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      ‘Intolerable position’ – Jeff Stelling QUITS job after nine years and releases furious statement

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      SKY SPORTS legend Jeff Stelling has announced that he will no longer be honorary president of Hartlepool United.The 70-year-old made the decision after being left disappointed with the state of Hartlepool’s takeover process.Jeff Stelling has quit his job at HartlepoolCredit: Getty Images – GettyHartlepool owner Raj Singh put the club up for sale in April 2023 and resigned from his role as chairman two months ago.Despite stepping down, he committed to funding staff and player wages until the end of the campaign.But with a takeover yet to be completed, planning for the 2025-26 season is behind.The latest round of talks recently stalled, putting the future of Hartlepool in limbo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoard members have now asked Singh to commit to further funding, but the owner will only do so if backed by the supporters.He even suggested that a vote be completed to determine how many season ticket holders would be open to accepting his assistance.The latest revelation has left talkSPORT presenter Stelling furious – so much so that he decided to step down from his role as honourary president.Stelling took to X to write: “Following Raj’s latest statement, I have resigned as President of @Official_HUFC.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I know this is only an honorary role but it is the best way I felt I could protest against the treatment of the party trying to take control the club.”Supporters have been left in an intolerable position with a perceived threat to the future of the club should they not support the current owner.Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return”Let’s remember it was him who wanted to stop funding the club. Yet now he seems almost affronted that others want to take over.”Not once have I been consulted about this even though I am a shareholder.”I have not met the would be buyers but I do know they have been trying to buy this club for over a year – not the actions of time wasters.”I will always love this club and wish all our fans the best.”Hartlepool finished the season 11th in the National League table with 60 points from 46 games. More

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      Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League triumph

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      TOTTENHAM boss Ange Postecoglou received a touching tribute from his first ever club after his historic Europa League triumph.Postecoglou, 59, led Spurs to their first trophy since their League Cup win in 2008 under Juande Ramos and lived up to his promise that he always wins silverware in his second year at a club.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou received a special tribute after winning the Europa LeaguePostecoglou was praised by his first ever club South Melbourne, whom he joined as a childSouth Melbourne shared a three-minute clip of Postecoglou’s greatest achievementsPostecoglou looked unrecognisable in that short videoThe Aussie tactician’s stunning run continued after enjoying similar success with the likes of South Melbourne, Australia, Yokohama Marinos and Celtic before moving to Spurs.And Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at San Mames led to an incredible tribute from the Melbourne outfit where he started both his playing and coaching career.The Australian side shared a stunning three-minute clip showing the Tottenham boss’ rise from humble beginnings all the way to his trophy-laden managerial run.South Melbourne tweeted: “Ange Postecoglou – the man, the myth, our legend. Read More on Football”From his early days as a Hellas junior, to a championship-winning captain and coach, Ange has gone on to become a serial winner wherever he’s been. “His football journey is truly one of a kind. Now, he stands as a European champion with @SpursOfficial. Here’s a look at his incredible journey.”A video followed showing Postecoglou looking completely unrecognisable as a youngster with a moustache, goatee and rich curly hair.The Spurs boss is also heard explaining how it all started with his parents having to leave Greece in 1970 during the military dictatorship for a better life in Australia.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former defender started out at South Melbourne in 1978 as a youth player where he spent a total of 15 years and won two National League titles in 1984 and 1991.The Greek-born head coach’s stint with the Aussie outfit also holds a special place in his heart as he worked under the legendary Ferenc Puskas, who managed the Melbourne club from 1989 until 1992.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsPostecoglou was Puskas’ right-hand man and translator as the Real Madrid icon had a successful stint in Greece managing Panathinaikos and AEK Athens before moving Down Under.The Aussie tactician then took over as South Melbourne boss in 1996 following short stint as an assistant coach and won three titles during his four-year spell in the dugout.And the rest is history as he then won the Asian Cup with Australia, the Japanese league with Yokohama and everything with Celtic before joining Tottenham in 2023.Postecoglou was shown with rich curly hair and a goatee as well as a moustachePostecoglou’s humble beginning as a manager was also depictedPostecoglou went on to win everything with CelticAnd then Postecoglou won a historic Europa League title with Tottenham More

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      Horror moment Southend star slide-tackled in the HEAD seconds after scoring crucial penalty in National League play-offs

