Latest news with #ex-United
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I congratulated David Beckham on knighthood – the jury's out on what he said'
Sky Sports presenter Alex Aljoe was taken aback by Sir David Beckham's response to her Real Madrid question, as Micah Richards claims the former England international was "definitely lying" Sky Sports presenter Alex Aljoe hinted that she might not believe David Beckham's insistence that he remembers their interview from his playing days at Real Madrid. Aljoe, who is working for DAZN at the Club World Cup, came into contact with Beckham once more at the opening game of the tournament. She discussed the encounter on The Rest Is Football with Micah Richards, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. The story about Beckham's great memory didn't take long to erupt into chaos, as Richards claimed the former Manchester United star was "definitely lying". The popular Sky Sports reporter delved into her experience at the first game, where she chatted with Beckham about a previous meeting from his Madrid days. Aljoe said: "Well, that opening game was amazing, they had an opening ceremony as well. "[There were] fireworks, French Montana the players came out one by one, Beckham was there. Sorry, Sir David Beckham was there. "I congratulated him on his knighthood and asked if he remembered me from years ago, when I interviewed him at Real Madrid. He said yes, but the jury's out on that one." Richards replied with a smirk: "He was lying. He was lying, he was definitely lying," which prompted Lineker to add: "Knights don't lie Alex. Knights of the realm do not lie!" Richards offered to contact the ex-United star for Aljoe, causing Shearer to explode into laughter as he said: "Listen to him, 'I can text him for you', what a k*** you are!" Beckham was recently awarded a knighthood in King Charles' Birthday Honours, a moment that the Premier League icon has called a "truly humbling and emotional moment" for him. The 50-year-old said: "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. "To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true." Beckham added: "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do, and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do, and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment." Next up for Beckham's Inter Miami squad is a tough test against Porto on Thursday evening, with Madrid taking on their opening game of the tournament against Al-Hilal on Wednesday night at 8pm. 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.
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Rio Ferdinand claims £64m striker is 'waiting' for Man Utd transfer offer
Rio Ferdinand believes Victor Osimhen could be 'waiting' for a call from Manchester United after turning down a lucrative transfer move to the Saudi Pro League. United wrapped up their first piece of summer transfer business as they completed a £62.5million deal with Wolves for Matheus Cunha last month. Bryan Mbeumo has been been heavily linked in recent days on the back of an outstanding season with Brentford and is said to be eager to push through a switch to Old Trafford, despite strong interest from Tottenham. Signing an out-and-out centre-forward remains an absolute priority on the back of an immensely disappointing campaign for both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who managed a combined total of just seven goals in the Premier League last term. While Viktor Gyokeres is understood to be high up on United's wishlist, it's believed the Sporting and Sweden sensation is intent on playing Champions League football and therefore favours a move to Arsenal. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. The Red Devils were also beaten the signing of Liam Delap earlier this summer, with Chelsea landing the young Ipswich striker for a fee of just £30m. Assessing the club's early transfer business on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the legendary ex-United and England defender said: 'I'm happy with Cunha, he's one of the ones I mentioned on my list. I hope it goes well for him. 'The problem is that I've been happy many times in transfer windows and it's gone wrong. 'I'm hoping he's not going to be added to that list. 'If they get Mbeumo, I'd be very happy.' Ferdinand is confident Mbeumo 'wants to come' to United and feels the forward's Premier League experience will stand him in good stead at the Theatre of Dreams. Asked why Brentford star is being spoken about as a done deal, Ferdinand replied: 'Because he wants to come. Mbeumo wants to come, I know it. 'His stats over the last three seasons in the Premier League are up there, by the way. Goals and assists, goal chances, ridiculous. 'Again, another proven Premier League player. This is what I like, played in the Premier League. There ain't no adjustment business. 'The only thing is there will be adjustment because of the size of the club. 'They don't have to do that when they go to Arsenal! There ain't that pressure, the badge ain't as heavy! It's heavy, but it's not as heavy!' Asked who else he would like to see join United this summer, Ferdinand replied: 'No.9, they already know who I want. The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen! 'It looks like he's turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United. 'I don't know if Manchester United are going to come. That's the problem.' Osimhen is expected to move on from Napoli this summer having spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in all competitions to help the club to a domestic double. Al-Hilal had reportedly reached an agreement wit Napoli to sign Osimhen, only for the prolific Nigeria international to turn down the move. It's understood Osimhen – who has a £64m release clause with Napoli – is determined to continue playing in one of Europe's top leagues. Osimhen has just one year remaining on his current contract in Naples. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Jadon Sancho reaches agreement with new club as Manchester United set transfer fee MORE: Worrying prediction made for Arsenal and Man Utd after Premier League fixtures released MORE: Manchester United to lose 'key leader' of backroom staff to Everton
