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      in Soccer

      Inside Rasmus Hojlund’s disasterclass against Man City as Man Utd ace fails to manage a single touch in penalty area

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      RASMUS HOJLUND’s performance in the boring Manchester derby showed why Ruben Amorim is going after a new striker in the summer.The Dane struggled to lead the line against Pep Guardiola’s side, whose own lack of intent in the 0-0 draw could be punished in the race for a Champions League place.Rasmus Hojlund had just 15 touches of the ball in 71 minutesCredit: EPAHojlund endured a difficult derbyCredit: ReutersBut Hojlund struggled to impact the game and barely had any involvement throughout the 71 minutes he was on the pitch.Indeed, the stats reflect just how tough he found it at a sunny Old Trafford.The 22-year-old had just 15 touches and completed only seven of his nine attempted passes – a 78 per cent accuracy.The down-trodden striker also failed to register a single touch in City’s box.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHojlund also had ZERO shots at Ederson’s goal.He lost the ball four times before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee with 19 minutes left of normal time.Zirkzee – who had 11 touches in the final embers – was more of a handful for the City back line and went close to an elusive opener when he tested Ederson from Patrick Dorgu’s cross.But Hojlund perhaps showed why he has to be replaced up front in the summer.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunday’s draw came days after centre-back Harry Maguire was launched up front to find a winner against Nottingham Forest.And although Maguire couldn’t find a leveller, he accumulated more xG in added time than Hojlund had in his last 15 appearances prior.Man Utd star brutally compared to ‘BABY ELEPHANT’ on live TVThe former Atalanta man, signed for £72MILLION in 2023, has just eight goals this term – with only three in the Premier League.The Red Devils are set to battle Arsenal for Amorim’s former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.United and City have been below their usual standards this season and the goalless draw at Old Trafford displayed that.Amorim fielded seven defensive players and relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes for the occasional promising pass.The Portuguese manager said: “Both teams aren’t fighting for the title – that changed the game. “You can make a funny game but that feeling of not losing a point and winning every game at home is not here.”But Gary Neville slammed that sentiment and said the derby was a bad advert for the Prem.Neville said: “The best City and Man United teams would be very disappointed with the way they’ve approached the end of that game.”It looks like it’s Sunday afternoon and they’re going to go for a roast dinner together now. “They’re micromanaged to an inch of their lives, so robotic and it’s symptomatic of a lot of games that we’re watching nowadays.”Gary Neville slammed Man Utd’s dull 0-0 draw with Man CityRoy Keane also ripped into all the hugging and chatting at full-time.Amorim has since responded: “I understand that Gary is critical about everything so I understand that part.”Then I understand that we are in the moment that we are doing the worst season in history.”So we are not in the best moments to give the best spectacle to every fan.”But the fans were up for it, with many chanting in reference to the 130 charges City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.And Guardiola condemned the home fans for sick chants about Phil Foden’s mum.The Red Devils face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the first leg in France coming up on Thursday.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, City sit fifth, still a point behind Chelsea after the Blues played out a 0-0 draw of their own against Brentford. Newcastle can still overtake them if they beat struggling Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night. More

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      Champions League winner, 41, who scored for Barcelona in El Clasico now working on shop floor at sports chain

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      A FORMER Barcelona star is now living a completely different life – working in a sports shop.The 41-year-old hung up his boots in 2020 following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon.A former Barcelona star is now working in a sports shopJeremy Mathieu spent three years at Barcelona and won the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsThe centre-back scored against Real Madrid in El Clasico in 2015Credit: Getty Images – GettySince then, he has swapped the fast-paced life of the beautiful game for a new job – in retail.The player in question is ex-France defender Jeremy Mathieu.Mathieu has been spotted working at Intersport in Cabries, a French sportswear shop.A photo of him alongside two fans in the shop went viral on social media last week.Read More in FootballIn the picture, Mathieu could be seen wearing an Intersport vest with his name on.It is understood he is a manager at the shop and leads a department as well as some different teams.While working at Intersport, located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, he is also looking to obtain his coaching badges.Mathieu kicked off his playing career with French outfit Sochaux in 2002 following a stint in the club’s youth setup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then joined Toulouse, where he spent four years before moving to Spain.Having spent five seasons with Valencia, the Frenchman was then signed by La Liga giants Barcelona in 2014.Real Madrid star Vinicius clashes with Atletico crowd after winning Champions League game on penalties He made 94 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.During that time he also won two LaLiga titles, the Uefa Supercup, the Club World Cup and the Champions League.He even scored for Barcelona in a 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid in 2015.Mathieu retired following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon in 2020 after suffering a knee injury in training. More

