching once he retired from playing in 2021 while Amorim was his manager.Players are not permitted to enter coaching courses while still playing professional football in Portugal.Rival club Arouca’s captain David Simao considered the complaint a “sad” moment as he stepped in to defend Pereira.The Liga Portugal midfielder wrote on Instagram: “How long will they say that players should prepare for their post-career careers and then not give them access to that same preparation?”It is impossible these days for a player in Portugal to be ready to be a coach straight after finishing his career. “It is time to stop with the nice words and move on to good deeds, let the players take the courses, don’t make it difficult and HELP THEM.”Pereira was announced as Amorim’s permanent successor on Monday, after maintaining a 100 per cent record with Sporting’s B team this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite no formal recognition as boss, Pereria has been spotting working with players at the club’s Academia Cristiano Ronaldo training base. The move has ignited debate within Portuguese football circles, with many arguing for clearer, more accessible certification processes.Former Sporting star Pereira only retired from playing in 2021Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

  • in

    Newcastle star Joelinton’s home broken into AGAIN as midfielder begs for ‘safe space for his family’

    NEWCASTLE star Joelinton’s home has been broken into again – with the midfielder begging for a ‘safe space for my family’.The Brazilian footballer said thieves have targeted his home for a second time after an earlier raid in January.Joelinton has asked burglars to leave his family in peaceCredit: InstagramJoelinton with his partner Thays Gondim and their daughterThe star in action for NewcastleCredit: GettyJoelinton revealed the latest burglary in a Twitter postHis post came just a day after he shared several snaps of his family on holiday in Dubai.Posting on Twitter, Joelinton asked the burglars to leave his family in peace.He said: “Our home was broken into again. To anyone considering doing this – please know that there is nothing valuable left here!”What we care about most is our family’s safety and our kids growing up without fear. Read More Sport”We hope for a community where our children, and everyone’s children, feel safe. “We ask that our home be respected as a safe space for our family. We simply want to live in peace.”Joelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in January – while he was watching Newcastle take on Manchester City.The star called cops from St James’s Park after getting a security alert about the thieves mid-game.Most read in FootballBy the time officers arrived at the multi-million pound home the attackers had fled.No one is understood to have been inside the property when the home invaders struck.Footie ace theftsJoelinton’s home was first targeted by thieves in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

  • in

    What is Mike Tyson’s net worth and how much is he getting paid for Jake Paul Netflix fight?

    MIKE TYSON has always been a huge box office draw, amassing an incredible fortune during his career — before losing it all.He’s taking on YouTuber Jake Paul in a highly-lucrative crossover fight on November 15, 2024. Here we look at Iron Mike’s financial history and net worth, as well how much he’ll earn for taking on the Problem Child.Jake Paul and Mike Tyson clashed on stage – with Tyson slapping his younger rivalMike Tyson’s moneyThroughout his boxing career Mike Tyson is estimated to have accrued over $300million (£234million), but ended up losing it all.Forbes claims his total career earnings could even have been as high as $685million (£535million).Like many sporting superstars, Tyson spent his money as quickly as he earned it on big expensive houses, flashy cars and even pet tigers.In spite of losing everything, Tyson has made an impressive financial comeback — as of November 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $10million, according to Wealthy Gorilla.On November 15, 2024, he’ll be adding to his fortune when he takes on Jake Paul.The heavyweight boxer goes into the bout with 50 wins under his belt, as opposed to his much-younger opponent’s 10.How Mike Tyson lost his fortuneDespite Tyson cashing in during his impressive boxing career — he soon lost the lot.Speaking about how this happened, he said: “When you’re making that much money, it lasts you a long time.READ MORE ON BOXING”The money didn’t run out right away, it took like 15 or 16 years for me to go broke.”I was doing a lot of foolish things like, ‘Hey baby, do you like that car? Okay, come and spend the weekend with me,’ pure crazy stuff you can do with your money.”‘Can you imagine Jake Paul’s face,’ says Mike Tyson trainer as he breaks boxing pad with brutal power in training video He added: “I spent my last money I had for rehab, about a million dollars.”I had enough money left, about $2million, and I bought a house in Phoenix.”The house was a hard sell, but someone loved it and boom, I got the money. This is God at work.”Tyson also served three years in prison after being convicted of rape in 1992.In 2003, Tyson was forced to file for bankruptcy, with the media at the time reporting he had $23million (£17.9million) worth of debt. It has been confirmed that Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will both use 14oz gloves instead of 10oz.Credit: Instagram / @miketysonHow Iron Mike recovered financiallyTyson has starred in a number of movies, most notably in The Hangover film franchise, and even had his own animated TV show called Mike Tyson Mysteries.He produced a podcast called Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson between 2019 and 2023, which was one of the most popular combat sports-related podcasts on the web.As hinted in that title, Tyson has cannabis to thank for his financial recovery.He runs his own weed ranch called the Tyson Ranch, where he grows and sells his own brand of weed as well as weed-based wellness products.Cheat Sheet says the Tyson Ranch sells over $500,000 worth of weed a month, but that Tyson smokes $40,000 worth with his guests.Despite the turn-up in his fortunes, Iron Mike has said that he won’t leave the money to his children.The 58-year-old has been divorced twice and has seven children.He said: “Pray more and work harder.”Be the hardest worker and believe yourself. Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight poster”I can’t help them by giving them [my kids] money. I can only hurt them if I give them money.”They have to learn because if they have no aspirations and experience no adversity, at the slightest fight they will give in.”Jake Paul v Mike Tyson fight purseJake Paul has boasted that he is set to pocket a staggering £31million ($40m) for his Netflix dust-up with Tyson.And Iron Mike will reportedly take home the exact same amount.Paul even released a cheeky video offering the former undisputed heavyweight champ an extra $5m if lasts longer than four rounds in their hotly anticipated showdown.But should Tyson fail to get past the fourth round, the caveat is that he must get a tattoo that reads ‘I love Jake Paul’.Tyson responded to the offer saying: “He should offer more. Tell him probably about 20 (million).”Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix… More