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      A SOUTHEND star was kneed in the head after scoring the winning penalty in their National League play-off semi-final shoot-out.The Shrimpers booked their place in the Wembley final after Gus Scott-Morriss netted the winning spot-kick following a 2-2 draw with Forest Green Rovers.Gus Scott-Morriss was slide tackled by a fan after scoring the winning penaltyThe Southend star came out worse off in the collisionScott-Morriss clutches his head in painFans then jumped onto the match-winnerBut Scott-Morriss’ celebrations were cut short because of a pitch invader.Southend fans stormed the pitch after victory was sealed and they rushed to the matchwinner.Scott-Morriss slid to the ground in celebration but was met by a Southend fan who did the same, and the pair collided.Unfortunately for Scott-Morriss he came out worse off after being kneed in the head by the supporter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe immediately clutched his face as the pitch invader, and several other fans, poured on top of him.Thankfully the full-back was able to see the funny side after the match.He tweeted: “Who the f*** kneeed me in the head hahahahahahahaahag 😂😂😂😂”Fans found the incident hilarious with one reacting: “Best tackle of the night🤣🤣👏👏”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Looks worse everytime I see it… but still makes me laugh! 😂👍”And a third wrote: “That was a proper clash 😂”Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League finalScott-Morriss has been in outstanding form for Southend this season, scoring 17 league goals from right-back.He scooped five gongs at the club awards ceremony at the end of the regular season, including player of the year. More

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      Inside Tottenham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars down beer, eat pizza and head to hotel to party until 3am

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      TOTTENHAM celebrated their Europa League final triumph by partying into the small hours of the morning.Ange Poestecoglou’s troops ended the club’s 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win in Wednesday’s all-English final against Manchester United in Bilbao.Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought by beating Manchester United in the Europa League finalCredit: AFPAnge Postecoglou’s troops celebrated wildly in the dressing roomCredit: InstagramCrates of beer and pizza galore were delivered to the north Londoners’ dressing room after the matchCredit: InstagramSeveral players took to social media to show off their winners’ medalsCredit: InstagramA first-half goal from Brennan Johnson handed the north Londoners victory at the San Mames stadium as well as Champions League football for the 2025/26 season.Son Heung-Min sent his team-mates and the thousands of Spurs fans in attendance into a state of ecstasy when he hoisted Europe’s secondary club trophy high into the Bilbao sky.But the partying didn’t stop there, with the players wildly celebrating in the changing room.Crates of popular Spanish beer Estrella Damm were delivered to the Spurs dressing room for the players to enjoy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWSAs were bottles of champagne, several of which ended up being sprayed as Son re-enacted the trophy lift.But they weren’t just given booze in the aftermath of their victory, they also had a boatload of pizza sent their way.Several Spurs players gave an insight into the dressing room celebrations via their Instagram stories.Yves Bissouma went live on the social media platform, showing just how full the dressing room was with booze, pizza and fruit.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDestiny Udogie showed off his winners’ medal on InstgramCredit: InstagramGoalscorer Brennan Johnson proudly posed with skipper Son Heung-MinCredit: InstagramYves Bissouma flaunted the trophy during an Instagram LiveCredit: InstagramInside raucous Tottenham dressing room,Credit: InstagramAnd the midfielder, who was Spurs’ best player on the night, hilariously filmed himself eating some well-deserved slices during a near four-minute broadcast with the trophy.The tunes, unsurprisingly, were pumping – with Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’ being blasted over the speakers.Uefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners’ medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss outThat was preceded by ‘AFRO TRAP Part.3’ by MHD, which was an appropriate choice from Bissouma.That’s because it’s more commonly called ‘Champions League’ due to its numerous references to Europe’s elite club competition, which Spurs are back in.And the competition was firmly on the players’ minds as they lined up in the dressing room as the anthem played.Goalscorer Johnson was one of several players to post from the dressing room, sharing a snap of himself and skipper Son.And he mocked the ‘Spursy’ dig that has been levelled at the club for the last two decades, writing: “So f***ing Spursy.”Italy international Destiny Udogie also took to his story, proudly showing off his winners’ medal.He wrote across his image: “All glory to God.”Spurs continued their celebrations into the early hours of the morning after returning to their team hotel.Yves Bissouma was the life and soul of the party on the way back to the team hotelCredit: InstagramSeveral players and staff members partied until the small hours of the morningCredit: InstagramThe bus journey back to the hotel was equally as jubilant as the dressing room, with Bissouma being the life and soul of the party. Upon arrival at the hotel, Son was seen geeing up fans who had followed them back.Several players and staff members were spotted living it up in their full kits until THREE AM THIS MORNING before deciding to hit the hay.Spurs’ European triumph could be the perfect swansong for Postecoglou, who has overseen a woeful domestic season for the north Londoners.But despite having a fairytale exit on the cards, the Aussie seemingly has no intention of moving on.He told TNT Sports: “I don’t feel like I’ve completed the job yet, we’re still building.Read More on The Sun”The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head, and that was to win something.”More than anything else, I had that in my head and we’ve done that now. So I want to build on it.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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      Man Utd forced to RIP UP transfer Plan A and settle for second-tier targets after devastating Europa League final defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to settle for second best in the upcoming transfer window as a result of their Europa League final defeat.The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday, meaning they will not play European football next season.Man Utd could be forced to settle for ‘Plan B’ in the transfer market after losing the Europa League finalCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are set to miss out on £100m worth of revenueCredit: AlamyHaving failed to earn a place in the Champions League ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, United are expected to miss out on around £100million worth of revenue.That will come from a cut in sponsorship income, TV revenue and gate receipts.Consequently, they will not be able to attract or sign their priority targets for this summer’s transfer window.Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap are currently understood to be at the top of Man Utd’s transfer wishlist.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Ruben Amorim and Co may be forced to settle for ‘Plan B’ due to the reduced budget.Following the club’s Europa League final defeat, Amorim admitted: “We have two plans for the market.”We need to understand that it is tough for a club like ours not to be the in the Champions League.”But we have to use the other side.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”If we have more time to think and to work during the week and to be better in the Premier League, that will be our focus.”SunSport revealed earlier this week that Lorenzo Lucca, Mateo Retegui, former Everton star Moise Kean and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta are being considered as back-up targets.Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars’ battle continues after Europa League finalBruno Fernandes hinted he could leaveCredit: AlamyTo make matters worse for United, the absence of European football could see the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho leave.Club captain Fernandes has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months.And he admitted on Wednesday that he would be willing to leave if the Red Devils need to cash-in on him this summer.The midfielder said: “I have always been honest. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.”In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”Meanwhile, Garnacho hinted that he could decide to quit before the 2025-26 season kicks off.He said: “It’s difficult for all of us. This season has been s***.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…”We lost the final, we didn’t beat anyone in the league. It’s very difficult.”I’ve played every round until I reached the final, but I only played 20 minutes today.”I’ll enjoy the summer and then we’ll see.”Amorim himself even claimed that he would walk away this week if United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted him to.The United boss explained: “In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself. It’s not my style, I cannot do it. It is really hard for me.”So I have nothing to show to the fans and say, ‘I’m going to improve because of this, I have these problems…’ I will not do nothing. “In this moment, it is a little bit of faith. Let’s see.”I’m always open, if the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. “But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things.”Read More on The SunMan Utd face Aston Villa in the final match of the Premier League season on Sunday.They could finish the campaign as low as 17th in the table.Alejandro Garnacho also hinted at an exit after slamming the club’s poor seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Mogul who ran firm with wag daughter battling to save home after company collapsed leaving celeb investors owed millions

