More stories

  • in

    Man Utd forced to RIP UP transfer Plan A and settle for second-tier targets after devastating Europa League final defeat

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to settle for second best in the upcoming transfer window as a result of their Europa League final defeat.The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday, meaning they will not play European football next season.Man Utd could be forced to settle for ‘Plan B’ in the transfer market after losing the Europa League finalCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are set to miss out on £100m worth of revenueCredit: AlamyHaving failed to earn a place in the Champions League ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, United are expected to miss out on around £100million worth of revenue.That will come from a cut in sponsorship income, TV revenue and gate receipts.Consequently, they will not be able to attract or sign their priority targets for this summer’s transfer window.Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap are currently understood to be at the top of Man Utd’s transfer wishlist.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Ruben Amorim and Co may be forced to settle for ‘Plan B’ due to the reduced budget.Following the club’s Europa League final defeat, Amorim admitted: “We have two plans for the market.”We need to understand that it is tough for a club like ours not to be the in the Champions League.”But we have to use the other side.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”If we have more time to think and to work during the week and to be better in the Premier League, that will be our focus.”SunSport revealed earlier this week that Lorenzo Lucca, Mateo Retegui, former Everton star Moise Kean and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta are being considered as back-up targets.Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League finalBruno Fernandes hinted he could leaveCredit: AlamyTo make matters worse for United, the absence of European football could see the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho leave.Club captain Fernandes has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months.And he admitted on Wednesday that he would be willing to leave if the Red Devils need to cash-in on him this summer.The midfielder said: “I have always been honest. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.”In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”Meanwhile, Garnacho hinted that he could decide to quit before the 2025-26 season kicks off.He said: “It’s difficult for all of us. This season has been s***.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…”We lost the final, we didn’t beat anyone in the league. It’s very difficult.”I’ve played every round until I reached the final, but I only played 20 minutes today.”I’ll enjoy the summer and then we’ll see.”Amorim himself even claimed that he would walk away this week if United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted him to.The United boss explained: “In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself. It’s not my style, I cannot do it. It is really hard for me.”So I have nothing to show to the fans and say, ‘I’m going to improve because of this, I have these problems…’ I will not do nothing. “In this moment, it is a little bit of faith. Let’s see.”I’m always open, if the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. “But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things.”Read More on The SunMan Utd face Aston Villa in the final match of the Premier League season on Sunday.They could finish the campaign as low as 17th in the table.Alejandro Garnacho also hinted at an exit after slamming the club’s poor seasonCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans in uproar as Manny Pacquiao, 46, announces comeback to fight for world title… despite not winning in SIX YEARS

    MANNY PACQUIAO has announced he is coming out of retirement and walking straight into a world title shot – causing fan uproar. The Filipino great took to social media to confirm a July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Manny Pacquiao has announced he is coming out of retirement aged 46Credit: AFPMario Barrios is set to defend his WBC title against PacquiaoCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe posted: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”Let’s make history!” Interestingly, neither Barrios nor Premier Boxing Champions – due to promote the fight – spoke out to confirm the bout. But Pacquiao’s post still caused havoc amongst fans with the boxing legend primed for a title shot after four years out and six without a win. READ MORE IN boxing One said: “Legend, but nah don’t do this.” Another added: “Why???? Who wants to see this”One fumed: “Disgrace from the WBC.”Another raged: “Ideal form for a world title shot. Winless for 6 years.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPacquiao’s last win came in 2019, beating Keith Thurman. He was then due to face Errol Spence Jr in August 2021 until an eye injury forced the Texan out, with Yordenis Ugas replacing him.Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionUgas sprung a surprise upset on Pacquiao, who announced his retirement after the point loss to run for president in the Philippines. But after a failed election, rumours of a boxing return began swirling for PacMan, who later faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition. Pacquiao then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. And the eight-division champ showed his age over the three rounds – with fans urging him never to fight again. But talks were taking place behind the scenes for Pacquiao to make a professional comeback in a bid for the welterweight title. Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout. Read More on The SunSo it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring. Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.Pacquiao’s last win came in 2019, against Keith ThurmanCredit: USA TODAY SportsYordenis Ugas defeated Pacquaio in 2021 with the boxing legend retiring afterwardsCredit: APPacquiao lost out in his 2022 presidential campaignCredit: EPAHis last bout was an exhibition in Japan against kickboxer Rukiya AnpoCredit: RIZIN More

