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    Something is wrong with our referees when VAR is needed to show red card for ‘life-threatening’ tackle on Mateta

    SOMETHING is not right with our officials at the moment.Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ first-half challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta was a clear red card for serious foul play.Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head by Liam Roberts in Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REXReferee Michael Oliver sensationally needed VAR to give Roberts his marching ordersCredit: GETTYOliver eventually sent Roberts off after seeing the replayCredit: REXThe Crystal Palace striker was kicked in the head and it was an obvious instance of endangering a player’s safety with excessive force and/or brutality.Yet, referee Michael Oliver did not even show a yellow card. We had to wait for VAR to intervene and recommend a review.Even then, it took more than TWO MINUTES for a decision to be made.READ MORE ON MATETA3It seems that the officials on the pitch are relying too much on VAR at the moment —  for me, that is not refereeing.I can only conclude that Michael did not realise at the time just how dangerous the challenge was. He has been our best referee but he seems to be lacking in confidence at the moment.And that happens with players AND referees.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJean-Phillipe Mateta is thankfully recovering from the horror tackleCredit: REUTERSHis incorrect red card for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly at Wolves in January was rightly overturned.At Selhurst Park yesterday,  a three-man VAR team led by Nick Hopton — who is not a Premier League referee — made sure that the correct decision was made in the end.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starBut why did it take them so long? Even in real time, that was a clear red card.It reminded me of the challenge by West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher that left Patrick Battiston of France badly hurt in the 1982 World Cup.What on earth was the Millwall goalkeeper thinking, rushing out like that?Players have a duty of care towards their fellow professionals, and Mateta’s safety was certainly endangered.Palace chairman Steve Parish rightly didn’t mince his words on the tackle, saying: “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the tackle live on the BBCCredit: BBC”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad. “Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.it’s a dreadful challenge and why the referee needs to go the screen, I’ve no idea. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Forget about him being a football player, he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge. “If you’re kicking someone in the head with the full force, God knows what damage has been done to him.” More

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    Scott McTominay is perfect solution to Man Utd’s midfield dilemma – he dominates rivals, works hard and scores goals