  • in

    Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Fight time, ring walks, weight, Netflix live stream, and full undercard for mega bout

    MIKE TYSON and Jake Paul will meet for their blockbuster clash on Netflix TONIGHT.The Problem Child overcame Mike Perry with a brutal sixth-round stoppage back in July – but he faces a completely different challenge in ‘Iron Mike’ next.Jake Paul and Mike Tyson meet in the ring TONIGHTCredit: GettyTyson slapped Paul during their weigh-inCredit: GettyPaul has won all three of his fights since losing to Tommy Fury a year-and-a-half ago.Tyson, 58, returns to the ring in controversial circumstances, with many of the opinion the boxing legend shouldn’t fight again.Tyson’s last bout came in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, of which Paul was on the undercard against former NBA player Nate Robinson.When is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson? Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson has been rescheduled for Friday, November 15.The fight was originally set for July 20 – but was moved back after Tyson’s health issues.The main card is set to start at 1am in the early hours of Saturday, November 16.However, ring-walks for Paul vs Tyson are expected to get underway from approximately 4am UK time/11pm ET.Paul vs Tyson, the main event, will get going from around 4am GMT. The bout will be hosted at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.READ MORE IN BOXINGJake Paul vs Mike Tyson predictions and betting tipsJake Paul will take on Mike Tyson at a new dateCredit: @Netflix / XWhy was Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson postponed?Mike Tyson’s health issues forced him to put his training on hold.The former world champion suffered a medical emergency on board a flight in May as a result of an ulcer flare-up.Netflix, who were set to show the fight, released a statement announcing the cancellation.It reads: “Unfortunately Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will not face-off on July 20 as planned. Tyson’s recent ulcer flare up has limited his ability to train fully for the next few weeks.Most read in Boxing”The fight will be rescheduled for a date later this year after Mike’s able to resume training with no limitations and both fighters can have equal time to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup!”Tyson required medical assistance from paramedics on board a flight from Miami to LA.He felt nauseous and dizzy though his publicist said he was feeling “very good” after treatment.What TV channel is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson on and can it be live streamed?Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.It is free for anyone with a Netflix subscription – no matter the package.It will be the streaming giant’s first venture into combat sports.Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix…All the info:Latest news and features: What’s been said?On the announcement of the huge fight, Paul said: “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. “Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.”Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time.”Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMike Tyson has also spoken about the fight with Paul on July 20, he said: “I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones Jr and now I plan to finish him.”Paul vs Tyson full cardJake Paul vs Mike Tyson (heavyweight)Katie Taylor (defending champion) vs Amanda Serrano 2 (undisputed women’s super-lightweight titles)Mario Barrios (interim champion) vs Abel Ramos (WBC welterweight title)Shadasia Green vs Melinda Watpool (vacant women’s WBO super-middleweight title)Lucas Bahdi vs Armando Casamonica (lightweight)Bruce Carrington vs Dana Coolwell (featherweight)Neeraj Goyat vs Whindersson Nunes (middleweight) More

  • in

    Alan Shearer ‘signs new BBC deal’ days after Gary Lineker’s MOTD exit and it may rule out potential replacement

    ALAN SHEARER has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBC following Gary Lineker’s bombshell announcement.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down after two decades in the role.Alan Shearer has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBCCredit: PAGary Lineker is leaving Match of the DayCredit: PALineker, 63, will leave the flagship show at the end of the season but will present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026.However, it appears that Shearer will be staying on the show for the foreseeable future.The Daily Mail have claimed that Shearer has put pen to paper to continue on MOTD.It is suggested that the deal will keep the Newcastle legend on the panel as one of the “key on-screen experts”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBBC figures released in the summer revealed that Shearer pocketed £380,000 last year.However, this figure was down from the £445,000 the prior year.The report claims that the 54-year-old took a reduced paycheck as the BBC cut their costs.The all-time Premier League goalscorer started working on the show back in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is also suggested that the broadcaster and Shearer have been in negotiations for some time.It says that the two parties were talking before Lineker decided to leave after 26 years.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateThe pair will continue to work together on The Rest Is Football podcast.Shearer has made a public statement over his future on MOTD.He joked that he would also not be signing a new contract if pundit Micah Richards was named as the host.He joked: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way.”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Paul Gascoigne claimed that Shearer would make a good host for the show simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Chapman is one of the favourites to be named the new host of the show.However, it is believed that he has refused the chance to share the job with Kelly Somers.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

