More stories

  • in

    Rangers takeover deal with US investors AGREED in principle

    A DEAL has been agreed in principle between Rangers and the American consortium who want to take over the club.Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises, the business arm of the San Francisco 49ers, has been engaged in talks with Ibrox power brokers for some time now over potential investment, working alongside insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.Marathe and the 49ers also own Leeds United but with the EFL and the SFA unlikely to stand in their way, a deal for them to complete a stunning takeover of the Glasgow giants has been agreed.Cavenagh is chairman of health firm ParetoHealth and he and Marathe are aiming to acquire a controlling stake in Gers, of around 51 per cent.It’s understood that all parties are confident the deal will be agreed before the start of the new season.All that remains now is for due diligence to take place and legal paperwork to be drafted up, though the SFA and EFL consent will be required to rubber-stamp any proposal.Current Gers shareholders Dave King and John Bennett have already agreed to sell up with a view to welcoming the Americans on board.Fellow directors Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson, Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted could all be convinced to sell their shares too.Halsted and non-executive director Alastair Johnston have ties to the US and they have been crucial in talks getting to this stage.Marathe has been with the NFL giants for 24 years and has a close relationship with its billionaire chief, Jed York.Most read in FootballThe franchise was valued at around $6billion by Forbes recently and has won five Super Bowl titles in its history.The last of those wins came prior to Marathe’s involvement but the team has reached the Super Bowl three times since he has been a key decision maker.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesWho owns Rangers? As the San Francisco 49ers pursue potential investment in Rangers, SunSport looks at who own the biggest blocks of shares at IbroxDave King 12.96% Borita Investments & Perron Investment (owned by directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted) 12.69%Douglas Park 11.54%George Taylor 10.22% Stuart Gibson 9.53%John Bennett 7.11%Due to Marathe’s involvement with Leeds, some fans feared that Rangers would become a feeder club for the Elland Road side – particularly as they look nailed-on to return to the Premier League from the Championship after this season.But Marathe broke his silence recently and was adamant that would never be the case.Indeed, it’s believed Rangers bring to the table something that Leeds are unlikely to offer in the short-term – a route to the Champions League.Discussions have also taken place regarding further investment down the line, which would be dependent on success in Europe and a reinvigorated player trading model.The lowdown: San Francisco 49ersGeorge Kittle, one of the stars of the San Francisco 49ersFoundation: The San Francisco 49ers were established in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) before joining the National Football League (NFL) in 1949.Name origin: The team is named after the prospectors who flocked to Northern California during the 1849 Gold Rush in search of fortune.Team colours: The 49ers’ official team colours are red, gold, and white, symbolising the region’s rich history tied to the Gold Rush.Home stadium: Since 2014, the team has played its home games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is located about 40 miles south of San Francisco.Championship success: The 49ers have won five Super Bowl titles (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994), making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.Notable players: Legendary players include quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice, safety Ronnie Lott, and quarterback Steve Young, all of whom are Hall of Fame inductees.Coaching legacy: Head coach Bill Walsh, who led the team to three Super Bowl victories, is credited with pioneering the “West Coast Offence,” a revolutionary passing-focused strategy.Rivalries: The 49ers have fierce rivalries with teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.Ownership: The team is owned by the York family, with Jed York serving as CEO. The franchise was originally owned by Tony Morabito, one of its founders.Cultural impact: The 49ers are a symbol of Bay Area pride and have a dedicated fanbase known as the “Faithful.” The team has also been featured in various films, books, and media, cementing its place in American sporting culture.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Former Man Utd star, 82, wins lottery as he’s left ‘lost for words’ after TV crew surprise him with massive cheque

