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The Star
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
United winger Amad explains obscene gesture
KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United winger Amad says he doesn't regret making what appeared to be an obscene gesture towards some fans in Malaysia because his mother allegedly had been insulted. Footage shared widely on social media appeared to show the 22-year-old Ivory Coast international raising his middle finger while outside a hotel with his teammates in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week. 'I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mum,' Amad wrote on X. 'I shouldn't have reacted like that but I don't regret what I did. 'We had a great time in Malaysia with good people.' United did not respond to a request for comment. The team's postseason Asia tour had already got off to a bad start when United lost their friendly against a Asean All-Stars 1-0 in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Some fans booed in response. Even Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was disappointed, suggesting United could be relegated after watching the team lose, despite the fact they were probably affected by jet lag. 'Ouch. Man United failed to win another trophy,' Anwar, one of 72,500 fans at Bukit Jalil Stadium in the Malaysian capital, wrote on social media. 'Looks like you're in for another tough season, hope you don't drop to the Championship,' he added, referring to England's second tier. United then travelled to Hong Kong for another friendly. 'We were not really focused in the last game, and everybody can feel it,' United manager Ruben Amorim said on Thursday. 'We just want to turn the page and improve in the next season.' On Sunday, United finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest-ever ranking in the competition, just four days after a loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham meant their European season ended without a trophy. — AP
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tottenham Ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in Race For Sané Signature
Tottenham Ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in Race For Sané Signature Europa League champions, Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to securing the signature of Bayern Munich winger, Leroy Sané, on a free transfer according to cfBayern. Sané has spent five years at the Bundesliga champions, but has rejected a contract extension. Advertisement Since joining Bayern, Sané has scored 61 goals and registered 55 assists in all competitions, winning the Bundesliga four times, the UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. The German giants held talks with Sané's agent, Pini Zahavi, but that appears to be a dead end. It sets the stage for a shock return to the Premier League, where Sané left Manchester City in 2020. Champions League-bound Spurs hold 'concrete' interest in Sane, and discussions are at an advanced stage. Zahavi is close to Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, and he is looking to secure a better deal for his client. However, Tottenham face fierce competition from London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea. Advertisement Arsenal Head Coach, Mikel Arteta is targeting a winger and The Times reports that Sané is a top target alongside Spanish midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. Sane previously worked with Mikel Arteta at Manchester City and speaks highly of the Arsenal boss. Ahead of Bayern's Champions League quarter-final against the Gunners in April, 2024, Sane said: 'It was great. I was pleased to work with him because he actually really helped me at City. 'We had a lot of individual talks about how I can improve, strengths, my weaknesses, we worked a lot. I made huge improvements under him, he gave that to me. 'I still keep that in my mind and put that in my game – positioning, how to behave in certain positions. I'm thankful.' Bayern haven't given up on Sane just yet. They are looking to restructure their contract offer by increasing the fixed salary from €10 million (£8.3m) to €12-€13 million (£10m-£10.8m) and reducing the bonuses. But Sané's heart seems set on London. Advertisement He is currently spending his off-season in his wife Candice Brooks' adopted home of London. The heart and the head may soon come together if Sané can get his dream move to London. GGFN | Oscar O'Mara
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
How ex-Man Utd and Arsenal flop Mkhitaryan can make history in Champions League final as Inter Milan take on PSG
Inzaghi has revealed how Inter can win the final TAKE THE MKHI How ex-Man Utd and Arsenal flop Mkhitaryan can make history in Champions League final as Inter Milan take on PSG Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE bombed without trace at two of the Premier League's biggest clubs and he was the often-forgotten makeweight in one of most disastrous transfers in the top-flight's recent history. But at the age of 36, Henrikh Mkhitaryan can make European football history by helping Inter Milan to the Champions League crown against Paris Saint-Germain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Henrikh Mkhitaryan can become the first player to win all three European competitions Credit: Getty 4 He already has the Europa and Conference Leagues to his name Credit: Getty When Alexis Sanchez switched from Arsenal to Old Trafford in January 2018 — a move announced by an infamous social-media video of the Chilean tickling the ivories with 'Glory, Glory Man Utd' — Mkhitaryan moved the other way. And while Sanchez became one of United's greatest flops, Mkhitaryan did not fare much better in north London. The Armenian midfield man was Arsene Wenger's penultimate Arsenal signing — and certainly not among his better ones. Mkhitaryan's two years at Arsenal were frustrating. And they were perhaps best summed up helping Unai Emery's Gunners to the 2019 Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku, but he could not get a visa and missed the match because of political tensions between Armenia and host nation Azerbaijan. Yet if Inter claim the Champions League - Mkhitaryan will become the first player to play an active role in winning the finals of all three existing European club competitions. He both lifted the Europa League and Conference League under Jose Mourinho — with United in 2017 and Roma in 2022 — even though The Special One ditched him in that Sanchez swap deal. The feeling was Mkhitaryan was too lightweight and passive for the Premier League. And while United fans enjoyed his occasional moments of flair, Mourinho took against him. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Yet at Inter his experience and nous make him a key member of Simone Inzaghi's side which narrowly missed out on the Scudetto as well as losing this season's Italian Cup final. They are desperate to avoid a hat-trick of runners-up medals by winning in Munich. Mkhitaryan said: 'I hope experience will count in the final. It's not just me, I have a lot of experienced team-mates.' He is not kidding. In Serie A, they certainly value a good veteran. Mkhitaryan, his fellow former Man Utd player Matteo Darmian, keeper Yann Sommer and defender Francesco Acerbi were all born in the 1980s, which — terrifyingly — makes them old. But Inter defeated Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in the quarter- finals before coming through their epic semi-final goalfest with Barcelona — 7-6 on aggregate. And the bookies are struggling to separate them from a far more youthful PSG side. 4 Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of many experienced Inter players Credit: Alamy For Inzaghi — whose Inter side ran Pep Guardiola's City close as rank underdogs in this fixture two years ago — tonight is likely to prove his swansong after four years at the San Siro. On the eve of the final, he did little to dampen down rumours of an impending, money-spinning move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal. Inzaghi, 49, said: 'I will meet the club's senior management and have a chat next week in a very relaxed manner. 'Our decision will have the best interests of Inter at heart. 'But it's hugely exciting before a Champions League final.' The long road to the final began with a 0-0 draw against old foes City in the league stage. Inzaghi added: 'We've shown a great desire ever since matchday one in the group phase at City and against some top opposition like Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. 'Now we are just one step shy. We deserve to be here. "Two years ago we played against Pep's City — who were the best team in the world at that time — and we possibly deserved more. 'We have learned from that and we will use that experience. 'PSG are a high-quality team and they have the best ball possession statistics in the Champions League. 'But we have the most possession in Serie A this season. 'We must keep the ball and use our hard running, desire and experience if we are to bring home the trophy.' Flanked by captain Lautaro Martinez — a World Cup winner with Argentina — and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella, Inzaghi said: 'I am here with two players who bleed black and blue. They are hugely important players. I have blind faith in both of them. 'I am asking them all for concentration and determination — but not obsession because we need cool heads and free minds. 'We have Champions League and World Cup winners in the squad and we have learned a lot over our four years together.' Martinez, who has netted nine times in this season's Champions League, says the players will dedicate the trophy to Inzaghi if they beat PSG. The striker, 27, said: 'We're pretty relaxed about the rumour, we hear them day in and day out about our players and coach. 'We want to dedicate this trophy to the coach as well as the fans and our families who are with us every day. 'Everything we have achieved is down to the hard work, sacrifice and humility of the team unit.'
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
How ex-Man Utd and Arsenal flop Mkhitaryan can make history in Champions League final as Inter Milan take on PSG
HE bombed without trace at two of the Premier League's biggest clubs and he was the often-forgotten makeweight in one of most disastrous transfers in the top-flight's recent history. But at the age of 36, Henrikh Mkhitaryan can make European football history by helping Inter Milan to the Champions League crown against Paris Saint-Germain. Advertisement 4 Henrikh Mkhitaryan can become the first player to win all three European competitions Credit: Getty 4 He already has the Europa and Conference Leagues to his name Credit: Getty When Alexis Sanchez switched from Arsenal to Old Trafford in January 2018 — a move announced by an infamous social-media video of the Chilean tickling the ivories with 'Glory, Glory And while Sanchez became one of United's greatest flops, Mkhitaryan did not fare much better in north London. The Armenian midfield man was Arsene Wenger's penultimate And they were perhaps best summed up helping Unai Emery's Gunners to the 2019 Europa League final against Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Yet if Inter claim the Champions League - Mkhitaryan will become the first player to play an active role in winning the finals of all three existing European club competitions. He both lifted the Europa League and Conference League under Jose Mourinho — with United in 2017 and Roma in 2022 — even though The Special One ditched him in that Sanchez swap deal. The feeling was Mkhitaryan was too lightweight and passive for the Premier League. And while United fans enjoyed his occasional moments of flair, Mourinho took against him. Advertisement Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Yet at Inter his experience and nous make him a key member of Simone Inzaghi's side which narrowly missed out on the