Philippa Kaur

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    Man Utd player ratings: Rasmus Hojlund arguably worst No 9 in club’s history while Patrick Dorgu has a horror Prem debut

    MANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Andre Onana was up to his usual poor shot-collecting mishaps, United were wide open in midfield at times and nobody could put the ball in the back of the net when the chances did come.Andre Onana pushed out Lucas Bergvall’s shot into James Maddison’s path inside 13 minutesRuben Amorim has lost eight of his 14 Prem gamesRuben Amorim – who was forced to put eight untried teenagers on the bench – has now lost eight of his last 14 Prem games as United look over their shoulders at those scrapping away from relegation.The Red Devils’ makeshift attack lacked chemistry and missed a trio of chances in 30 seconds – just before James Maddison’s tap-in opener.In the end, United were beaten by Spurs – with the returning Guglielmo Vicario pulling out several excellent saves in the second half – for the third time this season.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAndre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Most read in FootballPulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Sent a long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son Heung-min later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too. Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on for fouling Brennan Johnson albeit after a poor Onana throw.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Curiously dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 91 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Casemiro struggled in the middleBruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter. Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores. A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week. Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside when Fernandes flicked on an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?READ MORE SUN STORIESSUBSChido Obi-Martin (90+1 for Casemiro) – N/AThe academy sensation from Arsenal was handed his first United minutes in the final embers.The 17-year-old was one of eight teens with ZERO Prem minutes named to the matchday squad. More

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    in Motorsport

    Cristiano Ronaldo Wag Georgina Rodriguez dressed head-to-toe in leather as she’s given important role at Formula E race

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’s partner Georgina Rodriguez was given a special responsibility at Formula E’s latest event.The motorsport series was in Saudi Arabia on Friday and Saturday for rounds three and four of the championship.Georgina Rodriguez made a special guest appearance at Formula ECredit: GettyShe was dressed in leather as she was welcomed into the pit laneCredit: GettyDrivers, including Jake Dennis were on hand to explain how the sport workedCredit: GettyGeorgina was given the privilege as a special guest of visiting the pit lane before the race.Dressed from head to toe in leather, she completed her look with a striking multi-coloured black, white and light blue jacket.The 31-year-old spoke with Porsche driver Antonio Felix Da Costa about how the sport and cars work.But her most important role was still to come.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs German DS Penske driver Maximilian Günther crossed the line to win the race, Georgina was given the chance to wave the chequered flag.Nissan driver Oliver Rowland was leading the field until the final moments, when pole-sitter Gunther lunged down the outside to get ahead.There was also a third-place podium finish for 20-year-old Brit, Taylor Barnard with NEOM McLaren – in Saturday’s race he became the youngest ever Formula E pole-sitter and came second in a first-ever all-British podium.Georgina is the mother of Ronaldo’s fourth child Alana and his youngest daughter Bella.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSShe was born on January 27, 1994, in Jaca, Spain to a Spanish mum and Argentine dad.Georgina learned dance before changing careers to modelling after studying English in London.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheThe 30-year-old was first spotted on a string of dates with then-Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo towards the end of 2016.Georgina has claimed that her first meeting with the football star was “love at first sight.””Our first meeting was at Gucci, where I worked as a sales assistant,” she recalled in an interview with The Sun .”Days later, we saw each other again at another brand’s event.”It was then that we could talk in a relaxed atmosphere, outside my work environment. It was love at first sight for both.” More

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    Tottenham 1 Man Utd 0: Spurs top of the flops with first home win in 105 DAYS thanks to Maddison as United rue misses