    A FORMER Manchester United star was “lost for words” after winning a £400,000 lottery jackpot.Cliff Bull, 82, was just 15 years old when he signed for the Red Devils in October 1957.Former Man Utd star Cliff Bull has won a £400,000 lottery jackpotCredit: SWNSHe was signed by Sir Matt Busby at just 15 years oldCredit: PAThe promising winger was picked up by legendary United manager Sir Matt Busby.And the deal saw Bull leave school before relocating to Manchester in January 1958.But tragedy struck just 10 days later when the Munich air disaster occurred, killing eight of the ‘Busby Babes’ and leaving Busby, who thankfully made a full recovery, at death’s door.Bull was not on board the flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBull spent just two years at United before having a brief spell at Nottingham Forest as a string of serious knee injuries severely limited his playing time.But after 26 operations – leaving him with two artificial knees – Bull retired from football before retraining as a plumber.However, 65 years after being signed for United by Busby, Bull is now counting the cash.The ace was surprised with a massive cheque by a TV crew after winning in the People’s Postcode Lottery.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBull received £400,000 from a total share of £3.2million after his Nottinghamshire postcode hit the big time.And the doting family man is now planning on taking his loved ones on a mega holiday.Luke Littler reveals how he found out about Man Utd defeat after missing penalty shootout for UK OpenBull quit school as he prepared to become the latest ‘Busby Babe’Credit: GettyThe Munich air disaster occurred just 10 days after Bull officially joined UnitedCredit: CollectHe said: “I’m absolutely staggered, I’m still lost for words. It opens up so many possibilities.“I’m overwhelmed to be quite honest. It’s beyond what I could ever have dreamt.“I can pay for a holiday for all of the family. That would be my dream for all of us to go away, which at the last count was 22.“This would make me very happy.”Bull also paid tribute to late wife Jeanette, adding: “The overwhelming disappointment is she’s not here to see it, but she’s a big part of this.”Reflecting on his time at United, Bull noted: “I was 15 when I signed for Manchester United, and I signed the papers in Matt Busby’s office.“My mum always used to say that ‘one of the greatest kicks I’ve had in my life was being able to kiss Matt Busby’.” More

  • in

    Fans can’t believe state of Premier League away dressing room that is ‘worse than Sunday League’

    FANS were left astonished after getting a glimpse of the away dressing room at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.Brighton dumped the Toon out of the FA Cup yesterday courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s dramatic winner late in extra time.Brighton celebrated in the St James’ Park away dressing roomFans were surprised to see how small the facility isFollowing the match, Seagulls’ social media channels posted a video of their players celebrating their triumph.In the short clip, Brighton stars can be seen jumping up and down in the dressing room.The low-ceilinged, cramped space barely seemed to fit them all as they bounced around.Upon seeing Brighton’s video, one fan wrote on social media: “Surely that’s not the away dressing room at St James? You see better facilities in Sunday league, seriously.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second commented: “Jesus Christ that’s woeful.”Although a third countered: “Basically no away dressing room is particularly nice.”Another added: “Why would you want your away dressing room to be elite? Surely you’d want it as uncomfortable as possible.”Newcastle chiefs have been mulling over potentially building a new stadium to replace their iconic home.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBrighton dumped Newcastle out of the FA CupCredit: GettyA final decision is expected soon on the £1.2bn project.Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone said: “We’re at that point where we’re deciding ‘Is it best to renovate and re-invigorate St James’ Park?’Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international break”Which is renowned as one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the country.”Or build a new stadium as these projects have shown and other clubs in the Premier League have done.“That is a decision which will be made relatively soon. What’s clear is we need to satisfy that demand.”Every week we have a very intense fanbase which is determined to come and watch Newcastle but can’t.“So you start with the fans and how we can service most of them and then look into what’s the best option from that.”Newcastle could build a new stadium adjacent to their current homeThe Toon could instead opt to expand their current home More

  • in

    Ousmane Dembele is outscoring Mo Salah as Liverpool face PSG at worst time with Frenchman finally coming into his own

