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      in Boxing

      ‘I was willing to die in that ring,’ says Chris Eubank Jr after two nights in hospital following brutal Conor Benn bout

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR was happy to risk everything — even his life — to beat Conor Benn.The 35-year-old Brighton middleweight spent two nights in hospital suffering from dehydration and a damaged eye after a brutal and bloody 12-round slugfest against his bitter rival.Chris Eubank Jr has revealed he was willing to die during his fight with Conor BennCredit: ReutersEubank Jr spent two days in hospital after the fight following a horrific eye injury and dehydrationCredit: ReutersAnd poker-loving Eubank Jr, who won 116-112 on the cards of all three judges, revealed he went ALL IN to come up trumps at a packed Spurs stadium.“There was never a moment where I thought I was losing, I was outgunned, I was hurt,” the star told SunSport.“There were moments in the fight where I knew I was tired, I was dehydrated, but I pushed through that. I didn’t let that stop me from completing the mission.“I was willing to go out on my shield, if that’s what I had to do. I was willing to die in that ring.READ MORE IN BOXING“When there wasn’t any more left in the tank, I still refused to stop. In boxing, sometimes you get asked the ultimate question: Are you willing to go here? Are you willing to do this to win?“A lot of the time fighters don’t answer the question, they don’t risk it. I risked it. And to be fair to Conor, he risked it, too. But the better man won.”The 5ft 11in South Coast boxer struggled to make the 11st 6lb middleweight limit and was fined £375,000 after being just 0.8oz over at the first weigh-in the day before last month’s fight.Eubank Jr finally made the required weight on the morning of the showdown.Most read in BoxingEubank Jr shrunk down to 11st 6lbs to take on BennCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his whopping fine was handed to Benn, who has since boasted he splashed that on a brand new Rolls-Royce.Asked about the agonies of that weight-cutting process, Eubank revealed how it could never compare to losing 29-year-old brother Sebastian in 2023 and having to explain to three-year-old nephew Raheem why daddy is not around to take him to school.Chris Eubank Jr almost died and was ‘touch and go’ in hospital after Conor Benn fight, claims father Chris SrHe said: “Because of things I’ve gone through, emotion is just not a part of my life. It’s not a part of who I am as a man.“That enables me to do the things I was doing in the tenth, 11th and 12th rounds. If you’re emotional, you can’t go to those depths.“Those are dark places you have to go. Most guys are not capable of going there. I can go there and — while I’m going through it — I’m happy.“I’m enjoying it, as sick as that sounds. I’m enjoying the pain, the suffering and the challenge of what’s happening.“That’s what a fighter is, a true fighter. Someone who enjoys being in that zone, living there, seeing how long you can last.“You need an element of emotionlessness and coldness in your mentality. I’m so grateful to be able to go there. It enabled the fight to be what it was.”The fight with Benn, 28, was a blood-and-guts affair rocketed into the mainstream consciousness because of the iconic two-fight rivalry their double-weight world champion fathers shared.The eleventh-hour arrival of Eubank Sr, 58 — back into his heir’s life and corner after years of estrangement — was a moment that transcended the fight.Jr also got a ‘good-luck’ message from little Raheem on Saturday morning and had much-missed Seb’s name and image etched on to his shorts.“Family is everything,” Junior told us. “The fact that — even at the last minute — we all came together, it meant the world to me. Because I thought I was going to be alone.“I walked into the weigh-in alone, I saw Conor with his team and dad, and I knew — in my heart, in my mind — that that wasn’t going to be what I was going to have on the night.“ ’I’m going to be alone on the night, get used to it’. That was what was going on in my head. And for that to switch at the last minute, it was surreal, it was incredible.“It’s nice to do what you said you were going to do. And to do something fans will remember for a long time.Read More on The Sun“The fans put us in these positions. So to be able to deliver to them, that’s all the fighter can really dream for.” PokerStars ace Chris Eubank Jr spoke exclusively to SunSport from their EPT Monte Carlo. Find out more at www.pokerstarslive.com/ept/montecarlo/Eubank Jr’s father Chris Eubank shocked the world by returning to his estranged son’s side for the fightCredit: GettyEubank Jr’s brother Sebastian Eubank passed away in 2021Credit: Dave Benett/Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Spurs bring home the bacon to set up sizzling Europa League final and winner-takes-all £100MILLION showdown