  • in

    Mogul who ran firm with wag daughter battling to save home after company collapsed leaving celeb investors owed millions

    A TYCOON who ran a collapsed company with his wag daughter is battling to save his £4million home.Ashley Reading, 55, was in charge of investment firm Fortress Capital Partners alongside Cam, who is dating ex-Utd star Scott McTominay.Ashley Reading, with daughter Cam, is fighting to save his homeCredit: Champion News ServiceCam is dating ex-Utd star Scott McTominayCredit: Champion News ServiceShe was the company’s head of investor relationsCredit: Instagram/camreading_The £4m home at the centre of the court fightCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsThe company collapsed in 2023 leaving celeb investors – including the footballer and Boyzone star Shane Lynch – owed millions.McTominay, who now plays for Serie A club Napoli, reportedly ploughed £1million cash into the firm, as well as £1.32million from his own company.Reading is now battling to save his £4million, six-bedroom mansion in Kent after failing to make payments.He is being sued by a mortgage company in a bid to seize the mansion and turf Reading and his family out.Read more newsThe Court of Appeal heard Reading used his own firm, Rose Cottage Farm Ltd, to buy the home in 2022 for £2.5million.TFG Capital No.2 Limited lent £2.85million to the company, secured by a mortgage over the house and any other company assets.The documents contained a stipulation not to allow anyone related to the business to live in the home or land.But the court was told Reading and members of his family moved in, with the firm defaulting on the loans soon after.Most read in FootballIn August 2023, the loan company appointed receivers with “the power to demand and receive monies payable in respect of the land and to take possession and sell it”.They then launched the legal action against Reading after finding he was “not co-operating with them” by planning to sell the land, it was said.The company took the case to Bromley County Court to be granted an order to take possession of the home, before launching further legal action at the High Court in Leeds.In a ruling in May last year, Judge Jonathan Klein ordered the company “must deliver possession of [the Land] to the administrators before the end of 11 July 2024.”But Reading was granted permission to appeal against that order in July last year, and now has succeeded in having it overturned.The case in the county court will now go forward at a later date.Fortress Capital Partners promoted annual returns of up to 18 per cent before it collapsed into administration.Cam, 25, was the company’s head of investor relations and was described as an “integral part of the Fortress Capital team”.She now lives a lavish lifestyle in Naples with McTominay after he left Utd last year.Cam helped her dad run Fortress until it collapsed in 2023Credit: Instagram/camreading_McTominay ploughed millions into the firmCredit: Champion News ServiceThe wag has now left the UK to live with her footballer boyfriendCredit: Instagram/camreading_ More

  • in

    Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs

    THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026.The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing world records on the track, in the pool and in the gym.Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world recordCredit: X @enhanced_gamesGkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugsCredit: X @enhanced_gamesIt will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who produce “truly superhuman performance”.Organisers say the Enhanced Games will “move humanity forward” and “to redefine what mankind can be with audacity” – and to create “the next era of human potential”.They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February.READ MORE ON SPORTThis is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds “in jammers”, which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark.For “breaking two world records” and becoming the “fastest swimmer in history” he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body, will not recognise his achievements.Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million.At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D’Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: “The world is hungry for something new.Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while ‘juiced to the gills’“A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential.“We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential.“The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: ‘Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?’“I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it.“A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically.“Make no mistake, in 50 years we’ll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling.This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.Maximilian Martin, Deputy president of the Enhanced Games“We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes – they held back humanity.“We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.”D’Souza says there will be a “performance enhancement protocol” where all athletes are enhanced “ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness”.Two commissions – “one medical, one scientific” – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing “new drug compounds” for the American public to purchase.Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World.Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders.He said: “Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport.“The main difference to traditional testing is that we don’t make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law.“We care about athletes’ safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.”The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play.Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports.Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: “Well, it’s b******s isn’t it? I can’t really get excited about it.Read More on The Sun“There’s only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time.“But I really don’t get sleepless nights about it. It’s not going to be a page turner.” More

