Latest news with #ex-Wolves
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ruben Amorim vindicated in new Marcus Rashford verdict - 'I'd fall out with him'
Ruben Amorim has been backed over his decision to freeze Marcus Rashford out at Manchester United. The 27-year-old is currently seeking a new club after falling out of favour under the Portuguese head coach just weeks after the his arrival at Old Trafford in November. The England international was later loaned out to Aston Villa in January, providing the Midlands club with the opportunity to sign Rashford permanently for £40million. However, it appears unlikely that Villa will exercise the option, leaving him in limbo with three years still left on his United contract. While Rashford issued a come-get-me plea to Barcelona last week, it remains unclear if a buyer will be found. And former Villa and Liverpool striker Dean Saunders believes he has only himself to blame for his predicament rather than Amorim. The ex-Wolves and Wrexham boss questioned Rashford's attitude after accusing him of being unwilling to adapt his style of play to suit his team's needs. Speaking an appearance on talkSPORT, Saunders also said he would have clashed with the United academy graduate if required to manage him. "When you get to a top team, you play where the manager asks you to play, and you've got to be selfless," Saunders said. "They've had so many players at Man United who just play when they feel like playing. "I mean, Rashford, for example, how can you not play up the middle? How can you say, 'I don't want to play up front'? I'd fall out with him if I was managing him, because I'd rather have a seven-out-of-ten player everywhere, giving me what they've got, than just showing flashes." This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Man United kit 2025/26 Signing for Barcelona is understood to be Rashford's dream, but the chances of such a move happening are growing slimmer. The La Liga giants are quickly closing in on securing the services of Athletic Club's Nico Williams, as well as Copenhagen's Roony Bardghji, leaving little space to accommodate Rashford's arrival. Newcastle are reportedly interested in bringing Rashford to St. James' Park on loan next season. But the Red Devils are understood to be keen on securing a permanent exit for the player, making it uncertain whether they would allow him to leave on a temporary basis again. Meanwhile, Saunders has claimed that Rashford's inability to find a new club is part of a wider trend impacting on top English talents. He said he felt this was because of the high wages they command. "There's a bit of a thing going on where England's young, hopeful players are on so much money that you can't get a club somewhere else," he said. "You've got Grealish, Foden, Sancho, Rashford and Sterling. "They're all on two or three hundred grand a week. So clubs are looking at it going, 'do I take a chance?' Aston Villa must have thought, 'do we take a chance?' But he's earning too much money."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd told to make surprise transfer for forward with an 'ace up his sleeve'
Manchester United remain keen on adding a new striker to their squad before the transfer window closes and have been told that their ideal option could be right in front of their face Manchester United have been told to make a surprise swoop for Everton striker Beto as a solution to their goalscoring woes. The Red Devils struggled for goals last season and have as a result launched a search for a new striker. Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres was one of their initial targets but United are facing competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal. And as it stands, Gyokeres appears to prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium in any case. Ruben Amorim 's side have now been told to look elsewhere, specifically on Merseyside. Fernando Lopes, president of Portuguese club Uniao Tires, has suggested that Beto - who used to play for his side - would be an ideal addition. As quoted by The Sun, Lopes said: "Everyone thought Amorim would sign Gyokeres as he had him at Sporting, but the Premier League is completely different to Portugal. "Teams are more physical and compact at the back, it's quicker and more competitive. Gyokeres would struggle to play as the lone No. 9 waiting for service. Beto's a more physical player, who fights with defenders and doesn't lose duels. He's a real headache for opponents - if he gets the service. "In their golden era, United always scored a lot of goals from set-pieces, but haven't had a proper striker for many seasons. Nowadays, teams have small, quick strikers or a false forward because there's an obsession for possession of the ball. "Beto represents the typical old style, because of his physique, power and work-rate, plus he's very fast. When [David] Moyes went to Everton he showed what a handful he's for defenders to stop. He'd be like Amorim's ace up his sleeve in a game of poker." Beto, 27, joined Everton from Italian side Udinese in 2023 for £25m but endured a poor start to life in the Premier League with just three goals across his debut season. But he improved last term having scored 10 goals across all competitions. Who should Man United sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below Beto is not the only surprise forward that United have been linked with this summer. Former Tottenham star Jamie O'Hara recently suggested that Jamie Vardy would be an ideal addition following his exit from Leicester. He said: 'If you're a team coming up you'd definitely have a look at him. But I think he can still do a job at an established Premier League club. Couldn't he do a job at Man United? How many goals has [Rasmus] Hojlund got? 'You can't tell me he still can't do a job in the Premier League. As a free transfer, I think he's a great signing to add to your squad.' United have already added Wolves star Matheus Cunha to their squad after paying £62.5m for the ex-Wolves forward. Bryan Mbeumo is also on their shortlist but face competition for the Brentford star from Tottenham. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Pep Guardiola reaction — Man City boss praises Ait-Nouri, Echeverri, Gundogan
Manchester City clobbered UAE side Al Ain at the Club World Cup on Sunday, scoring three goals in each half to seal passage to the knockout rounds via a 6-0 win. RECAP — Man City 6-0 Al Ain City will try to beat Juventus on Thursday to win Group G, but Guardiola's started 22 different players over two games including several new faces and he'll consider this tournament a success outside of the additional minutes it's asked of his squad. Ilkay Gundogan scored twice in the win, while Claudio Echeverri spun home a wonderful free kick and Rayan Ait-Nouri was terrific at left back. No, the opposition was not Premier League level. Yes, City looked very sharp. Pep Guardiola reaction on Ait-Nouri, Echeverri, Gundogan Here's Pep on ex-Wolves man Ait-Nouri, via Manchester Evening News: 'We knew it. A talent, within the final third a lot of talent. Defensively, he can play outside, he can play inside, and in the final third he's so clever. Really good.' On Gundogan: 'Gundo's an exceptional player! Exceptional in all senses. He's really, really good and made a fantastic goal, he reads what we have to do every game. I'm really pleased.' On Echeverri: "[Exiting at halftime] was a pity. It was a problem at half-time. ... I want to tell you a secret. Last season, when he arrived, after every training session he practiced free kicks alone. So work pays off. If he scored a goal, it's because he practiced. When other guys don't practice, they don't score.'