Scudetto as well as losing this season's Italian Cup final. They are desperate to avoid a hat-trick of runners-up medals by winning in Munich. Mkhitaryan said: 'I hope experience will count in the final. It's not just me, I have a lot of experienced team-mates.' Advertisement He is not kidding. In Serie A, they certainly value a good veteran. Mkhitaryan, his fellow former Man Utd player Matteo Darmian, keeper Yann Sommer and defender But Inter defeated Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in the quarter- finals before coming through their epic semi-final goalfest with Barcelona — 7-6 on aggregate. And the bookies are struggling to separate them from a far more youthful PSG side. Advertisement 4 Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of many experienced Inter players Credit: Alamy For On the eve of the final, he did little to dampen down rumours of an impending, money-spinning move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal. Inzaghi, 49, said: 'I will meet the club's senior management and have a chat next week in a very relaxed manner. Advertisement 'Our decision will have the best interests of Inter at heart. 'But it's hugely exciting before a Champions League final.' The long road to the final began with a 0-0 draw against old foes City in the league stage. Inzaghi added: 'We've shown a great desire ever since matchday one in the group phase at City and against some top opposition like Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Advertisement 'Now we are just one step shy. We deserve to be here. "Two years ago we played against Pep's City — who were the best team in the world at that time — and we possibly deserved more. 'We have learned from that and we will use that experience. ' Advertisement 'But we have the most possession in Serie A this season. 'We must keep the ball and use our hard running, desire and experience if we are to bring home the trophy.' Flanked by captain Lautaro Martinez — a World Cup winner with Argentina — and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella, Inzaghi said: 'I am here with two players who bleed black and blue. They are hugely important players. I have blind faith in both of them. 'I am asking them all for concentration and determination — but not obsession because we need cool heads and free minds. Advertisement 'We have Champions League and World Cup winners in the squad and we have learned a lot over our four years together.' Martinez, who has netted nine times in this season's Champions League, says the players will dedicate the trophy to Inzaghi if they beat PSG. The striker, 27, said: 'We're pretty relaxed about the rumour, we hear them day in and day out about our players and coach. 'We want to dedicate this trophy to the coach as well as the fans and our families who are with us every day. Advertisement 'Everything we have achieved is down to the hard work, sacrifice and humility of the team unit.' 4 Simone Inzaghi says his side have learned from final heartbreak two years ago Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ruben Amorim certain Bruno Fernandes will REJECT £100m Saudi transfer as he needs to play in ‘best league in the world'
Team-mate admitted 'a lot of players' will leave this summer BRU-NO WAY Ruben Amorim certain Bruno Fernandes will REJECT £100m Saudi transfer as he needs to play in 'best league in the world' RUBEN AMORIM believes Bruno Fernandes wants to stay at Manchester United — despite a £100MILLION offer from Saudi Arabia. Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, held talks with Saudi side Al-Hilal at a Riyadh hotel on Thursday over a £700,000-a-week package for the United captain. Advertisement 2 Bruno Fernandes' agent has held talks over a move to Al-Hilal Credit: Getty 2 Ruben Amorim believes his captain will stay Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It would make him one of the world's highest-paid players. But Red Devils boss Amorim has a 'feeling' the Portuguese midfielder, 30, will stay at Old Trafford — and that the club can raise funds elsewhere despite failing to qualify for Europe. Fernandes played the first-half of United's 3-1 post-season friendly win over Hong Kong. And when asked if it was the skipper's final game for the club, Amorim said: 'I don't think so. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL CLIFFE EDGE Ratcliffe and Amorim 'on collision course for huge fall-out if Fernandes sold' 'I don't know for sure, nobody knows, but I don't think so. 'He is seeing us taking some actions to change all the things and I think that is all that he wants to stay. 'He's saying 'no' to a lot of things, but it shows that he wants to win. "He's really young, he's really good. He needs to be in the best league in the world.' Advertisement JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS The Europa League final loss to Spurs capped a disastrous season and threatens to damage Amorim's rebuild, which includes a £62.5m deal for Wolves' Matheus Cunha. United player of the year Fernandes admitted after the loss in Bilbao that the club could end up cashing in on him, with Al-Hilal pushing to sign the playmaker ahead of next month's Club World Cup. Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho Asked whether United could turn down such a fee, Amorim — who saw Chido Obi (twice) and Ayden Heaven score against Hong Kong — added: 'Yes. We can find another way to earn money. Advertisement 'I'm the manager, I'm the coach but sometimes it's the decision of the player. 'I just have that feeling that he wants to stay.' Defender Harry Maguire, though, admits 'a lot of players' will be shown the door after the club finished 15th in the Prem. He said: 'We will make a lot of changes in the summer. There will be a lot of players who leave and hopefully a lot will come in. Advertisement 'And that's down to the club to make sure they get that right and it's down to us players to make sure we are the ones involved.' Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford
