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      Michail Antonio discharged from hospital after horror car crash with West Ham to hold talks over his future soon

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO has been discharged from hospital following his horror car crash.The West Ham striker, 34, was airlifted to a London hospital and suffered a broken leg after crashing his £260,000 Ferrari near Theydon Bois, Essex, in early December.Michail Antonio suffered a broken leg in a horror crash earlier this monthCredit: REUTERSThe Hammers skipper was lucky to escape the wreckage of his car aliveCredit: STEVE BELLAntonio has finally been discharged from hospitalCredit: GETTYWest Ham have raised just shy of £60,000 for the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity as a thank you for their support.Antonio’s crash occurred in Epping on the way home from the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground and he underwent surgery on the broken leg that night.Hammers players all wore shirts bearing Antonio’s name following their home win over Wolves, the first game following the crash.Each of those, as well as the match-worn shirts, were signed and auctioned off to fans in order to raise cash.READ MORE ON ANTONIOThe auction raised a total of £29,613 which was matched by the West Ham board, making a total of £59,226 to be split between the two causes.Jarrod Bowen scored West Ham’s winner against Wolves and his shirt raised the most – selling for £3005.The Hammers captain said: “It’s been special to see the West Ham family and the wider football community come together in support of Mic over the last month.“We are all grateful for the care that both the NHS and Air Ambulances UK have given to Mic during a challenging time for him and his family.Most read in FootballMichail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.”And for what they continue to do every single day for people around the country.”Pulling together during difficult times is what being a part of West Ham United is all about and on behalf of the team I want to thank everyone for helping us to raise an incredible amount of money for two great causes.”West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashWest Ham players and staff all went to visit their team-mate during his time in hospital.Antonio is now recovering at home and will not play again this season.The Jamaica international, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, is out of contract in the summer.A decision is yet to be made over whether to extend his deal in order to cover the recovery, though discussions will take place in the near future.West Ham previously extended Angelo Ogbonna’s deal following a season-ending knee injury in 2021.West Ham have yet to make a decision on Michail Antonio’s futureCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney’s too young to be written off and too strong-willed to give up but a step back could be a wise move for now

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      LEAVING Plymouth after barely six months will hurt Wayne Rooney.After four jobs in as many years and a win rate of barely 25 per cent across them, doubters will ask if his managerial career could be over at the age of 39 – before most bosses even take their first match in a dugout.Wayne Rooney has parted ways with Plymouth Argyle but it is not the end of his managerial journeyCredit: GettyYet anyone who has spent time with Rooney will tell you that he has a drive and determination to be as good a boss as he was a player.And while that may look an unlikely aspiration at this stage, very few people have made money betting against Rooney over the past two decades.In truth, Rooney has made things hard for himself with the jobs he has taken at the start of his time as a manager.Admittedly, openings normally come for two reasons – because the previous manager has been a success or, more frequently, that they are inheriting a dumpster fire.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor Rooney, taking the gig at a cash-strapped Derby, facing the almost certain inevitability of a relegation-causing points deduction, was hardly the act of someone who wanted an easy life.Rooney led the Rams from six points adrift of the Championship field to a nominal last-day survival act in his four months at the helm, only for the EFL to impose that anticipated 21-point penalty to send the club through the trapdoor.It was not Rooney’s fault, by any means – he walked into a mess, cleaned it up, only for a giant bucket of trash to be thrown over the floor after he’d finished.Unsurprisingly, probably aware of the looming offer from DC United in the MLS, he quit Pride Park before his move across the Atlantic.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAway from home and family, Rooney led a lonely off-field existence at his rented mansion 45 minutes outside the US capital.But his enthusiasm was crystal clear – as was his recognition that this was the start of a long journey.Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’When he spoke to SunSport ahead of taking charge of the MLS All-Star team to face Arsenal in July 2023, Rooney was bright-eyed and focused.He said: “I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article but these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips with the role and getting the best out of myself and eventually out of the players.“I’ve had to learn about handling languages, culture, religion and understanding all those different scenarios which could happen if you manage at the top level and which you will have to deal with.“Patience is key, understanding that you are going to lose games, that you are not going to win every game.“It’s about staying calm in those situations, to figure them out and face those difficult moments and get through them.”Four months later, only three days after leaving DC, Rooney was unveiled at ambitious, Tom Brady co-owned Birmingham, with a mission to take them back into the Prem.It did not work. It was a bad fit, despite Rooney bringing in Ashley Cole – whose next job was on the England coaching staff – and John O’Shea to help him.Just two wins in 15 games was a horrible record but even the best managers can have jobs which are disasters.Bobby Robson, Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Arsene Wenger all had early setbacks and they didn’t do too badly.Yet taking the Plymouth job in the summer, after they had survived in the Championship by the skin of their teeth, was Rooney once again walking into a perilous situation.Knowingly, true. But once again fighting with one hand tied behind his back.Perhaps what he needs now is to take a step back. Not from management, but from the frontline role.To work as an assistant to a seasoned, wily old hand. To have an input and key position but not be directly in the line of fire.Rooney is too young to be dismissed. Too strong-willed to accept it is all over.And at some point, surely, he will be offered the job that he cannot possibly turn down – back at boyhood club Everton.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor now, he must lick his wounds. Repair his confidence. Maybe, for a few months, sit in a TV studio to analyse and entertain.And be ready to come back – better and even more focused on proving what he truly believes to be his destiny. Do not write him off.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Why it all went wrong for Wayne Rooney at Plymouth with Man Utd and England legend hit by ‘Glenn Hoddle syndrome’

