Latest news with #OldTrafford
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Sam Thompson gives a major update on his relationship with Samie Elishi as he kicks off first day of gruelling Soccer Aid challenge
Sam Thompson has given an update on his relationship with Samie Elishi as he kicked off the first day of his intense Soccer Aid challenge on Monday. The I'm A Celeb star, 32, has been given the task to travel a mammoth 260-mile journey on both bike and foot to deliver the match ball to its new home in Old Trafford, with the hope of raising much-needed funds for Unicef. To complete the challenge, Sam is expected to run a marathon for five days and cycle in between, ensuring the ball arrives on June 6, just in time for kickoff on Sunday, June 15. While his sister Louise and her partner Ryan Libbey were present at the starting line to show their support, Samie was notably absent. Speaking just moments ahead of the challenge, Sam revealed that several close friends, including best mate Jamie Laing, have remained tight-lipped about whether they'll join him along the way. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. However, he did confirm whether or not Samie, who he has been dating since April, will be making an appearance. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Sam said: Throughout the experience, I hope there'll be a few people.' When asked directly if Samie would be making an appearance, he responded: 'I feel like... this is so much more than info I dating or hooking up with. 'And I feel like it would take away from what it is going on. You know what I mean? 'You know, If I had a wife or something like, like a girlfriend of years it might be a different, I just think that I don't want to do anything that will take away from this. 'Like, this challenge and the Unicef And the spotlight needs to be on them. Like, I'm literally a vehicle. 'That's how I'm seeing it. I'm, like, just a thing that is running to try and make money, so I want to keep it that way.' Elsewhere in the chat, Sam opened up about what he believes will be the biggest challenge he'll face over the next five days. He said: 'The hard part of this challenge is gonna be the fear of not completing it. 'That that will, is and will always be the hardest thing in my head is the fear of injury and not being able to play it. 'I just, I have to be able to get of course I finish line. 'And like, you've seen how many people are here. Like, I just letting people down is my biggest week, like, my fear of letting you down a big sweeter, so that is terrifying to me.' Last month, Sam opened up about his autism diagnosis, and when asked how he thinks it might impact his journey, he shared candidly: 'I can find it really had to stick to one thing, that's really tough, especially when you have ADHD. 'You know, there's always something else to do and always, you know, here there and everywhere. You overthink everything. you think ahead a lot. 'I've been very much doing that. Yeah.. The hper focus is something that I'm hoping will actually help. 'I don't know what it's going to be like when I'm actually, like, out there. Like, I don't know how I'm going to be in my own head. I'm really worried about my own head. 'I've never really, as I said, done anything like this before, so I don't know what money my brain is going to be, right. 'Yeah. I' be worried about that, actually. You know, I get that, is that definitely a mental challenge. 'I'm just start talking to myself and like.. And with your thoughts. Yeah, and I'm quite weak mentally, actually.' As for his reason for taking part in this massive challenge, Sam explained: 'This challenge, to be honest with you, 'cause I went to Gosemala means so much more than I ever expected. 'And I was banging, I don't know if anyone knows, I was banging on Unicef's door to allow me to do one of those trips. 'And help in any way I could. But this obviously wasn't on the agenda at that point. So to be able to go there and do and see the work they do. 'I can't tell it's beautiful. And not in a way that I expected. 'Like, I kind of went out there, expecting, you know, sadness and that was the sort of general message of the day. 'It wasn't that at all. It was optimism, it was hope, it was joy in these children's eyes, like we really, like the bare minimum but so happy, so hopeful. 'And it's like, if we can just give them, I know this sounds so crazy, but if you, can they just give him, like, the smallest platform, they will take that and run with it. 'I'm saying this now, they'll be Prime ministers. They'll be astros. They'll be like everything that we said we were going to be when we were kids. 'They're going to do it.' Last month, Sam has shared an exclusive video diary from his trip to Guatemala, where he got the chance to see the work of a UNICEF supported project. His five day challenge is also set to feature in an ITV documentary, which will be broadcast on June 13. This year, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, every donation made to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million. To donate visit
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Inside the world of Ayden Heaven, Man United's next star: Why Ruben Amorim thinks wonderkid, 18, is the future
When Ayden Heaven strode out onto the Old Trafford pitch ahead of Manchester United taking on Crystal Palace at the start of February, there were eyebrows raised as to whether he was really the first-team player the club was painted him out to be. Heaven arrived with only one senior appearance to his name at Arsenal, a 10-minute cameo in a Carabao Cup game against Preston North End in October 2024. And the only time United fans might have seen him play was when he was run ragged by during a friendly against the Gunners last summer in .
