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      Why Man Utd were forced into nightmare journey back from Fulham with miserable stars arriving in Manchester at 1.30am

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars had to be driven back home by coach after their Premier League match at Fulham.United defeated the Cottagers 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Lisandro Martinez’s winner at Craven Cottage.Manuel Ugarte was visibily upset after Manchester United’s hellacious trip backCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAlejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo had to endure a three-and-a-half-hour coach trip back to ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRasmus Hojlund saw Man Utd’s flight back from London getting cancelledCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMatthijs de Ligt and co couldn’t board the plane due to problems with the airlineCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Red Devils were scheduled to fly back to Manchester Airport but the flight was cancelled.Problems with the airline meant going back home by plane was no longer an option.And so Man Utd had to endure a THREE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR coach journey to Manchester.Ruben Amorim’s men faced Fulham at 7pm and the manager finished his post-match press conference at about 9.40pm.Read More on Man UtdThe team arrived back at Manchester Airport at about 1.30AM to get on their cars that they had parked nearby anticipating a flight back.Some players, such as Manuel Ugarte, seemed visibly frustrated after the horrendous ordeal.United are training on Monday despite the horrible journey, but have Tuesday off.Amorim will hold practice again on Wednesday morning before the three-hour flight to Romania.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThat is where they will take on FCSB on Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash as they look to seal a place in the top eight.That leads straight to the Last 16, which is quite important for United amid their ongoing woes in the Premier League.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’The Red Devils have plunged down to 12th place in the table, which means winning the Europa League poses as their best chance of gaining Champions League qualification next season.The club has dealt with off-field woes as well with fans furious following the rise in ticket prices.That led to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust issuing an open letter to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warning him about the negative effects of that decision.MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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      Chloe Kelly looks stunning in bikini as England Lionesses star enjoys Dubai holiday with new husband

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      CHLOE KELLY went from the Wetihad to Sunsetihad – as the Manchester City star swapped wintry England for balmy Dubai.The Lionesses winger treated herself to a luxury holiday, and her fans to some sizzling photos, as she jetted away with new husband Scott Moore.Chloe Kelly’s admirers were thrilled by her yacht snapsCredit: Instagram @ChloekellyThe 48-cap England ace had fans in a spin with her picsCredit: Instagram @ChloekellyKelly’s smile was only beaten by that of hubbie Scott MooreCredit: Instagram @ChloekellyThe Etihad ace is making the most of a month-long break in the Women’s Super League.While her male counterparts at City are struggling for even a top-four finish in the Premier League, Kelly and Co will return to WSL action in second place with a tasty Manchester derby against United on January 19.But that looked the last thing on the 26-year-old’s mind as she relaxed in a bikini for yacht shots.Kelly wed long-time boyfriend Moore, who she met when he was a groundsman at her old club Everton, in the rolling countryside of Merrydale Manor, near Knutsford in Cheshire, in July.READ MORE ON CHLOE KELLYAnd she’s followed that special pre-season occasion with a mid-term jaunt that she also cherished.Kelly posted pics from beneath a golden sky in the UAE with the accompanying words: “SUNKISSED & SUNSETS.”England’s 2022 final matchwinner had already delighted her admirers in recent weeks with glamorous red carpet appearances – at GQ’s Men of the Year awards and an MTV bash.This time she posed in a black bikini underneath an open white blouse.Most read in FootballAdmirers reckon Chloe hit the right note with her MTV outfitCredit: GettyThis choice of fashion equally impressed her followersCredit: GettyAnd her hubbie wore an even bigger smile when they cuddled up in one photo, both in sunglasses.”Goddess,” “Hotness,” “Beautiful you” and “Gorgeous Chloe” were just some of the reactions from her 876,000 Instagram followers.Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsOne fan went with a slightly unsettling message: “Ha! I saw your boat from my bedroom window this morning. Enjoy!”But another enthusiast who also had a close Chloe encounter appeared to be crying with his replying, rather boasting with his posting.He wrote: “I was literally at the same beach as her… Genuine swimming distance” – adding a tearful emoji.Sun you win, sun you lose!Man City ace Kelly is on a break from the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: GettyKelly’s celebration after sinking Germany with an extra-time winner in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley quickly became iconicCredit: PA More