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      AND so the long goodbye for Wayne Rooney has finally come to an end.His departure from Plymouth comes as no surprise. In fact, it’s been there screaming on the wall for a few weeks now.Wayne Rooney was axed by Plymouth on New Year’s EveCredit: REXRooney has been given the boot by Argyle after a mere seven monthsCredit: REXWazza was also given the boot by Birmingham City in JanuaryCredit: GettyAnd the question now, really, is: What next for the former Manchester United man?After all, Rooney really believed he was going to be a manager and that he was cut out for it.But at Derby County, he had a less than 30 per cent win ratio.And it’s been worse everywhere he’s been since then.READ MORE ON ROONEYHe had a miserable time with DC United and picked up just TWO wins in 15 games at Birmingham City.And he leaves Plymouth Argyle with the Devonshire club staring relegation back to League One full in the face.It’s tough. Rooney really cares, there’s no doubt about that.I spoke to him in the US 18 months ago and his enjoyment of the job was clear.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.He said: “I know I am not where I want to be as a finished article.”But these next few years are really important in terms of me getting to grips with the role.Wayne Rooney furious after Plymouth Argyle loss to Norwich “And getting the best out of myself and eventually out of the players.”He was really dedicated to making it work. But it doesn’t seem to work.Maybe it’s a little bit of the Glenn Hoddle syndrome with Wazza.When the former Spurs midfielder walked on to a training ground as a manager, he was the best player there.It’s the same, I suspect, with Rooney. Certainly lower down in the leagues, he’ll be much, much better than most players.That was the level of talent he possessed.And if you’re that good, how do you make limited players play when they can’t do things that come naturally to you?It is tough, no question. But I still think there’s a chance for Rooney. It isn’t the end for him.Wayne Rooney has the same problem Glenn Hoddle did at Spurs – that he’s still better than most of the players he coachesCredit: GETTYRooney will be licking his wounds right now but there is still hope for himCredit: REXIt seems almost inevitable that at some point, he will be handed the reins to his boyhood club Everton.But for now, that seems a long way away.This axing, however, will be brutal. It will be hard and it will hurt.There were a few jokers wondering whether he would actually be given the boot in time to see his wife Colleen out of the I’m a Celebrity jungle.Well, that didn’t happen. But it didn’t last too much longer, did it?READ MORE SUN STORIESLet’s just hope for Rooney that he doesn’t let his own inner demons – the ones he’s talked about in the past – descend on him now.And let’s hope he can cope with this adversity, come out firing and prove next time that he has what it takes to be a successful gaffer. More

