More stories

  • in

    Sandro Tonali agent addresses transfer talk while Callum Wilson releases ’emotional’ 110-word statement after new injury

    SANDRO TONALI’S agent has rubbished reports that he is unhappy at Newcastle and wants a return to Italy next month.The midfielder, 24, returned from the ten-month betting ban in September that scuppered his first season following his £55m move from AC Milan.Sandro Tonali’s agent insists that the star is happy at NewcastleCredit: GettyWith that now over, and despite some impressive displays of late for club and country, Tonali has still struggled to nail down a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.That led to speculation in Tonali’s homeland that Newcastle could look to offload him to help with PSR issues while there were also claims he was not happy in the North East and wanted a loan switch back to the San Siro.However, his agent Guiseppe Riso says: “Sandro is absolutely not considering to return in Serie A.“He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for Newcastle fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, an “emotional” Callum Wilson vowed to do “everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself” after his latest injury nightmare.Though his fresh setback has not changed Newcastle’s transfer stance in the January transfer window.The 32-year-old England international striker recently returned from a five-month lay-off with a back and hamstring problem and had been building up his fitness with four sub outings.But any hopes Eddie Howe had of Wilson being able to lighten the load on Swedish forward Alexander Isak have now gone up in smoke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes The ex-Bournemouth star, who becomes a free agent in June, is out for at least two months with a hamstring strain on his other leg.Wilson posted an emotional message to supporters on Thursday, saying: “Despite all the hard work I’ve put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys.“Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.“I will, and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I’m hoping 2025 will bring.“Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am. Callum.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…That leaves Howe low on options in attack, with winger Anthony Gordon now being the main back-up in front of William Osula, 21, as backup to Isak.However, Sun Sport understands that will not lead to a move to bring in more reinforcements up front once the window opens – unless there are further injuries.Instead, the Magpies will continue to prioritise a new right-winger and also focus on strengthening their centre-half options.Callum Wilson has opened up on his latest injury nightmareCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are ALL on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe

    RUBEN AMORIM told Manchester United’s stars they are ALL on trial before the January transfer window.Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth have already been axed this season — and new boss Amorim admits more exits will follow if results do not improve.Ruben Amorim is willing to play the pantomime villain by axing some the failing Man Utd castCredit: GettyHe has warned that every player is on trial and could leave as soon as January if results do not improveCredit: ReutersAhead of taking on Viktoria Plzen this evening in the Europa League, he said: “We have good players, we need time to teach them our ideas and then we’ll see because this is a massive club.“If we don’t win, the coach goes, the player goes — so you have to know that.”Hit-or-miss opening results for the Old Trafford faithful have also left Amorim with no qualms about playing the pantomime villain as he considers changing the cast.The problem is that, after a £660million splurge under Ten Hag in just over two years, there are just beans rather than gold coins left to work with.READ MORE IN MAN UTDAmorim is ready to search in the land of the giants to start with, believing that the squad is just too short to deal with set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.United have conceded three goals from corners in the last two games, as well as a looping header from Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood.And if United’s players rest for a minute in Amorim’s set-up, it is worth reminding them: “He’s behind you!”Amorim said: “I’m really focused to see my players and to understand my players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We have to focus on what we have. We have to focus on the academy and to have a clear profile of the players. So it’s a lot of details you have to manage.“You can see at set-pieces, sometimes you look at our team, we are a small team compared to others.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up“Every detail counts and we have to be very clear in the profiles, arrange all the process and go to that phase of buying and selling players.“We have to improve as a team, we have to arrange a lot of things in our club before thinking just about buying or selling players.”If anyone thought Amorim was a modern-day footballing Merlin who could immediately magic better performances out of this team, two successive defeats have suggested otherwise.The limitations seen under Ten Hag were evident away to Arsenal and at home to Forest.Amorim said that against title-chasing Arsenal in particular, you could see how far behind a team of that calibre United were. It got no better against Forest — and Amorim has no time on the training pitch to try to change things with games coming thick and fast.The Red Devils travelled to the Czech Republic yesterday ahead of tonight’s Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen. And on Sunday it is the Manchester derby at the Etihad.Amorim said: “I know it’s a big job. It’s really tough to win in our league. We have to improve. There’s a lot at stake in this moment — we have a lot to do, a lot of games. We don’t have time to train.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS “Sometimes I have one idea in the first week, second week I have a different idea and then we have to see what happens as everything is so close, all the games before what is happening in the window in January.”United currently stand 13th in the Premier League but Amorim already has his sights set on the ultimate goal of winning the title during his time in charge.He said: “We want to take this club to win the Premier League and be an elite club, like this club should be.”For now he understands that this season, reaching the Champions League has to be a realistic target.To do that, it could be easier to do so by winning the Europa League, as Jose Mourinho accepted back in 2017 and achieved that by beating Ajax in the final in Stockholm.Amorim said: “You can do the maths and understand what is needed for the Champions League and look at the table and see that the Europa League is easier.”United are currently 12th in the Europa League standings on the same points as tonight opponents Viktoria Plzen in the Doosan Arena.The top eight qualify automatically for the knockout stage and Amorim says it is vital they do that to avoid a two-legged play-off in February.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “It’s really important to go to the next stage. We need to win this game because of all of that.“If you pass to the next stage without the play-off, we take off two games.”Man Utd ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat under Ruben Amorim after being shocked 3-2 at Old Trafford by Nottingham Forest.Here’s how Neil Custis rated the players…ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor.It maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area.LENY YORO – 6The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’.He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going.Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role.Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second.MANUEL UGARTE – 7Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably.Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat.DIOGO DALOT – 6Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team.Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.SUBSTITUTIONS…MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case.MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5Not surprisingly failed to have an impact.MASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘identify £4m star from little-known league’ as Ruben Amorim’s first signing but he can’t join in January