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      Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka shows off dramatic new look as he and family go skiing during Christmas holiday

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      GRANIT XHAKA has shown off a dramatic new look during a family skiing holiday.The former Arsenal star took to the slopes during the Bundesliga’s winter break.Granit Xhaka showed off a new look while on holidayCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaThe midfielder has gone for a buzzcutCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaXhaka, 32, left the Gunners in 2023 for Bayer Leverkusen and has become one of the side’s key players.He played a crucial role in the team winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal last term.This included a run of 51 matches unbeaten under manager Xabi Alonso.But unlike Arsenal, Xhaka gets the festive period off work due to the winter break in Germany.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe midfielder has taken the opportunity to go on holiday with their pregnant wife, Leonita, and their two daughters, Ayana and Laneya.They visited the Arosa Kulm Hotel and Alpin Spa in Switzerland and enjoyed some time trekking on the slopes.He shared snaps from the trip on Instagram with the caption: “Family Time is the Best Time.”However, Xhaka looked nearly unrecognisable with his new haircut, which can be seen in the pictures.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swiss international has clipped most of his hair off as he has gone for a buzz cut.Fans have been left shocked by the bold new look as they reacted in the comment section.Chrissy Teigen in sweary rant at British ‘knbs and tts’ after backlash over mistaking major error after watching Arsenal playXhaka is currently starring for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: RexOne posted: “Xhaka buzz cut before GTA 6.”A second commented: “They aren’t ready for buzzed Xhaka.”A third wrote: “Just when he couldn’t be more intimidating in midfield.”A fourth said: “Looking good Granit.”Xhaka will return to action with Leverkusen on January 10 against Borussia Dortmund.It will have been five weeks since their previous game, which was a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Gutted Everton fan spent 17 years saving for 10,000 mile trip for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d match

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      AN Aussie Everton fan was left gutted after Storm Darragh ruined his “bucket list” dream of watching his favourite team.The Toffees were scheduled to host Liverpool for Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park, but the extreme weather conditions led to a postponement.Everton fan Nathan Hamlin flew all the way from Australia to watch the Merseyside DerbyCredit: Sky NewsThe Merseyside Derby was postponed because of Storm DarraghCredit: AFPNathan Hamlin and his mum flew all the way from Perth for the 30-hour trip to Liverpool, which required a total of four stops, but found out two hours before the game that it was all for nought. Storm Darragh has caused disruption throughout the entire country as its 90mph winds caused power cuts, trees to be uprooted and events as well as travel to be cancelled.The game was postponed due to health and safety concern and Everton confirmed all tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.However, that may be of no help for Hamlin, 32, who waited at least 17 years to watch his favourite team in action up close and in person.Read More on FootballThis unfortunate development means he may have missed his last chance of ever seeing a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park as the club moves to Bramley Moore Dock for next season.Hamlin told Sky News: “It’s very upsetting due to the fact my mother and I have flown about 30 hours in total.”Perth-Singapore, Singapore-London, London-Dublin, then Dublin all the way over to here.”It’s been a bucket list item that I’ve always wanted to cross off, and the fact that it’s the last opportunity that we’re going to get to have a Merseyside Derby at Goodison, that was the clinching reason why I came.Most read in FootballAsked if he’s ever watched Everton play in person before, Hamlin responded: “No, I’ve spent probably the last 17 plus years – I’m 32 now – as an Everton fan watching online, watching over [the] product in Australia.”To actually get to go to Goodison, to get to see a game in person was exactly why I came and it’s been very unfortunate.93mph Storm Darragh: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby called off”I understand the weather – I totally get it. I’m a health and safety advisor, so I totally get the reason as to why you called it off.”It’s just upsetting to be coming this far and only finding out a couple of hours before that you can’t go to the game.”This comes after Everton captain Seamus Coleman made a touching gesture to another Aussie fan who blew “all his savings” on a flight to attend the last Goodison Merseyside derby.Mackenzie Kinsella, 15, had made the 10,000-mile 24-hour trip from Sydney to watch his beloved Blues face Liverpool.It was his “dream” to watch his Liverpool-born mum’s Toffees play against their red neighbours at the historic old ground before the switch to Bramley Moore Dock.However, after Storm Darragh forced safety officials to postpone the game, he will miss out unless it can be re-arranged to take place within the next week before he jets back Down Under.Coleman tries to make it upAfter news of his heartbreak spread following the postponement, Coleman attempted to make it up to Mackenzie by inviting him to be a VIP guest at their Finch Farm training ground.In a video message to the youngster, who is staying with an aunt in England, the Irish ace said: “Hi Mackenzie, it’s Seamus Coleman here. I just wanted to send you a video message today to say I know you’ll be so disappointed today.“I know how hard you saved up to travel from Australia for the Merseyside derby. I know you were looking forward to the experience of being at the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.“So I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today. We all are, we were all looking forward to the game. But we’d love to see you down here at the training ground on Monday if that’s OK with you?“Hopefully you can see some of the lads and that will make up for the disappointment on Saturday. We can have a bit of a chat then. All the very best Mackenzie and take care.”Mackenzie’s mum Rita, an Everton diehard, admitted that she thought he had “no chance” of earning and saving enough cash to pay for the trip.Fan spent all his savingsBut he proved them wrong and after spending £1,400 he landed at John Lennon Airport in time to see his team thrash Wolves, who his father happens to support, 4-0 on Wednesday.Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about her initial response to his derby dream just after Easter, Rita said: “You’ve got no chance mate. We’ve just come back from England and there’s no way I can save that money in the time we’ve got.“When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton vs Liverpool game at Goodison Park.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMackenzie’s nan Jo had previously explained that the person who sits next to her son Michael had to work today, which resulted in his ticket being available.Rita added: “He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago ‘I’d really like to go mum – will you let me go?’ I said, ‘I can’t stop you if you’ve got the money’. We’re very proud of him.”Everton captain Seamus Coleman invited another Aussie fan to trainingCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool and Everton release joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh’s 80mph winds could postpone Merseyside derby

