More stories

  • in

    Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Man Utd?

    NEWCASTLE welcome Manchester United to St James’ Park for a mouthwatering Premier League encounter – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBruno Guimaraes’ strike helped Newcastle see off West Ham before beating Brentford after the international break.Eddie Howe’s men then thrashed Leicester 3-0 five days later and they’ll be hoping to build on that win this afternoon against a struggling Manchester United side.But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Man Utd?A statement read: “Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United’s Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness.Read more on Eddie Howe”The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.”Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing.”He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.”Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.”Most read in FootballWho will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave an update on Howe while addressing the media on Friday morning.The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s been really poorly. Bed-ridden. We’ve been in daily contact but it’s not affected any of the preparations.”Still got a few days and hopefully he’ll be back for weekend.”What time does Newcastle vs Man Utd kick-off?Newcastle vs Manchester United kicks off at 4:30pm BSTSt James’ Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 52,000 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton fired the Toon to a 2-0 win when the sides last met in December 2024. More

  • in

    Premier League stars among NINE footballers caught using illicit substances with players facing lengthy bans

    PREMIER LEAGUE stars are among NINE footballers to have been caught using banned substances since 2022.The number of players getting caught for doping is on the rise, with four players — including from the English top flight —  testing positive last year alone.Premier League stars are among nine footballers caught using banned substances since 2022The latest UKAD stats do not include Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspendedEx-Manchester United star Paul Pogba was hit with a lengthy banTwo of those four players are still under investigation, with the stars facing hefty bans from the game.The two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance straight after games, according to UK Anti-Doping.Despite testing  positive, all nine stars were secretly allowed to play on for their clubs, after the FA accepted  drugs were for medical purposes or taken “via a  permitted route”.Players were caught taking banned drugs including Tamoxifen, Triamcinolone  and Amphetamine.Read More on FootballTriamcinolone is the substance controversially given to cycling legend Bradley Wiggins before he won the Tour de France in 2012 which helps players lose weight without reducing power.Tamoxifen is known to help players build up muscle, while Amphetamine helps with increased endurance.The latest UKAD stats do not include Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who was caught using Meldonium while playing overseas for Ukraine. It can enhance recovery after matches.Mudryk, 24, who denies any wrongdoing, has been provisionally suspended from football and could receive a four-year ban.Most read in FootballEx-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was banned from football for four years and sacked by Juventus after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, which boosts testosterone production.Last month we revealed how Prem stars are among 530 players being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling plus some have   mental health issues.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banAnd last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances, such as cocaine and nitrous oxide as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford star Christian Norgaard has revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market Zopiclone tablets to help them sleep.Two unnamed players also tested positive for a banned substance immediately after games in the Prem and EFL last season, say UK Anti-Doping chiefs. More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim set for huge cut-price firesale of Man Utd’s expensive flops in desperate bid to raise £200m transfer kitty