    SCOTT McTominay is the perfect man to solve Manchester United’s midfield dilemma – if only they hadn’t sold him last summer.None of Ruben Amorim’s current midfielders fit his profile or provide goals (except Bruno Fernandes) and can offer something at both ends of the pitch.Scott McTominay has excelled at NapoliCredit: ReutersMcTominay left Man United for Serie A side Napoli for £30million in the summer, and the transfer split the fanbase.Some fans felt that McTominay was short of the level required at the club.Others, however, were adamant that his blend of physicality and aggression in the central areas were just what the current squad was missing.With the benefit of hindsight, the latter group of fans look to have won the argument.read more in footballNapoli has become home to McTominay, and the fans love him.Napoli sit second in Serie A, one point behind leaders Inter Milan, and the midfielder has played 23 matches so far with six goals and three assists.Contrast this with the ongoing misery at United.Amorim is missing a player in the midfield with the profile of McTominay.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey are missing his blend of power and aggression, and someone who is equally at home in the attacking or defensive roles.Here Chris Beaumont of We Scout Strikers explains why Man United are missing the Scottish international.Ability to drive through the midfieldAs a rule, Amorim’s midfielders do not typically take the responsibility to move through the zones while in possession of the ball.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts They are all neat and tidy technically, and Fernandes, when he gets on the ball in deeper positions, is an aggressive and progressive passer of the ball.But United are lacking a midfield player with the physical capacity to make repeated high-intensity runs through the thirds to link the defence and attack.This is one of McTominay’s biggest strengths, as he has shown so far during his time in Italy with Napoli.Indeed, there is an argument to be made that McTominay would be capable of playing either as one of the two deeper midfielders or as one of the two more advanced midfielders in Amorim’s system at Man United.Here, we see McTominay taking possession of the ball in deeper areas for Napoli. He moves into the final third before seeing the run of Romelu Lukaku ahead of him and playing through the last line.It is fair to say that McTominay is the kind of player who thrives on physical duels.He likes to take possession of the ball and drive forward into any space that the opposition are willing to give him.He is not a standout one-on-one attacker who uses deception and quick feet to outplay opposition defenders.But he does have the physical profile to be exceptionally dangerous once he begins to move with momentum.At the moment, Man Utd are missing a player who has the conditioning and capacity to be effective in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game.For as much as Amorim favours a structured midfield with two deeper players and two more advanced players, there is scope for players to be more fluid in moving towards those zones.This is where a more traditional box-to-box profile like McTominay would be helpful.McTominay takes the ball from just inside his own half and as the opposition backtrack he continues to take the space given to him before shooting from the edge of the areaEverything about the way that Man United play at the moment feels very structured.The would benefit from a player like McTominay who can inject some chaos to the game.McTominay can dominate duelsPart of what has made McTominay so effective since he moved to Napoli has been that his dominance in one-on-one duels, both defensive and attacking.He gives his team an effective platform that they can play into all over the pitch.Whether he is playing as a deeper or more advanced midfield player, his ability to receive the ball when under pressure and to shield the ball allows his team to move forward in a more secure manner.We often see McTominay in the opposition half in possession with multiple defenders around him.While he will never be the most silky smooth or technical of midfielders, he is effective at holding possession, and his physical attributes often allow him to play through pressure and get the ball to a teammate.This is another aspect of his profile that United are currently missing in midfield.McTominay takes the ball under intense pressure from opposition midfielders but because he can stay on the ball he then finds an angle to pass out from the pressure to find the free manMcTominay is so physically strong that he will often attract multiple defensive players over towards the ball as they look to regain possession.If he can then escape the press, he will create space that his teammates can look to exploit.Tactically, this means that Napoli often seem to have a spare man moving into space as they attack into the final third.This is also something that United are badly missing this season.They never seem to be able to create an overload in the attacking phase that they can exploit but having a physical player to hold the ball and bring others into the game would solve that issue.At the moment Man United would benefit from having one of their midfielders who could get on the ball and hold possession before bringing others into the game.Again, there are multiple opposition players looking to engage and close down McTominay as he is in possession of the ballGoalscoring threatMcTominay has developed into something of an underrated player in front of goal as his career has progressed.With his size and frame, he is a threat from set pieces in the area, but he is also underrated with his movement and the timing of his runs from deep.Often, he attacks space with late runs from outside the area, and he can shoot with accuracy and power when coming onto the ball in advanced areas of the pitch.While this has been a notable boost for Napoli this season, his goal contributions are one reason that the club’s fans have so quickly taken to the Scottish midfielder.This has been something that United have lacked from those who play in the deeper midfield positions.McTominay routinely makes good runs to support the attack from deeper positions. He occupies space around the edges of the area and when the ball is cut back into his path he is a dangerous finisher.It would be fair to say that McTominay is not the most natural or clean of finishers but there is no doubting the fact that he is effective in front of goal.He can finish off either foot or with his head and he is dangerous when attacking in transition.All of these are aspects of the game that United are currently severely lacking.There is a real argument that they would have been better served keeping the Scottish international in their midfield.At the moment, Man United are getting goals mainly from the likes of Amad Diallo or Bruno Fernandes, producing some magic.There is no doubt that a midfield player who is so powerful and effective in front of goal like McTominay would have brought something to Amorim’s team.McTominay makes a forward run to get beyond the striker and to get into a more central position. As he receives the pass he can drive through the last line and he goes on to finish the chanceConclusionThe decision to allow Scott McTominay to leave United in the summer is looking more and more like a poor one.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile the deal was beneficial as McTominay was an academy product who represented pure profit his profile is one that United appears to be missing.As the season progresses, his power and ability to affect the game centrally could have brought real value to Amorim’s United squad. More

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    When is FA Cup quarter-final draw? Start time, TV channel and FREE stream as iconic competition reaches business end

    THE FA Cup is heading towards the business end of the competition.Clubs will be setting their sights on a trip to Wembley by claiming a quarter-final place, which would put them within one stage of reaching the home of English football.The FA Cup is heading towards the business end of the competitionCredit: GettyAfter Plymouth Argyle’s outstanding win against Premier League leaders Liverpool, their FA Cup run didn’t get any easier, with a trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City on Saturday.The Championship side stunned Pep Guardiola’s side in the first half after defender Maksym Talovierov converted the opener.But unlike their fairytale win against Liverpool, Plymouth failed to hold on, and City ran out 3-1 winners on the night.Later today, Manchester United host Fulham in one of the three remaining FA Cup fifth-round ties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of the quarter-final draw.When does the FA Cup quarter-final draw take place?The draw will take place on Sunday, March 2. This is following Manchester United vs Fulham, with the draw set to start at 6.30pm GMT approx.How to watch the FA Cup quarter-final draw for FREEThe FA Cup quarter-final draw will take place on BBC One after the United and Fulham match has concluded. You can live stream the draw for FREE via the FA Cup’s YouTube channel.Alternatively, you can find out all the ties as they are drawn by following SunSport’s live blog.Most read in FA CupFA Cup fifth round fixtures and resultsFriday, February 28Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff CitySaturday, March 1Crystal Palace 3-1 MillwallPreston North End 3-0 BurnleyBournemouth 1-1 (5-4 pens) Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City 3-1 Plymouth ArgyleSunday, March 21.45pm – Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion4.30pm – Manchester United v FulhamMonday, March 37.30pm – Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town More