    MANCHESTER UNITED have identified their first signing under new manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the January transfer window.According to talkSPORT, United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego Leon, who plays in Costa Rica’s first division and is valued at around £4million.Manchester United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego LeonCredit: Instagram @ccp1912oficialLeon is valued at around £4m but Man Utd can’t sign him until he turns 18Credit: Tigo SportsNegotiations are being led by Man Utd technical director Jason Wilcox after Dan Ashworth’s shock exit as sporting director just five months into the job.However, Leon, 17, won’t be able to move to Old Trafford during the winter market.That is because the left-back is under 18 and thus the Red Devils will have to wait until at least April.FA and Premier League rules do not allow clubs to sign players based abroad before their 18th birthday.Read More on Man UtdHowever, the rules do not prevent teams from agreeing deals for underaged players.The Paraguayan ace stood out last season in Costa Rica with 19 appearances, which saw him score twice.United have struggled at the left-back position with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being stricken by injury.Shaw recently returned from a calf strain but suffered a setback and immediately returned to the treatment room.Most read in FootballInside Man Utd chaos amid Ashworth departureTHE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them. Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game. Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis comes after reports suggesting new manager Amorim will work on a much smaller budget than predecessor Erik ten Hag.During Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years in charge, the Manchester giants splashed more than £600million.Ruben Amorim discusses defensive strategy against Arsenal scoring from corners That included £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.However, Amorim will have to work with less amid the growing PSR theat.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

  • in

    A strike sensation and Serie A ace who struggled in Prem.. who Arsenal could turn to as Arteta hints at January spree

    MIKEL ARTETA has revealed Arsenal are “on it” when it comes to January recruits.And the Gunners boss has hinted that Kieran Tierney could be sold to raise funds after admitting the Scottish full-back still cannot play in the system that he prefers.Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal could dip into the transfer market this summerCredit: AlamyThe Gunners are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis, with the likes of Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes among those unavailableCredit: GettyThe North Londoners have been hampered by injuries in the opening months of the season and currently have another defensive crisis to muddle through ahead of a busy festive period.Ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Monaco the likes of Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey were missing from training.Add to that the long-term absences of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arteta could be without a recognised first-choice full-back with an upcoming Prem clash against Everton.Arsenal have already put out NINE different Prem combos at the back this term, with midfielder Partey often used as a makeshift right-back.READ MORE ON ARSENALAsked about January business, the Spanish boss said: “The window that gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that.“We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better but I’m positive that in a few weeks we’re going to be in a better place.”Because of their dire situation, Arteta could be forced to start Tierney in an Arsenal shirt for the first time since May 2023 – who has not featured in Europe for the club since November 2022.Tierney, 27, was signed in the summer 2019 from Celtic for around £25m by former manager Unai Emery but has swamped with injuries – spending last season on loan at Real Sociedad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta may feel the need to show potential buyers that the Scotland international is fit and ready to be sold – although it is unlikely they will be able to recoup the fee they paid for him five years ago.More worryingly, despite playing under Arteta for nearly half a decade, Tierney appears unable to play as an inverted full-back to the level of full-back rivals Timber and Zinchenko.Mikel Arteta ‘gutted’ with Arsenal draw against Fulham Arteta explained: “It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players.“But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions. I would play [Tierney] in situations that he is more comfortable with.”So, who could Arsenal bring in to bolster their title charge? They currently are six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand, and perhaps require a spark to go on a consistent run.Left wing is an area they need to strengthen, even with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to choose from, especially given Arsenal’s over-reliance on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka down the right.Former target Ademola Lookman, 27, is ripping it up for Atalanta, netting 17 goals last term – including a Europa League final hat-trick – and already has 10 in 17 games this campaign after scoring in their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.He joined the Italians in August 2022 for an initial fee of around £12.5m on a four-year deal, but looks unlikely to leave next month even if the Gunners offer double what Atalanta paid for him.Kai Havertz has just one goal in his last seven Prem outings with calls for striker reinforcements growing.Arsenal have kept tabs on Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko but would likely need to offload before bringing anyone in.Gabriel Jesus has just one goal this term in all competitions, but Arteta has revealed the club are currently NOT looking to sell the Brazilian they bought for £45m from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.Should defensive issues persist then Arteta may be forced to add to his numbers. Versatile Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato, 18, has been a long-term target but could cost between £25m and £30m.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Arteta is also wary of overcrowding. With everyone fit, he has EIGHT defenders including Gabriel, White, Zinchenko, Timber, Calafiori, Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba.Academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly is also an option, currently sidelined with a foot infection. The 18-year-old inverted full-back has appeared six times in all competitions this season already.The Gunners could attempt to sign Ademola Lookman, who has impressed for AtalantaViktor Gyokeres is another targetCredit: GettySesko has also been looked at More