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      UNDER-FIRE bosses Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou will face off in a tasty first all-English Euro final for six years.Two Mason Mount wonder strikes, plus further Old Trafford goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund completed Manchester United’s  7-1 aggregate Europa League semi-final demolition of Athletic Bilbao.Tottenham Hotspur have booked their spot in the Europa League finalCredit: GettyManchester United thrashed Athletic Bilbao in their semi-finalCredit: EPARuben Amorim is already ‘stressed’ at the thought of the finalCredit: AlamyAnge Postecoglou could still face the axe if he wins the tournamentCredit: APWhile Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro sealed Tottenham’s 2-0 win  on Bodo/Glimt’s plastic pitch to complete a 5-1 aggregate win and the full English.United manager Amorim and Spurs chief Postecoglou will now meet in a mouth-watering winner-takes-all showdown back in Bilbao in 12 days.For the Aussie, it might be his last ever game in charge of the club, with it believed he could be sacked even if they win.A delighted Mount said: “My first goals at Old Trafford, so it’s a special night. One I’ve waited for, for a long time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s been difficult since I’ve been here with the injuries and setbacks.“But I knew something good would come and it’s paid off in a semi-final.“It was a brilliant performance from the lads. And getting that goal to make it 1-1 calmed us down a bit. I just tried to come on and affect the game.”Mount’s second was a David Beckham-esque long-range shot.He added: “As I saw the keeper come out I had it in my head, ‘First touch and shoot’.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The crowd has been unbelievable. They stuck with us. To go back to  Bilbao, a special night and we want to finish strong.”Both clubs have suffered woeful Prem seasons but the victors are guaranteed a Champions League spot – and the £100million bounty that comes with it.Man Utd and Spurs on course for £100m winner-takes-all Europa League final despite two of their worst seasons everMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…This means that England will have SIX representatives in Europe’s premier competition next season.The feat has never been achieved before by any nation competing in the competition.It will be extra remarkable as both clubs are guaranteed to finish in the bottom half of the Prem.Combined they have lost 35 league games this season but have remained impressive in European competition.And Amorim said: “I’m stressed already because of the final. If we don’t win it, it’s nothing.”It will be Tottenham’s first Euro final since suffering a heartbreak 2-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool in 2019 — the same year Chelsea KO’d Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League showpiece.Spurs had a 3-1 lead from the first leg but romped to another win on the night thanks to goals from Solanke and  Porro.Solanke said: “It feels so good. We’re down to the business end and we’re into the final. One more game to go!”Read More on The SunSpaniard Porro added: “We’re very happy for the fans —  it’s so far from London. We deserved this.”Spurs will have the edge going into the final, having won all three encounters with United this season.Spurs record vs Man United Here is a look at Spurs’ record vs Manchester United from this season.PL – Man United 0-3 Spurs – Sept 29, 2024EFL Cup – Spurs 4-3 Man United – Dec 19, 2024PL – Spurs 1-0 Man United – Feb 16, 2025Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta is in danger of becoming The Deluded One and must accept Arsenal have gone backwards