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    Gary Lineker shrugs off Match of the Day exit with ‘spectacular’ podcast profit as BBC host’s company makes millions

    GARY LINEKER won’t be counting the pennies after his departure from Match of the Day following a massive financial windfall.The 64-year-old’s iconic run as presenter of the flagship BBC show will come to an end at the end of the season.Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe 64-year-old has been preparing for life without MOTD by setting up a podcasting companyCredit: YOUTUBE@THERESTISFOOTBALLLineker’s Goalhanger Podcasts company made a massive profit last yearCredit: BBCLineker, however, will continue with the broadcaster until the summer of 2026.The former Everton and England star has seemingly been preparing for life after the show for the last few years.One post-MOTD preparation has been getting into the world of podcasting, starting up the much-loved The Rest is Football podcast.But he’s also set up his own podcasting company Goalhanger Podcasts, which has had a litany of shows – including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History – under its umbrella.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERAnd business is booming for Goalhanger, which raked in a stunning profit last year.Account records filed at Companies House have shown Goalhanger’s earnings for 2024 were a whopping £2.3million.That’s a whopping £1.4m increase from the £590,000 they pocketed in 2023.Goalhanger’s overall financial reserves also grew from £560,000 to £2.7m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker began presenting Match of the Day back in 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDFootie finance expert Kieran McGuire told The Times: “These figures are spectacular.”Gary Lineker’s eye for a smart business opportunity is as keen as when he was playing football for England and scoring goals.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voice”This raft of podcasts run by Goalhanger are now among the most popular in the country and all the parties involved have benefited significantly as a result of that.”A Goalhanger spokesman said: “We’re pleased with the continued growth of Goalhanger and the success of our shows.”And we look forward to seeing our network continue to expand.”Lineker’s departure from Match of Day, which was exclusively revealed by The Sun late last year, will come at the end of the 2024/25 season.His exit from the Beeb will take place after the 2026 World Cup final in New York.Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will replace the veteran presenter at the MOTD helm. More

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    Dele Alli takes biggest step yet towards career revival as new club Como say ‘we’re buzzing!’

    COMO sounded as excited as Dele Alli surely must be – as they revealed a huge leap forward for the midfielder’s comeback.The Serie A club had made a tentative first step in January when they signed the ex-Tottenham and England star.Dele Alli has settled in well at Como during trainingCredit: Instagram / @18albertompThe Serie A club were delighted to reveal Alli is in Sunday’s squadNow Como have announced the 28-year-old is in the squad for Sunday’s Italian top-flight clash with Roma – with a debut looming.The club posted a squad sheet with Alli at Number 8 and added the message: “First one for Dele! We’re buzzing, just like you guys…”The former Everton ace last played in February 2023 – on loan for BesiktasAnd when he started training with Como over the New Year their boss, Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas, appeared cautious.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Alli quickly impressed – and it’s thought the contract he penned is until next year, partly linked to appearances and availability.After returning to Everton from his temporary spell in Turkey, his Goodison Park contract expired soon after in June 2023.Injuries put paid to his hopes of a new Prem deal.And in the same summer he opened up on his struggles with a sleeping pill addiction, as well as mental health issues, also revealing he had been sexually abused at the age of six.Most read in FootballAlli has already watched on from the sidelines for ComoCredit: GettyAlli was praised for speaking out over his challenges and trauma.And he has since regained full physical fitness, having struggled to regain the form that saw him win 37 caps from 2015-19 as one of the Three Lions’ bright new hopes.Jamie Carragher and Dele Alli give verdict on Chelsea penalty rowNow there’s a wealth of well-wishers for Alli over his latest attempt to comeback and fulfill more than a glimpse of his potential.One fan responded to Como’s post by saying: “Finally my boy Dele Alli is back.”Dele Alli has not played a professional football match in over two years, with his last appearance coming in February 2023 for Turkish side Besiktas. More