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      ‘Most entertaining part of the game’ – Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chant

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola waved to United fans as he received pelters from the Stretford End.The City manager, 54, had just watched his side labour to a 0-0 bore draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford.Pep Guardiola waved at the Stretford EndThroughout the match, United fans chanted in reference to the 130 charges City face for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.As Guardiola made his way to the tunnel following the conclusion of the match, fans booed and sang: “Cheating b*******, you know what you are.”Not being able to help himself, the Spaniard stopped before reaching the tunnel.Guardiola turned towards the Stretford End, waving in their direction with both hands.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe three-time Champions League-winning manager’s response was met by sarcastic cheers from the United faithful.Standing just in front of Guardiola, City star Bernardo Silva couldn’t help but smirk, while a fan on social media admitted: “That was the most entertaining part of the game!”The 0-0 draw saw City miss the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League.United, meanwhile, clambered back above Tottenham into 13th, after the North Londoners had beaten Southampton 3-1 earlier in the day.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGuardiola, 54, couldn’t help but react to United fans’ chantsCredit: AlamyAfter yesterday’s match, Guardiola slammed United fans for chants about Phil Foden’s mum.Sections of Old Trafford sang: “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g.”‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumGuardiola said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”It is understood that senior figures within City were “shocked and disgusted” by the chants.Guardiola added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.’ASHAMED’“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden, 24, has this season been unable to replicate the form that saw him earn the PFA Player of the Year award last term.On the England star’s struggles, Guardiola said: “This season we dropped incredibly. Not just Phil Foden but all of them.“Last season, his impact was incredible.Read More on The Sun”With him and chances it’s normally bang, bang. Just not at the moment.”But the team is not playing at the level we had. And we were not at our level in this game.”Guardiola defended struggling star Phil FodenCredit: AP More

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      DAZN hosts Diletta Leotta and Eleonora Incardona stun in bold outfits as footie fans say ‘I don’t care about the game’

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      DILETTA LEOTTA and Eleonora Incardona were both on hosting duties as Roma hosted Juventus last night.Both popular presenters cover Serie A for DAZN.Diletta Leotta was on hosting duties for DAZN last nightCredit: RexThe popular presenter wore a white shirt with smart black trousersCredit: RexEleonora Incardona was also working on last night’s gameCredit: RexIncardona has built a huge Instagram followingCredit: RexLeotta and Incardona have each gathered huge followings on social media.The former, 33, has 9.2 million Instagram followers.While Incardona, 34, has reached 1.2 million followers on the platform.For last night’s match, Leotta wore a smart white shirt with black trousers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncardona, meanwhile, went for a leather burgundy trousers and coat combo – along with a black top.Fans were thrilled with the pair both working at the match, with one cheekily writing on social media: “I don’t care about the game.”A second commented: “Wonderful as always.”And another added: “Fantastic Eleonora.”Most read in FootballLeotta posed in her smart outfit before heading to the matchIncardona has become a fans’ favourite in recent weeksCredit: RexIncardona is dating Torino and Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci.While Leotta is married to former Liverpool star Loris Karius.Eleonora Incardona at the San Siro stadiumThe happy couple welcomed their first child together in 2023.Roma and Juventus drew 1-1 last night.Manuel Locatelli’s brilliant effort saw Juve take the lead on 40 minutes.But shortly after half-time, Eldor Shomurodov levelled for the hosts.Leotta has become a huge star by working on Italian footballCredit: RexIncardona can regularly be seen at various grounds in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardona More

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      in Boxing

      Frank Warren claims Joe Joyce ‘needs to have a serious think’ about retiring with risk of ‘consequences down the road’