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      MIKEL ARTETA will watch his Arsenal players give Liverpool a guard of honour on Sunday with a strange sense of injustice.After being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday to confirm their fifth season in a row without a trophy, the Spaniard has started  talking nonsense as the mounting pressure begins to affect him.Mikel Arteta is dejected as Luis Enrique celebrates with his PSG staffCredit: RexPSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz consoles gutted Gunners’ ace Declan RiceCredit: AFPArteta claims the Gunners have been the best team in Europe this season — and very few observers  agree with him.Tottenham famously came third in a two-horse race when  Leicester won the title 2016.Yet Arteta’s team could end up doing the same, finishing behind Liverpool and Manchester City.After the 2-1 semi-final defeat in Paris, he claimed: “I don’t think there’s been a better team in the competition so far.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a slow start to the  competition’s group stages which saw them finish 15th, Luis Enrique’s PSG have flourished.They had already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa before dumping Arsenal.Arteta claimed members of the PSG bench reckoned Arsenal were the better team over  two legs but opposing boss  Enrique dismissed that.Even stranger were Arteta’s comments before the second leg —  words which could  haunt him if Arsenal lose at Anfield on  Sunday and fall 18 points behind the champions.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka is one of two stars who’d make the 2006 teamCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAsked if he felt pressure to win something, Arteta said: “Liverpool have won the title with less points than we have in the last two seasons.“But with the points of the last two seasons, we have two Premier Leagues, so you have to be in the right moment in the right place.”Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsLiverpool do indeed have 82 points, compared to Arsenal’s total of 89 for last season and 84 the year before.But Arteta is forgetting  Arne Slot’s team still have THREE games to play.The Reds could end up with a total of 91 points, beating both Arsenal’s previous tallies. Right now, the Spaniard is in danger of becoming The Deluded One.Arteta has to accept that his club has gone backwards after two poor transfer windows.For the first ten minutes in Paris, they were outstanding — but were missing a No 9.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.Bukayo Saka scored one and missed a key chance. Since returning after  three months on the sidelines, Arsenal had won four and drawn three —  but have now lost three in a row.Equally, Saka is one of only two of this current team which would get into the Arsenal side which reached their last European final in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona in Paris.That golden team featured Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Cesc Fabregas, while Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie were on the bench.In a combined XI, only Saka and Jurrien Timber would come in for Alex Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue.Viktor Gyokeres has long been on the radar of Prem clubs like ArsenalCredit: RexBenjamin Sesko is another strike option who’d be tough to lureCredit: GettySo it is vital Arteta gets his recruitment right this summer.They need to get a top-class striker — but signing either RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres will not be simple.Arsenal will also look to bring in a new left winger, while Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is certain to arrive and will boost the midfield.The board will once again spend big, so the expectations of Arteta will be even greater.He has already spent £700million, so that amount after the summer could hit £850m.Arteta will not want to be remembered as the man who was given the ammunition to build a great side but moulded one which fired blanks and only won one FA Cup.Read More on The SunTime is no longer on the manager’s side.He  needs to oversee a huge improvement — because if he is not careful, next season could be his last. More

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      in Soccer

      Amorim spotted with plaster on knuckles after half-time as Man Utd fans say ‘anyone checked the TVs in changing room?’

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      RUBEN AMORIM was spotted with a plaster on his knuckles after half-time of Manchester United’s Europa League win.The Red Devils trailed 1-0 at the break after Mikel Jauregizar’s curler for Athletic Bilbao.Ruben Amorim came out at half-time with a plaster on his knucklesFans speculated about the cause of the supposed cutCredit: GettyThat goal put the visitors back in the tie, although United still led 3-1 on aggregate.Amorim then sparked speculation after he returned to the dugout with a plaster over his knuckles after half-time.Fans theorised as to what Amorim had done to injure himself – with the Portuguese not a stranger to unleashing his anger in careless ways.After a defeat to Brighton in January, Amorim damaged a TV screen in the club changing room during a furious dressing down of his players.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe later admitted he made a mistake and vowed he would not repeat his actions.However after appearing to have hurt his knuckles during the interval on Thursday night, fans speculated that he may have physically taken out his anger in the changing room once again.One fan said: “Amorim has a plaster on the knuckles… has another TV took a right hook 😂”Another added: “Did anyone check the TVs in the changing room is ok? Amorim had a plaster over his knuckles 🤣🤣”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordA third wrote: “Amorim definitely punched something in the dressing room at half time. See the plaster on his left hand.”And another commented: “Amorim put a plaster on the back of his hand?”‘Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snubWhatever the United boss said at half-time it clearly worked as Mason Mount sparked a comeback 18 minutes from time.He swivelled and finished brilliantly before rounding off the win with an effort from close to the halfway line after Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro had put the tie beyond doubt.Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford… More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool fans convinced one star is ‘starting on Sunday’ after hearing new Pope say his name in Vatican speech

