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Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Di

Berbatov thought he would die during kidnapping

Former Manchester United and Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has relived a frightening ordeal from the very early days of his career back home in Bulgaria, when he believed he was being kidnapped by a rival club and might be threatened with violence if he refused to join them. The situation was eventually resolved without that happening, but it made him realise he needed to grow up fast.

Spain v Bulgaria - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

A sign of what's to come? Spain match record set by World Cup-winning team

The Spain national team equalled their record of 29 unbeaten games in competitive matches following a dominant 4-0 victory over Bulgaria yesterday. Luis de la Fuente’s side matched the milestone previously set by Vicente del Bosque’s World Cup-winning Spain team, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scoring twice to seal the win. Spain achieved the result despite the absence of key players such as Lamine Yamal and captain Alvaro Morata.

Spain v Bulgaria - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Merino grabs brace as Spain edge towards World Cup

Mikel Merino was Spain's difference-maker as the Arsenal star scored two headed goals to fire La Roja to an emphatic 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla. Debutant Atanas Chernev put through his own net to all but secure the result, before Mikel Oyarzabal struck home a stoppage-time penalty to round off the scoring. The result edges Spain closer to history, marking their 29th competitive game unbeaten - equalling the record of their world champion generation.

Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League

'Mr Manchester United' passes away aged 62 as club honour fan

A man famously named 'Mr Manchester United' has passed away aged 62, it has been confirmed. The Bulgarian construction worker previously known as Marin Zdravkov Lavidzhov had his name legally changed to Manchester United and became iconic for having the club crest tattooed to his forehead. He was inspired to support the Red Devils following their dramatic victory in the 1999 Champions League final, which secured the treble under Sir Alex Ferguson, and was a super-fan ever since.

Frequently asked questions

The members of the St. Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association founded a club in 1885, which was referred to by the press as St Mary's Y.M.A. They later became simply St. Mary's F.C. in 1887-88, before changing their name to Southampton St. Mary's upon joining the Southern League in 1894. However, the club became a limited company after their Southern League title win at the end of 1896-97, following which they were known as Southampton F.C.

Southampton are owned by Sport Republic, a London-based investment firm, who own an 80% stake in the club. Dragan Solak is the firm's lead investor.

Southampton play their home games at the St. Mary's Stadium, which is South East London's largest stadium. The club started playing their games at this stadium in 2001.

St. Mary's Stadium has a capacity of 32,384, making it South East London's largest football stadium.

Southampton have won just one trophy throughout their history, an FA Cup in 1976, in which they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final.

Southampton are yet to be crowned the champions of the Premier League. They have never won an English top flight title.

Terry Paine, with 713 appearances, is the club's record appearance make of all-time.

Mick Channon is the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 227 goals in 607 appearances, spread across two different stints.

Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, and Bobby Stokes are among the most famous players to have donned a Southampton shirt.

Mauricio Pochettino, Ralph Hassenhuttl, Ted Bates, and Ronald Koeman are among Southampton's most famous managers.

Southampton are also known as The Saints among their own fans and rivals.