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      LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Goodison Park is expecting fierce conditions for Saturday’s big clashCredit: RexMerseyside is subject to an amber warning, meaning severe windsCredit: MET OfficeThe 12.30pm Premier League match is still expected to go ahead.But the clubs have responded to concerns over travel and playing conditions.They shared identical messages on their official websites.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.READ MORE FOOTBALL”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLiverpool are seven points clear of second-placed Chelsea in the Prem, while Everton are three above the drop zone.Meanwhile, Goodison is likely to escape the worst of Storm Darragh.John O’Shea says teams all over Europe will try to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from LiverpoolThe Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places. More

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      Arsenal will travel just 250 miles in next 13 matches thanks to favourable fixture schedule

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      CHRISTMAS and New Year are some of the busiest times around for people, with travelling often making up a big part of that schedule.That rule also commonly applies to football, with Arsenal being no different in terms of having a busy schedule.Arsenal have avoided any huge away days over the Christmas and New Year periodCredit: GettyBut Arsenal have found some nice luck in their Christmas schedule with a surprisingly low amount of travelling on the itinerary for them over their next 13 games.In fact, they will travel outside of London just ONCE before January 22, with three away games all coming in the capital.Their clash with Brighton on January 4 2025 will be the only Premier League game that is not a London derby away from home.Arsenal remarkably play nine games at the Emirates Stadium during the run, starting with Manchester United on Wednesday and ending with Dinamo Zagreb on January 22.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe run will see them rack up just under 250 miles of travel on the road.Brighton alone will account for 177.4 miles of this overall figure.Meanwhile, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford will count for 21.2, 26, and 24 miles respectively.Mikel Arteta and co might have feared travel fatigue from an unfavourable FA Cup third-round tie in tonight’s draw.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, they were spared any with new travel arrangements in tonight’s FA Cup third-round draw as they were drawn at the Emirates against Manchester United. It means they will face Crystal Palace and Man Utd twice during the run.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAfter their 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday, which in itself was a trip of 11.8 miles, Arsenal are nine points off of league leaders Liverpool.The favourable fixture list of not travelling a lot could help them close that gap.In the same period, Arne Slot’s side travel to Newcastle, Girona, Southampton, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford – none of which are exactly around the corner.Regardless, Arsenal will be aiming to take advantage and chase down the leaders by the end of the season, though a nine-point lead at this stage of the season has never been lost before in Prem history.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars. More