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      LIVERPOOL fans are convinced that Federico Chiesa is set for a rare start on Sunday after hearing his name in the new Pope’s speech.Cardinal Robert Prevost from the US was named as the successor to Pope Francis and will take the name Pope Leo XIV.Pope Leo XIV made his first address after being anointedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe said ‘Chiesa’ several times during his speechCredit: APFans are convinced that Federico Chiesa could start for Liverpool on SundayCredit: AlamyLeo XIV was elected the 267th pontiff and previously served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru.He made his first address from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica as he paid tribute to his predecessor.During the speech made in Italian, he said “Chiesa” multiple times, meaning “church”.And Liverpool fans have taken it as a sign that Chiesa is set to start against Arsenal on Sunday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLeo XIV said “Chiesa” seven times, which happens to be two more than Premier League appearances the former Juventus star has made this season.One posted: “POPE KEEPS SAYING CHIESA, HE’S STARTING ON SUNDAY.”A second wrote: “New Pope stood up there talking about Chiesa. Presumably urging Slot to give him more playing time.”A third commented: “Thoughts on the Pope mentioning Chiesa a few times? Reckon the Vatican will chuck a cheeky bid for him in the summer window?”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA fourth said: “New pope LOVES Chiesa. Said his name about seven times. Also heard Totti a few times. Knows ball.”Another added: “Federico Chiesa was mentioned in the new Pope’s speech more times than he has Liverpool appearances.”Robert Prevost becomes first ever American Pope after secret two-day ConclaveChiesa joined the club last summer in a £12.5million deal from Juventus but has failed to establish himself.He has only made five appearances in the Premier League and has failed to score or assist a single goal.He scored in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley and the League Cup final against Newcastle.Liverpool take on Arsenal at Anfield, having already wrapped up the Premier League title.The Reds sealed their 20th league title in their win over Tottenham Hotspur in April.However, it has not been all good news following the success in England’s top-flight.Last week, they lost 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea as their guard of honour was spoiled.Read More on The SunStar defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will be walking away from the club at the end of the season.The England international’s contract is set to expire and he is expected to join Real Madrid. More

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      in Soccer

      How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final despite Arteta’s brilliant Kvaratskhelia plan

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      ARSENAL crashed out the Champions League to PSG despite Mikel Arteta’s bold tactical plan nearly paying off.The boss claimed the Gunners were the “better team” and the difference came in both boxes.Mikel Arteta’s bold plan so nearly workedCredit: GettyBut missed chances and Mikel Merino’s lack of goalscoring instinct proved costlyCredit: ReutersPSG have goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and some other excellent movements from goalscorers Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi to thank.Meanwhile, Arsenal fans will be left scratching their heads again as to why the club refused to buy a striker.1. Striker LightEnough is enough – Arsenal need to spend big on a top quality No9 this summer.Last night, there was more than one occasion when Arsenal won it back high up the pitch and flooded towards the area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Mikel Merino inexplicably, even though he is not a striker, runs off to the left instead of going into the number nine position and when the cross comes in, there’s nobody there.Arsenal’s lack of a striker was clear to seeThey got into good areas but nobody was thereOther situations saw Declan Rice, who was covering so much ground, break into that area but make the wrong movements to lose the PSG defenders.Eventually, the Parisians began to welcome crosses and they made a whopping 43 clearances in the match – easy for centre-backs Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.A striker must be Arsenal’s one and only priority in the transfer window – if they had a centre-forward they could well be in the final.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS2. Brave ArtIt was relentless in the opening stages from Arsenal and they deserved a goal – front-foot, pressing high and aggression in the tackle.To help get Bukayo Saka running at PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, Jurrien Timber was playing like a right-sided No10.Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsWhen Arsenal had the ball deeper, William Saliba would shuffle across and Martin Odegaard would drop to receive it. It allowed Timber to go forward and then move wide to interchange with Saka.It presented PSG with a headache – does a midfielder follow the Dutchman and mean they lose their shape? Or do they allow him to go unmarked and double up on Mendes with Saka?The tactic forced danger man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to do loads of defensive work.Timber deserves plenty of credit for playing the role so well and at times he was getting the ball between makeshift No9 Merino and Saka to overload the right.The bravery was nearly rewarded with an early goal – fair play to Arteta.Timber drifted forward and combined with SakaIt made Kvaratskhelia go the other way3. Incredible Donnarumma The Italian stopper won the tie for PSG. The save from Odegaard is as good as you’ll ever see a goalkeeper make. They should be playing it on loop at the their training ground because it was absolutely sensational. He doesn’t see the ball until it’s gone through two defenders and Odegaard can’t hit it any better. It’s going into the corner and it bounces just before it gets to him.He moves his feet, taking little steps on his line, like a tennis “split step” so he is ready to dive either way.Donnrumma’s save percentage is not that high compared to other keepers in the Champions League this season, but PSG’s dominance means few shots come at him and it shows how good he is to constantly stay alert.4. Ab FabRuiz goes under the radar but as an integral part of this PSG side and the Spain team that won the Euros last year, he should be spoken about among the best in the world.His overall play is unbelievable. But his movement for the goal is incredibly clever.PSG have a free-kick to be crossed from out wide and he lines up next to the Arsenal defence.Ruiz anticipated the ball dropping brilliantlyBut the Gunners are not deep enough and the delivery comes in too far from David Raya to claim and the defence have to flick a ball clear after charging back to their own goal to deal with it.Ruiz is smart enough to stay put on the edge of the box and anticipate a loose ball. His genius bit of movement away from the backline, which are going in the opposite direction, creates the space for him and the goal.His first touch and finish was spectacular5. Hak AttackHakimi was absolutely everywhere and he plays on the right by himself at times.This enables the right-winger ahead of him to drift inside and create overloads elsewhere on the pitch.Hakimi has all the attributes, but his game intelligence to move into areas that team-mates have vacated is extraordinary. Read More on The SunPSG progress the ball up the pitch by creating diamonds and the right-back is always a pass ahead.He bursts into inside areas when Desire Doue is wide or he overlaps and becomes the wide option if the winger is elsewhere.PSG use diamonds to progress the ballHakimi’s energy and intelligence to know when to move inside was exceptional More