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      A TYCOON who ran a collapsed company with his wag daughter is battling to save his £4million home.Ashley Reading, 55, was in charge of investment firm Fortress Capital Partners alongside Cam, who is dating ex-Utd star Scott McTominay.Ashley Reading, with daughter Cam, is fighting to save his homeCredit: Champion News ServiceCam is dating ex-Utd star Scott McTominayCredit: Champion News ServiceShe was the company’s head of investor relationsCredit: Instagram/camreading_The £4m home at the centre of the court fightCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsThe company collapsed in 2023 leaving celeb investors – including the footballer and Boyzone star Shane Lynch – owed millions.McTominay, who now plays for Serie A club Napoli, reportedly ploughed £1million cash into the firm, as well as £1.32million from his own company.Reading is now battling to save his £4million, six-bedroom mansion in Kent after failing to make payments.He is being sued by a mortgage company in a bid to seize the mansion and turf Reading and his family out.Read more newsThe Court of Appeal heard Reading used his own firm, Rose Cottage Farm Ltd, to buy the home in 2022 for £2.5million.TFG Capital No.2 Limited lent £2.85million to the company, secured by a mortgage over the house and any other company assets.The documents contained a stipulation not to allow anyone related to the business to live in the home or land.But the court was told Reading and members of his family moved in, with the firm defaulting on the loans soon after.Most read in FootballIn August 2023, the loan company appointed receivers with “the power to demand and receive monies payable in respect of the land and to take possession and sell it”.They then launched the legal action against Reading after finding he was “not co-operating with them” by planning to sell the land, it was said.The company took the case to Bromley County Court to be granted an order to take possession of the home, before launching further legal action at the High Court in Leeds.In a ruling in May last year, Judge Jonathan Klein ordered the company “must deliver possession of [the Land] to the administrators before the end of 11 July 2024.”But Reading was granted permission to appeal against that order in July last year, and now has succeeded in having it overturned.The case in the county court will now go forward at a later date.Fortress Capital Partners promoted annual returns of up to 18 per cent before it collapsed into administration.Cam, 25, was the company’s head of investor relations and was described as an “integral part of the Fortress Capital team”.She now lives a lavish lifestyle in Naples with McTominay after he left Utd last year.Cam helped her dad run Fortress until it collapsed in 2023Credit: Instagram/camreading_McTominay ploughed millions into the firmCredit: Champion News ServiceThe wag has now left the UK to live with her footballer boyfriendCredit: Instagram/camreading_ More