    OUSMANE DEMBELE is one of the most expensive footballers of all time.The Paris Saint-Germain star has won four league titles, lifted domestic cups in three countries and played in a World Cup final.Ousmane Dembele is at last living up to lofty predictionsCredit: GettyMo Salah has been tipped for the Ballon d’Or amid a brilliant seasonCredit: AlamyYet the France forward has never made much of an impression on English football.But that could be about to change as Dembele heads into a Champions League clash with Liverpool in the form of his life.The 27-year-old has outscored even Kop hero Mo Salah in the past three months as he and PSG grow in confidence that they can finally end their long wait for European glory.Dembele scored yet another goal as PSG warmed up for Wednesday’s Liverpool clash in the French capital with a 4-1 demolition of Lille on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he is stepping out of the shadow of fellow France forward Kylian Mbappe, who left Paris for Real Madrid in the summer.When Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, the deal — worth up to £138million — was the second biggest in football history, behind only the £200m that PSG had just spent on Neymar.Yet despite winning three LaLiga titles in six seasons with Barca, Dembele struggled to live up to expectations at the Camp Nou, partly because of injuries and the club’s financial crisis.It is only now, after returning to France in 2023 to replace Neymar again — this time at PSG — that he seems to be fulfilling the potential he showed as a precocious teenager.Most read in Champions LeagueDembele outstrips Salah with his goal ratio but not for assistsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMasour Ousmane Dembele was 13 when he was spotted by Stade Rennais and made his senior debut for them in November 2015 when aged 18.Mikael Silvestre — the former Manchester United, Arsenal and France defender — was an adviser to the club’s president. France stars stroke Ousmane Dembele’s face and go wild as he collects award after win over PortugalAnd after Dembele scored a hat-trick against Nantes in March 2016, Silvestre compared him to “a young Cristiano Ronaldo”, having watched the Portugal maestro emerge at Old Trafford.Barcelona and a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, were tracking Dembele.But it was Dortmund who snapped him up in the summer of 2016 in a deal worth about £30m.Dembele rewarded Dortmund’s faith, on and off the pitch.In a stellar campaign he was the Bundesliga rookie of the year and scored crucial goals in the semi-final and final of the German cup as the club claimed their first trophy for five years.Dembele earned his first senior caps for France and claimed a first international goal in a 3-2 friendly win over England.Barcelona had seen enough to follow up their earlier interest and sign the 20-year-old in that deal worth up to £138m — the same fee they would spend on Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho later in the season.That sort of spending would come back to haunt both club and player.And Dembele, handed the No 11 shirt just vacated by Neymar, had a sticky start.He picked up a hamstring injury early in the season that kept him out for more than three months. And that was to be the story of his six seasons in Catalonia.Dembele was tipped for greatness while with Lionel Messi at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – GettyDembele is now a genuine rival to Kylian Mbappe in the striking stakesCredit: RexFor each of his three LaLiga titles, there was at least one serious hamstring complaint and overall he missed 784 days with 14 different injuriesBarca boss Xavi once claimed that Dembele could be “the best player in the world”.But that sounded like wishful thinking.Then the club were forced to let Lionel Messi leave in 2021 because of their growing financial problems. In 2022, Dembele renewed his contract but on terms that reportedly cut his salary by 40 per cent.And despite him playing his part in the title win of 2022-3, Barcelona ended up selling the forward to PSG for £43.5m.It was deja vu all over again for Dembele. Days after he joined the Paris side he inherited Neymar’s No 10 shirt when the Brazilian joined the talent exodus to Saudi Arabia.Dembele scored in the French cup final win over Lyon that sealed a domestic Double and made key contributions to PSG’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.But his six goals in 42 appearances were eclipsed, on and off the pitch, by club and international team-mate Mbappe.France captain Mbappe scored 44 goals in 48 games but even that achievement was overshadowed by the constant speculation about his future. That ended with confirmation that he would be joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.So at the start of this season, Dembele once more faced the challenge of replacing an acknowledged superstar.“The best thing I’ve done was not letting Ousmane play in London [at Arsenal]. That day everyone criticised me. PSG boss Luis EnriqueAnd this time he is delivering, thanks in part to a bit of tough love from Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique.Dembele was dropped for the Champions League trip to Arsenal in early October because, in Enrique’s words, he had “not respected nor complied with the obligations and requirements of the team”.It did not immediately look like a masterstroke of man-management from the former Barcelona and Spain boss.Dembele struggled for both goals and assists before being sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Bayern Munich that left PSG facing elimination from the Champions League before the knockout stage.But since the start of December, no one in Europe’s big five leagues — not even Egyptian king Salah — has scored more goals than Dembele.His haul of 18 in 13 appearances includes back-to-back hat-tricks, in the 4-1 win over Stuttgart that earned progress in the Champions League and the 5-2 Ligue 1 victory over Brest.Enrique said: “You’d have to ask him what he ate for Christmas!“The best thing I’ve done was not letting Ousmane play in London [at Arsenal]. “That day everyone criticised me. It was, by far, the best decision I’ve taken this year, but Dembele did the rest of the work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo more Dembele goals against Brest again in the first leg of the Champions League play-off set PSG well on their way to Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool and Salah.And the club where Messi, Neymar and Mbappe all failed to deliver that longed-for European title has new hope with their new hero.PSG want Dembele to surpass the achievements of three iconsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Aston Villa differentials justify popularity surge but blank Gameweek looms large this month