  • in

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed over ‘laughable’ start to Man Utd reign as Gary Lineker reveals ‘the worst thing of all’

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been slammed over his “laughable” start at Manchester United. The British billionaire completed a 25 per cent takeover at Old Trafford in December and assumed control of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffehas been slammed over his ‘laughable’ start at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyDan Ashworth left his role as sporting directorCredit: PAErik ten Hag was sacked as Utd bossCredit: GettyBut things have gone from bad to worse with sporting director Dan Ashworth’s exit the latest to cause controversy in the red half of Manchester. It followed less than two months after Erik ten Hag was sacked with Premier League legend Alan Shearer full of criticism. He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “It’s not a good look at all for them is it?”It’s pretty bloody embarrassing what’s gone on with Dan Ashworth leaving and the decisions that since they’ve been in there in terms of the money that they’ve spent.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The decisions that they’ve made with Ten Hag extending his contract, sacking him, paying him off, giving him the players that they have in the summer, then getting rid of him.”Then putting Dan Ashworth on gardening leave, getting him out of Newcastle, paying compensation for him, then getting rid of him after five months.”It is laughable really, it’s such a terrible look. So yeah, I dunno, it’s not a good look.”Ratcliffe sanctioned five big signings since his arrival last year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil Custis The blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS Man Utd signings under Sir Jim Ratcliffe Leny Yoro: £52mManuel Ugarte: £42mMatthijs de Ligt: £45m Noussair Mazraoui: £15m Joshua Zirkzee: £36.5m.Leny Yoro cost £52million, Manuel Ugarte was signed for £42m, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui both joined from Bayern Munich for £60m and Joshua Zirkzee was £36.5m. And Gary Lineker believes the wasteful spending is among United’s biggest sins under Ratcliffe – who hired Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand He said: “Ultimately, the worst thing of all is the recruitment and the amount of money that they’ve paid out for players that have not realised what they obviously thought was good potential.”So it just shows you down to football, whoever comes in you’ve got to get that side of it right. “Whatever your budget and it’s not easy because you can never be sure how a player’s going to perform at a football club till he gets there.”But Micah Richards argued: “The only thing I would say on that one, in their defence the players that they’ve bought at the time were playing really well.”Where I think they’ve got it wrong is they’ve not bought players for a system, they’ve just bought individuals who have not performed which has just made them look ridiculous.”If you look at someone like Antony, when he was at Ajax he was on fire but where was he playing? READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the new manager now, he likes to play three at the back, four in midfield and three up front, what is his strategy going forward now?”That is what we have to see because you’re right Gary, there’s been a lot of big decisions that have just been awful.”Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards criticised Man UtdCredit: The Rest Is Football More

  • in

    ‘Time to see if he was serious’ – Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager

    MILLWALL fans are calling on Jose Mourinho to keep his word after he jokingly suggested he would be keen to take over at the Den.The Lions are looking for a new manager after Neil Harris quit for the second time, after doing the same thing back in 2019.Jose Mourinho recently named Millwall as a surprise club he’d consider managingCredit: GettyMillwall fans haven’t forgotten Mourinho’s statement and are calling for him to keep his wordCredit: GettyHarris will roll credits on his second stint, which lasted 10 months, after Saturday’s clash at Middlesbrough, which means he will also be in charge of Millwall on Wednesday against Sheffield United.Mourinho suggested in October that he would love a return to English football after stints with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.And the Special One named Millwall as a surprise club he would consider as they are are close to his London home.The Fenerbahce boss said when asked if he’d manage teams fighting relegation: “Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house! Millwall.”Read More on FootballMillwall fans haven’t forgotten the ex-Real Madrid manager’s statement and took to social media urging him to take up this opportunity and follow through with what he said.One fan tweeted: “Jose we await your arrival.”Another commented: “Guess it’s time to see if Mourinho was serious after all.”A third wrote: “Mourinho called it on. He’ll have to step up now or look silly.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Jose Mourinho, a man can dream.”And that one stated: “Jose Mourinho is taking over from Neil Harris at Millwall… You heard it here first.”Jose Mourinho wildly drags his own Fenerbahce assistant by his hood and shoves him away during bizarre goal celebrationHowever, Mourinho admitted that his statement was just in good humour as he confirmed he is not interested in taking over clubs that are fighting relegation.Millwall are currently 11th in the Championship table and quite safe from the drop, but did risk relegation last season.Mourinho added: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. It’s too hard.“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives.“I think it’s brave guys that do it. I had three clubs in England, four different periods and I love it.“My family lives in London. London is home so one day I have to be back unless no one wants me.“But don’t get me wrong, for the next two years no one will take me from Fenerbahce.” More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘would listen to offers for Marcus Rashford in January’ as Ruben Amorim desperately scrambles to free up funds