The Sun
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Soccer Aid 2025: How to buy tickets for huge charity match at Old Trafford
SOCCER AID is fast approaching with the iconic charity match returning to Old Trafford NEXT WEEK. Some of the biggest names from the world of sport will play alongside many of the most recognisable faces in showbiz. 1 Last year, England stopped the rot and beat World XI for the first time in six years. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and boxing legend Tyson Fury will team up and take charge of the Three Lions as they look to match their rivals' total of seven Soccer Aid wins. Wazza will also pull on his boots and come out of retirement at his former home. Fan favourites Jill Scott, Tom Grennan and Sir Mo Farah will feature once again as Joe Hart, Leonardo Bonucci and Steph Houghton are among the stars making their debuts in the iconic charity match. When is Soccer Aid 2025? Soccer Aid 2025 will take place on Sunday, June 15. The match will kick off at 7.30pm BST. Old Trafford will host. Are Soccer Aid 2025 tickets still available? Soccer Aid 2025 tickets are still available for fans to purchase on SeeTickets. Tickets start at £10.50 for concessions and the cheapest adult ticket is £21 for Category 5 seating. Prices then go up £10.50, depending on the category you select, with Category 4 set at £31.50, £42 for Category 3, £52.50 for Category 2 and £63 for Category 1. Premium seats are also available for £94.50. How to watch Soccer Aid 2025 Can't make it in person? Fear not, Soccer Aid will be broadcast live on ITV1. You can live stream all the action via the ITVX app/website. Alternatively, SunSport will be running a live blog of Soccer Aid.
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Samie Elishi enjoys a night out with Sam Thompson and his Staying Relevant team after the truth about their whirlwind romance was revealed
Samie Elishi made a surprise appearance at Sam Thompson 's night out on Saturday, as their whirlwind romance continues to go from strength to strength. The Love Island star, 25, has been dating the podcast presenter, 32, since last month, when the pair were pictured sharing a kiss at Olivia Attwood 's birthday bash. And as Sam enjoyed a night out with the team on his podcast Staying Relevant, Samie took to Instagram Stories to share a brief clip from the outing. The reality TV beauty shared a video of herself dancing alongside the podcast's executive producer Pippa Morgan, who regularly features on the show, which is hosted by Sam and his longtime pal Pete Wicks. Sam is back home preparing for both Soccer Aid and his latest challenge which will see the star travel a mammoth 260-mile journey on both bike and foot to deliver the Soccer Aid matchball to its new home in Old Trafford. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ahead of the epic feat, which begins on Monday, Pete took to Instagram to share a sweet tribute to his pal. Posting a snap with Sam, he captioned the post: 'Tomorrow this man embarks on a mental and physical challenge for an amazing cause @unicef. 'Mate I couldn't be prouder of you as a friend, a brother and as a man. You are gonna push yourself to the limit and I can't wait to watch you complete this f**king mammoth task. 'I know how much work you've put in and I know you're doing it for the right reasons. Just so you know, you're doing it with every single one of your friends and family right behind you. 'I hope the nation follows your journey and helps you along the way in donations and support. 'You are an inspiration to me and many others and I admire the man you've become this year more than any other year I've known you. Good luck brother, you've got this @samthompsonuk.' Earlier this week, Samie's distance from Sam while she attended a brand trip to Mykonos had briefly sparked rumours they'd split, but a source has since hit back at the claims. A source close to the couple told MailOnline: 'Any suggestion that Sam and Samie have split up is untrue. The Love Island star has been dating the podcast presenter since last month, when the pair were pictured sharing a kiss at Olivia Attwood 's birthday bash 'They're loving spending time together and always make the most of off days between their busy schedules.' Elsewhere Sam's ex Zara McDermott has been packing on the PDA with her new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson during a romantic holiday to Costa Rica. The pair were spotted kissing at the modest Banana