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      ‘It’s pretty good for Tottenham!’ – Ange Postecoglou sends clear message to Daniel Levy amid sack fears

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has told Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to stop firing managers so often.The Aussie is in danger of becoming the THIRTEENTH permanent boss to be axed by Levy.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has told chairman Daniel Levy to stop firing managers so oftenCredit: AlamyLevy has fired 12 permanent managers at TottenhamCredit: PAPostecoglou clashed with Tottenham fans at ChelseaCredit: RexSpurs supporters were furious with the team after the loss at ChelseaBut with Spurs on course for their worst finish in 17 years, Postecoglou said: “At some point, the club needs to stick to something. “I’ve almost lasted two years, it’s pretty good for Tottenham.“If I say it now it sounds self-serving, and defeats the purpose. But if you want to change the course of your events, you need to change materially a lot of things in terms of your outlook as a club.”Postecoglou’s comments echo those of predecessor Antonio Conte, who attacked the club’s “mentality” and claimed consistently firing managers will not change anything.Read More on FootballAnd asked why so often trophy-winning bosses come to Spurs and fail to replicate that success, Postecoglou replied: “I just don’t think it’s about the managers.“My perspective, while I’m in this chair, is to find a way to navigate where others have struggled.”Spurs, who have not won a trophy since 2008, are 14th in the Prem.And fuming fans chanted, “You don’t know what you’re doing” at the manager during Thursday’s defeat at Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Aussie responded by cupping his ear at the away end when sub Pape Matar Sarr levelled — only for it to be ruled out.While his tone was far calmer, Postecoglou’s words were reminiscent of the fiery rant Conte produced in his final press conference as Tottenham boss in March 2023.’People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea lossPostecoglou added: “There’s never any sort of defending of the club or the club defending itself.“I hear plenty of people defending other clubs but with Tottenham wherever there’s a sore there’s a real pile-on to stick a finger in and then we accept our fate. The only voice you hear is me.”Postecoglou echoed former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte’s rantCredit: AFP More

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      Dean Huijsen warned dream Real Madrid transfer could turn into his worst nightmare with ‘pretty face’ not enough to play

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      DEAN HUIJSEN has been warned a dream move to Real Madrid could turn into his worst nightmare.The Bournemouth centre-back is high on the Santiago Bernabeu hitlist after an amazing debut season in England.Dean Huijsen was warned by former coach Juanito that a move to Real Madrid may turn into a nightmareCredit: RexHuijsen has taken the Premier League by storm with BournemouthCredit: RexThe Spanish giants are preparing to trigger the £50million release clause on a contract that runs to 2030.Yet the man who gave the Netherlands-born Spain defender his break believes joining Real would be a step backwards — because he would struggle to get a game.And the best big-picture decision would be for the 19-year-old to stick with the Cherries for now, as the queue of would-be suitors will only get bigger.Juan Gutierrez, 45, was on the coaching staff at Malaga when Huijsen arrived as a ten-year-old and was snapped up by Juventus — ironically ahead of Real — six years later in 2021.Read More on FootballGutierrez — known as Juanito — was blown away by the youngster’s leadership qualities then and has watched them grow every year since, even though he is still so young.But he thinks that would come to a grinding halt at the Bernabeu, as the European champions have always preferred tried-and-tested to potential.Juanito insisted: “Dean is going to be a leader no matter where he goes, so I hope whoever signs him they play him as a starter, and he’s not a project for the future. He is a player for now.”There are very few like that at his age, which is why I don’t know to what extent it would be a good option to sign for Real.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“No one can guarantee you’ll play because of your pretty face but if he leaves Bournemouth, it shouldn’t be to sit on the bench.“At Madrid, Eder Militao is 27 and Antonio Rudiger is in his second youth.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ question“Those two are untouchable and a recovered David Alaba would also be ahead of him.“Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible manager but not a coach for young players — so Dean would be fourth-choice centre-back. That’s the reality.“Barcelona is the opposite. They’re not afraid to use players from the academy but at Real the problem is the mentality of the club. Dean has to go to a place with a vision for the future, with guarantees he’ll play.“But maybe staying at Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola for another year is the best option.”It has been so far for Huijsen, who was capped by Spain in the recent Nations League break and is due to be in the Bournemouth side heading to West Ham on Saturday.Ramos and Van Dijk comparisonsJuanito is convinced those caps are the first of many for a player some liken to Sergio Ramos — but who he reckons could be as influential as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.He added: “Maybe mentally, I can see little things similar to Ramos but on the pitch there is no comparison. Dean is more disciplined and, certainly at this age, more confident.“From the start he was a marvel. He’d listen to what you told him and absorb it incredibly well. He would recognise a mistake and the next day would improve.“Dean just doesn’t feel any pressure and has unlimited self-confidence.Read More on The Sun“If injuries are not a problem then, whoever signs him, he’ll be a cheap buy because he will be a dominant defender in world soccer for many years to come.“Wherever he goes, I could see him having the same impact Van Dijk has had on Liverpool’s history in recent seasons. The only team he’s not going to change is Real Madrid.” More

