The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford wreaks havoc from the left wing, just ask the Tories, but his future is leading Man Utd attack

      by

      THE honours and accolades are being piled on to Marcus Rashford — and justifiably so.
      An MBE, a national treasure, a potential BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the greatest living Englishman.

      Marcus Rashford has been craving the chance to lead Man United’s attackCredit: Getty

      Boris Johnson and the Tories know how good Rashford is coming from the leftCredit: Alamy Live News

      Rashford’s extraordinary dedication to his campaigning against child poverty has fully earned him all this.
      Yet there is one status Rashford has craved above all in his 4.5 years as a first-team player — that of Manchester United’s first-choice starting centre-forward.
      And in Wednesday’s 5-0 Champions League rout of Germans RB Leipzig, he looked closer than ever to fulfilling that aim.

      After the Bundesliga leaders were filleted by Rashford’s 16-minute hat-trick, there was some sarcastic chuckling between Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker in the BT Sport studio that the star was ‘a winger, not a centre-forward’.

      The comments stemmed from Jose Mourinho’s time as Manchester United boss — when Rashford played predominantly out wide, with Romelu Lukaku as the No 9, and he frequently struggled for form.
      Back then, Rashford was a one-goal-in-five-matches man.
      Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he is close to one in two.
      This is not to entirely blame Mourinho. Despite Rashford’s instant impact when he burst into United’s  starting line-up in 2016, he was never a  classic overnight sensation.

      Unlike Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen, who peaked in their teens, Rashford has needed time to develop and learn his trade.
      Yet now, as he prepares to celebrate his 23rd birthday tomorrow, Rashford is now approaching the finished article — his best years about to come.
      His goals against Leipzig, after he’d come off the bench to replace Mason Greenwood in a front two ahead of a diamond, were those of a classic centre-forward — pace, poise, directness and instinctive finishing.
      Then there was perhaps the most telling moment of all. 
      Rashford had the opportunity to complete the first hat-trick of his senior career as United were awarded a penalty — only for him to cede spot-kick responsibility to Anthony Martial, who needed a goal more. The fact that Rashford then claimed the match ball in injury-time was true poetic justice.
      He is beginning to look like the best  centre-forward at the club. A better option than Martial, Greenwood or Edinson Cavani, who can all operate centrally or out wide.
      Yet Rashford’s selflessness, so apparent off the pitch, marked him out as a true team man — and with it the claim that he is a future United captain.
      Former Old Trafford ace Owen Hargreaves, speaking on BT Sport, said: “He’s looking out for his team-mates. Marcus knows he’s going to get his numbers, I love that.
      “That’s being a great team-mate. That’s why he’s going to be the captain — because he thinks about everyone else.”

      That is unlikely to be one for the near future, given that Harry Maguire’s leadership qualities are more apparent than his defensive capabilities.
      But it all helps Rashford’s cause as a central figure at United — no longer on the periphery in terms of his playing position or personality.
      Rashford had the most prolific season of his career last term with 22 goals for United, nine more than his previous best.
      He had  netted 19 times in three months for club and country before a back injury in January kept him out until after lockdown.
      Then, a slowdown in his scoring rate, which sparked accusations that his charitable and political work were affecting his form.
      It always sounded like patronising ‘stick to football’ nonsense  and usually came from those who don’t back his anti-poverty stance.
      This season the emphatic response has arrived, with seven goals in nine games — including a belter in the victory at Brighton, a winner at Paris Saint-Germain and then that treble against last season’s Champions League semi-finalists.
      Rashford wreaks havoc coming from the left wing, as the Tory Government know. Yet his future belongs at the centre of United’s attack. And that future is almost here. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Athletics

      Mo Farah’s I’m A Celebrity stint backed by athletics chiefs.. as long as Olympic bid stays on track

      by

      ATHLETICS bosses have welcomed Mo Farah’s Jungle jaunt – provided it doesn’t damage his Tokyo Olympics bid.
      As we told you first, Britain’s most successful athlete, 37, has signed up for this year’s rescheduled I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

      Mo Farah is set to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity in North Wales – provided it does not impact his Olympic preparationCredit: Pacemaker Press

      The four-time Olympic champion will join campmates next month at the new venue Gwrych Castle, North Wales, instead of the hot Australian rainforest.
      Eating creepy-crawlies and sleeping in cold, damp tents is not exactly ideal preparation for Farah’s quest to defend the 10,000m Olympic title next July.
      Jo Coates, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “It’s that knife-edge decision.
      “As a marketer, to have athletes in mainstream TV shows is just perfection.