  • in

    Unseen reason Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul at weigh-in ‘revealed by pal after YouTuber’s act angered boxing legend’

    MIKE TYSON unleashed a slap onto the cheek of Jake Paul during the pair’s weigh-in yesterday.And it now seems that one of Tyson’s friends has revealed exactly why he felt the need to lay hands on the YouTube star before tonight’s bout.Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul during the weigh-in for the pair’s fight tonightCredit: GettyA friend of Tyson’s has revealed why he slapped his opponentCredit: GettyThings often get feisty ahead of blockbuster fights, with pushing and shoving not uncommon during pre-bout weigh-ins.However, Tyson’s slap on Paul’s cheek seemed somewhat unprovoked during yesterday’s face-off.That was until a “close friend of Tyson” explained what led the 58-year-old boxing legend to hit Paul on stage.Speaking to USA Today Sports, Tyson’s pal Tom Patti said: “Jake stepped on Mike’s foot, that prompted the reaction. I was there and Mike just told me.’’READ MORE IN BOXINGIn typical fashion, Jake Paul had chosen an unusual way to make his way over to Tyson for the face-off.The 27-year-old prankster-turned-boxer crawled towards Iron Mike on his hands and feet before popping up to his feet again and facing off with the former world champ.However, in footage from that moment, it can be seen that when Paul does pop back to his feet he steps directly onto the foot of Tyson.Tyson immediately takes issue with the clumsy mistake, pointing down at his foot and then sweeping his hand across Paul’s cheek.Most read in BoxingJake Paul crawled over to Mike TysonCredit: GettyAs he stood up for the face-off he stood on Tyson’s footCredit: GettyA different angle shows the social media sensation stepped on Tyson’s toeJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe slap almost led to a mass brawl on stage at the weigh-in with security, organisers and members of the fighter’s teams all piling in to stop the pair from going at each other.Jake Paul seemed unfazed by the hit and used the moment to antagonise his opponent.Mike Tyson SLAPS Jake Paul before being pulled apart by security in chaotic weigh in before controversial Netflix fightHe said: “I didn’t even feel it – he’s angry. He’s an angry little elf…cute slap buddy.”Despite his age, Tyson looked in sensational shape as he hit the scales at 228.4lb (16st 3lb) while wearing a pair of Versace briefs.That was just before Paul came in a career-biggest 227.2lb (16st 2lb) nearly TWO STONE above his usual 14st 14lb cruiserweight frame.Tyson was looking in great shape despite his ageCredit: AFPJake Paul weighed in the heaviest he has ever been for a fightCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Man Utd star reveals Casemiro gave him FA Cup winner’s medal despite polite protest Real Madrid legend should keep it

    TYRELL MALACIA has revealed that Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winners’ medal and refused to take it back.The Manchester United star, 25, has not played since the 2022/23 campaign after suffering a knee injury.Casemiro gave his FA Cup winners’ medal to Tyrell Malacia after last year’s finalCredit: GettyCrocked Malacia tried and failed to return the medal to CasemiroCredit: GettyMalacia was a £13million signing from Feyenoord over two years ago.And with 39 games under his belt in his first season, the Dutch left-back looked set to become a vital member of the side.However, his recovery from surgery saw Malacia miss the entirety of last term.It meant he was only a spectator as Erik ten Hag masterminded United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Malacia still ended up with a winners’ medal after being given the one belonging to Casemiro.United’s veteran midfielder, 32, struggled for form last season.He was expected to start in the Wembley showdown against City.But Casemiro was dropped to the bench at the final moment due to a mysterious “late injury issue.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Brazilian then skipped United’s FA Cup party later that night, instead opting to jet off for a family holiday.And Malacia has now revealed that Casemiro even gave up his winners’ medal on the day, insisting the defender take it despite his protests.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Malacia has opened up over being included in celebrations despite not playing due to injuryCredit: GettyMalacia told The Athletic: “I wanted to be there (at the final) to support everyone.“But the most difficult part was to be up there with the guys (for the trophy), because I wasn’t part of the team during the whole process.“I was like, ‘I’m staying down here then I’ll see you in the dressing room’. Casemiro was like, ‘Nah you have to go up there as well’.“And if someone with that kind of experience tells you that, you’re listening. They (the squad) said, ‘At the end of the day you’re still part of the team’.“They know how hard I’ve been working to come back so they said you deserve it as much as we do.“(Getting Casemiro’s medal) Like I said before, if he gives you that, you just listen!”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More