    ASTON VILLA are very much in the Dream Team spotlight right now.Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m) was the most popular recruit prior to the Gameweek 26 deadline but the next four players in the list were all Villa Park residents: Ollie Watkins (£5.2m), Marcus Rashford (£3.5m), Morgan Rogers (£3.9m) and Youri Tielemans (£4m).Smart loan movesCredit: Dream TeamGenerally speaking, the Villains have already justified their recent popularity surge as several players cashed in against Cardiff on Friday night.None more so than Marco Asensio (£3.5m), who also experienced an ownership increase before the favourable FA Cup match-up against Championship opposition.The Spanish loanee bagged a brace, his second in three games, to land a 17-point haul – only Kevin De Bruyne (£5.2m) earned more points among all assets over the weekend.Asensio has scored four goals in his last 194 minutes on the pitchCredit: PASimilarly, Ian Maatsen (£2.6m) is the second-best performer among defenders this Gameweek at present having banked 11 points on Friday night.While Rashford leads the way among forwards with 11 points following his fourth assist in his last five outings – he also registered three shots on target, two big chances created and a bonus point.Watkins also provided an assist on the night and notched eight points for his efforts.With a Champions League round of 16 away day to Club Brugge still to come on Tuesday night, gaffers who stocked up on Villa assets for Gameweek 26 are likely to be immensely satisfied.Watkins is almost guaranteed to start in Belgium on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyUnai Emery’s side are one of just two teams with two fixtures this Gameweek, with Manchester United being the other.Most read in FootballWatkins and company will also pull double duty in Gameweek 27: Brentford (a) and Club Brugge (h).However, Dream Team bosses should be aware that Villa will BLANK in Gameweek 28, as will Crystal Palace, these being the teams originally due to face Carabao Cup finalists Liverpool and Newcastle.This means managers currently heavy on Villa players will need an exit strategy.A failure to plan ahead puts on at risk of being lumbered with multiple non-active players in Gameweek 28, which could undo the good work of Asensio, Rashford, etc.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

  • in

    Man Utd staring at £100m black hole after season of hell as they face selling off best stars and being stuck with flops

    MANCHESTER United are staring at a £100million-plus black hole as the cost of their season of Hell is laid bare.Boss Ruben Amorim was left powerless as his side crashed out of the FA Cup in Sunday’s penalty shoot-out defeat by Fulham.Ruben Amorim faces a make-or-break tie with Real Sociedad later this weekCredit: PAThe form of Rasmus Hojlund is a huge concern to the Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersAmorim could be forced into selling his young stars in the summer to meet PSR rulesCredit: AlamyWith United currently on course for their all-time worst PL finish, their only chance of salvation is from the Europa League.United travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the last 16 on Thursday, aiming to give Amorim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos and the increasingly unhappy fans something positive to work with.But failure to emerge through three knock-out rounds and lift the trophy in Bilbao on May 21 will have a dramatic effect on Amorim’s summer funds and potential spending plans.Qualification for the Champions League would be worth around £50m for United without kicking a ball, with a further £30m in bonus and prize money for reaching the last 16.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat does not take into account around £25m in gate receipts from four home games in the league phase and one knock-out tie.United’s new kit sponsorship deal with Adidas includes a £10m penalty clause for each season they are not in the Champions League.And with United currently 14th, they are on course to drop another £31m from the amount they would have earned from the Prem by making the top four.It all adds up to a huge headache for Amorim and the club – which has already announced that ticket price increases and a major cost-cutting programme is required as the Old Trafford hierarchy conjure with looming Profitability and Sustainability Rules issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe confirmation from Prem chiefs that PSR will still apply next season, with clubs only allowed to make “permitted losses” of £105m over three years, will plunge United into further financial concerns.But PSR requirements and the impact of this season’s failures on the club’s income stream may now force Amorim to sell the family silver in this summer’s transfer market – and prevent him getting rid of some of the under-achieving players.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missDanish striker Rasmus Hojlund endured another horror outing against Fulham, having just nine touches and completing a mere two passes in his 68 minutes on the pitch.Hojlund has scored just twice in the Prem this season and has only five top-flight goals in 32 appearances over the past 12 months.United paid Atalanta an up-front £64m – potentially rising to £72m – two years ago, with the striker signing a five-year deal.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.That means he has an “amortisation” cost of £38.4m – the transfer sale value below which it would NEGATIVELY impact United’s finances – at the end of the season. United also need to get in £34.4m for Brazilian flop Antony – currently on loan at Real Betis – or £29.2m for struggling Joshua Zirkzee to start to “make” money on a sale. By contrast, any funds raised by selling on-loan Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho or skipper Bruno Fernandes could be calculated at the full value of the deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that financial reality is one that could lead to big decisions being made if Ratcliffe and Ineos are prepared to build a squad designed to play in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.It all adds up to a major nightmare off the pitch in addition to the clear problems facing United on it. More