      “However – and a big however – you would never want to do that to the detriment of performance.
      “I’d imagine there have been lengthy conversations. If he is there, there will have been lengthy conversations about whether this would affect performance.
      “The fact that it’s in Wales and not as long a time is very different from many weeks in Australia.
      “Part of our communications strategy is about reaching a new audience. That’s what we have to do.

      “And shows like that take our athletes to a completely different audience. But I would never condone it to the detriment of performance because ultimately that’s what they do.”
      UKA are hopeful they will have two Diamond League meetings on the 2021 calendar, which is published shortly.
      And Coates is confident the UK Indoors trials will happen next February regardless of whether or not they are allowed fans.
      She added: “Even if we don’t sell a ticket we can still put that event on, which is fantastic news for the sport.”

      I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2020 line-up More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk sets sights on Hollywood career after turning Derek Chisora’s Halloween into horror movie

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK wants to be a film star after casting Derek Chisora in a Halloween horror.
      Ukraine’s 2012 Olympic champ and former undisputed cruiserweight king continues his assault on the heavyweight division on Saturday.

      Oleksandr Usyk won’t juggle two careers but aims to be a movie star after vowing to take the lead role against Derek Chisora Credit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      Brit Derek Chisora will be just Oleksandr Usyk’s second opponent at heavyweight on Saturday at the Wembley ArenaCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      A win will tee the WBO’s mandatory challenger up for a shot at WBA, IBF and WBO  champion Anthony Joshua in 2021 — and take him closer  to  emulating American star Evander Holyfield’s  achievement of ruling both top tiers.
      Then the father of three will swap belts for the silver screen.
      Usyk, 33, has starred in a couple of Ukrainian films and turned down a role in Creed 2 that Sylvester Stallone offered him to focus on a fight.
      He said: “I love boxing and I don’t need much rest. I have my wife and three children and plenty to keep me busy.

      “I love spending time with my family but I am probably even more relaxed in my  training camps.
      “As long as I am motivated to get up at 5am to train and work hard, I will box.
      “The moment I feel I don’t want to get out of bed, I will start thinking about finishing my boxing career and starting on my Hollywood movie career.”
      Eddie Hearn knows how hard it can be to promote a non- English speaker in British boxing but he has seen Usyk’s five-star charisma close-up.

      Hearn said: “Usyk is so fascinating, he is a star, made for movies.
      “The social media numbers around him — even when he is just dancing — are mad.
      “People moan about Canelo, Gennady Golovkin and Vasiliy Lomachenko not selling fights in the UK and America because they don’t speak English.

      Ukrainian superstar Oleksandr Usyk won Olympic gold in 2012 but aims to move onto the silver screenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “But here you have a guy who doesn’t need to — it adds to his mystery around him.
      “And he is a deep thinker. Tony Bellew liked him before their fight and Derek Chisora does too — that is so rare.”
      Usyk cleaned out the 14st 4lb cruiserweight division, not with KO power but with masterful footwork, speed and precision.
      Londoner Chisora — who will become just his second opponent at heavyweight level when they clash at  Wembley Arena on Saturday — is an 18st wrecking machine who has gone the distance with Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko and knocked out  powerhouses like David Price and Carlos Takam.
      And southpaw stylist Usyk admits the extra pounds he has had to pack on for resilience and strength have chipped away at some of his best attributes
      He said: “I feel more power. I have put extra weight on my body and when I train in the gym, I don’t feel as flexible or sharp but that is only because of the hard work.

      “He is a really big guy and he hits hard — but I will train hard and be in my best shape because I love boxing very much.
      “When it comes to sparring and boxing, me and my team will decide on my optimum weight.
      “I will stay on that weight and it will be ideal for my movement because that is my main skill.”