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    Crystal Palace release Jean-Philippe Mateta injury statement as star leaves hospital after ‘severe laceration to ear’

    CRYSTAL PALACE have revealed Jean-Philippe Mateta has been discharged from hospital following his horror injury against Millwall.The Eagles hitman, 27, was on the receiving end of a wild tackle from Liam Roberts in the first half of the tasty FA Cup fifth-round tie.Jean-Philippe Mateta lays stricken on the floor following a horror injuryCredit: GettyFrench striker Mateta was struck by Liam Roberts’ boot in an awful tackleCredit: GettyPalace chairman Steve Parish couldn’t hide his frustrations as he accused The Lions goalkeeper of “endangering” Mateta’s life.But now the club are delighted to reveal their in-form forward has returned home.In a club statement, they said: “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.”He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor.Read more Crystal Palace news”Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today.”Just six minutes were on the clock in the South London derby FA Cup fifth-round clash when Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes played a superb long pass up the field.Mateta and Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper tussled for the bouncing ball.But Lions goalkeeper Roberts came rushing out of his box.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old did appear to win a part of the ball.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starBut he then clattered into Mateta with his stray left boot, catching him in the head with his studs and opening a nasty gash behind the ear of the striker.Ref Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue with Palace still on the attack but once the shot was headed away, he stopped the game.To start with, Roberts escaped without a red card and was permitted to stay on the field but then Oliver was sent to the pitchside VAR monitor to watch a replay.He decided to overturn his original decision and announced the sending off over the stadium tannoy before brandishing the red card.Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the Selhurst Park pitch while distressed team-mates watched on.After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher to the corner of the stadium where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital.The French striker received oxygen as he was taken away.Speaking at half-time of the match, Palace chief Parish said: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.Mateta was given oxygen as he left the Selhurst Park pitchCredit: GettyAt half-time Steve Parish blasted the challenge in an interview with BBC SportCredit: BBC”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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    I’m Premier League star who’s been a fisherman longer than a footballer, I changed position overnight because of Ronaldo