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      Arsenal files: Viktor Gyokeres leaning towards Gunners transfer as Sporting agree cut price new fee

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      ARSENAL have been left to regret not signing a striker this season.But they are determined not to make the same mistake this summer, with new chief Andrea Berta already working on deals and the club believe they are in an ideal position to snap up their main target.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summerCredit: AFPSporting could sell Viktor Gyokeres for a cut-price fee in a major boost to chief Josh KroenkeCredit: GettySPORTING’S GYOKERES PLANTHERE is an inevitability around Viktor Gyokeres’ departure from Sporting Lisbon this summer as Arsenal and Manchester United keep tabs on the situation.The big Swede, 26, was eyeing a move during the past two windows, but a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting has seen him stay put during this season – instead focusing on delivering one last league title this term in a nail-biting finale with Benfica.As a thank you, Sporting are willing to let Gyokeres – who has 43 goals in 43 games in all competitions so far this term – leave for significantly less than his £85m release clause.Sporting are hoping to recoup between £55m and £70m, a welcome sum given their 24/25 financial reports showed a net transfer loss of around £15m.However, because of Sporting’s intense title race – level on points with Benfica with seven games remaining – SunSport understands the club are yet to pinpoint a first-choice replacement for Gyokeres.They have made use of the Brazilian market in the past to unearth bargain gems that can be sold for huge profit, but fans this time around are expecting a near like-for-like replacement to continue competing in the Champions League.In other words, major cash is expected to be splashed. That will not be easy when most of the best teams in Europe – including the Premier League – are on the look-out for a No.9.As a result, Sporting will be tough negotiators in any deal made this summer, which is why they are open to sparking a mega-money bidding war alongside the Saudis.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSaudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah FC – where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is plying his trade these days – are ready to ruffle a few feathers in the battle for Gyokeres’ signature.Sporting will want the biggest up-front fee they can get – instead of several low-fee instalments – and Al Qadsiah are capable of offering just that, even if it means going above and beyond Gyokeres’ current value.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatViktor Gyokeres is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia as well as the Premier LeagueCredit: EPAThat is bad news for Arsenal and Man Utd, who were hoping to get a clean run at Gyokeres, yet may be forced to pay more than they would have initially planned.Both clubs believe they are perfectly positioned to convince the Swedish superstar.Gyokeres is believed to be leaning more towards the Gunners given their current form of competing for the Prem title and the Champions League, as well as boss Mikel Arteta’s record of improving players in the toughest division in world football.New sporting director Berta is also a huge fan of the player. The Italian’s first task in his new role will be to get a big deal over the line quickly to prove his worth to the Arsenal board and the fans.However, Gyokeres still has a soft spot for Ruben Amorim – his old boss at Sporting – and could be swayed regardless of United enduring one of the worst seasons in their history.Yet with the sort of eye-watering money Saudi teams can lob into the mix, Arteta and Amorim should be wary of putting all their eggs in one Gyokeres-shaped basket.BERTA IN, BUT WHO CAME CLOSE?ARSENAL are convinced that Berta is a game-changing recruit in their pursuit of major silverware.The 53-year-old began work in North London on Monday as the club’s new sporting director, taking the time to