    RUBEN AMORIM will be handed a £200million transfer war chest — but only if he first flogs his Manchester United flops.United plan a summer clear-out of almost an entire team of unwanted stars — and the manager will be able to spend the bulk of any income.Ruben Amorim is planning a Man Utd firesaleCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are confident of getting £45m for Marcus Rashford after his recent upturn in form at Aston VillaCredit: RexAlejandro Garnacho may be sold amid interest from NapoliCredit: GettyUnited could cash-in on Andre Onana amid interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyBoss Amorim knows his kitty almost entirely depends on fees from departures and savings on wages, but Old Trafford bosses are confident the target figure is achievable. That will mean the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho exiting for good, along with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and even one of young guns Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho.Despite the Red Devils’ shocking season, the club’s top brass are confident there remains enough interest in their out-of-favour stars to bring in a hefty amount.Rashford, 27, has been edging towards top form since joining Aston Villa on loan, and they may well try and turn that into a permanent move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven if Villa boss Unai Emery decides against it, United believe the England player’s return to some sort of form has got other clubs interested, and they would sell for around £45m.While Sancho, 25, has not been such a hit in his spell at Chelsea, a full-time switch is still on the table.United would get ­little more than half the £73m they paid Borussia Dortmund, but will listen to offers at that figure — which could mean a return to the German club. It is the same story with Brazilian Antony, who has shone on loan at Real Betis so much that the Spaniards would like to sign the 25-year-old for good.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBetis have already been told that it will cost £35m to keep the  winger. While it may take Champions League qualification for them to fund a deal, that is not out of the question.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenMan Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…The fact United are prepared to offload one of rookie duo Garnacho or Mainoo will be the most controversial.Local boy Mainoo, 19, is on Chelsea’s summer radar, with doubts over his future as United dither about meeting his wage demands.But £50m-rated winger Garnacho is the likelier of the two to leave after losing his place in the Argentina squad.The 20-year-old is not an obvious fit in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system and Napoli are long-time admirers.Dutch full-back Tyrell ­Malacia, 25, currently at PSV Eindhoven, will also be offloaded for around £10m.And despite insisting he plans to stay, ­others are convinced Andre Onana is off.The keeper, 29, is on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, as is 33-year-old Casemiro. Getting the Brazilian’s £350,000-a-week wages off the books would be a major saving.Eriksen, 33, will also leave at the end of this season — ­further boosting Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ­determination to slash United’s £172m wage bill.Amorim has already admitted there will be no Galactico-style summer arrivals.Read More on The SunAnd while Ratcliffe is happy to pay big money in transfer fees, he is opposed to handing out big contracts.That means targets will be offered deals, heavily laden with success-related clauses.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited could look to get Casemiro’s wages off the booksCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen’s days at Old Trafford are numberedCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd stars want blunder keeper Andre Onana DROPPED after he ‘tempted fate’ with comments before Lyon horror show

    FUMING Manchester United stars have turned on cock-up keeper Andre Onana.The “silly” Cameroon No 1 could be axed for today’s Prem trip to Newcastle after his two blunders gifted Lyon a 2-2 Europa League draw on Thursday.Man Utd stars want Andre Onana axed after his horror show against LyonCredit: GettyThey feel Onana tempted fate by taunting Lyon before committing two howlers in the 2-2 drawCredit: GettyTeam-mates blame Onana for “tempting fate” by taunting the French side ahead of the quarter-final first leg.A United insider revealed: “Some of the players are really p***ed off with him.“You tempt fate when you say things like he did and then you end up looking silly if it comes back and bites you.“Some wonder if it’s time for Altay Bayindir to be given a go.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited boss Ruben Amorim initially backed Onana, but admitted: “There is nothing I can say to Andre that will help.”Onana fired up Lyon by insisting the Red Devils were “way better” than their opponents.It sparked an angry response from Lyon’s ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who dubbed Onana “one of the worst keepers in  United’s history.”Onana then responded to that jibe by slamming the Serb’s five trophyless seasons at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe keeper has now made NINE errors leading to goals since joining United in a £43.8million move from Inter Milan two years ago.United legend Paul Scholes insisted: “Onana is probably wishing he had kept his mouth shut,” before slamming his “awful” mistakes, including a 95th-minute clanger which allowed Rayan Cherki to equalise.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatWhile fellow 1999 Treble winner, keeper Peter Schmeichel said: “Sometimes players  say something they shouldn’t. It backfired for him.”Amorim admitted: “We should have taken a one-goal advantage to the next game.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

  • in

    Thibaut Courtois’ wife Mishel Gerzig stuns in striped bikini after topping prestigious Forbes list

    REAL Madrid Wag Mishel Gerzig has earned her stripes as an influencer – in one of the world’s most prestigious magazines.The Israeli model, 27, is wife of the Spanish club’s Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 32.Mishel Gerzig stuns in striped bikini after topping a prestigeous Forbes listCredit: AsosThibaut Courtois with stunning wife Mishel GerzigCredit: instagram @mishelgerzigAnd the mum of one has made the annual list of 30 personalities aged under 30 picked by international business publication Forbes.They are chosen for making an impact across a range of industries.She is owner of a sports-focused VIP concierge business called Be The One as well as a natural cosmetics company.She gushed to fans on Instagram: “So excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Thankful for this recognition.”READ MORE ON WAGSMishel has amassed a huge social media following on the site with 880,000 subscribers.She married ex-Chelsea stopper Courtois in June 2023 and they have a daughter, Ellie, aged 10 months.Gerzig, who began her modelling career aged 13, has also served in the Israel Defence Forces as a navy commander.Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’ More