      Oleksandr Usyk discusses heavyweight fight with Dereck Chisora More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho warns Europe ‘remarkable’ Gareth Bale is ready to explode with Spurs hero to be unleashed on LASK

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has warned Europe the real Gareth Bale is coming.
      Tonight, the Tottenham boss will hand the Wales superstar his second start since rejoining the club on loan from Real Madrid.

      Jose Mourinho is set to start Gareth Bale for Spurs against Royal AntwerpCredit: PA:Press Association

      Bale, 31, started the north Londoners’ 3-0 win at home to Austrians LASK in last Thursday’s Europa League Group J opener.
      And ahead of their clash with Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Mourinho revealed: “Bale is playing. I can see it with my eyes and the scientific data is also telling us he is working very well and improving a lot.
      “He’s working very hard and has been a great example for everybody.
      “A big guy like him travelled to Burnley on Monday, stayed on the bench for 90 minutes and his behaviour as a team guy has been incredible.

      “His behaviour as a Tottenham man is remarkable.
      “We will see he is already at a good level and, hopefully, he can fly.”
      Defenders Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga have not travelled with the squad following their recent injuries.
      Striker Son Heung-min, who scored the only goal in the 1-0 win at Burnley, has travelled after signing a deal with the same agency which represents Mourinho.

      But the Spurs boss denied it will lead to a conflict of interest with the South Korean, who is set to talk with chairman Daniel Levy about a new contract.
      Mourinho added: “I don’t care who represents players, I just care about what players give me on the pitch.
      “In relation to his contract, I am not worried about it because he has three years remaining.

      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points
      “I am sure sooner or later that will be resolved.”
      Antwerp also won their first match in Group J, beating Ludogorets 2-1 away.
      And Mourinho admitted: “This will be our toughest match of the group phase.”

      Royal Antwerp vs Tottenham FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Europa League clash More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford reveals impressive muscles as he launches Nike underwear line

      by

      KIDS’ food champion Marcus Rashford shows he’s a bit of a beefcake himself as he launches Nike’s latest underwear line.
      The Man United and England forward took a break from campaigning for free holiday meals for poorer schoolchildren to share this snap on Instagram.

      Marcus Rashford revealed his impressive muscles in a pair of red Nike underwearCredit: S Goodwin 2019

      The footballer showed off his enviable physique as he launched Nike’s latest underwear lineCredit: S Goodwin 2019

      The busy 22-year-old has a lot on his plate.
      Earlier this week, it was reported that the footballer is set to miss out on a BBC Sports Personality of the Year nomination, despite his remarkable charity work.
      Rashford is odds-on favourite with the bookies for the award after earning plaudits for his tireless campaigning for disadvantaged children to receive free meals during school holidays.
      But the reports claim the star is likely to be overlooked as the Beeb’s guidelines state only ‘sporting achievements’ can be considered – despite the name of the award.

      The kids’ food champion wowed in a pair of black boxers covered in the Nike logoCredit: S Goodwin 2019

      That would leave Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton a strong contender after the Mercedes ace beat Michael Schumacher’s long-standing wins record at the Portuguese GP.
      Rashford forced the Government into a U-turn over the summer holidays after fighting for the free school meals programme to be extended in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
      And he took on ministers again as many vulnerable children head into the half-term without the safety net of food provided at school.

      The Man United star forced the Government into a U-turn over the summer holidays after fighting for free school meals to be extendedCredit: PA:Press Association

      Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford helps out at food charity after MPs reject bid to extend school meals
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Derek Chisora insists Oleksandr Usyk will have ref and judges on side so it’s KO or nothing

      by

      DEREK CHISORA is scared the only way he can beat Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Arena on Saturday is with a Halloween knockout.
      North London heavyweight Chisora believes his Ukrainian opponent is so popular he will be fighting him, the ref and the judges.

      Derek Chisora reckons he is up against not only Oleksandr Usyk but the referee and judges as wellCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      He insisted: “I don’t think I will get the victory without a clean knockout because everyone will be on his side.
      “For this fight I’m fighting a few people — Usyk, the ref and the judges. So to get a victory I have to knock him out.
      “But it motivates me more, people thinking I don’t have a chance in hell.”
      Chisora, 36, believes Usyk’s gap-toothed grin, slick southpaw style and hilarious social media posts have won him thousands of English fans.