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      FRANK WARREN says Joe Joyce needs to consider retirement for the sake of his long-term health after another punishing loss.The 39-year-old Putney heavyweight lost a unanimous decision to Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic, 32, on Saturday night in Manchester.Frank Warren says Joe Joyce needs to consider retirementCredit: GettyJoyce was beaten over 12 rounds by Filip HrgovicCredit: ReutersThere was no shame in the defeat but it was another ten-round exhibition of Joyce’s steadfast determination to use his own face as his only defence.And promoter Warren — who guided The Juggernaut to excellent wins over Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker — is now concerned what permanent damage defeats to Zhilei Zhang, Derek Chisora and now Hrgovic has done.The Queensberry promoter said: “Joe needs to have a serious think about his future “There’s no rush but that is what he has to do now.“He will want to fight, I know he will, but he needs to sit down with his family and have a real serious think about the future, because it will not be an easy road back for him. Whatever he does, we will support him.READ MORE IN BOXING“But, in boxing, as you get older — and you fight the way Joe does — you have to think about what the consequences could be down the road. “He’s a lovely man, one of the best people I have ever worked with And I just want the best for him now.”Worryingly Joyce, who also did thousands of explosive and gruelling rounds with Anthony Joshua when they were on Team GB, is already thinking about his next fight.He said: “I am still enjoying what I am doing and I feel good. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“A lot of people want to see me fight Dillian Whyte, so I will reflect on this fight, with my team, and see what’s coming next. I will reflect and come back.”But ringside pundit and former British super-middleweight champion Paul Smith pleaded with Joyce to hang up his gloves. My dad is Coronation Street legend Des Barnes – now I’ve swapped acting for pro boxingHe said: “I hope I never see Joe Joyce in a boxing ring again.“I felt uncomfortable watching that because this is an unforgiving sport and it’s his health we are all worried about. “I am not being cruel to him but I didn’t like what I saw in there. It was an entertaining fight but only because of how many shots Joe takes and just keeps going.“In boxing you need people around you who care about you and love you, who will say ‘no more’ because you have got to think about your long-term health.”But he refused to retireCredit: PA More

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      How Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid career began with Cristiano Ronaldo ‘PR exercise’ under unenthusiastic Carlo Ancelotti

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      IT remains one of the most iconic substitutions in Real Madrid’s long and illustrious history.With 58 minutes on the clock on the final day of the 2014-15 LaLiga season and with Real leading Getafe 5-3 at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo’s No 7 lit up the fourth official’s board.Cristiano Ronaldo gave way for Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid debutCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti’s former assistant Paul Clement spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: GettyReplacing the Portuguese legend, who had scored a first-half hat-trick, was No 41 Martin Odegaard, the youngest Los Blancos player to make a competitive appearance at 16 years and 157 days.It is a record that still stands a decade later.With manager Carlo Ancelotti serving a suspension up in the stands, it was trusted assistant Paul Clement who orchestrated the substitution from the dugout.English coach Clement, 53, told SunSport: “I’ve got a really nice picture at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’m in the background but you can see Cristiano welcoming Martin on to the pitch and he gets a good welcome from the crowd.“Carlo didn’t come down to the dressing room at half-time. We spoke on the phone. “He said, ‘Let’s do the substitution’. I didn’t tell Martin but I did tell Cristiano.“Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Play simple. The last thing he needed was to be bombarded with information. What a moment for a young man to make his debut.“The youngest player in the history of the club, at the Bernabeu, 80,000 fans, coming on for arguably one of the greatest players ever. A special debut, for sure.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Nearly a decade on and Odegaard, now 26, is preparing to lead Arsenal out in a Champions League quarter-final against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid tomorrow.Memories will come flooding back. The Norwegian has said his headline-making £3.5million switch from Stromsgodset to Madrid in 2015 was the making of him — turning down the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool in the process.But he is the first to admit he struggled and there were those who believed it would break him.In his 2016 autobiography Quiet Leadership, Ancelotti described the move as a “PR exercise”.He wrote: “[Odegaard] could go on to be the best player in the world after I’m gone, but I’m not interested in the signing. He is being recruited for the future, for other managers after my time.”On top of that, Odegaard — who already had three senior caps for Norway — was walking into one of the most intimidating dressing rooms in world football with Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.Clement remembers the media frenzy that followed.Paul Clement with Carlo Ancelotti in 2014Credit: GettyHe explained: “Madrid is not an easy club to say ‘no’ to. You’re never sure when it’s going to come around again.“There are many players a lot of people will not even remember or know the names of because Madrid was too big for them and they didn’t make the grade. But Martin dealt with it very well.“I’m sure it was quite daunting. You never know what’s going on internally with somebody. He was quiet, humble but good to coach.“In training, he could hold his own with his technical quality. He was a sensation, wasn’t he? He had the dedication, too.“I would work alongside him. He was constantly practising his weaker foot, passing over different ranges, finishing . . .”Odegaard’s arrival not only ruffled Ancelotti’s feathers but also those of Zinedine Zidane, who was coaching Madrid’s Castilla reserve team and was forced to pick the young rookie despite him spending most of the week training with the first team. Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Paul ClementClement, who left Madrid in May 2015 following Ancelotti’s sacking, said: “We tried to find a balance but it was not an ideal situation. It was probably a bit weird for Martin.”By December 2020, Odegaard was 22 and had played just 489 minutes for Madrid in almost six years, having been on loan at Dutch sides Heerenveen and Vitesse, plus LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad, before a six-month stint at Arsenal from January 2021 that led to a permanent £30m switch that summer — two months after Ancelotti’s Madrid return.So, the question remains: was joining Madrid so young the right decision?Clement said: “I’d be interested to speak to him now, as a grown man, about how he was feeling inside. “I don’t think there was any doubt about the talent. It was just his physical maturity, understanding of the game.“When I look back, the best move for him would have been at a club like Ajax. He would have played regularly, really developed.“But the loan moves he took at that time in his career, he needed. He had to take a couple of steps back to go forward. He’s shown great resilience in doing that.Read More on The Sun“You look at what he is now — he’s an elite player at a great club. It worked out well for him.“I was thinking the other day whether Martin could play in Real Madrid’s current team? Yeah, for sure.”Martin Odegaard is now the Arsenal captainCredit: GettyAncelotti is now in his second spell in charge of Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal working on sensational £200m triple transfer for Viktor Gyokeres, Nico Williams and Martin Zubimendi