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Marcus Rashford in January.The Red Devils star could be offloaded in order to raise funds for new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford could be sold by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe forward has scored three goals under Ruben AmorimCredit: RexRashford, 27, has previously been seen as unsellable at Old Trafford, having risen through the ranks at the club.The forward has struggled for form over the last 12 months and has only managed four goals in 15 Premier League appearances this season.He has netted three times in Amorim’s four league matches since taking over from Erik ten Hag.However, it appears that his improved form has not done enough to solidify his spot at the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSky Germany have reported that Man United “would sell” Rashford by the summer at the latest.It is also claimed that the club are “open to top offers” during the upcoming January transfer window.The report has claimed that the club have acknowledged his improvement with Amorim at the helm but are not against cashing in.The main reason behind the potential departure of the academy graduate is his “very high salary,” which would free up FFP space.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Telegraph also report United have concerns over his lifestyle off the pitch.Last season Rashford was fined £650,000 — two weeks’ wages — and dropped from the FA Cup tie at Newport County after he rang in sick for training after partying in Belfast.The out-of-favour England international is earning an astonishing £325,000 per week.His current contract expires in 2028, having signed an extension in July 2023.How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position changeShould Rashford leave then Man United would be able to have more “room to manoeuvre” in the transfer market.Amorim has previously hinted about trying to find a “solution” for Rashford.He said: “We’ll try to find the right solution for him, but he has to be Marcus.”First of all, we have to try to return to that moment.”Since Amorim’s arrival at the club, there have already been some exciting names linked to transfers.It is believed that Amorim is keen on bringing three stars from Sporting Lisbon to join him at Old Trafford.This includes impressive striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored 25 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand and centre-back Goncalo Inacio would also add some much-needed steel to the team.Meanwhile, club legend Rio Ferdinand claimed that the hierarchy needs to “get players out” quickly.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

  • in

    Former Chelsea wonderkid who was ‘poached from Leeds’ that resulted in £5m out-of-court settlement wakes up unemployed

    FORMER Chelsea ace Michael Woods has become a free agent at the age of 34 after leaving a non-league outfit.Woods burst onto the scene in 2006 when the Blues signed him from Leeds along with fellow prospect Tom Taiwo.Former Chelsea prospect Michael Woods is now a free agent at the age of 34Credit: GettyWoods spent the last few years at non-league clubsCredit: Getty – ContributorThat led to a clash between the West Londoners’ hierarchy and their former owner Ken Bates, who was the Whites’ chairman at the time.Bates accused Chelsea of making illegal approaches and even branded then owner Roman Abramovich and Co as “a bunch of shysters from Siberia”.The businessman then labelled an initial offer of £200,000 as “insulting” and called for the Premier League giants to face a points deduction, transfer ban or suspension from European competitions.Eventually, Bates accepted £5million compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Abramovich’s side.Read More on FootballHowever, neither Leeds academy graduate managed to stand out at Stamford Bridge.Taiwo retired at 29 due to injury, while Woods only managed two senior appearances during his five-year spell at Chelsea.The midfielder, though, also dealt with injury setbacks as two years into his stay he was told he may never play football again after a serious knee injury in a reserve fixture. And just ten minutes into his comeback appearance, the ex-England youth international dislocated his ankle.Most read in FootballOngoing struggles to break into the first team, with Frank Lampard and Michael Essien ahead of him in the pecking order, led to a loan stint at Notts County in 2010 and his eventual departure a year later.Woods didn’t return to action for another year when he signed with Yeovil Town in 2012.Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans However, the central midfielder struggled to settle and went on to play for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United, Dover Athletic, York City and South Shields.Eventually, Woods spent six months at Blyth Spartans in the seventh division.However, the club confirmed the player is no longer on their books with a short statement that read: “Blyth Spartans can confirm that midfielder Michael Woods has departed the club.” More