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      ‘He cannot stop scoring’ – Antony scores ANOTHER worldie with stunning free-kick as he beats ex-Man Utd team-mate again

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      ANTONY continued his incredible run of form since leaving Manchester United with a stunning European semi-final free kick.The Brazilian winger has shown why Erik ten Hag forked out £86million for his services in the summer of 2022 since joining Real Betis on loan in January.Antony has been a revelation since joining Real Betis on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: RexThe Brazilian scored a sensational free kick against Fiorentina on Thursday nightCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKThe incredible free kick was the winger’s third goal in his last three gamesCredit: GETTYAntony scored seven goals and provided four assists in 20 appearances for the La Liga club before the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final with Fiorentina on Thursday night.And he took his tally to eight goals with a sensational free kick past former Manchester United stopper David de Gea.The wonderstrike was his third goal in his last three games and fired the visitors into a 3-1 aggregate lead.Red Devils fans were left stunned by Antony’s latest piece of wizardry, with one saying: “Bring him back to United.”READ MORE ON ANTONYAnother said: “What a f***ing strike!”And another said: “United are going to end up taking Antony back from loan and giving him a pay rise at this rate.”One remarked: “Dude is a different player.”Another chimed in: “He cannot stop scoring.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAntony feels reinvigorated since joining Betis, which he believes has been the “best” decision he’s ever made.He said: “I always say that the best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis.Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates”I’m happy, and when I’m happy, things go well.“For me, of course, it’s important to score goals and provide assists, but being happy is even more important.“I found myself here, I’m very happy here, and things are going very well.”Antony’s future under new Red Devils gaffer Ruben Amorim – who has guided the club to the Europa League final – is unclear.”The future? It’s very early,” the former Ajax man admitted. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”But I’m very happy here. I’ve found myself enjoying football.Read More on The Sun”It’s crazy right now, although I know how talented I am.”So I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.” More

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      Man Utd ratings: Magnificent Mount has best ever night for Red Devils but Garnacho is rightly hooked off early