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      Man Utd fans face travel chaos as Storm Bert threatens to ruin chance of seeing Amorim’s first game in charge vs Ipswich

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are facing a travel nightmare as the country continues to feel the full force of Storm Bert.New manager Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game this afternoon against Ipswich.Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first game as United bossCredit: GettyFans are facing travel chaos getting to IpswichCredit: PABut some away supporters are having difficulty getting to Portman Road for the 4:30pm kick-off.Train lines between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent have been flooded, causing cancellations and huge delays.There are also several road closures and lengthy detours in place in the North West.For United fans living in the capital, there is disruption on trains from London to Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning as torrential rain, heavy snow and strong winds continue to batter the UK.These conditions are set to continue into the evening, giving United fans potential difficulty getting home from Ipswich too.Liverpool supporters are facing similar challenges as they travel down to face Southampton this afternoon.The police are advising against non-essential travel due to the dangerous weather in some areas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSStorm Bert has already caused chaos in the EFL after several matches were postponed yesterday. In the Championship, Blackburn vs Portsmouth was called off due to flooding and League Two games Bradford vs Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood vs MK Dons also got axed.’Thunder and hail’ on route amid flooding & second overnight Storm Bert warningAll Premier League games are set to go ahead this weekend, including tomorrow’s clash between Newcastle and West Ham.The North East has been hit with 70mph winds and the storm could wreak havoc for the Hammers’ travel plans. More

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      Former Champions League giants ‘provisionally RELEGATED’ from top flight if they can’t clear £422MILLION debt

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      ONCE Champions League giants Lyon have been provisionally relegated from Ligue 1.The French side can’t clear their rising £422MILLION debt and have now been banned from signing players in January.French giants Lyon are reportedly facing relegation unless they improve their financesCredit: AFPFormer Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette captains the Ligue 1 outfitCredit: GettyLyon owner John Textor owns a 45 per cent stake at Prem side Crystal PalaceLyon will lose their top-flight status at the end of the season unless they improve their situation and avoid going into administration.Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor majority owns Lyon through Eagle Football Holdings.He insisted a meeting with France’s National Directorate of Control and Management (DNGC) “went well”, but the watchdog seems to have disagreed.French journalist Romain Molina has also claimed that “all Lyon players are on sale” in a bid to reduce the club’s debts. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLes Gones have been losing money year-on-year and their financial model is based on consistent Champions League qualification. They have not been in Europe’s elite competition since the 2019-20 season, when a side inspired by Memphis Depay and Bruno Guimaraes reached the semi-finals. But if Ligue 1 indeed goes through with their relegation, they’ll be unable to qualify for any European competition until the club’s promoted again.They have also lost control of their payroll as it will be supervised by the DNGC, with many former Premier League stars calling Lyon home. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTheir squad boasts former Palace ace Wilfried Zaha, ex-Man Utd midfielder Nemanja Matic, old West Ham forward Said Benrahma, and former Aston Villa star Jordan Veretout. Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette also captains the side, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles joining last summer.MAN CITY FINEDThe relegation would mark another hammer blow for French football after Bordeaux were demoted to the fourth tier due to bankruptcy this summer. But that was before former Prem star Andy Carroll joined Bordeaux after being let go by Reading.Carroll is set to divorce from his Towie star wife Billi Mucklow after two turbulent years of marriage.The Eagle Football Group portfolio owns stakes in Lyon, Palace, Botafogo of Brazil, FC Florida, and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.Former Man Utd star Nemanja Matic now plays for LyonCredit: APAndy Carroll now plays in the French fourth tier with BordeauxCredit: AFPTextor believes that selling players from Botafogo and the 45 per cent stake in Palace could help balance the books for Lyon, as per L’EquipeBut the American business tycoon is eyeing a takeover at Everton after all is said and done.READ MORE SUN STORIESMany clubs in France are struggling off the back of the Covid-19 pandemic and drastically decreasing TV rights revenue.Lyon, who sit fifth in Ligue 1 managed by relative newcomer Pierre Sage, are in the Europa League this season and do have lots of players they could offload. Who are these famous footballers? More