  • in

    ‘That was my idea’ – Lewis Hamilton takes credit for major F1 rule change he’s been ‘mentioning for years’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has claimed that he told Formula One chiefs to change the Monaco Grand Prix to a two-stop race years ago.Last week, the FIA announced a significant rule change for one of F1’s most prestigious races.Lewis Hamilton appealed to F1 chiefs ‘years’ ago about making the Monaco GP a two-stop raceCredit: GettyFrom this year, it will become mandatory for drivers to make two pit stops as opposed to just one.The change has been made to “improving the sporting spectacle” of the Monaco Grand Prix.Both fans and drivers have complained about the lack of action at Circuit de Monaco in recent years.For that reason, Hamilton believes a change should have been introduced a long time ago.Read More in F1After pre-season testing last week, he said: “I’m pretty sure that was my idea anyways.”But if you go back and look at some of the transcripts of previous years, I’ve been mentioning the two stop for years.”I think Monaco has to be at least a two-stop [race]. I think the one-stop was never really great.”I think that [the Monaco] Grand Prix is a great Grand Prix, but the race… there’s more to offer in the race maybe with more than one pit stop.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Hamilton believes the change will largely improve the Monaco race, he insists it will not fix every issue.He continued: “That won’t fix it all. We’ll still see some of the issues of not overtaking and stuff, but I think it will make it more exciting. So yeah, I’m all for it.”Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleThe 40-year-old, who officially joined Ferrari in January, was seen driving the team’s new SF-25 car for the first time in testing last week.Hamilton was thrilled with his first taste of action in the car and said: “I’ve learned that you really can’t judge too much from the first outlook.”I definitely think in past years, particularly in the previous generation of car, it was much easier to know where you stood quite early on.”But I would say this is the most positive feeling that I’ve had in a long time.” More

  • in

    Inside Fulham’s wild dressing room celebrations as rowdy stars launch bottles and dive around after win over Man Utd

    FULHAM players got the party started in the Old Trafford dressing rooms after knocking out FA Cup holders Man Utd. Marco Silva’s men battled past United following a tense penalty shootout at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero as the Cottagers knocked out FA Cup holders Man UtdCredit: GettyThere was carnage in the Fulham dressing room as the celebrations continuedCredit: XLeno was mobbed by his teammates after Fulham reached the FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: XGoalkeeper Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero, saving the decisive penalty from Joshua Zirkzee at the Stretford End. It sent Fulham through to just their second FA Cup quarter-final since 2009. And their delighted players cranked up the volume before even reaching the team bus. Footage on social media showed the team wildly celebrating amongst carnage in the away dressing room.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSilva’s assistant Goncalo Pedro roars into the camera as players chant and cheer following the 4-3 shootout win. Defender Calvin Bassey is seen diving headlong onto a changing table, with other players celebrating by throwing drinks onto the floor.Penalty hero Leno enters to an eruption of cheers from his teammates, who join the German for a dance. One fan responded to the wild footage on X: “Celebrating like they won the FA Cup, we’ll see them crying next round.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Huge W for Fulham. An incredible night that these players will remember forever.”While a third laughed: “Imagine they’d beaten a decent team.”Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missAnd a fourth added: “Man United is heading for rock bottom.”United boss Ruben Amorim cut a dejected figure after the loss.But he attempted to strike a positive tone in his post-match press conference – suggesting his overall goal was to win the Premier League.Amorim said: “In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn’t our way.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.”We know that we are losing games, but the goal is to win the Premier League again. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal, and we continue forward no matter what.”It’s impossible to know, but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We’ll see in the future.” More