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      MANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a 4-1 comeback win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mason Mount scored twice to seal United’s spot in the finalCredit: PAThere was a party atmosphere at Old TraffordCredit: EPAMikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Andre Onana – 6/10Came and made a massive punch clear from a dangerous-looking free-kick early on to alleviate the pressure. Most read in Europa LeagueOn first viewing, it looked like he was beaten all ends up by the Jaureguizar strike – but replays showed his got fingers to it… and he may be disappointed he couldn’t tip it past the post. Had nothing else to do, really.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSVictor Lindelof – 3Will have been uttery overjoyed to see Nico Williams ruled out through injury.But even so, Lindelof looked distinctly nervy on the ball, repeatedly needlessly clipping it out of play down the touchline to hand possession and territory back to the Spaniards. Surely playing his last few matches for the club, one has to imagine. A weak link and unreliable right now. ‘Were we not good enough-‘ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snubHarry Maguire – 4The hero in the quarter-final here but it was his mistake that sent the anxiety levels through the leaky roof at Old Trafford. A sloppy pass that was meant for Yoro only picked out Alvaro Djalo whose blocked shot fell for Jaureguizar to curl into the top corner. Not the only time he gave the ball away, admittedly none were as costly as the goal. Leny Yoro – 7Certainly not the biggest culprit out there in what was a woeful first hour but hardly stood up and performed, either. Then seemed to get a bit of attacking impetus. Did one mazy run forwards and got into an excellent position on the edge of the area – before producing a centre-back’s pass when he needed a more delicate ball to feed Diallo. But found the right pass when striding forward to tee up Mount to score.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Played more of a right-back with Dorgu allowed to push on and did his defensive work largely okay.Except for the fact that he almost handed Athletic the perfect start with his nothing headed clearance in his own area from an overhit cross gifted the ball to Unai Gomez who set up Alex Berenguer but he could not keep his shot down. Let off. Booked midway through the first half. Casemiro – 8Seems to be looking fitter, stronger and – dare I say – younger with every passing game these days. Most things went through the Brazilian who is brimming with confidence – epitomised by a cheeky backheel flick to pick out Hojlund. But he seemed to be sucked down by his struggling colleagues and was booked for a late, strong challenge. Put the icing on the cake of a strong performance with a flicked header from a corner for United’s second.Manuel Ugarte – 4 Provided some much-needed scrappiness in the middle of the park and got involved.But didn’t stamp any authority on the game, though, and didn’t retain possession well enough in both halves of the pitch. Patrick Dorgu – 5Tried his best to make something happen going forwards – once even too hard as he nicked a ball off his captain’s toes as he lined one up – but looks very much a left-back, not a wing-back. Half-hearted appeal for a penalty was somehow looked at by VAR but there is still some slither of sense in football as the check was completed with no further action taken. Switched over to the right when Luke Shaw came on. Bruno Fernandes – 5As usual, the man United looked to to make something, anything happen.But even the Portuguese playmaker had a hard time doing that, resorting to pop shots and whining about free-kicks. Must be so frustrating for him to play in this team when his quality is so many levels above that of those around him.But today, he was no better than the rest of the largely dire starters. Rasmus Hojlund – 6For a £72million striker, it is staggering how Hojlund can look as lost as a little boy who has can’t find his mum in a supermarket when playing up front. Yes, he occasionally gets in the right areas and from time to time holds the ball up to link in with others.And yes, he got that tap in right at the end which his pals were evidently delighted about… but the lost little boy could have put that in the net. Despite the goal, as harsh as it sounds, tonight was yet more painfully obvious that Manchester United MUST sign a proper No9 this summer. Alejandro Garnacho – 3Had one moment of any real note. The golden chance to calm everyone down when clean through on goal before half-time.But never gave the impression he was going to find the net… and his limp chip dribbled wide. A worrying lack of goal threat from the Argentine and rightly hooked off early. A bitterly disappointing performance.  SUBSLuke Shaw (for Mazraoui, 62 mins) – 7Plenty of United fans are ready to see the back of Shaw this summer and his injury record is a nightmare.But there is no doubting when he is fit, he can still be one of England’s best left-backs. Defensively solid and knows what to do when he gets forward, can’t ask for too much more. Amad Diallo (for Garnacho, 62 mins) – 8Immediately got the United fans out of their seats when a neat one-two with Dorgu saw him race down the right and get into the Bilbao box.Nothing came of it but it was at least a statement of intent, something sorely lacking for the first hour. Followed it up with his involvement in the equaliser and was constantly trying to cause damage – and doing exactly that.A stark contrast from Garnacho. Mason Mount (for Ugarte, 62 mins) – 9Shaw was good, Diallo excellent but it is Mount who grabs the headlines. And rightly so. Pretty much his first touch was a header after he just mistimed the jump… only for the ball to be recycled, work its way back to him.The turn and finish was a real peach – prompting a huge sigh of relief for him personally and for everyone connected to United.Almost more impressively, just a minute after his goal, Mount put in a crucial foot to nick the ball away by his own left corner flag. And he saved the best until last, scoring from miles out on his left foot when urged to shoot at the unguarded net. He’s certainly not had the United career he wanted so far, but that was his best game in red. Hard not to be pleased for him. Read More on The SunHarry Amass (for Lindelof, 81 mins) – N/AKobbie Mainoo (for Casemiro, 81 mins) – N/AJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More