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      Brennan Johnson’s amazing Tottenham redemption from deactivating socials amid fan abuse to scoring Europa League winner

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      BRENNAN JOHNSON was the hero for Tottenham as he netted the winner in their Europa League triumph.It completes a remarkable redemption arc for the winger, who bundled in just before half-time to seal a 1-0 win over Manchester United.Brennan Johnson scored Tottenham’s winner in BilbaoCredit: GettyIt completes a remarkable redemption arc for the wingerCredit: GettyJohnson deactivated his Instagram account in September after receiving abuseCredit: AFPJohnson revelled in the win after the final whistle and victory may be even sweeter for him given his hardship this season.The £48million star was criticised in the early part of the season – even by his own fans.After receiving abuse following Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in September, Johnson deleted his Instagram account.The Wales star copped flak from supporters for his performance, particularly after firing a decent chance well over just before the break when the scores were level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe had previously been a fairly active user, posting both football-related content and pictures from his personal life.Johnson’s time away from social media has seen him excel on the pitch, and he played a key role in the Europa League win.The 23-year-old scored five goals in Europe, contributing 18 overall this season – making him Spurs’ top goalscorer.Johnson shared his delight following the win in Bilbao, saying: “I’m so happy right now! This season hasn’t been good at all but not one of us players cares about that right now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…“This is what it’s all about — this club hasn’t won a trophy for 17 years. This is what it means, it means so much.“All the fans get battered, we get battered for not winning anything so we had to get the first one in a while today. I’m so happy.”Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa League triumph More

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      The crisis at Man Utd this summer will be bigger than ever – fans will back Amorim but how can he rebuild with no money?

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      HERE we go again. The vicious cycle of doom and gloom is up and running.In the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, we’ve seen this all before.Ruben Amorim’s side have had one of the worst seasons in Manchester United historyBut the crisis at Manchester United this summer is going to be bigger than ever before.Defeat to Spurs, who finally won a trophy after 17 years, just sums up a disastrous season.The future looks bleak but where do United go from here?In the past, the manager has carried the can for poor results and performances.READ MORE IN MAN UTDDavid Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag all lost and the players won.But the scale of this loss in Bilbao and its consequences will be more widespread than Ruben Amorim’s future.The Portuguese boss has already stated this is probably one of the worst teams in United’s history and who can argue?However, fingers will now be pointed elsewhere.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe scrutiny will intensify on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership while this season’s abject failure will spark more protests against him and the Glazer family.And the turmoil will only filter down.’That’s for you, son’ – James Maddison brutally digs out Roy Keane in savage interview after Europa League final, CBSSportsGolazoExpect a toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford when Aston Villa visit on Sunday – and the likelihood of another defeat – as supporters make their voices heard once again.Lying 16th in the Premier League is embarrassing, so will Ratcliffe back Amorim? Will Amorim walk?This is on United’s hierarchy. They picked the Portuguese boss and told him to leave Sporting mid-season.Ratcliffe and co have already sacked one manager so what look is it to axe another one?Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…United fans will back Amorim and give him the chance to rebuild.But what material will he have to work with, especially under PSR constraints?Without the £100m Champions League money, I’m sure there will be more cost-cutting.This time it won’t just be staff cuts, first-team players will need to be sold and it won’t be a case of picking and choosing who goes because no one is safe.The prospect of United competing with the best is drifting further and further away.Read More on The SunAdd in the fact Liverpool are Premier League champions and it’s probably best to stay away from the UK for a few days which I’ll be doing direct from Spain thanks to a Bruce Springsteen gig in France this weekend.Bilbao was certainly a City of Ruins for United… More