Latest news with #PaulScholes
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Tottenham brilliantly mock Sir Alex Ferguson over famous three-word dig as they release official clothing range
TOTTENHAM have mocked Sir Alex Ferguson in the release of their latest clothing range. Spurs have launched a new 'Europa League winners 2025' line. 3 3 It features a range of merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, caps, magazines, programmes, photos, scarves and even footballs. Some of the t-shirts and hoodies feature the iconic line once said by Ferguson: "Lads, it's Tottenham." Spurs beat Manchester United in the final to win the Europa League, so decided to poke fun at the legendary boss. The jibe is also a reference to the t-shirts United had made before the final took place, ready for if they won. The United shirts also read: "Lads, it's Tottenham," and featured the Europa League trophy as well as the date of the final. Fergie uttered the famous phrase during a match between Tottenham and United in 2001. The Red Devils trailed 3-0 at half-time before going on to win 5-3 after Ferguson reminded them at the break: "Lads, it's Tottenham." The phrase has stuck ever since with rival fans often using it as a stick to beat Spurs supporters with. However Paul Scholes, who played in that 5-3 win, believes it is a derogatory remark. He said at the final last month: 'I think it's a bit derogatory to speak about such a great football club like that. Eberechi Eze to Tottenham LATEST | Transfers Exposed 'We knew that most of the time we had the beating of Tottenham. We were always confident against them. 'I know there's a lot said of, 'It's only Tottenham' and that should be enough to win a game. But it isn't. You're playing against a very good team of footballers. 'They've had the upper hand against United, we've lost the last three. It's not quite 'just Tottenham' any more.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Wayne Rooney names the former Man United team-mate he was 'devastated' to see leave and pinpoints move for shifting the 'balance of power' in Manchester
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted being left gutted by the departure of a team-mate during his time at the club and believes it signalled a major shift in the balance of power in the city. Rooney spent 13 years as a player at Man United and became the club's record goalscorer, netting 253 times in 559 appearances. His Man United career included five Premier League titles and a Champions League in 2008, as well as Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs. Rooney's spell at the club saw him play alongside an impressive cast list of players, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. The club legend, however, has pinpointed that the departure of another forward player as one that left him 'gutted' during his time with the Red Devils. Rooney highlighted Carlos Tevez's exit from the club as a significant moment, with the Argentine forward moving to Man City ahead of the 2009-2010 season in a deal reportedly worth £25.5m. Tevez had turned down a permanent move to Man United, where he had spent the past two seasons on loan and formed part of a formidable forward line alongside Rooney and Ronaldo. The trio spearheaded their Premier League title win and Champions League success in the 2007-8 season, with another title and League Cup success following in the subsequent season. Confirmation of Tevez's move to Man City in July 2009 came just two weeks after Ronaldo's £80m move to Real Madrid was confirmed. Rooney admitted to the BBC that Tevez's move had left him 'gutted' and suggested the Argentine's move to Man City marked a shift in the power in the city. 'I was gutted to be honest, I'm pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United,' Rooney told the BBC. ' Man City decided to announce the transfer on a huge billboard in the centre of the city, it was pretty provocative to say the least. 'Sir Alex Ferguson came out and he said that City are a small club with a small mentality, he was absolutely stewing, United fans were stewing. 'But City fans lapped every single minute up of it because the balance of power in Manchester shifted. 'Man City at the time were trying to build and become competitive and I knew that he'd be a massive part of that because obviously the ability he has. I think we've seen when he went there, he had some great times there as well. 'I was devastated, I would've really like him to stay longer and continue to play with him.' While Chelsea and Man United claimed the next two Premier League titles, Tevez proved a key part of Man City's rise over his four-year spell at the club. Tevez was part of the squad that delivered their first Premier League title in the 2011-12 season, with the club's famously snatching the league away from Man United in injury-time on the final day of the season. While Man United wrestled back the title the following season, it has proved their last triumph while Man City have gone on to claim a further seven league titles.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd paid price of ignoring Scholes' transfer plea as £68m deal to be snubbed
