More stories

  • in

    Come on Leicester City… beat the European Super League snakes to a top four finish for all of us fans

    SO Brendan Rodgers now has four games to save our season from the snakes.Manchester United on Tuesday, Chelsea in the FA Cup final, Chelsea again in the league and Tottenham on the final day.
    Leicester’s record vs the Big Six in the league this season
    If his Leicester side, spooked by the possibility of a second successive late-season collapse, cannot win any of those fixtures against Super League separatists, then we are likely to see England’s ‘slippery six’ sweeping the board — claiming every trophy and every Champions League place.
    Liverpool can sneak into fourth place, with Manchester City and Chelsea carving up all of the major trophies, except for the Europa League, which United ought to win.
    Leicester are not done yet, especially with the prospect of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fielding a weakened United side against the Foxes tonight, then a stronger one against Liverpool on Thursday.
    It is a neat piece of snake-on-snake action which could stitch up Jurgen Klopp’s men.
    And if Leicester were to slip out of the top four and lose Saturday’s Cup final, the verdict on Rodgers and his team will surely not be too harsh.
    Like fellow Champions League contenders West Ham, they simply do not have the squad depth of the established elite and key injuries have cost them dearly.
    So if the nightmare scenario occurs, and there is a rapidly-increasing prospect of that after the damaging home thrashing by Newcastle on Friday, what then for Rodgers?
    What then, when there is a managerial vacancy at Tottenham and when there could well be another at Arsenal, while Rodgers may regard himself as bashing his head against a glass ceiling at Leicester?
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
    Tottenham could make their move for Brendan Rodgers at the end of the seasonCredit: PA
    Daniel Levy is a keen admirer of Leicester’s Northern Irish managerCredit: PA
    We know Spurs would love to lure the Northern Irishman and if they have any sense — which is a big ‘if’ — then surely Arsenal would, too.
    Tottenham are adamant they have their foot on the ball regarding Jose Mourinho’s successor, pleading patience when many might detect panic.
    Julian Nagelsmann was certainly their first choice but the German has opted for Bayern Munich.
    Spurs do not believe Rodgers is out of the question, especially if Leicester miss out on Champions League football again.
    Chairman Daniel Levy has targeted Rodgers several times over the years and he is firmly on the radar now. But should Arsenal recognise the risk of continuing to back Mikel Arteta — with no past or present evidence of managerial excellence — then Rodgers would surely be a leading contender for that position, too.
    If the ruling Kroenke family truly are determined not to sell up, then a positive managerial change might buy them time to stave off a full-scale supporters’ revolt.
    So should Rodgers get the choice, which North London club would be the more attractive proposition? Or more to the point, which club is in the greater mess?
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is under immense pressure after a disastrous campaignCredit: Reuters
    With Spurs on course to finish above Arsenal for a fifth successive season, you would imagine them to be the more desirable option.
    But with Harry Kane unsettled, Dele Alli in need of a full-on reboot and Tottenham’s defence an unmitigated shambles, that job has a poisoned-chalice feel about it.
    At Arsenal, where the slump has been longer and deeper, there may be greater appetite for a genuine long-term overhaul.
    And Rodgers might fancy working with an exceptional group of youngsters, including Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Joe Willock, who has enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Newcastle.
    He would also relish the prospect of a reunion with former Celtic protege Kieran Tierney — an Arsenal captain of the near future, if the club are serious about a team re-built around youth, hunger and honesty.
    By losing last week’s Europa League semi-final to Villarreal — managed by Arteta’s failed Arsenal predecessor, Unai Emery — Arsenal confirmed their worst campaign since the early 1980s.
    If the Kroenkes believe the Spaniard deserves another stab next season, then they possess a faith in the intangible which is almost religious.
    Yes, there are very many ifs, buts and maybes at play here — yet Rodgers for Arsenal could well make sense for both sides.
    He would not come cheap, with a contract at the King Power running until 2025.
    But Rodgers has done more than any other manager to disrupt the insufferable six in the last few seasons.
    And if everything goes to pot over the next 12 days, Rodgers might be seduced by the belief that if you can’t beat them, join them.
    In the meantime, may I just park journalistic impartiality for a moment and yell out: ‘Come on Leicester!’
    MASON’S NOT TOO GREEN
    WE’VE said it here before but it’s worth stating again, after another excellent strike at Aston Villa — Mason Greenwood should be in England’s Euros squad.
    That’s seven goals in ten appearances for the Manchester United ace, 19, and if England are level or one-down in a knockout match, Gareth Southgate will need players who can turn a match with a moment of genius.
    And we do not have enough footballing geniuses to ignore Greenwood.
    Mason Greenwood is playing himself into Southgate’s Euros squadCredit: Reuters
    AGUERO TO PAY PENALTY
    ONE quality that Pep Guardiola is rarely credited with is his ruthlessness.
    But like Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester City manager can be necessarily brutal with great players who have passed their peak.
    Many wondered why Guardiola was willing to allow Sergio Aguero to leave this summer, especially when he does not see Gabriel Jesus as a regular starting No 9. But the Argentinian striker proved his manager’s decision correct in the space of two minutes against Chelsea on Saturday.
    First squandering a goal-scoring chance, snapped up by team-mate Raheem Sterling, then botching a comedic Panenka penalty.
    Pep the Genius, Pep the Saint, Pep the High Priest of Pure Football, yeah, we know all that.
    But Pep the Ruthless B*****d is an important facet too.
    Sergio Aguero’s paneka penalty spectacularly backfiredCredit: Getty
    DO IT FOR FANS
    WHEN many of us suggested that the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City should be moved from Covid-stricken Istanbul, we were accused of being Little Englanders.
    Partly because when Arsenal met Chelsea in the Europa League final in 2019, we made similar appeals.
    Yet anyone who tried to get flights in and out of Baku that week will have realised the Azerbaijani capital did not possess the infrastructure to host that event.
    If this year’s showpiece is at Wembley or Lisbon, then many Chelsea and City fans will be able to attend.
    And after 14 months of behind-closed-doors misery, why would anyone deny them that?
    This year’s Champions League final could be moved to WembleyCredit: PA
    BRUCE IS NO HAS BEN
    FULL credit to Steve Bruce for presiding over Newcastle’s surge to safety when many of us felt he was holding his team back a few weeks ago.
    If Newcastle defeat Sheffield United and Fulham in their final two games, as they should, Bruce will have achieved points totals of 45 and 44 in his two seasons in charge.
    The points tallies of Rafa Benitez in two full seasons at St James’ Park? 44 and 45. But they won’t want to hear that stat on Tyneside.
    Steve Bruce deserves credit for Newcastle’s surge to safetyCredit: Ryan Browne-The Times