    WELL Ruben Amorim wasn’t far wrong when he described his team as ‘probably the worst Manchester United team in history’.They are certainly the worst of the Premier League era, after defeat in ‘Hell Clasico’ plunged them into the bottom six of the table for the first time at any advanced stage of a season.James Maddison celebrated his goal with a ‘shush’Credit: PAMaddison also performed his trademark darts celebrationCredit: PAThe Spurs star fired in a rebound after Lucas Bergvall’s shot was savedCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho was guilty of missing chancesCredit: GettyThis was the first time this competition has seen two of its biggest clubs meeting with both in the bottom half during the second half of a campaign.And it lived down to expectations – with James Maddison’s early tap-in settling a terrible match between two sides who did little to disguise their harrowing lack of confidence.For Spurs, it was a second straight league win – although they have been dumped out of both domestic cups since they beat Brentford last time out.Ange Postecoglou’s prospects are looking a little brighter thanks to the return of Maddison and keeper Guglielmo Vicario, who made several decent saves.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut United, in an injury crisis of their own, continue to flounder – now plummeting to new depths in the modern era.With Vicario and Maddison back in the starting line-up, while Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie were fit enough for places on the bench, Spurs were in the novel position of facing a side more depleted than themselves.While Postecoglou was without six senior players, Amorim was missing a dozen – Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo the latest casualties.It meant that eight of United’s nine subs were teenagers who had never previously played for the first team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth Vicario and Maddison were straight at it.Tottenham’s keeper pulled off two decent stops in quick succession to deny Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho before Diogo Dalot had a follow-up effort hacked clear by Ben Davies.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis Then Maddison, who’d already lost possession with two back-heels, opened the scoring.A Son Heung-Min shot was blocked as far as Lucas Bergvall, whose drive was pushed out by Andre Onana for the Spurs playmaker to tap in.United’s keeper will feel he should have held Bergvall’s effort but Maddison didn’t care, throwing darts and telling people to shush. Don’t mention the league table, kind of thing.While United were doing much of the attacking, they kept embarrassing themselves.At one point, Casemiro simply fell over in the centre circle and started pleading to the referee, like an upturned pensioner in the street.Then Garnacho, fed by Bruno Fernandes, without a Spurs defender in the same postcode, inexplicably propelled his shot into Row Z.Mathys Tel, who looks very promising, had a shot smartly saved by Onana.For a while, it descended into the funereal sort of occasion we’d imagined. Casemiro was booked for lacking pace maiming Son. Perhaps the Brazilian could tootle around midfield in a mobility buggy.“We are the pride of Europe,” sang United’s fans – their exact levels of irony difficult to gauge from the press box.After the break, Djed Spence darted down the left and centred low but Tel made a hash of his shot.But United were still on top, Garnacho twice forcing fine saves from Vicario.Maddison was withdrawn on 63 minutes, having improved Spurs significantly, and was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr as Johnson arrived for his return from injury.Then, from a Noussair Mazraoui centre, Zirkzee missed a sitter of a header.Amorim was picked out by TV cameras staring lengthily at the ground, pondering his life choices.Casemiro had another fall, this time in the Spurs box, but again ref Peter Bankes refused to play the good Samaritan.Kulusevski shot too close to Onana when he ought to have put the game to bed.READ MORE SUN STORIESBentancur was withdrawn and spotted on the bench with an ice pack on his knee – the latest in a long running sick joke being played out against Postecoglou this season.An unmarked Zirkzee completely missed an attempt at a volley – the Dutchman left looking as if he was playing in clown shoes. More

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    ‘It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’

    PUNDITS have been left raving about Ethan Nwaneri after his masterclass for Arsenal against Leicester.The 17-year-old bagged an assist as his side won 2-0 thanks to a brace from sub Mikel Merino.Pundits have lined up to praise Arsenal starlet Ethan NwaneriCredit: APOne has even compared him to the legendary Lionel MessiCredit: AFPNwaneri has now scored or assisted four Premier League goals before the age of 18.That puts him in an esteemed group alongside legends Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cesc Fabregas.While during the game itself, Nwaneri controlled proceedings with four shots, six dribbles and 32 passes.He even put in a strong defensive contribution with three successful tackles and 12 duels won.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, pundits are lining up to sing Nwaneri’s praises.Perhaps the boldest comment came from Joe Cole, who compared the teenager to Lionel Messi.Cole said on TNT Sport: “These touches he produces, in and around the box, tiny little touches.“I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi. I’ve said it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I don’t want to put any more pressure on his shoulders. I’m sure he’d deal with it.”Meanwhile, Alan Shearer lauded Nwaneri’s masterclass on Match of the Day.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfJoe Cole reckons Nwaneri can handle the pressureCredit: AlamyAlan Shearer feels Nwaneri played his heart out against LeicesterCredit: GettyThe Newcastle icon said: “17 years of age… a potential superstar. He was, without doubt, the bright spark for Arsenal.“Even when things weren’t going for them, which were large parts of the game, he was the one that was probing, he was the one putting crosses in and having pops at goal.“He [Nwaneri] just shifts the ball on to the left foot and he whips it in but Declan Rice can’t quite get on the end of it. “Again, he gets the ball and works it onto his left foot. This time he cuts inside and has a pop at goal but hits the crossbar.“But he can and does also like to down that right-hand side. “If you show him too much room, if you invite him to go down there then that’s fine, he will do that as well. “He was the best player on the pitch today, so lively.” More

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    ‘It breaks all rules in football, absolute madness’ – Gary Neville slams Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd tactics in Spurs clash