    FULHAM frontman Rodrigo Muniz has been fishing longer than he has been a striker.And the two skills go hand in hand for the Brazilian, who heads for the local lagoon rather than the beach when he goes home.Rodrigo Muniz has a surprise love for fishingCredit: Instagram @r.munizThe Fulham frontman has compared fishing to scoring goals in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @r.munizMuniz spoke to SunSport ahead of facing Man Utd in the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: Darren FletcherMuniz celebrated his winner at Wolves on Tuesday night by pretending to reel in a rod.And ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round trip to Manchester United, he said: “I tried fishing in England… but it was too COLD.“My mum and dad used to go almost every weekend. I loved it and I still do.“You go there, you sit and relax, and when you get the bite from the fish, you feel, ‘This is really exciting’. And you have to take your chance — just like a striker.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMuniz is making a big splash now but dad Alexandre was once the local celebrity in their Brazilian hometown of Sao Domingos do Prata.Factory worker Alexandre had a sideline in Axe — a style of music particularly associated with Carnival season.Muniz Jr, 23, recalled: “Everybody in town would tell me, ‘Your dad is a really great singer’.”But Alexandre was also an avid football fan who coached his son.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMuniz recalled: “When I was eight, Ronaldo came back to Brazil to play for Corinthians. “I remember watching him on the TV and my dad said, ‘Look at the striker, he is the biggest star of the club because he scores goals, the centre of attention’.I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in the Premier League and it was like no other“I was a midfielder but the next day I had training and I said to my coach, ‘Now I am a striker.’”Muniz adopted Samba Boys legend Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his idols and, aged 14, moved hundreds of miles from home to join Desportivo Brasil, a club near Sao Paulo.His mum Luzia, a school cook, had to talk him out of leaving after the first week. But the goals soon flowed and continued after he earned a move to the youth set-up of Brazilian giants Flamengo.Muniz had to wait for chances in the senior side because Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa and Pedro were top dogs. But he still attracted attention with his contribution to the club, winning three trophies.Muniz cites Ronaldo as his idolCredit: Getty Images – GettyFulham boss Marco Silva convinced him to choose FulhamCredit: GettyA personal phone call from Fulham boss Marco Silva helped decide his next move. Fellow Brazilian Richarlison had become a Premier League star under the Portuguese at Watford and Everton.Muniz revealed: “Marco Silva said, ‘Look at Richarlison now’, and said he wanted to do not exactly the same with me, but very similar.“I didn’t play a lot in Flamengo but he believed in me. I had offers from Saudi Arabia, Atletico Madrid and other clubs.“But Marco really wanted me to play for him and, after that call, I decided to go to Fulham.”The patience Muniz learned from fishing stood him in good stead once more.In his first season in England, 2021-22, he watched and learned from Aleksandar Mitrovic as the Serb banged in the goals that earned Fulham promotion from the Championship.In his second season, Muniz had an underwhelming loan at Middlesbrough. But midway through last season, everything clicked.Muniz is a devout Christian and he said: “Fishing helped me but what helped me more was the Bible, because there are a lot of examples in there of patience.“When I was in Flamengo, I told myself, ‘Now it is Pedro and Gabigol time, my time is coming’. When my time arrived, I scored goals and came here. My third season in England was really good… it was my time.”Muniz scored eight goals in eight league games in February and March 2024 — and became the first Fulham player for 14 years to be named Premier League Player of the Month.He wept when Brazilian team-mates Willian and Andreas Pereira presented him with the trophy.And on Boxing Day last year, Muniz moved Fulham fans to tears by scoring the stoppage-time winner that earned their first victory over neighbours Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1979.He revealed: “A woman came up to me and said, ‘I was here when we won 45 years ago and I am here now, thank you so much.’  Then she started crying. I felt really happy.”Muniz has had to be patient again for much of this season with in-form Raul Jimenez being Silva’s first-choice frontman.But Muniz started at Wolves on Tuesday and scored a sumptuous winner in the 2-1 victory.His last three league goals have all been decisive in 2-1 victories — with that strike at Chelsea and at Newcastle last month — and has also scored three times in Fulham’s two FA Cup wins against Watford and Wigan. In the fifth-round Red Devils clash, Silva’s side will try to repeat last season’s 2-1 league win which was the club’s first triumph at Old Trafford for 21 years.Muniz loves a big stage, having already scored at Anfield, the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park this season.And he once struck twice for Flamengo at the legendary Maracana Stadium, including a bicycle kick.Muniz said: “I feel much better than last season. I have more confidence, even though I have not played a lot, and I am in the best shape since I came here.“I was 20-years-old when I scored that goal in the Maracana.“If I can score any goal at Old Trafford I will be very happy.  But if it happens like in the Maracana it will be even better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe highlight of Muniz’s fishing career was landing a massive “tambaqui” back home a couple of years ago.But reeling in fallen giants United would be his biggest catch yet in England.Muniz scored in the 2-1 win over Wolves on TuesdayCredit: Getty More

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    Ruben Amorim ready to get ‘ruthless’ with Man Utd stars ‘harming the team’ as five in danger of axe

    RUBEN AMORIM is ready to get ruthless in his efforts to make struggling Manchester United a major force once again.The Portuguese boss insists he will be brutally honest with those axed.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is about to get ruthless at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersCasemiro is one of the high-paid stars that could be facing the chopCredit: ALAMYUnited would love to get Casemiro’s huge wages off the books, sell loaned out Marcus Rashford and Antony for the right price, while even misfiring duo Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee could go.And Amorim, 40, insists he does not flex his muscles for the sake of it — but no one will doubt his ruthless streak when they see it.Ahead of hosting Fulham in the FA Cup, he said: “I don’t like to be like that just to show strength.“If the team is trying, and I understand that they are trying but they cannot do it, I am not ruthless.Read more Man Utd news“But when I feel that it is something which is going to harm the team, then I am quite ruthless.“Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on.“If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.“I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.“I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant “We can talk about that in the end — now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.”Amorim’s first 16 Premier League games have yielded just five wins – and a whopping eight defeats.He also set the record for the fewest number of matches to reach five home Prem losses in United history after just seven – half the previous record of 14 set by David Moyes.Amorim knows it has not been good enough.Misfiring Rasmus Hojlund is not safe from the Old Trafford axeCredit: ALAMYWhile Joshua Zirkzee could also be deemed surplus to requirementsCredit: ALAMYBut despite the struggling start to life at Old Trafford and poor results so far, he still has the backing of the majority of fans and former United players alike.Speaking to Rio Ferdinand with TNT Sports, Amorim said: “I feel that [people believing in me].”At the same time, I’m embarrassed by that because if you look at our performance and you see our team sometimes on the pitch, it’s really hard for me as a coach to take a lot of positives.” More