  • in

    Mum of Man City star Phil Foden puts £3m mansion up for sale after clashing with neighbours over ‘noise’

    MAN City ace Phil Foden’s mum is moving home — after a week in which she was abused by fans.Footie star Phil bought the five-bed mansion in 2021 and lived there with mum Claire Rowlands and dad Phil Sr.Mum of Man City star Phil Foden has put her £3m mansion up for sale after clashing with neighbours over ‘noise’Credit: Peter Powell LimitedClaire and Phil Sr have been caught up in noise rows with neighbours after hosting several partiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOHNDrgVS0/?hl=en&img_index=1But he later moved out with fiancée Rebecca Cooke, with whom he has three young children.Now the property in the North West is on the market for offers in excess of £3million — £150,000 more than he paid for it.It boasts a swimming pool, gym, cinema room, golf simulator and a wine cellar.But Claire and Phil Sr have been caught up in noise rows with neighbours after hosting several parties.READ MORE ON PHIL FODENA source said: “Phil and his family had some great times in that house. He then moved out but it was nice that his parents were just round the corner.“They had some issues with neighbours, but Phil has now moved away to the countryside so perhaps his parents are following suit.”Phil, who was not in City’s squad yesterday for the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace, was contacted for comment.He was upset following last Sunday’s Manchester derby after United fans chanted slurs about his mother.Most read in FootballYesterday, his gran Mary Keates said: “These people need to have a good look at themselves. Claire is a wonderful woman and mother.“It really upset the whole family, it’s disgusting. It makes me feel sick.”Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentary More

  • in

    Bompastor hails Chelsea striker’s match-winning goal as Blues ace eyes first FA Cup final appearance at Wembley 

    SONIA BOMPASTOR praised Aggie Beever-Jones for notching up another milestone after Chelsea ended Liverpool’s FA Cup final hopes.The lifelong Blues fan nabbed a stoppage-time winner earlier today – which could see her star in a cup final at Wembley for the first time next month. Aggie Beever-Jones’s header booked Chelsea’s place in the Women’s FA Cup final where they will play Man City or Man United in MayCredit: GettyThe Blues striker said she is yet to play in an FA Cup final for Chelsea at WembleyCredit: GettyOlivia Smith gave Liverpool a 21st-minute lead in their semi-final clash with ChelseaCredit: AlamyErin Cuthbert levelled close to halftime before the hosts upped the ante in attack in the second halfCredit: GettyAnd Beever-Jones described Chelsea reaching this year’s FA Cup final as “massive” for momentum in terms of some of the huge games coming up for the Blues. Matches which include a highly-anticipated semi-final Champions League tie with Barcelona who hope to win the title for a fourth time. After her side’s FA Cup last-four triumph Beever-Jones said: “It’s massive (reaching the final). “For us, at the start of the season, we said we want to be in as many finals as possible. Read More Football Stories “Today was another step in the right direction and for us we’re ready for the final and we’ve got to make preparation for a busy month. “We’ll be ready (for the game at Wembley) when it comes around.”Beever-Jones’ match-winning finish came eight days after her first senior England goal in a 5-0 Nations League hammering of Belgium. The Blues were forced to fight back after Liverpool snatched a surprise lead through Olivia Smith’s drilled finish, with Erin Cuthbert levelling before halftime. Most read in FootballThe Reds weathered intense second-half pressure from their Kingsmeadow hosts with the score still level in the 90th minute. But with eight minutes of stoppage time added on Beever-Jones netted in the 94th to keep the WSL leaders’ quadruple hopes alive. Her club are one victory away from claiming a second piece of domestic silverware this term. The Blues booking a spot in this year’s decider follows their League Cup final defeat of Man City in March. And Bompastor’s side will face either the Cityzens or their neighbours Man United who will battle each other tomorrow. On Beever-Jones, potentially playing in a cup final at Wembley for the first time, Blues boss Bompastor said: “It’s another record for Aggie. “This past week has been really good for her.”She’s a really young, talented player who at the moment makes a big impact for the team, creating chances, scoring goals and giving assists. “I was pleased for her to get minutes with England because she’s in a good moment in her career and in her season.”She had the opportunity to score for her first (senior) goal for England which was really important for her “And this goal (for us) will bring even more confidence and it’s good for the team.”Of her match winner, Beever-Jones added: “It means everything. “Being a Chelsea fan, and being able to help them get to the final and scoring so late on in the game – it’s amazing. “When I look back on it, I could have had a few earlier in the game and probably saved a few people from stressing out a little bit. “But I’m just delighted to put the goal away in the crucial last moments of the game.”Chelsea had four corners and Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd firing wide before Liverpool took a surprise 21st-minute lead. Marie Hobinger’s well-timed ball forward found Olivia Smith with the Reds star’s bottom-corner strike breaking the deadlock.Sandy Baltimore, who scored for France during their Nations League defeat of Iceland, was among Chelsea’s best performersCredit: GettyChastened from going behind Chelsea grabbed leveller via Erin Cuthbert’s cushioned finish on the stroke halftime following Sandy Baltimore’s pass across the box.Read More on The SunThey piled on the pressure in the second half with Beever-Jones forcing a few point blank saves from Reds keeper Rachael Laws. And Baltimore’s injury-time cross reached the Blues starlet who leapt highest to head home and seal the win. More

