Just like legendary striker Ian Rush was a hero to every Liverpool fan during his playing days, his fiancé Carol Anthony took on that mantle for the Welshman recently while helping him recover from a terrible bout of flu. Narrating his ordeal that took place earlier this month, Rush told British tabloid The Mirror: “It was frightening, I was on the floor gasping for breath. I thought I was a goner. I was panicking. [But] Carol got me through it by telling me how to calm down and breathe more easily. She was fantastic.” Thereafter, Rush, 64, had to spend two nights at the hospital, where Anthony remained by his side. Anthony, 48, is a model and singer from Ireland. The pair started dating after Rush divorced his first wife Tracy after 25 years of marriage in 2012. In 2019, Anthony and Rush announced their engagement.
31 December,2025 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentManchester United manager Ruben Amorim insisted he had to establish a formation at Old Trafford before asking his squad to demonstrate tactical flexibility as succumbing to media pressure would have been “the end” for him. Amorim departed from a back three with wing-backs for the first time in Friday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle and instead fielded a conventional back four with two holding midfielders. The Portuguese boss memorably once said not even the Pope could force him to change his system. But Amorim, with United now just three points adrift of a Champions League place, insisted he was never as obstinate as he appeared. Ruben Amorim “When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don’t have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process,” he said ahead of Tuesday’s match against relegation-threatened Wolves at Old Trafford. “We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don’t have a lot of players, and we need to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.” The 40-year-old former Sporting Lisbon boss added: “When you [the media] talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I’m changing because of you and that is the end for the manager. “When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change. We are going to become a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time.” Meanwhile, Tottenham ground out a much-needed three points for the under-fire Thomas Frank with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. Archie Gray was Spurs’ unlikely match winner at Selhurst Park with his first senior goal. 6thMan Utd’s position in the EPL points table This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 December,2025 09:22 AM IST | London | AFPCristiano Ronaldo has expressed his determination to score 1,000 goals by the end of his career. And the 40-year-old Portugal superstar is in no doubt he’ll get there. “I will reach that number for sure, if no injuries,” Ronaldo said late on Sunday at the Globe Soccer Awards here, where he was named the best player in the Middle East. Ronaldo moved onto 956 career goals by scoring twice for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. His tally includes men’s international record of 143 goals for Portugal, which Ronaldo is set to lead into next year’s World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. By the time the World Cup begins, Ronaldo will be aged 41. “I am still very motivated to carry on,” the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus striker said. “It doesn’t matter [where] I play — Middle East, in Europe — I always enjoy to play football, to win trophies, to score goals and I want to carry on. You know what my goal is: I want to win more trophies and reach the number that you will all know.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 December,2025 09:04 AM IST | Dubai | AP | PTITransfer rumours are typically all the rage in the days leading up to the opening of the transfer window. However, this time the rumour mills are abuzz about an off-field romantic development, involving former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic and Hollywood superstar Sydney Sweeney. Pulisic, who currently plys his trade at AC Milan, is said to be dating Sweeney, the Euphoria and White Lotus series star. According to British tabloid The Sun, Sweeney’s surprising link-up with Pulisic was first reported by Instagram account DNA da Bomba, and was subsequently published in Italy’s leading daily Gazzetta dello Sport. Sweeney, 28, was previously dating producer Jonathan Davino since 2018. The pair even got engaged in 2022, but called it off earlier this year. A source told The Sun in August that Sweeney has been inundated with dating requests from several English Premier League footballers, including players mostly from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, but she has politely declined. Interestingly though previous reports have suggested that American star Pulisic, 27, has been dating golfer Alexa Melton since 2024 and so far there has been no news about any break-up on this front. Looks like the new year could bring in a new romantic beginning for Pulisic. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesMYJ defeated IC Royals 4-1 to win the 40-plus rink football tournament at Our Lady of Health, Versova, recently. Agnelo Picardo (1st, 24th min) Anthony Reverdo (10th min), and Jayesh Naik (14th min) got on the scoresheet for MYJ, while Rajiv Asija (20th min) pulled one back for IC Royals. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesAston Villa’s super-sub Ollie Watkins was effusive in his praise for coach Unai Emery on Saturday, crediting his tactical changes for helping the visitor’s rally from a goal down to seal their 12th English Premier League (EPL) win from 18 matches. Watkins came off the bench to score a brace (63rd and 84th minute) after Villa trailed to Joao Pedro’s 37th-minute opener. Explaining Emery’s tactical switch, Watkins said: “Chelsea were going man for man, but they had the extra centre-back when we were going long. So, when I came on in, he [Emery] brought Sancho on the wing and Morgan, and it gave us a little more space. Then he put Tielemans in the No. 10 role, so we had an extra body up there. Tactical genius, I would say.” Villa have now won 11 consecutive matches across all competitions. They are currently third in the EPL table (39 pts). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 10:33 AM IST | London | AgenciesCoach Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s refusal to let their English Premier League title challenge be ruined by injuries after they survived another debilitating 24 hours to beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday. Arteta’s side was rocked by an injury to Dutch defender Jurrien Timber in training on Friday. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Italy full-back Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal’s growing list of walking wounded when he picked up a knock during the pre-match warm-up before the Brighton clash. Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera were also ruled out, so Myles Lewis-Skelly came in at left-back and England midfielder Declan Rice started at right-back. Another gritty win Despite their fitness problems, Arsenal ground out their third successive victory by a one-goal margin in the league to reclaim first place from Manchester City, who beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 earlier. Hailing Arsenal’s spirit and togetherness in adversity, Arteta said: “What I like is that we are having a lot of issues and we are dealing with it in an incredible way. Yesterday we lost Jurrien and today we lost Calafiori. Mikel Arteta Declan had to play right-back and you see the performance that he put in. That is the spirit and that is how much our players want it. You speak to Declan and tell him he has to play there and he said ‘Ok. I am up for the challenge.’ This attitude is great to witness.” Arsenal have struggled considerably with injuries over the last 18 months, with forward Gabriel Jesus recently returning from almost a year out of action. Kai Havertz remains sidelined, while centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes came on as a second-half substitute to boost Arteta’s defensive options in his first appearance since early November. Arsenal were cruising after Martin Odegaard netted his first goal of the season (14th minute) before Georginio Rutter’s own goal doubled their lead (52nd min). Raya’s vital late save Diego Gomez reduced the deficit in the 64th minute for Brighton, but David Raya then made a fine save from Yankuba Minteh to preserve the victory. SixNo. of Arsenal players currently injured; joint third-highest among all 20 EPL teams ThreeNo. of times Arsenal have won by a one-goal margin in their last three games 42No of points accumulated by league-leaders Arsenal after 18 games (13 wins)
29 December,2025 09:48 AM IST | London | AFPMohamed Salah scored again for Egypt’s 10 men as his team reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage, while hosts Morocco were forced to wait on Friday. Morocco was held 1-1 by Mali in the Group A game with both teams awarded penalties following VAR decisions. Earlier, Egypt held on to beat South Africa 1-0 and were grateful that another spot kick wasn’t given. Salah did it again in Agadir and his penalty before the break secured progression from Group B. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 December,2025 09:05 AM IST | Rabat (Morocco) | AP | PTIRayan Cherki bolstered Manchester City’s title charge as the France star capped a superb display with the late goal that sealed a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side survived a scare from Forest to move to the top of the Premier League thanks to the inspired Cherki. He set up Tijjani Reijnders’ second-half opener at the City Ground and blasted the winner after Omari Hutchinson equalised with his first goal for Forest. City have won eight successive games in all competitions, including six in a row in the league. Tribute for John Robertson Forest paid an emotional tribute before kick-off to their former Scotland winger John Robertson, who died aged 72 on Christmas Day. Capable of dazzling dribbles and predatory finishing, Robertson was vital to Forest’s European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. He has a kindred spirit in the 22-year-old Cherki, who has emerged as a key figure for City following his summer move from Lyon. If City pip Arsenal to the title, Cherki is likely to be one of their most significant contributors. Guardiola weighed his stars and warned them not to over-indulge at Christmas, making it clear that any player who returned from the brief festive break out of condition would not be involved against Forest. Playing the role of Scrooge to perfection, Guardiola even refused his squad a day off after last weekend’s win over West Ham to make sure the message hit home. Asked if his players had followed his Christmas edict after he named an unchanged team, Guardiola said: “Only the manager is overweight, the rest are perfect!” Guardiola under pressure Yet as he watched City struggle to find any rhythm in the first half, Guardiola, who spent time with his father in Barcelona over Christmas, wore a pained expression triggered by his players’ lethargy rather than his excess of mince pies. EightNo. of games Man City have won on the trot, including six in the Premier League This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 December,2025 09:03 AM IST | Nottingham | AFPRuben Amorim conceded Manchester United were fortunate to beat Newcastle 1-0 on Friday but said his under-strength squad showed impressive spirit to withstand a second-half onslaught. Missing injured captain Bruno Fernandes plus the absent Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim was forced to adapt. Patrick Dorgu started in an unfamiliar role on the right side of attack and the Dane scored his first United goal to secure a first home win in two months for Amorim’s men. After a promising first half, the Red Devils were forced to defend for almost the entirety of the second period. But they held on for just a second clean sheet of the season despite Newcastle having 67 per cent possession and 16 shots on goal. “We had to suffer all together in the stadium,” said Amorim. “We did a good first half and then the second half we just had to defend and try to do something [going forward].” 1No. of wins Man Utd have in the last two months This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 December,2025 08:54 AM IST | Manchester | AFPArsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to ensure there is no repeat of Declan Rice’s controversial red card against Brighton when his Premier League leaders face Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The Gunners are just two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City and Pep Guardiola’s men could be one point clear at the top of the table if they see off Nottingham Forest at the City Ground before Arsenal face the Seagulls. Mikel Arteta Last season, Rice was sent off after he received a second yellow card for delaying a restart. Arsenal were leading 1-0 before Rice’s controversial dismissal but ended up dropping two points in a 1-1 draw. “I remember it very well,” said Arteta as he reflected on the fixture. “I was very pissed off in the manner that we played with 10 men, so hopefully it is going to be very different next time. I think the rules are different now. We paid a big price for that rule. And hopefully that stays away and we continue to play with 11 players.” Rice’s red card was one of six Arsenal received in the Premier League last season but they’ve yet to have a player sent off so far this term. Kai Havertz could return for Arsenal on Saturday, with the 26-year-old not having featured since the Gunners’ first match of the season following surgery on his right knee. Havertz returned to training last week and Arteta said he was close to making the squad for their League Cup penalty-shootout triumph over Crystal Palace on Tuesday. “He [Havertz] was quite close and it will be a matter of days,” said Arteta. “Let’s see how he responds to the next step, but he is a player that we have missed a lot and a player who brings another dimension to the team. I will be very happy to have him back soon.” LIVE ON TV £Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City: Star Sports Select 1, HD & Hotstar app, 18:00£Arsenal vs Brighton: Star Sports Select 1, HD & Hotstar app, 20:30 £Liverpool vs Wolves: Star Sports Select 2, HD & Hotstar app, 20:30£Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Star Sports Select 1, HD & Hotstar app, 23:00 0No of red cards Arsenal have received this season 2No of points between league leaders Arsenal and second-placed Man city
27 December,2025 10:32 AM IST | London | AFPADVERTISEMENT