meet reporters ahead of Arteta’s midweek press conference at London Colney.He is a quiet, shy individual, but his reputation as one of the game’s best negotiators is evident following his 12-year stint at Atletico Madrid, with Arteta recently suggesting: “He’s got this personality, this charisma and this drive to win that is going to be very contagious.”Whether it is Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Leroy Sane or Nico Williams, this is set to be an exciting summer for Arsenal with Berta in the mix.But what of the others? Arsenal were in talks with a number of candidates in the wake of Edu’s resignation in November, and one that piqued their interest was Bayer Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rofles.Andrea Berta (left) was in the stands for the first time as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe ex-German international had many admirers on the Arsenal board, playing a major role in the building of a squad that saw Xabi Alonso’s side break Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga stranglehold, winning their first ever domestic title last season.However, Rofles, 43, who had brief roles as academy coach and sporting director at Leverkusen before taking his current position in July 2022, had no intention of leaving Germany.SunSport understands that Rofles is incredibly happy at Leverkusen and with the progress being made under Alonso domestically and in Europe.He has intentions of seeing out a contract that does not expire until June 2028.TOUTING CONCERNSTHE EMIRATES is preparing for one of its biggest nights since it was opened in 2006, welcoming Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League quarter final first leg on Tuesday.But with that comes security concerns, especially with the demand for tickets greater than any Arsenal game in recent memory, and the growing risk of ticket touts and illegal online third-party sales.The Gunners’ solution has been to crack down hard on anyone found guilty of it, especially for the visit of the Galacticos, threatening fines, bans and even police involvement.Arsenal will punish any fan caught selling tickets illegallyCredit: GettySo far this season, Arsenal have cancelled more than 31,000 accounts, including 27,603 memberships, attempting to obtain tickets in unauthorised ways.One Arsenal season ticket holder – speaking with agreed anonymity – told SunSport that while excited for the match, he is concerned about the severe delays that could be caused by ticket touts and those trying to enter the ground with fake tickets, stopping regular fans getting to their seats for kick-off.However, the club are confident this will be avoided on Tuesday night, citing their million-pound investment to address the issues, the move to digital ticketing helping identify suspicious behaviour early.And as is the case for every Emirates matchday, there will be undercover third-party operatives in and around the ground on the night of the game, aiming to stop in-person touting deals being done.KAI’S GARDEN PARTYONE Arsenal star first fell in love with football after using garden gnomes for target practice.Kai Havertz was born in the German spa town of Aachen, near the Netherlands and Belgium border, and from a young age would spend hours kicking a ball about in his garden with his grandfather.He would line garden gnomes up on the wall before practicing his accuracy by trying to hit them over one by one with the ball, and would not stop until they had all been wiped out.Kai Havertz learned his trade by playing around gnomes in his granddad’s gardenCredit: GettyFast-forward almost two decades and that practice has paid off, surpassing all expectations since arriving in North London in July 2023 with 29 goals in 85 appearances in all competitions so far.As he recovers from hamstring surgery that has him out until next season, perhaps he will go back to basics with some more ‘gnome-ball’. 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      Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho secretly puts £3.85m mansion on sale in major hint he’s ready to quit Red Devils