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      ARSENAL are working on a dream scenario of signing Viktor Gyokeres AND Nico Williams in a blockbuster £200million summer spree.The Gunners’ No 1 priority is bringing in a top-level central midfielder and they are confident of landing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for around £50m.Arsenal are hoping to pull off a stunning summer move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor GyokeresCredit: EPAThey are also dreaming of splashing out on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s top targetCredit: GettyNow new sporting director Andrea Berta is doing the sums to see if they can also afford an elite centre-forward AND a game-changing winger.Berta knows he will have to generate significant income by selling players in order to raise the cash to prise Gyokeres from Sporting and Williams from Athletic Bilbao.But Gunners chiefs are determined to do all they can to give boss Mikel Arteta the superstar signings he needs to win the Premier League title.With Jorginho and Thomas Partey both set to leave the Emirates on free transfers this summer, it will be essential to buy Zubimendi or another top defensive midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal also need to bring in a second-choice keeper when on-loan Neto returns to Bournemouth.A prolific striker is seen as a key target, with a new winger more of a luxury.But Emirates chiefs would love both.Their chances depend in part on whether Sporting and Athletic Bilbao hold out for release clauses for Gyokeres and Williams, believed to be £83.6m and £49m respectively.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf negotiations prove difficult, Arsenal could choose to pursue cheaper strikers, such as RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, in order to free up  money for Williams.Alternatively, the club could go all in on proven Prem scorer Alexander Isak, valued by Newcastle at more than £100m.Arsenal fans find video of new sporting director Andrea Berta SLAPPING Man City doctorAndrea Berta wants to make a huge statement in his first transfer windowCredit: GettyIf Arsenal agreed to pay that sort of fee, they would pass on wideman Williams, whose wage demands may be an issue.But former Atletico Madrid chief Berta is thought to be a big fan of Gyokeres and was reported to have met Williams’ agent Felix Tainta just days after officially taking up his new role.Arsenal do have to keep an eye on Profit and Sustainability Rules.They made losses of £52.1m in 2022-23 and £17.7m in 2023-24 — despite  their highest-ever revenue (£616.6m) last season thanks to a Champions League return.The departures of Jorginho, Partey and Kieran Tierney will free up money in the wage budget.Yet Arsenal will also need to find generous buyers for the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard.Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu would have been off but long-term injuries scuppered those plans. More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Warrington reveals how fans who called him a w***** spurred boxer to retirement U-turn

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      JOSH WARRINGTON will keep fighting for the fans — even those who think he is a w****r.The 34-year-old Leeds legend laid down his gloves after a third consecutive defeat — this time against Anthony Cacace at Wembley Stadium — in September.Josh Warrington will keep fighting for the fans — even those who think he is a w****rCredit: GettyFollowing previous losses to Luis Alberto Lopez and Leigh Wood, the two-time featherweight world champ felt he had reached the end of the Elland Road.But, after a couple of strong gym sessions — and a scan of his X-rated social messages — the latest comeback starts on April 19 against Asad Khan.The Yorkshire hero said: “Something was missing in that last performance.“I told my dad, in my corner, that ten per cent or so just wasn’t there.READ MORE IN BOXING“When I laid down my gloves, I meant it.“I went back in the gym to help a mate and things started to click again.“Then I checked social media, expecting the worst, but I had nothing but support and backing.“Some people even wrote, ‘I have always thought you are a w****r but don’t retire yet, you’ve got loads left to give’.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I don’t need to retire on a win or a world title.“I need to retire after a performance I can be proud of, one that my fans deserve, after so many years of backing me”I need to retire on my terms. And I will — w* or not.”Josh Warrington’s top-flight boxing career ends after suffering his third fight on the spin More