Beach Restaurant which overlooks the ocean. Sam first met Samie, who appeared on Love Island in 2023 and returned to the All Stars series this year, through his presenting role on spinoff, Aftersun. Samie previously broke her silence on her new romance with Sam, after the couple attended the swanky celebration held at Bacchanalia in London's Mayfair where they confirmed the romance by packing on the PDA outside the venue. Samie spoke about the blossoming relationship for the first time during an appearance on the Chloe Mediumship podcast. The show is hosted by a psychic medium and in the episode, Samie revealed how she's previously had negative gut feelings in past relationships. She explained: 'I've had gut feelings with guys before. I've had a couple of relationships where I've known it was never it. Like this is gonna come to an end, I'll have something telling me every day it's coming to an end, this isn't for you. 'You put it to the back of your mind and then you start noticing the chaos increase. It's like the universe saying I'm gonna blow you both up if you just do not separate. Then I'm like if I only I listened all those months ago when I got that first message.' Then, host Chloe asked: 'Obviously, you don't have to talk about it too much but the guy you're currently speaking to, do you have that gut feeling? Like do you think it's gonna be really good?' Keeping her cards close to her chest, the former Love Islander replied: 'There's been no bad stuff at the minute so yeah I suppose it is all positive right now. It's early days.' Sam and his ex-girlfriend Zara split in January, with Zara quickly moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. On his Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks, Sam also revealed he's gone on his first date since his split from Zara, after he reportedly spent a romantic Easter weekend with Samie. Earlier this week, Samie's distance from Sam while she attended a brand trip to Mykonos had briefly sparked rumours they'd split, but a source has since hit back at the claims Hinting towards his heartbreak over Zara, he said he'd gone through a 'pretty tough time', but that he was finally 'comfortable in my own skin again'. He told Pete: 'I feel like I'm ready to get out there. I feel like I'm at a stage now where I feel confident enough that I can start approaching females. 'I feel good, things are really really nice at the moment. And I feel like I'm happy. There's no more brave faces', causing Pete to proudly declare: 'Sam's ready to date!' Next week Sam will begin a 260-mile challenge in aid of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, transporting a football by running and cycling from Stamford Bridge in west London to Manchester's Old Trafford stadium in time for the Soccer Aid match on June 15. The challenge, which will be followed by the ITV documentary Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission, is a savvy commission from the broadcaster. Because Sam will be taking part in the star-studded match at Old Trafford alongside none other than Zara's new beau, Louis. The football match is already the talk of ITV corridors, with all eyes sure to be on the two love rivals as they go head to head on the pitch.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Manchester United sign Matheus Cunha in £62.5m deal from Wolves
Manchester United have announced the signing of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in a £62.5 million deal. Ruben Amorim, the United manager, identified the Brazilian as a priority target. The club have landed their first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer at Old Trafford after triggering Cunha's release clause. United have agreed to pay the £62.5 million fee in three parts over two years and it is understood that Cunha, a £43 million signing from Atletico Madrid in December 2022, will earn around £200,000 a week at United and appeals to Amorim because of his ability to play in all three positions in the front line. The former Atletico Madrid forward will sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months. The 26-year-old has scored 33 goals in 92 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons at Molineux and will be looking to add to his 13 appearances for Brazil at the World Cup next summer under Carlo Ancelotti. Wolves said in a statement: 'Everyone at Wolves would like to thank Matheus for his contributions in old gold and wish he and his family the best of luck for the future.'