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      MANCHESTER UNITED winger Alejandro Garnacho has dropped the biggest hint yet he is thinking of leaving Old Trafford – after “discreetly” putting his house up for sale.The Argentinian winger paid £3.804m in April last year for the seven-bedroom mansion in Bowdon, Greater Manchester.Alejandro Garnacho has provided the biggest hint yet that he will quit Man UtdCredit: AlamyGarnacho has asked estate agents to offer the mansion on the market for £3.85mCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enThe home is ‘exclusively and discreetly marketed’Credit: (@garnacho7)The listing went live on March 28Credit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho moved into the home in April of last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enHe lives at home with partner Eva and their one-year-old son, EnzoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho also shares the home with his two dogsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enBut the 20-year-old has now asked estate agents to offer it on the market at £3.85m – just £45,000 more than he paid for it.The agent appears to have been instructed to try and keep the attempt to sell quiet by posting just one picture online explaining that the home is “exclusively and discreetly marketed”.But the listing, which went live on 28 March, was spotted by an eagle-eyed fan who fears the sale shows Garnacho has no plans to settle in Manchester and is preparing to leave Old Trafford.Garnacho, who joined United’s academy in 2020 from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and made his first team debut in 2022, lives at the property with his partner Eva and their one-year-old son Enzo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan said: “It’s not unusual for a footballer to put their house up for sale. But it is unusual to try and sell a property less than 12 months after buying it, and for just £45,000 more than he paid for it.“The fact he has asked for it to be listed discreetly is worrying for United fans who like him as a player as it looks like he’s on the move in more ways than one.”Garnacho has made 29 Premier League appearances for United this season, scoring four goals.Despite his directness often being a positive on the pitch, frustrating performances like those against Nottingham Forest have become more commonplace this season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe club’s perilous financial situation has seen him linked with a move away from Old Trafford as any sale would be regarded as “pure profit” as he is regarded as an academy product.He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Napoli and would command a fee of around £50million.Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversyIn February we told how Garnacho treated mum Leah Smith and her kids to a behind the scenes tour of Manchester United’s training ground after she found his dogs on the loose near his home.Leah, 26, was driving home from a shopping trip when she saw the two mutts on the loose close to Garnacho’s mansion.She realised the dogs belonged to Garnacho and took them to United’s Carrington training ground before returning them to his home.The following day, Garnacho telephoned Leah and thanked her for returning the dogs.He then provided Leah, Eliza and her brother Jenson, seven, with tickets for United’s 3-1 win over Southampton in the player’s family area at Old Trafford for the Premier League game on January 16.United was contacted for comment.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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      Juventus ‘make contact’ over Sandro Tonali transfer as they prepare £33million-plus-player swap deal for Newcastle star

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      JUVENTUS are considering a cash-plus-player offer to tempt Newcastle into selling Sandro Tonali, according to reports.The midfielder switched AC Milan for Tyneside in 2023 for a fee of £55million.Juventus are ready to launch an ambitious move for Sandro TonaliCredit: ReutersDouglas Luiz could be offered to Newcastle as Tonali’s replacementCredit: GettyDusan Vlahovic could be involved in talks as Juve are looking to sell him this summerCredit: RexBut just two seasons into his five-year contract, Italian giants Juventus are making an ambitious move to bring him back to his homeland.The Old Lady are said to have “made contact” with Newcastle and are ready to offer them cash and a player to seal the deal.La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Tonali is valued at between £50m and £58m.Juventus are reportedly going to offer the Toon £33m and one of three stars they want to offload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDouglas Luiz is top of the list after failing to settle into life in Turin following his switch from Aston Villa last summer.The Brazilian would give Newcastle a like-for-like replacement should they lose Tonali this summer.Eddie Howe’s side showed an interest in centre-back Federico Gatti before and he is another who could be offered to them.Juventus are aware Newcastle may be in the market for a striker if they cash-in on Alexander Isak and are therefore weighing up throwing Dusan Vlahovic into discussions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Serbian goal machine, who has found the back of the net 14 times this season, is out of contract at the end of next season.Juventus are therefore looking to get rid of him this summer or risk losing him on a free.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeThe report states that the transfers will only be possible should the Italians qualify for the Champions League.They currently sit fifth just one point behind the all-important top four places.Juventus chiefs are hopeful of striking a deal as they have a good relationship with Newcastle after signing Lloyd Kelly in January.But conflicting reports from The Chronicle claim they cannot afford to sign Tonali.Newcastle previously showed interest in Federico Gatti and he could be offered as part of the bidCredit: Rex More