    NO FUN & GAMES
    THE joy of attending an Olympic Games is the knowledge that you are at the world’s greatest melting pot — with athletes, spectators and media from across the planet mingling for a sporting carnival.
    There can be no appetite for melting pots during a pandemic, so there can be no joy.
    With foreign fans already banned and every other attendee placed under severe restrictions during their stay in Tokyo, these Olympics will be a miserable event staged to appease TV companies and sponsors, and little else.
    Leicester’s amazing new world-class £100m training ground More

  • in

    Maguire set to miss Man Utd’s final four Premier League games as star faces race against time to be fit for Europa final

    HARRY MAGUIRE looks set to miss Manchester United’s final four Premier League games in his race against time to be fit for the Europa League final.The United skipper, although hopeful of being fit for the Villarreal clash, is awaiting the results of an scan after suffering an ankle injury on Sunday against Aston Villa.
    Harry Maguire is in a race against time to be fit for the Europa League finalCredit: EPA
    Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will do everything possible to get Maguire ready for the May 26 final against the Spanish side in Poland.
    And this means Maguire will miss Tuesday’s home game with former club Leicester and Thursday’s clash with Liverpool.
    He is also unlikely to feature against Fulham next Tuesday or Wolves on the final day of the season on May 23.
    Maguire is determined to win his fitness race but if the scan results show a problem, he will have to ensure he is ready for Euro 2020.
    The centre-back had played every minute in the Premier League for United since his £85million move from Leicester in 2019.
    Solskjaer will not be the only manager sweating over the extent of the damage suffered by the big defender.
    Gareth Southgate’s England kick-off their European Championship campaign next month at home to Croatia on June 13, with Maguire a key figure in the Three Lions chief’s preferred back-five.
    Despite losing their talisman, United came from behind to keep their slim title chance alive.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Greenwood and Edinson Cavani sealed a 3-1 win to keep them clear in second-place behind leaders Manchester City.
    On Maguire, Solskjaer said afterwards: “Hopefully [the Europa League final] will be OK with Harry. I don’t know.
    “We need to check it. It might be a few weeks or a month – we don’t know.
    It was his ankle or lower leg. I think the player landed on him and he twisted something.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Solskjaer confirms Harry Maguire is a major doubt for the Europa League final after injury More

  • in

    Wayne Rooney splashing £500k – including £300k on handmade cabinets – on his new mansion’s kitchen

    WAYNE Rooney is spending £500,000 on his new mansion’s kitchen.The ex-Manchester United and England ace and wife Coleen, both 35, want it to be the main entertaining space in the £20million, six-bed home.
    Wayne Rooney is spending £500,000 on a top-of-the-range kitchenCredit: Rex
    They have chosen £300,000 handmade cabinets and a £100,000 top-of-the-range cooker.
    With another £100,000 spent on double ovens, worktops and American-style fridge freezers, the total is expected to end up double that of the average UK home.
    A source said: “Wayne and Coleen have spared no expense on their mansion as it’s going to be there forever home.
    Wayne and Coleen want the space to become the house’s party hubCredit: instagram.com/waynerooney
    The star has spent millions upgrading his family’s Cheshire propertyCredit: The Mega Agency

    “The attention to detail is incredible throughout, and it’s no surprise they have splashed the cash on the kitchen as it’s the focal point of any home.
    “He’s been joking to Coleen that he will surprise their mates by knocking out a cracking dinner party.”
    Their pad is being built on a 40-acre plot in the Cheshire countryside.
    Wayne even added a huge football pitchCredit: Google More

  • in

    Football great Eric Cantona relaxes in a hotel in new ad for hotels.com

    FOOTBALL legend Eric Cantona is a pampered star as he relaxes in a hotel before a big game.The former Man United ace teamed up with Hotels.com to promote one-off “Do Not Disturb Suites” at nine exclusive hotels across Europe.
    Eric Cantona is seen relaxing before a big game as he promotes one-off ‘Do Not Disturb Suites’ in partnership with Hotels.comCredit: Mark Robinson for Hotels.com
    The footie legend promotes the suites which are designed for fans to enjoy the Champions League Final in peaceCredit: Mark Robinson for Hotels.com
    They are specially for fans to watch the UEFA Champions League Final in peace.
    Rooms come with large TVs and king-size beds for uninterrupted “me time”.
    Eric, 54, said: “Life is full of interruptions and being stuck at home during the pandemic has only made this worse.
    “We’ve got no space to ourselves and absolutely no ‘me time’.
    “This is definitely true in the Cantona house anyway.
    Uninterrupted ‘me time’ is key as Eric, 54, said ‘Distractions are our enemy but focus is our friend’
    Rooms come with large TVs and king-size bedsCredit: Mark Robinson for Hotels.com

    “I can’t even find 90 minutes to watch the football.
    “Distractions are our enemy but focus is our friend.”
    Unfortunately for the former France forward, it’s United’s Manchester rivals City in the final with ­Chelsea on May 29.
    Eric said of the pandemic ‘We’ve got no space to ourselves and absolutely no ‘me time’’Credit: Mark Robinson for Hotels.com
    The United Way is the story of Manchester United as told by Eric Cantona More

  • in

    Harry Kane ready to ask Tottenham to listen to transfer offers this summer as Man Utd line up huge £90MILLION bid

    HARRY KANE is ready to ask Daniel Levy to consider offers for him this summer.Tottenham’s defeat at Leeds leaves them needing a miracle to qualify for the Champions League next season – and Kane could make things even worse for Levy.
    Harry Kane is ready to ask Spurs chief Daniel Levy to consider offers for him this summerCredit: AP
    Kane is wondering if Tottenham are capable of winning major trophiesCredit: EPA
    The striker was already considering his Spurs future as he ponders the prospect of never winning major trophies.
    Champions League football was seen as a minimum requirement to keep him happy and Tottenham’s hopes of securing a place now hang by a thread.
    They need to win their last three games and pray three other clubs slip up.
    Kane is aware chairman Levy has no intention of letting his star player go unless he formally asks for a transfer.
    SunSport understands the 27-year-old will stop short of requesting a move but the hope is by appealing to Levy to be open to bids, it may see a big-money move set up.
    It is the clearest indication yet Kane could decide he has run his course in North London after joining the club academy in 2004.
    Spurs have remained resolute in the position they do not want to sell, with the added confidence Kane still has three years on his existing contract.
    There has been a belief they could keep the striker for another season to see if the team can challenge next year and if things do not work out they would be happy to let him leave in 12 months.
    But the manner of Tottenham’s dismal fall from even a top-four spot this season, plus the uncertainty over who will be the next manager, has led Kane to consider his options.
    Daniel Levy has no intention of letting his star man leave – and values him at £175mCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    It would take a huge bid to tempt Levy, who prices Kane around £175million, but football’s post-Covid finances may make such a figure unachievable.
    Manchester United are considering  a bid close to £90m despite Levy’s insistence he would never sell to a Premier League rival.
    And Spurs also feel the transfer market may be stronger in a year, as clubs recover from the pandemic, meaning they could get more next summer even though Kane would be nearing 30.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Man Utd plot £90MILLION Harry Kane transfer bid as Glazers aim to apease angry fans after protests More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘appalled’ by Premier League player accused of fathering a love child