  • in

    Brennan Johnson’s amazing Tottenham redemption from deactivating socials amid fan abuse to scoring Europa League winner

    BRENNAN JOHNSON was the hero for Tottenham as he netted the winner in their Europa League triumph.It completes a remarkable redemption arc for the winger, who bundled in just before half-time to seal a 1-0 win over Manchester United.Brennan Johnson scored Tottenham’s winner in BilbaoCredit: GettyIt completes a remarkable redemption arc for the wingerCredit: GettyJohnson deactivated his Instagram account in September after receiving abuseCredit: AFPJohnson revelled in the win after the final whistle and victory may be even sweeter for him given his hardship this season.The £48million star was criticised in the early part of the season – even by his own fans.After receiving abuse following Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in September, Johnson deleted his Instagram account.The Wales star copped flak from supporters for his performance, particularly after firing a decent chance well over just before the break when the scores were level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe had previously been a fairly active user, posting both football-related content and pictures from his personal life.Johnson’s time away from social media has seen him excel on the pitch, and he played a key role in the Europa League win.The 23-year-old scored five goals in Europe, contributing 18 overall this season – making him Spurs’ top goalscorer.Johnson shared his delight following the win in Bilbao, saying: “I’m so happy right now! This season hasn’t been good at all but not one of us players cares about that right now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…“This is what it’s all about — this club hasn’t won a trophy for 17 years. This is what it means, it means so much.“All the fans get battered, we get battered for not winning anything so we had to get the first one in a while today. I’m so happy.”Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa League triumph More

  • in

    The crisis at Man Utd this summer will be bigger than ever – fans will back Amorim but how can he rebuild with no money?

    HERE we go again. The vicious cycle of doom and gloom is up and running.In the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, we’ve seen this all before.Ruben Amorim’s side have had one of the worst seasons in Manchester United historyBut the crisis at Manchester United this summer is going to be bigger than ever before.Defeat to Spurs, who finally won a trophy after 17 years, just sums up a disastrous season.The future looks bleak but where do United go from here?In the past, the manager has carried the can for poor results and performances.READ MORE IN MAN UTDDavid Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag all lost and the players won.But the scale of this loss in Bilbao and its consequences will be more widespread than Ruben Amorim’s future.The Portuguese boss has already stated this is probably one of the worst teams in United’s history and who can argue?However, fingers will now be pointed elsewhere.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe scrutiny will intensify on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership while this season’s abject failure will spark more protests against him and the Glazer family.And the turmoil will only filter down.’That’s for you, son’ – James Maddison brutally digs out Roy Keane in savage interview after Europa League final, CBSSportsGolazoExpect a toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford when Aston Villa visit on Sunday – and the likelihood of another defeat – as supporters make their voices heard once again.Lying 16th in the Premier League is embarrassing, so will Ratcliffe back Amorim? Will Amorim walk?This is on United’s hierarchy. They picked the Portuguese boss and told him to leave Sporting mid-season.Ratcliffe and co have already sacked one manager so what look is it to axe another one?Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…United fans will back Amorim and give him the chance to rebuild.But what material will he have to work with, especially under PSR constraints?Without the £100m Champions League money, I’m sure there will be more cost-cutting.This time it won’t just be staff cuts, first-team players will need to be sold and it won’t be a case of picking and choosing who goes because no one is safe.The prospect of United competing with the best is drifting further and further away.Read More on The SunAdd in the fact Liverpool are Premier League champions and it’s probably best to stay away from the UK for a few days which I’ll be doing direct from Spain thanks to a Bruce Springsteen gig in France this weekend.Bilbao was certainly a City of Ruins for United… More