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      Marc Skinner extends reign as Manchester United Women’s boss with aim to consistently challenge for trophies

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      MARC SKINNER says there is “more hard work ahead” for Manchester United with his aim to build a team regularly battling silverware. Earlier today United announced Skinner has extended his reign as boss of their Women’s Super League side. Marc Skinner hopes to guide Man United to more trophy wins after signing a new contract to remain at the helm of their WSL sideCredit: PAThe Red Devils boss’s new deal will run until June 2027 with the option to extend for a further yearCredit: PAMan United have lifted one trophy since Skinner took charge in 2021 with the team’s triumph over in last year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: PAThe Red Devils head coach has signed a new contract that will see him remain in charge of their women’s team until June 2027 with the option of an extension for an extra year.   The previous deal for Skinner, whose team are currently third in the league, was due to expire at the end of this season. His new contract comes 14 months after he guided the side to a Women’s FA Cup win for the first time in their history after a 4-0 trouncing of Tottenham  The Man United manager, who previously managed US club Orlando Pride said: said: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years.Read More Football Stories”I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.”We are building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. “There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed. “I am looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together.”Most read in FootballFollowing his appointment in 2021 Skinner guided to a second place finish in the WSL in the 2022-23 season and entering the Champions League the following term.However United did not progress beyond the qualifying stage that season and missed on European competition after finishing fifth. At times within the past four years Skinner has come under pressure from United supporters with some questioning his reign and the club’s achievements. One fan was spotted holding a “Skinner out” sign last November during the team’s 1-0 away loss to league leaders Chelsea in a top-flight encounter. Despite this pressure, Skinner’s side has one of the best defensive records in the WSL this term with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce keeping 12 clean sheets in 18 games. His side are also third, level on points with second-placed Arsenal and occupying one of the three qualifying spots for next term’s Champions League. And they hope to reach the FA Cup final for a second year in a row with the team battling Man City in the semis on April 13. Skinner’s side will take on Man City in this year’s FA Cup semis with the victor set to face Chelsea or Liverpool in the finalCredit: PAMan United technical director Jason Wilcox, said: “Marc’s record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women’s silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL. Read More on The Sun”After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success. “We are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead thatprocess.” More

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      Chelsea U21 ace who scored twice to humiliate stars in training ‘hasn’t signed new contract over lack of playing time’

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      CHELSEA starlet Donnell McNeilly is yet to sign a new contract amid worries over his lack of first-team opportunities.The talented striker, 19, has been a beacon of Chelsea’s youth sides over the past several seasons.Chelsea starlet Donnell McNeilly is out of contract this summer after scoring twice against the seniorsCredit: GettyLast term saw McNeilly score 30 goals in all competitions.And just a week ago, the ace put Enzo Maresca’s seniors to the sword with two strikes in a behind-closed-doors friendly.McNeilly’s brace helped Chelsea’s kids beat their mega-million counterparts 3-0, leading to Maresca cancelling a day off in fury.However, the hitman is still yet to make his senior debut for the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMcNeilly has seen no less than eight of his U21 pals make matchday squads under Maresca this season.And the Mail claims he is now growing frustrated by the lack of opportunities, especially considering Chelsea’s striker crisis.Both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are long-term casualties, while the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer have gone off the boil.The bad news for Chelsea is that McNeilly’s contract, which he penned in 2022, expires this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA new deal is said to be on the table.But McNeilly is yet to sign it, potentially signalling his intent to quit Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash And unless he is given assurances of a pathway to the first team, it’s believed he could part ways with Chelsea this summer.McNeilly isn’t the only promising youngster out of contract shortly.Goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom’s deal also expires in June.He has made multiple matchday squads as a sub but is yet to make his senior debut.Chelsea will have a plethora of goalies next season when loanees Mike Penders, Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga join Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.And there may not be any room for Bergstrom at the club. More