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      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ and has superfans in Enzo Maresca and Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delay continued his epic rise in the Premier League with a demolition job of Chelsea.The 21-year-old was instrumental in leading Ipswich Town to a much-needed win over the Blues.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap blasted home a penalty against Chelsea in a 2-0 win for the Tractor BoysCredit: RexIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyDelap got the Tractor Boys on their way by smashing home a first-half penalty.The centre forward, who has been linked with a move to the West Londoners, then provided the assist for Omari Hutchinson to put the seal on a surprise 2-0 win.That prompted Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who he saw first-hand playing for Man City’s youth side – to wax lyrical about Delap after the game.He hailed the man of the match, saying: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age.read more football news “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals.”I think he can be an important player for England.”Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Cityzen youngster to Suffolk.Most read in FootballBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Delap has already managed seven goals in 18 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last month.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds over joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.And now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyDelap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresWhen he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.In a story told by the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”It’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insanely long throw-ins.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: GettyAs a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      Premier League table since Ruben Amorim took over shows Man Utd in real danger of going down for first time in 51 years

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      THE Premier League table since Ruben Amorim arrived shows Manchester United are in serious danger of relegation.Last night’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle left the new manager admitting a battle to avoid the drop is now a “possibility”.Ruben Amorim admitted relegation is a possible dangerCredit: PAThe table is grim reading for Amorim, with Man Utd 14th and seven points above the dreaded relegation zone heading into the new year.Erik ten Hag oversaw the club’s worst ever start to a Prem season when he was axed after nine league games.But Amorim has failed to turn things around and when only taking into account results during his reign, Man Utd would be 17th in the league.He has picked up a woeful seven points from eight games – two wins, one draw and five losses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Red Devils have scored just nine goals and conceded 14 in this period.Overall, only Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich are enduring worse form.At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest are at the top of the league.But United’s horror run arguably remains the biggest surprise and yesterday’s beating by Newcastle meant they lost a third consecutive league game at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey have suffered defeat on six occasions in December alone in all competitions.That is the most of losses in a single month for United since September 1930.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedThe damming stats continue as 14th is the lowest league position the club has been in at this stage since 1989.United were last relegated at the end of the 1973/74 campaign – just six years after lifting the European Cup.Four teams in Premier League history have gone down after sitting in 14th at the turn of the year, with Leeds in the 2022/23 season being the last.And with the current crisis worsening with every game, Amorim may have to channel his inner Sam Allardyce to get them out of trouble.Asked about a fight to avoid the Championship, Amorim said: “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans.”It is also my fault. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.”I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”United were last relegated in 1973/74 with club legend Denis Law, seen being congratulated on the right. scoring at Old Trafford in a win for Man City in a loss that helped seal their fateCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Happening again in front of our eyes’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher spot Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked

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      GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher have spotted a Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked at Manchester United.The Red Devils slumped to their ninth defeat of the Premier League season against Newcastle on Monday evening.Gar Neville and Jamie Carragher have hit out at a Man United tacticThe club has not scored from open play when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui have been at right-wing-backMazraoui and Dalot are not as effective for the Red Devils going forwardCredit: PAThe Magpies claimed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford but the scoreline could have been much worse for Amorim’s side.During the game, Man United had ten shots but did not hit the target once.The hosts were ineffective in their attack without talisman Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended.However, Neville and Carragher have revealed another issue that Amorim is facing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarragher showed that when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui start at right wing back, the team has not scored in open play.However, when Amad Diallo or Antony have featured in the position, nine goals were created from open play.Carragher claimed that the two more defensive-minded full-backs lack the “urgency” to get up the pitch.Speaking on Sky Sports: “That’s the problem with these two playing at wing-back and the problem we’ll see.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the Liverpool legend did insist that Amorim was right to keep his style of play.He added: “The manager has said he’s not for changing his system and I think he is right to do that, not to sort of adapt.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfAmad Diallo and Antony have added more threat to the attack from the defensive positionCredit: Getty”He’s been brought in for a reason, to play that system and to provide at United what he provided in Lisbon with Sporting and the success they had.”I think it would be wrong to change, but that means I think he may have to go through a little bit more pain.”Neville also spoke about the information Carragher displayed while commenting on the match.He said: “There was a graphic shown before the game by Jamie Carragher that showed that when Manchester United have played Mazraoui and Dalot, the more defensive wing-backs, they haven’t scored a goal in open play.”Which is stark. And it is happening again in front of our eyes.”The stats that Carragher showed were from before the defeat to Newcastle.However, there was no improvement against the Magpies, and now, they appear even bleaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Dalot and Mazraoui were right-wing-back, the team failed to score from open play in 359 minutes.While the impact of Amad or Antony in the role is now nine goals from 361 minutes.Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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      Matheus Cunha slapped with ban and huge fine for Wolves star’s role in ugly spat during Ipswich clash