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Vn der Sar tells Ruben Amorim to give under-fire Man Utd duo another chance
Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar hopes Ruben Amorim gives both Antony and Andre Onana an opportunity to win back the trust of fans at Old Trafford next season. Antony joined United with weighty expectations on his shoulders on the back of an £82million move from Ajax back in 2022. But the 25-year-old winger has badly struggled to live up to his hefty price tag at the Theatre of Dreams and is widely considered to be one of United's all-time worst signings. However, Antony enjoyed an extraordinary resurgence in the second half of last season after being sent on loan to Real Betis, finishing with nine goals and five assists in all competitions for the La Liga outfit. The Spanish club are keen to extend their temporary agreement for Antony beyond the summer and there talks are ongoing behind the scenes, with the Red Devils keen to resolve the Brazilian's future as quickly as possible. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be exploring permanent moves for Antony as they scour the transfer market for attacking reinforcements. But according to Van der Sar, Antony should be given another chance to rescue his United career, even though Matheus Cunha's arrival from Wolves would appear to further block his path to the first-team. Asked for his thoughts on the club's transfer dealings, Van der Sar told The Sun: 'They're on the right track. 'I think they're signing a more experienced striker, maybe another one on the way. 'The two players they signed in the winter break [Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven] are good, so it should be fine and give the faith to the manager. 'Maybe [Alejandro] Garnacho is going to go. I would say bring Antony back, but I'm not sure if that's realistic.' In a separate interview with talkSPORT, Van der Sar encouraged United to keep the faith in Onana, despite an error-strewn start to the goalkeeper's Old Trafford career. 'I knew him already for a long time, for four or five years at Ajax,' the ex-United and Netherlands shot-stopper said. 'I trained with him and I saw him coming… he has great strengths, he's athletic, he has good reaction saves, he's good with his feet and everything, so I'm sure he's going to get over it. 'Sometimes it's not easy, the performances or the pressure there is, but I've seen him play for Ajax and Inter, I've seen him play Champions League finals so I'm sure that's going to be fine for next season.' According to Van der Sar, United should prioritise strengthening other areas of Amorim's squad before looking to find an upgrade for Onana. He added: 'I think there are more areas, other areas, where United should see if they can have better players, but I don't think the goalkeeping situation doesn't need to be addressed. 'Blame him if he makes a mistake or if he drops one through the legs or he misplaces a ball out from the back. Yeah, then you can blame the goalkeeper, of course. 'He's not been consistent in his performances this year. With the qualities he has, he should be able to play for Manchester United, of course, for next season.' Van der Sar believes Amorim's players should be better equipped at dealing with the intense scrutiny and pressure they have faced throughout United's malaise. 'Pressure has always been the case here in England, in the Premier League,' he continued. 'In our time, you had television or Sky Sports or The Sun or the Sunday papers, but nowadays, everybody has a social media outlet. 'How many ex-players can you have on television, saying something on the radio? So all the time everything is talked about, for four or five hours, about their mistake, about the tactical way the coach put the team forward. More Trending 'It's part of the job. They are being paid well, you should take the pressure and deliver the level that they think, the club thinks, they can produce on the pitch.' The Dutchman, a four-time Premier League winner with United, went on: 'It was an underwhelming season for the club, of course, and it's been a few years now that they didn't reach the level that they're supposed to reach. 'Also, some other clubs have stepped up, even some smaller clubs who are well organised and difficult to play against. 'It was a very poor season, topped off with losing the Europa League final against Tottenham without having a real fight.' Should Antony and Onana be given another chance? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Shock club joins Tyler Dibling race amid Man Utd and Chelsea links MORE: Arsenal 'fed up' with Gyokeres transfer saga and switch to £70m target 'in last few hours' MORE: Inter Milan make new Rasmus Hojlund plan due to Manchester United's asking price
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Soccer Aid 2025: What TV channel is it on? What are the official team line-ups?