Manchester United proved Paul Scholes right after the club legend told them five years ago they needed to sign a world-class centre-back and striker to return to title contention Paul Scholes once pleaded with Manchester United to sign a towering centre-half to partner Harry Maguire in order for them to return to the top of the pile in the Premier League. However, these demands fell on deaf ears at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils could be heading towards making the same mistake again this summer. In 2020, United sat in third place in the Premier League table, 33 points behind arch-rivals and title winners Liverpool, and 15 points adrift of second-placed Manchester City. While they weren't serious contenders for the title in the 2019/20 season, ex-United star Scholes was adamant that the club weren't that far off from returning to the top of the table once again in the future. Speaking to BBC Radio5Live at the time, the former midfielder said: "There is a big gap to close, there's no doubt about that. The points difference is ridiculous and the quality of Man City obviously is there for everyone to see. "I really don't think they are a million miles away. I know we spoke about four or five players but I think it's two or three now. I think you are looking at a centre-forward, a really classy goal scorer and possibly a centre-half to play next to [Harry] Maguire. "Look, I think [Victor] Lindelof has done alright but I just think Maguire with his lack of pace at times (can get caught). If he's got a really dominant centre-half next to him like a Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam who bullies centre-forwards I think that would be a big help to the team." However, United's transfers during the summer window ahead of the 2020/21 season did not reflect Scholes's request for a defender and a world-class forward. In fact, fast forward five years on and the only star signed during that summer that still remains in contention at the club is Amad Diallo, following loan spells at Scottish club Rangers and newly-arriving Premier League side Sunderland. Ole Gunnar Solskjær instead signed Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri to the first team but failed to win any silverware as they were defeated on penalties in the Europa League final that year by Villarreal. The team finished second in the Premier League, 12 points behind champions City. Had club chiefs listened to Scholes and delivered the two signings he demanded, there's no telling if United would've been able to topple their arch-rivals. Despite bringing in more players, including big-name stars like Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo, United went backwards and ended up finishing sixth after Solskjaer had left his position midway through the 2021/22 season. One thing was clear to many when Solskjaer departed; United's squad were nowhere good enough to compete at the summit of the league and needed a serious rebuild. Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Solskjaer on a temporary basis, said as much by insisting they needed years and at least 10 new players to catch up with the likes of Liverpool and City. After Rangnick's brief but disappointing spell in charge, Erik ten Hag was appointed to take over the reins in May 2022. Despite installing a new progressive manager with a track record of winning, the transfer strategy remained a mess. Big money was spent on Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, but these players did not boost United's chances of league glory, and the team ended up finishing third, some 14 points off champions City. Bar an FA Cup trophy, the last two seasons at Old Trafford have been woeful. In 2025, United endured a historically bad Premier League season, recording their worst-ever points tally of 42 from 38 games and their lowest position of 15th. The attacking front mustered just 44 goals throughout the league campaign and failed to get across the line and salvage their season by losing in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Now, Scholes has insisted United make a move for another talented star to alleviate their scoring woes, telling the hierarchy to "just buy" Eberechi Eze this summer. The Crystal Palace midfielder has been a shining light in the Premier League this season, scoring the winner against City in the FA Cup final and handing the London side their first-ever major trophy. It was during England's 3-1 defeat to Senegal that Scholes made the plea to United, as the 26-year-old seemed to be one of the only positives during the loss earlier in June. During the game, Scholes posted a picture of Eze in an England shirt with the caption, "Just buy him", and it seems that he isn't the only United icon urging the club to make a move for the young attacker. Former United forward Dwight Yorke has also claimed Eze is "perfect" for the club. Yorke told The Metro: "Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace would be perfect for Manchester United. Yeah, he scored at the weekend in the FA Cup final, but it's not just about that. A year ago, maybe more, I said this kid and Michael Olise – who went to Bayern – United should buy them for £100 million. Put £100m down and you will get two fantastic players. "Instead, they listened to the figures in the hierarchy, which is understandable, but it's glaring just how good these two are. Eze has the decision-making, the talent, he's a good athlete, he can create and score. He's at the right age to step up and play on a bigger platform. It's a no-brainer." However, it looks like Scholes' pleas - and not for the first time - are set to fall on deaf ears as Spurs look to be ready to splash £68million and trigger Eze's release clause. The London club, who recently ended United's hopes for European glory with a 1-0 win in the Europa League final, are reportedly keen on landing Eze this summer. The Mirror understands that the young midfielder has been a longtime target for the Lilywhites, and new boss Thomas Frank is keen to strengthen his attacking line-up due to club captain Son Heung-min potentially leaving this summer. United are also planning to land Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo to complement their summer acquisition of Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, potentially putting to bed any plans to make a move for Eze as well. The club have just spent £62.5million on the ex-Wolves star, and also recently made an improved offer of more than £60m for Mbeumo. So, with almost £123m out the door already, an extra £68m on Eze doesn't seem likely. United have already paid the price once for not listening to Scholes' advice, but that doesn't seem to be deterring boss Ruben Amorim, who remains steadfast in his opinion that Mbeumo and a new striker are needed more than Eze. United have already missed out on their top striker target after Liam Delap decided to join Chelsea but remain hopeful of landing of Viktor Gyokeres despite the striker's preference to go to Arsenal.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Ayo Odukoya 'dating' Man Utd legend's daughter as they soft launch romance on Instagram - following split from Jess Spencer