  • in

    Awkward moment Brentford star falls over advertising hoardings while getting ready to take throw-in

    A BRENTFORD starlet was left with egg on his face after a hilarious tumble during a youth game against Bournemouth.The Cherries hosted the Bees at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday in an exciting encounter that saw the visitors winning 3-2 in the Under-23 PDL-2 play-off final.Brentford starlet Iwan Morgan suffered a hilarious tumble against BournemouthHowever, it was one moment that made the match go viral and momentarily steal the spotlight from the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.Brentford won a throw-in on 51 minutes down the left flank and Iwan Morgan went to take it on.Morgan, 19, walked backwards as he planned a long throw into the Bournemouth box.But the young striker got a little carried away as he tried to take too much space.Read More on FootballThat led to him falling over the advertising hoardings with a hilarious back flip.The fans in attendance were left laughing their socks off whereas the commentator exclaimed: “Whoops!”Nevertheless, Morgan proved to a be a good sport as he immediately got back up to his feet and carried on.Fans watching the game were left in stitches as they stormed social media.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne supporter tweeted: “Over 2,000 people seeing you do this live btw, I’d retire from football altogether.”Another commented: “Outrageous time wasting method.”Ruben Amorim offers to quit Man Utd ‘without any conversation about compensation’ if board want him goneA third wrote: “Haha, Bournemouth vs Brentford U21s is stealing the show, brother!”This fan said: “Yep, proper football, better than Spurs v Man Utd any day.”And that one stated: “It’ll still be a better performance than anything [Rasmus] Hojlund does this evening.” More

  • in

    Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun: Start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for huge heavyweight clash

    MOSES ITAUMA is hoping to keep his destructive streak going as he faces Mike Balogun on a huge Glasgow bill!Itauma, 20, has won all 11 of his pro-bouts with his last four being stunning knockout victories.Moses Itauma has won all of his eleven fightsCredit: GettyAnd after most recently stopping Demsey McKean as early as round one, the Slovakian-Nigerian is chasing the dream of challenging for a world title.However, Itauma will have to get past American star Balogun who goes into this fight off the back of a huge unanimous decision win against Lamont Capers.But that encounter took place in March 2024, so it is set to be a really tough test for Balogun.When is Itauma vs Balogun?Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun will take place on Saturday, May 24.Ring-walks for this huge encounter are set to get underway at approximately 9pm.Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 12,306 people.These timings are subject to change depending on the other fights on the undercard.This bout is featuring on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s welterweight clash against Ekow Essuman.Tickets for the event are still available on Ticketmaster.Read more on Moses ItaumaPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.What TV channel is Itauma vs Balogun on and can it be live streamed?Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN.DAZN subscriptions cost £119.99 annually or £14.99 per month.There is also a monthly flexible pass, that can be cancelled at any time, for £24.99.The fight is available on DAZN TV or can be live streamed via the website or downloadable app.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog every fight from the event as it happens.What is the full card?Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman; WelterweightMoses Itauma vs Mike Balogun; HeavyweightNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor; FeatherweightAloys Jr vs David Jamieson; CruiserweightAston Brown vs Reece Porter; MiddleweightDrew Limond vs Ezequiel Gregores; Super welterweightLuke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas; Super lightweightAlex Arthur Jr vs Robbie Chapman; Light heavyweightLuke Bibby vs Cesar Ignacio Paredes; LightweightLee Welsh vs Tony Morton; Super lightweightMarcus Sutherland vs TBA; Super bantamweightReese Lynch vs Jonatas De Oliviera; Welterweight More