Soccer Aid 2025: What TV channel is it on? What are the official team line-ups? Soccer Aid is back as a host of celebrities and former professional footballers take to the pitch for and England vs World XI charity match – and here's all you need to know about the event Soccer Aid is set to return for 2025 (Image: Soccer Aid 2025/PA Wire ) Soccer Aid is gearing up for its 2025 return as celebrities and retired football stars prepare to compete in an England vs World XI charity match. The event was created by pop icon Robbie Williams and TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes. Soccer Aid has rapidly become a yearly highlight since its inception in 2006. The match raises funds for UNICEF UK, amassing an impressive total of £106million to date, as per the Mirror. The World XI, previously known as the Rest of the World, boasts a superior head-to-head record. The World XI have triumphed over England seven times compared to England's six victories. However, in the last match, the Three Lions savoured their first win in six years under Frank Lampard's guidance at a packed Stamford Bridge. Here's all you need to know about the upcoming 2025 Soccer Aid event, including its venue, date, ticket information and the respective team squads. When is Soccer Aid 2025? Soccer Aid 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, June 15, with live coverage on ITV1. It can also be streamed online via ITVX and STV. The match will begin around 7:30pm, with UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O'Leary and ex-England star Alex Scott hosting the live coverage. Article continues below Where will Soccer Aid 2025 take place? Following the 2024 event at Stamford Bridge, another legendary Premier League stadium will play host to Soccer Aid as it makes a return to Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United's home ground has previously hosted the event in 2006, from 2010 to 2018, and then again in 2020 and 2023. The stadium boasts a seating capacity of nearly 75,000. Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury are set to coach England (Image: Soccer Aid 2025/PA Wire ) Are tickets still available for Soccer Aid 2025? Yes, tickets for Soccer Aid 2025 are still up for grabs. They can be bought via the official Soccer Aid website, with a variety of categories and price points available. Category 1 tickets, offering fans a closer view of the action, are priced at £60 for adults and £50 for children. Premium tickets are the most expensive at £90 and include a padded seat and access to an exclusive lounge. The cheapest tickets are available in Category 5, slightly further from the pitch, at a more affordable rate of just £20 for adults and £10 for children. However, Category 4 and Wheelchair Access tickets have sold out. Who are the players for Soccer Aid 2025? As Soccer Aid makes its return to United's stomping ground, one of the club's most legendary players will grace his former turf. Wayne Rooney stands out as both a player and manager for England. He will be accompanied by ex-United team-mates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes in representing England. One Direction's Louis Tomlinson is set to return, along with last year's Player of the Match, Steven Bartlett. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart will also make his Soccer Aid debut. The remainder of the Three Lions squad comprises Jermain Defoe, Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Aaron Lennon, Jill Scott, Sam Thompson, Sam Quek, Sir Mo Farah, Paddy McGuinness, Dame Denise Lewis, Bear Grylls, Tom Grennan, Alex Brooker and Angry Ginge. Soccer Aid is set to return for 2025 (Image: Soccer Aid 2025/PA Wire ) England's backroom team is an eclectic mix, featuring Wayne Rooney, boxing titan Tyson Fury, Harry Redknapp, actor Vicky McClure, and goalkeeper David James. On the other side, the World XI will be managed by ex-United keeper Peter Schmeichel. The team will feature other Old Trafford heroes, such as Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic. Boxer Tony Bellew and Italy international Leonardo Bonucci will join them for Soccer Aid 2025. The squad also includes Toby Brown, Martin Compston, Richard Gadd, Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Kaylyn Kyle, Gorka Marquez, Nadia Nadim and Livi Sheldon. Are there any rivalries at Soccer Aid 2025? From a football perspective, former Italy defender Bonucci may rekindle tension with the England side following his nation's triumph in the Euro 2020 final. It was heartbreak for England at Wembley, as they succumbed to Italy on penalties, with Bonucci seizing the opportunity post-match to proclaim: "It's coming to Rome." One celebrity rivalry that won't be rekindled is reality TV's Sam Thompson and singer Louis Tomlinson. The One Direction heartthrob is dating Thompson's ex-girlfriend, Zara McDermott from Love Island. This fresh relationship came to light in March, a mere three months after news broke that Thompson and McDermott had called their relationship quits. However, Thompson has pulled out of the event just days before it was due to take place. During a recent episode of Thompson's Staying Relevant podcast, co-host Pete Wicks teased about potential Soccer Aid rivalries, asking: "Any kind of people in there who you're looking forward to playing with [at Soccer Aid]?" Sam Thompson and Louis Tomlinson could be set for an awkward encounter