  • in

    ‘He could have broken my leg’ – Arsenal’s Martinelli hits out at Brentford star who escaped red card for ‘nasty’ tackle

    FUMING Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli accused Brentford captain Christian Norgaard of a “nasty” foul that could have broken his leg.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was also furious, claiming Norgaard should have received a red card instead of a yellow for the first-half scissor tackle from behind.Gabriel Martinelli claimed Christian Norgaard’s ‘nasty’ foul could have broken his legCredit: PAThe Arsenal star was chopped down by Brentford’s captain in Saturday’s 1-1 drawCredit: GettyMartinelli was left in a heap on the floor as Norgaard received just a yellow cardCredit: ReutersMartinelli went on the attack at full-timeCredit: Sky SportsWinger Martinelli insisted: “In the moment, if my foot was on the floor, he could break my leg.“He said he didn’t mean it. I believe him but still he could have broken my leg. For me it was red. It was nasty.”Arteta let rip at the fourth official as Martinelli lay stricken on the ground. The Gunners boss said: “My reaction tells you everything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford chief Thomas Frank disagreed, saying: “It was a strong yellow — but it was a yellow.”Norgaard and Martinelli are believed to have shaken hands at half-time but the fallout continued after the game.Ex-top ref Mark Halsey agreed with Arsenal, adding: “A challenge  that endangers a player’s safety with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned with a red card.“This was a scissor-challenge from behind — that’s serious foul play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“It could have resulted in a serious injury for Martinelli.”The Gunners took the lead through Thomas  Partey’s second-half goal.Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury Mikel Arteta is adamant that Norgaard should have been given a red cardCredit: ReutersThomas Frank reckons the correct decision was made with the yellowCredit: ReutersBut they were pegged back as Brentford striker Yoane Wissa hooked in  his 15th Premier League strike of the season.The draw leaves the Gunners ten points behind leaders Liverpool and for the first time, Arteta all but conceded the title.And the Arsenal boss admitted his team’s season now hinges on the  Champions League quarter-final, with the Gunners heading for Real Madrid on Wednesday to defend  a 3-0 lead from their first-leg win.Arteta said: “Today, what we wanted to do was increase the probability of us really challenging for what we are looking for  in the Premier League.“With that result, obviously, it’s more unlikely to happen. There are still six games  in the Premier League which are going to be really important.Arsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzle“But, for sure, now it’s all about Wednesday.”Frank hailed Wissa’s fabulous season in front of goal and his team’s resilience in coming from a goal down to keep their hopes of European football next season alive.The Brentford boss said: “How many teams have a No 9 who has scored  15 goals? It is maybe only Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.“So that is exceptional from Wissa, big credit to him, and hopefully also  to the way we play and the chances we create.“It is a very good point against a very good Arsenal team that beat Real Madrid four days ago.Read More on The Sun“Fighting back to get  to 1-1 shows the character in our team.“We’d love to compete for Europe and aim for as high as possible.” More