    GARY NEVILLE had some less-than-kind words for Manchester United’s first-half performance against Tottenham.The injury-ravaged Red Devils still managed to field a starting XI worth £448million, but were second best in the first 45 minutes in North London.Gary Neville savaged the ’embarrassing’ midfield plan of Man UtdCredit: GettyCasemiro was paired with Bruno Fernandes in midfield against TottenhamCredit: AlamyBut Neville claimed the selection ‘broke all rules of football’Credit: AlamyJames Maddison’s goal was the difference maker as he reacted first to Lucas Bergvall’s rebounded shot after Andre Onana could not push it far enough away.Spurs had five shots to United’s eight, though the home side had three on target compared to the visitors two.But Neville was particularly critical of the way Ruben Amorim had set up his midfield pair of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports, he blasted the midfield plan as “embarrassing”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe explained: “The distance between the two central midfield players, see where Casemiro is and where Bruno Fernandes is, that cannot be right. “It breaks all rules in football. Absolute madness.”The former defender added: “United may win today and may score goals but I have to say that the structure of the team is awful.”The gaps in that midfield between Fernandes and Casemiro. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”That’s a tactic, they’ve been asked to do that, Bruno’s been asked to come out to this side and it isn’t right.”Bruno Fernandes is playing right wing, the two of them in midfield are split, it’s embarrassing. Mass of fuming Tottenham fans flood streets and chant ‘we want Levy out’ in biggest protest against club’s ownership”You wouldn’t see this in Under-9s or Under-10s football.”Despite the criticism, the Red Devils arguably should have gone in at the break level. Alejandro Garnacho had been played into the penalty area on his favoured right foot with only the goalkeeper to beat just 11 yards out from goal.However, the Argentine, who has not scored in the league under Amorim skied his shot miles over the bar.It compounds a worrying stat for the 20-year-old that he has the worst big chance conversion rate of any player in the Premier League to have had at least 10 of them, with only two of his 14 scored – a rate of just 14 per cent.Amorim named EIGHT teenagers – including seven academy stars – on his bench with 12 senior stars out of contention. More

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    Man Utd ‘in for 18 months of pain’ predicts Redknapp as Sky Sports pundit says ‘they need to get rid and change culture’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set for “18 months of pain”, according to Jamie Redknapp.And he believes there needs to be a serious overhaul of the culture at Old Trafford to turn the mess around.Jamie Redknapp had his say on the current state at Manchester UnitedCredit: Sky SportsRuben Amorim has struggled to have the positive impact he would have wantedCredit: RexRuben Amorim has struggled since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, losing eight of his first 20 matches in charge as United sit 15th in the table going into the trip to Tottenham.He has also binned Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia out on loan while the club’s woes run far deeper than just on-field issues. Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to sort out the financial chaos – but his methods of increasing ticket prices, job redundancies and staff perk cuts are proving unpopular. However, Redknapp gave his backing that Amorim can be the manager in the dugout to help lead the transformation with the right people above him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he warned it will not be a comfortable ride for anyone connected to United – with plenty of players needing to be pushed out of the exit door along the way.The Sky Sports pundit said ahead of the Spurs game, in which United were forced to put eight untried teenagers on the bench: “For what it’s worth on Amorim, I like him. I think he’s got something about him. And I totally get the performances haven’t been good enough. “But I actually like what he’s doing more off the field than actually what he’s doing on the pitch. Because that club needs a change of culture. “We’ve spoken about how it works. Get people like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho that have left and one or two others who have had a mention about leaving. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now, if they’re not going to buy into having a good way of living and coming in and training correctly and being involved and helping the group and create a winning mentality, they’ve got to be surplus to requirements.”I see Manchester United as having still much more pain, even 18 months more pain, because they need to get rid. Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “Whoever’s been in charge or even managers have gone so far and then they’re panicked and then they’ve gone and bought 30-year-old players that aren’t going to maybe take the club any further forward. I think now they have to take their time. “They’re trying to get… Jermain [Defoe] mentioned getting the best in class. People like Jason Wilcox, they’ve got the guy from Manchester City, the CEO there [Omar Berrada]. They’re trying to do things slowly and I think that’s how they have to do it.”Amorim has not been afraid to show his ruthless attitude during his time in charge – in more ways than one.He exiled £325,000-a-week academy graduate Rashford – even publicly slamming him by saying he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach – and declared this is the “worst United team in history”. But despite his difficult start in terms of results and becoming the quickest United manager in history to reach five home Premier League defeats, Amorim refuses to budge from his 3-4-3 system.And Redknapp feels like that lack of adaptability could be costly.He added: “I like what he’s trying to achieve but it might take a bit more time than what you’d like. “You know, I think he’s got to be more flexible in the system. “When I hear a manager having one system, that worries me because you’ve got to adapt in game each time you’re playing against another team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I think Manchester United will get there. It’s just going to take a bit of time but they have to go all in on it. “They can’t just go, ‘We’re going to panic now and go buy more average players’, because the players right now aren’t good enough to produce the performances that Manchester United want, hence why they’re in this position.”United’s bench was packed with kidsUnited are 15th in the Premier League table before facing TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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    in Soccer