Love Island star Ayo Odukoya appears to be dating Manchester United legend Paul Scholes' daughter Alicia. The reality star, 25, split from his show girlfriend Jess Spencer shortly after series 11 ended in 2024. And now he is rumoured to have moved on with Alicia, 24, after eagled-eyes fans noticed her soft launching him on Instagram. Alicia shared a series of snaps, including one showing the back of a man's head, and another of her holding hands with someone wearing a black hoodie. Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his social media account, and that the man's distinct goatee resembles Ayo's. MailOnline has contacted Ayo and Alicia for comment. Paul has three children with his wife of 26 years, Claire - sons Arron and Aiden, and daughter Alicia. Alicia, who boasts 100k followers on Instagram, plays for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and represents England at international level. At the end of 2024, Jessica confirmed she had split from show boyfriend Ayo. The stunner fell in love with the hunk during this summer's series and through things were seemingly going well between them, they were yet to make things official. However, Jess recently revealed the couple had secretly split when responding to a fan on TikTok questioning why they were not officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Commenting on a video of Jess showcasing her outfit, the follower said: 'Girl he needs to ask you yesterday.' However Jess, who recently shut down cheating rumours, confirmed they were no more as she responded: ''Girl' says who?? The internet?? 'He doesn't need to ask me anything because we're not together. Let it go.' Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his social media account, and that the man's distinct goatee resembles Ayo's Jess hit back at rumours she had cheated on Ayo, after he had removed all traces of her on his Instagram. Jess clapped back at a troll on Snapchat who wrote: 'Cheater, you don't deserve Ayo.' Furious at the accusation, she responded: 'These apps are full of absolute idiots. Where do you get your information from?' Ayo and Jess bagged fourth place in the villa, after she made a shock arrival during Casa Amor. During the final episode, Ayo declared his love for Jess, saying: 'I am obsessed with you.. I know we say "Love you" in passing, but the reality of it is that I do love you.' Though the former couple didn't make an official announcement on the split, Ayo made the news clear on his social media as he removed all pictures of the fashion stylist. He also edited a caption he wrote after leaving the Love Island villa in which he deleted any reference to Jess. Jess has since moved on with TOWIE star Roman Hackett's cousin Braydon. Braydon appeared in five episodes of TOWIE between 2021 and 2022, including the last Christmas special. Outside of his reality TV appearances, he works in fashion as the founder of Blhack London and the creative director of luxury swimwear brand Lewis James.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island star Ayo star dating Man Utd legend's daughter as they go Instagram official
LOVE Island star Ayo Odukoya appears to be dating Manchester United legend Paul Scholes' daughter Alicia. Ayo, 26, who featured in series 11 of the ITV2 show, has sparked speculation after fans noticed striking similarities between him and the mystery man featured in Alicia's recent Instagram posts. 7 7 Alicia, 24, shared a series of snaps, including one showing the back of a man's head, and another of her holding hands with someone wearing a black hoodie. Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his own profile, and that the man's distinct goatee closely resembles Ayo's. Alicia is the only daughter of former footballer Paul, 50, and his wife Clair Froggatt. She plays for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and represents England at international level. The stunning blonde is also an influencer, boasting 100k followers on Instagram, where she's been known to post a few nude snaps. Alicia recently hit the headlines after she and her brother opened a gym alongside their father. Her close relationship with her dad stunned fans in 2021, though, after she shared a viral video to her Instagram. The clip showed Paul appearing to chew his daughter's toenails, prompting rival supporters to tease the United icon. Meanwhile, Ayo was coupled up with mental health nurse Mimii Ngulube during his time on Love Island - until bombshell Jess Spencer walked into the villa. Ayo and Jess came in in fourth place during the final but their time in the villa was shrouded in controversy. Watch as Love Island's Ayo takes a swipe at ex Jess with savage video - after she goes public with new boyfriend When they left the villa they were still not official but their relationship appeared to be growing deeper. However, despite picking to stay with Jess, viewers and some of the islanders were convinced that Ayo still had feelings for Mimii. Ayo's brother even said he wasn't sure about Jess when he entered the villa on family day. The Sun has contacted Ayo and Alicia's representatives for comment. 7 7 7 7 7