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      WOLVES’ star forward Matheus Cunha has been suspended for two games and fined a whopping £80,000 by the FA.The Brazilian was charged with misconduct and acting in an improper manner after the final whistle following Wolves’ 2-1 home defeat by Ipswich Town on December 14.Matheus Cunha has been hit with a two-game banCredit: GettyHe has also been fined £80,000 for his role in the brawl after the defeat to IpswichCredit: Sky SportsCunha became involved in an ugly spat with an Ipswich member of staff on the pitch as tensions reached boiling point.The Wolves star admitted the charge and an independent Regulatory Commission dished out the punishment and will publish full written reasons for the punishment in due course.The ban will come as a massive blow to new boss Vitor Pereira who has turned Wolves’ season around.He has guided the club to victories over Leicester City, Manchester United and a draw against Spurs since taking over at Molineux.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCunha lost the plot after Jack Taylor scored with the last attack for Ipswich – a defeat which turned out to be Gary O’Neil’s final game in charge of Wolves.The 25-year-old has been Wolves’ best player this season, scoring 10 goals and producing four assists in the Premier League.Cunha will now miss the Wolves Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Monday and their FA Cup third-round tie against Bristol City.Meanwhile, the forward’s good form has seen him become one of the most-wanted players in the January transfer window.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal and Manchester United have been linked with moves for Cunha.However, he has insisted that he is happy in the West Midlands despite reports of a potential big move.From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursCunha joined the club on an initial loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023, and the deal was made permanent for £44million.He previously spent time at Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin in Germany after beginning his career in Switzerland with Sion.Cunha will be back in the Wolves squad for the away trip to Newcastle United on January 15.That match will then be followed by tough clashes against Chelsea and Arsenal. More

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      Plymouth statement in full as Wayne Rooney AXED on New Year’s Eve and Man Utd legend’s manager career in ruin

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have released a statement confirming Wayne Rooney has been axed.The Manchester United and England legend has departed as manager with the Pilgrims bottom of the Championship.Wayne Rooney has been axed by Plymouth ArgyleCredit: RexThe club announced the news in a statement, which read: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.”Departing the club with Rooney will be assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland.”First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as goalkeeping coach.”We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course.”Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.“Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future.“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”Wayne Rooney furious after Plymouth Argyle loss to Norwich A shocking nine-match run without a win ended Rooney’s time at the Pilgrims. The 39-year-old guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the league.They conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.Argyle are four points adrift from Championship safety.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Rooney has now left his fourth job in four years.He begun at Derby County and managed to save them from relegation to the third tier in the 2020/21 campaign.But following a huge 21-point deduction due to administration, they went down the following season.Rooney then moved to the US and took over a struggling DC United.After a promising start, he was unable to guide them into the play-offs and he mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2023 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then returned to the Championship with Birmingham but had a nightmare, lasting just 15 games before being sacked.Rooney then penned a three-year deal with Argyle in May, but he has been unable to take the team tipped for relegation away from the drop zone.The club are four points adrift from safety More