    Former Premier League manager Garry Monk SACKED with Cambridge United bottom of League One

    FORMER Premier League manager Garry Monk has been sacked as boss of Cambridge United.Monk, 45, leaves the club after under a year in charge which has seen him lead the side to just nine wins.Garry Monk has been sacked as Cambridge United managerCredit: AlamyCambridge have been in woeful formCredit: AlamyCambridge United majority owner Paul Barry said: “We would like to thank Garry for his hard work and commitment to Cambridge United over the last 12 months.”He really bought into the Club during his time with us and we are all very disappointed that it has not worked out in the way we would all have hoped.”In the end, the table does not lie and it is the right moment to make a change as we conclude the first part of our football review.”There are 15 games of this season remaining, and we must continue to fight together to preserve our League One status over the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At the same time, we will use this period to plan strategically for the next chapter of the Football Club. We will say more about this in the week.”Cambridge are currently rock bottom of League One, sitting some eight points off safety.Monk’s side lost 1-0 to Exeter City at home on Saturday, extending a torrid run that has seen them win just two of their last 21 games in all competitions.Monk’s contract with Cambridge United was set to run until June 2026.Most read in FootballGarry Monk’s managerial careerA brief look into the coaching career of Garry Monk…Swansea City, 2016-2015Wins: 28Draws: 17Defeats: 32Leeds United, 2016-2017Wins: 27Draws: 9Defeats: 17 Middlesbrough, 2017Wins: 12Draws: 5Defeats: 9Birmingham City, 2018-2019Wins: 19Draws: 20Defeats: 20Sheffield Wednesday, 2019-2020Wins: 19Draws: 14Defeats: 25Cambridge United, 2024-2025Wins: 9Draws: 12Defeats: 28CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe retired centre-back previously worked as Swansea boss, taking charge of them during their spell in the Premier League.He has also managed Leeds, Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday throughout his ten-year coaching career.‘He’s perfect for Man Utd’ – Neville begs Amorim to re-sign flop strikerMonk’s departure from Cambridge United comes after the news that sporting director Ben Strang left the club earlier this week.Strang, who first joined Cambridge in 2011 as a chief scout, left the League One outfit by mutual agreement with the owners and the board. More

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    ‘Little dig’ say fans as James Maddison hits back at Roy Keane criticism with brutal celebration after scoring v Man Utd

    JAMES MADDISON hit back at Roy Keane with a clever celebration after he was criticised by the pundit.The Spurs midfielder reacted quickest to fire home against Manchester United after Lucas Bergvall’s shot was saved by Andre Onana.James Maddison performed his trademark darts celebrationCredit: Sky SportsHe then made a shushing gesture with his fingerCredit: Sky SportsHe celebrated with his trademark dart throw before placing his finger over his lips to shush the camera.The shush appeared to be directed at Keane over comments he made this week claiming Maddison would not be a difference-maker when he returned from injury.Keane said: “We saw Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off. Tamworth are non-league.”People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Maddison isn’t bad, when he’s not at the darts, but let me tell you…”If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.”He’s good, he’s a talented player. But if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going ‘oh Jesus – he’s back today. We’re going to be fine’.”England have a squad of 300 and he can’t even get in that. You kid yourselves everybody.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIan Wright hit back at Keane and showed support for Maddison, telling him he had to silence the Irishman.Maddison took just 13 minutes to make an impact on his return from injury and made sure to send a message to Keane.’Just lost it’ – Prem icon reveals Roy Keane’s two and a half hour dressing room rant about yoga and LUCOZADE after lossAsked about the celebration, Maddison said: “There’s been a little bit of outside noise this week. People have their opinion, so I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. “The gaffer always blocks out outside news, but it’s in your face. You can use it but the gaffer prefers when we’re in our little bubble and listening to him. “Sometimes it’s difficult because it’s constantly in your face on social media and Whatsapp, people sending stuff, you do see it and it is there. “Especially when it’s a big profile name, but it’s about responding in the right way and I’m the matchwinner, so I’m delighted.”Fans loved Maddison’s gesture with one describing it as a “little dig”.Another added: “Roy Keane threw shade. Maddison kept receipts. And he answered the call today. That celebration was personal .”And a third wrote: “He done that celebration aimed at Keane😭😂😭😂😭 Maddison that is naughty.” More