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ex-Premier League boss told 'f*** you' by own player in angry Club World Cup row
The Club World Cup saw stunning teams as Benfica boss Bruno Lage was seen in a furious row with his own midfielder following a substitution - despite the Portuguese side leading Former Premier League manager Bruno Lage was remarkably told 'f*** you' by his own player during Benfica's 6-0 win over Auckland City in the Club World Cup. The ex-Wolves was involved in an intense spat with midfielder Orkun Kokcu after he decided to replace the Turkish star with the Portuguese side already 2-0. Goals from Angel Di Maria and Vangelis Pavlidis saw Benfica cruising and Lage opted to replace Kokcu with ex-Bayern Munich and Swansea ace Renato Sanches. Kokcu did not take kindly to the decision and made as much clear as he departed the pitch. The 24-year-old was furious as he made his way to the sidelines and refused to shake the hand of his manager. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Kokcu shouted 'f*** you' at Lage as the row escalated with the Benfica star taking his seat among team-mates, while Lage fired back by telling his player to be quiet by shushing him. Lage was soon allowed a moment of smugness as Portugal international Sanches got on the scoresheet to add a third goal for Benfica, soon after his introduction. The 49-year-old coach made sure that Kokcu knew his decision paid off. The boss, in his second spell with Benfica, covered his mouth to share a few words with his player. It is suggested the 49-year-old told Kokcu that he had a better feel for game when deciding to make the substitution. The words did not land well however as Kokcu rose to his feet and vented his anger. The midfielder forcefully pointed towards his manager and was visibly furious. Kokcu needed to be restrained by team-mate Kerem Akturkoglu as Lage was again put his finger to his mouth. Unsurprisingly, Lage was asked about the situation following the game. "Orkun Kokcu wanted to win and score more goals, but we decided that Renato should come on," he explained. "Regardless of the players' form, I make the decisions. "In the last game, we started with Renato, and Kokcu came on later and helped us. That's how it was today, too." "I saw the behaviour of a consistently professional athlete. That was a unique experience," he added. "He has always behaved very well both on and off the field. He has the desire to help the team. "I make the decisions I have to make, no matter who it is. I've proven that many times. I look at the player's current situation and make my decisions calmly." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Premier League manager is told ‘f*** you' by his own player before he shushes him in furious Club World Cup row
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EX-PREM boss Bruno Lage has been embroiled in an astonishing touchline spat with his OWN player. The Benfica boss watched his side see off Auckland City 6-0 in the Club World Cup on Friday night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Benfica boss Bruno Lage was involved in a furious row with Orkun Kokcu Credit: Getty 3 The ex-Wolves manager was seen shushing his player during the row Credit: Getty Benfica struggled to break down the Kiwi minnows, taking almost an hour to find the opener. Lage decided to shuffle his pack in the Orlando heat, replacing Orkun Kokcu with ex-Swansea City midfielder Renato Sanches. But Kokcu was furious at being subbed, refusing to shake Lage's hand as he skulked from the field. Portuguese outlet A Bola claims Kokcu turned and shouted "f*** you" at his manager before taking his place on the bench. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL MARC MY WORDS Guehi makes summer transfer decision between Arsenal and Liverpool WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN A furious Lage confronted Kokcu and was seen shushing him by placing a finger on his lips. And after Sanches netted Benfica's third, the boss headed back to the bench to carry on the feud. Kerem Akturkoglu was seen holding Kokcu back, preventing the incident from escalating as Lage again shushed his own player. Lage claimed after the match that Kokcu was guilty of only wanting to "win and score goals". BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He said: "We decided that Renato should come on. "Regardless of the players' form, I make the decisions. Bayern Munich beat Boca Juniors 2-1 at the Club World Cup "In the last game, we started with Renato, and Kokcu came on later and helped us. "That's how it was today, too. I saw the behaviour of a consistently professional athlete. That was a unique experience. "He has always behaved very well both on and off the field. He has the desire to help the team. "I make the decisions I have to make, no matter who it is. I've proven that many times. "I look at the player's current situation and make my decisions calmly." 3 Lage, 49, took charge of Wolves in the Premier League between June 2021 and October 2022. He won just 19 of 51 games at Molineux, but was hampered by an injury crisis to his strikers. Julen Lopetegui replaced Lage in the Midlands, with the Portuguese taking charge of Botofago in Brazil before joining Benfica for a second stint last summer.