      The 2012 Olympic golden boy and former undisputed cruiserweight king has more than one million online followers — and Chisora reckons he will be the underdog despite being on home soil.
      Chisora, who will weigh in at around 18st, said: “Usyk is a good fighter and is loved by the English fans.
      “Everything about him is likeable. The way he boxes and carries himself around since he won an Olympic gold and the Muhammad Ali Trophy — there is nothing to hate about the guy.
      “If I come out now and start calling him a douchebag then it makes me look like the one with anger problems and I don’t have them with him. I like him, I am a big fan of his.”

      Pound-for-pound superstar Usyk, 33, arrived at the Wembley fight hotel on Monday night and settled in with a game of darts, throwing a bullseye with just his second arrow.
      When asked what essentials he will be taking into the hotel, Chisora said: “I love playing old records, like Ray Charles and Motown, so I will bring my own record player in because I have to play it loud.
      “I will have my Union Jack flag and probably my massage chair.”
      Chisora’s manager, former two-weight world champ David Haye, has backed his man to batter the southpaw trickster.
      Haye said: “It’ll be a Halloween fright night with the two going at each other.
      “Is Usyk going to be mentally prepared to go to the dark and scary places that Derek is going to bring to the table? I don’t think so.”
      Haye took to Twitter last week to offer £1,000 to anyone brave enough to spar Chisora — though SunSport understands only a few oddballs turned up.

      Chisora is being backed by his man David Haye to defeat the unbeaten UkrainianCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Oleksandr Usyk discusses heavyweight fight with Dereck Chisora More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea opponents Krasnodar hope English fitness guru who worked with Bale at Southampton can be their secret weapon

      by

      ENGLISHMAN ABROAD John Phillips is the former QPR fitness guru trying to ruin Frank Lampard’s Champions League plans.
      Portsmouth coach Phillips joined Russian side FC Krasnodar this month as their new Head of Sport Science.

      Krasnodar’s new Head of Sport Science John Phillips is excited by his Russian project

      Frank Lampard’s Chelsea will want to impose an aggressive, fast game, says John PhillipsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And he will be the man trying to get the competition debutants up to physical speed before tonight’s glamour tie against Chelsea.
      Until May 2019, Phillips worked at Championship side QPR for more than six years, primarily as their head of performance.
      Over a decade ago he was academy and reserve fitness coach at Southampton at a time when superstar Gareth Bale was coming through the ranks on the South Coast.

      In a varied career, he has also worked at the FA, the EFL, in Sweden (Malmo), Saudi Arabia (Al Ahli), Taiwan (national team) and China (Nantong).

      And he will be using his experience of English football to give Lampard nightmares on the long flight home.
      Phillips, who attended Southampton Solent University, said: “Southampton and QPR are both big clubs, very similar to Krasnodar.
      “They compete in multiple competitions the same as we are now with the League, the Cup after Christmas, and obviously the European football and Champions league.
      “When I was at QPR it was like a new project as well, so we had to develop everything and build systems and protocols to try and improve on-the-field performance. There are similarities there, yes.

      “This is a great challenge for me.
      “Obviously, I spoke a lot with the club representatives when they asked me if I’d be interested in the project and I really liked the ambition and the ideas.
      “It’s a great opportunity to try and develop and improve within playing European football and competing in the Russian League.
      “It’s good to now try and evolve everything else around football.
      “I’m well aware of the history within Russian football and particularly following and being involved in European football.

      “And I’m well aware there is a lot of history over here and a great reputation for players being hard working and aggressive.”
      For Krasnodar, nicknamed the Bulls, this will be a special occasion, their first match at home in the Champions League.
      Phillips added: “Chelsea, same as most English clubs, they’re going to be aggressive, the speed of the game will be high.
      “They’re doing okay in the league, but they will want to come and they will want to really try and dominate so it’s going to be tough.
      “Obviously with the injuries we’ve got and things like that.

      “But for me we have to fight, we have to work hard, and try not to be intimidated by them in any way. It’s a lot to do in the mentality and as well as the physicality.
      “We need to concentrate for 95-96 minutes. We can’t switch off because you’ll get punished by these sort of teams.
      “Don’t give them the respect and allow them to play, we have to be aggressive and take the game to them.”

      Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy reveals he nearly quit football while on dole and living with pregnant girlfriend More