    CRISTIANO Ronaldo is said to be “appalled” by a Premier League player accused of fathering a love child.The Juventus star, who knows the footballer, got in touch with the kid’s mum Jaqueline Sousa.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be ‘appalled’ by a Premier League player accused of fathering a love childCredit: Zuma Press
    Ronaldo got in touch with the kid’s mum Jaqueline SousaCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    The events hostess, 33, also received messages of support from other high-profile pals of the married player, who they feel has acted “irresponsibly”.
    We revealed the footballer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, failed to reply to a paternity suit after their two-year affair.
    He has now been given a date for a court showdown.
    Jaqueline added: “It will take place in October when his name could be made public.
    “The only people who have been in touch are footballers who know him and were aware of our relationship.

    “One of them is Ronaldo. They were appalled by his behaviour.”
    We previously revealed that the anonymous player had messaged Jacqueline on the way to his honeymoon.
    She said: “He said he loved me and tried to reassure me the marriage didn’t mean anything.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo rape accuser demands £56million for ‘pain & suffering’ after claims star ‘assaulted’ her in hotel room More

  • in

    Boxing legend Frank Bruno being lined up as a guest on BBC’s Question Time

    BOXING legend Frank Bruno is being lined up for telly’s Question Time.The BBC approached the former world champion and he is “weighing up” the offer as he does not usually appear on live shows.
    Frank Bruno has been approached by the BBC to appear on Question TimeCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspaper Ltd
    Frank, 59, who is bipolar, has been a campaigner on mental health since retiring in 1996.
    A source said: “Frank’s flattered to be asked. He has strong views on what is going on in the world.
    “He is also not at all woke, so he might be quite a lively guest – which I am sure is what the BBC want.
    “But his team are a bit worried he might be a touch too blunt and forthright.”
    Insiders say the boxing legend ‘has strong views on what is going on in the world’Credit: PA:Press Association

    Bosses at Question Time – which is screened on BBC1 on Thursday nights – last year angrily denied that ratings were plummeting.
    It was claimed one episode of the show last October, which switched to a virtual audience at the start of the pandemic, had attracted just 620,000 viewers.
    The BBC declined to comment.
    Last year Question Time denied that ratings were plummeting
    Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘appalled’ by Premier League player accused of fathering love child

    CRISTIANO Ronaldo is said to be “appalled” by a Premier League player accused of fathering a love child.The Juventus star, who knows the footballer, got in touch with the kid’s mum Jaqueline Sousa.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be ‘appalled’ by a Premier League player accused of fathering a love childCredit: Zuma Press
    Ronaldo got in touch with the kid’s mum Jaqueline SousaCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    The events hostess, 33, also received messages of support from other high-profile pals of the married player, who they feel has acted “irresponsibly”.
    We revealed the footballer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, failed to reply to a paternity suit after their two-year affair.
    He has now been given a date for a court showdown.
    Jaqueline added: “It will take place in October when his name could be made public.
    “The only people who have been in touch are footballers who know him and were aware of our relationship.

    “One of them is Ronaldo. They were appalled by his behaviour.”
    We previously revealed that the anonymous player had messaged Jacqueline on the way to his honeymoon.
    She said: “He said he loved me and tried to reassure me the marriage didn’t mean anything.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo rape accuser demands £56million for ‘pain & suffering’ after claims star ‘assaulted’ her in hotel room More