as England team-mates (Image: Soccer Aid 2025/PA Wire ) The 32-year-old enthusiastically answered: "Loads. Tom Grennan. I'm really looking forward to playing alongside Wayne Rooney. Tyson Fury's the manager. I can't wait." In another light-hearted dig, Wicks replied: "'I mean that's gonna be f****** amazing. Make sure you get him (Fury) on side, though, because you may need him in your corner in case you fall out with anyone. Not that you will but just in case there's any rivalries or anything. All sorts gets brought up." Meanwhile, Thompson has already been busy raising money for UNICEF. He delivered the match ball from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in Manchester, raising more than £1.5m in the process. Article continues below Who won at Soccer Aid in 2024? England emerged as the winners of Soccer Aid in 2024 under Lampard's management. Joe Cole swiftly put the Three Lions ahead after only six minutes, but Chelsea icon Eden Hazard scored at Stamford Bridge to level the score. The World XI snatched the lead thanks to Alessandro Del Piero, but Ellen White made history before the break by becoming the first female scorer in the event's history. In the second half, Bartlett claimed his first goal and was later named Player of the Match, while Jermain Defoe added another to the tally. Bartlett wasn't finished, netting his second and bringing the score to 5-2, until Billy Wingrove scored from the spot for the World XI. Theo Walcott sealed the deal with a final goal, setting England's sights on equalling the overall record this time around.
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Ferdinand says Man Utd and Arsenal target should be 'causing nightmare' for move
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says Viktor Gyokeres should be 'causing a nightmare' at Sporting if he wishes to secure a move to the Premier League this summer. Gyokeres, 27, has established himself as one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football on the back of two outstanding seasons with Sporting, in which he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances. The Portuguese champions have grown increasingly resigned to losing their prized possession amid strong interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal currently leading Manchester United in the race for the prolific forward. However, Gyokeres' path to English football is currently being blocked by Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who is disputing claims made by the Swede's camp. A 'furious' Gyokeres had been under the impression he could leave for a fee of £59million, but Varandas is denying the existence of a supposed gentleman's agreement with the striker. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. 'I'll tell you one thing, I would be in his [Varandas'] office and he wouldn't be able to leave me,' ex-United and England defender Ferdinand told talkSPORT when asked about the latest rumours. 'I'd be in his bed, I'd be in his front room, his kitchen, he wouldn't be able to get me out of his sight. 'I'd be causing him a nightmare to get out if we'd had an agreement. 'I did that when I was at Leeds. I heard that Manchester United were interested in me and I knew had to let me go. 'I went to Peter Ridsdale and said, 'Listen, I know you need to sell me, let's not haggle over a couple of million here and there and let's get a deal done', and I was there for hours waiting and ended up getting it done.' While Ferdinand has been impressed by Gyokeres' extraordinary numbers in Portuguese football, he believes the jury is still out on the Sweden international being able to mix it with the best. According to Ferdinand, United ideally should be scouring the market for a proven No.9 with 'experience'. 'Is he the right guy? Listen, he has some really good attributes. I've not seen enough of him to be totally convinced,' the six-time Premier League winner added. 'The games I have seen him in, in the Champions League against players that match him up physically, I'd love to see a bit more. 'But there's no denying that he knows where the goal is. He's playing in Portugal where he's been banging in and setting up goals left, right and centre the last couple of years. 'I just think for Manchester United, at this moment in time, I would go for experience more than anything.' Gyokeres reassured fans he would 'speak when the time is right' as he took to Instagram amid incessant speculation over his future on Friday. 'There's a lot of talk at the moment, most of it false,' Gyokeres wrote. 'I will speak when the time is right.' Gyokeres' current contract in Lisbon runs through to June 2028. 'He is very happy here,' Sporting manager Rui Borges said when asked for an update on Gyokeres' future after the club successfully defended their Primeira Liga title. 'He is very connected to the game, he wants to score and he is obsessed with it. 'He is the best striker in Europe, as the numbers show. 'He will be attractive, but I believe that if he doesn't leave Sporting, he will remain very committed to the club. He feels very happy here.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Tottenham confirm first signing of Thomas Frank era on six-year contract MORE: Chelsea fans proclaim 'we are so back' after watching Liam Delap training video MORE: Man Utd's stance on signing £80m Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target