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      ‘They had their chances’ – Ruben Amorim hits back over Anthony Elanga claims after star comes back to bite Man Utd

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      RUBEN AMORIM has hit back over claims that Manchester United made a mistake by selling Anthony Elanga.Elanga, 22, was the match-winner on Tuesday as Nottingham Forest beat Man Utd 1-0.Ruben Amorim has hit back at claims Man Utd made a mistake by selling Anthony ElangaCredit: PAElanga came back to haunt his old club as he scored the winner for Nottingham Forest against themCredit: RexElanga was sold by United in 2023 for £15m and has a better record than winger at the club in the last two seasonsCredit: GettyThe former Red Devils star, sold in 2023 for £15million, dribbled with the ball from well inside his own half after getting on to the end of a header away at a corner by Ryan Yates.Elanga brushed off a tackle from Alejandro Garnacho with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu unable to get the ball off him before he shot the ball into the bottom right corner past Andre Onana.He has been in stunning form for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest this season, scoring six goals and adding nine assists in all 34 appearances.Speaking after the match at the City Ground, Amorim was asked whether the club had made a mistake in selling the winger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss dismissed those claims and insisted he had his chance to prove himself at United before he was sold, although he did admit there is often not enough time to succeed at the Old Trafford club.Amorim said: “We are talking about a lot of front players for Manchester United that are doing right but they had the chance here.”At Manchester United you don’t have the time. I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast.Elanga is one of a number of former United stars who have left the club before going on to thrive elsewhere, with Scott McTominay and loanees Antony and Marcus Rashford examples coming from this season.Most read in FootballAmorim added: “You are not talking about players that didn’t play for Manchester United. They were here playing for Manchester United. “In here the pressure is too big sometimes and sometimes you don’t get time and you should have time for these kids to develop.’Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag”But for that you need a strong base to support all these kids and if you don’t have strong base we are not going to help our kids. “They had their chances and sometimes football is like that and the pressure of playing for Manchester United is really big.”Elanga’s goal against his former club means he now has 28 Premier League goal contributions in his Forest career, better than any Man Utd winger over the last two seasons.The Swede had originally joined United at the age of 12 before going on to make his debut aged 19 in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.He became a more regular player under interim boss Ralf Rangnick in 2022, but ultimately became frustrated by the lack of opportunities then presented to him under Erik ten Hag.On leaving the club, he told The Times in 2024: “It was difficult [to leave] but it was needed because I wanted to play and I didn’t want to spend another season just playing 10 minutes or not playing for 10 games,’ he explained.”I wanted a fresh start but I knew it wouldn’t be easy leaving a club that I had been at for nine years.”Sometimes football is like that, it might not always work somewhere.”I had seen what he (Erik ten Hag) did at Ajax (with young players) so I was looking forward to it but I just didn’t get the opportunities.”Elanga’s winner strengthened his club’s position in terms of qualifying for the Champions League next season.Assuming the Premier League is handed a fifth Champions League spot due to good performances from teams in Europe this season, Forest currently have a 10-point advantage to falling out of the qualifying spots this season with eight games to go.Meanwhile, Man Utd remain on the hunt for back-to-back league wins this season.Read More on The SunThey had more of the ball and had more than 20 shots at goal but struggled to create clear-cut chances other than a goal-line clearance at the end of the game.Forest travel to Aston Villa in their next league game, while United host Manchester City in the Manchester Derby.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More