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      League One Birmingham ready to battle Liverpool and Man Utd for England wonderkid and could spend nearly £10MILLION

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      BIRMINGHAM are eyeing up an ambitious January swoop for Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg.The 17-year-old burst onto the scene last season at the Stadium of Light.Chris Rigg is at the centre of a potential bidding warCredit: RexThe 17-year-old signed his first pro contract with Sunderland over the summerCredit: GettyRigg impressed for England under-18s over the summer following his breakthrough campaign. He made 21 appearances last term and has been with the Black Cats since he was at primary school. Rigg became the second youngest player in the club’s history after making his debut against Shrewsbury in a cup tie last January. His strong performances to start the season have caught the eye of ambitious Birmingham, as well as Premier League scouts. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool and Man Utd are reportedly interested in securing his signature in January.SunSport’s Alan Nixon has revealed Birmingham are preparing to table a £10million offer and go toe-to-toe with the big guns. Rigg is under contract at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2027.After signing the new deal, he beamed: “I want to develop as a player and improve as a person.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And I believe this is the best place for me to do that.”Birmingham are backed by ambitious US chairman Tom Wagner, with NFL legend Tom Brady among his wealthy consortium. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashThe League One leaders showed off their financial clout during a summer of stunning squad upheaval at St Andrews.Striker Jay Stansfield was tempted back to the Midlands from Fulham in a whopping £15million deal.The 21-year-old had spent last season on loan with Blues, scoring 12 goals in the Championship. Ambitious Birmingham owner Tom Wagner (left) has teamed up with NFL legend Tom BradyCredit: GettyLast season’s League One top scorer Alfie May was also added to the ranks, along with 16 other new faces. Wagner told The Telegraph: “We’re working within the framework of League One rules, but also the Championship because of the three-year lookback. “We expect to go back up, that’s clearly our ambition given that objective we need to look at the three-year rules in the Championship and make sure that in our forecasts every one of those years allows us to maintain proper P & S compliance.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star Lassana Diarra’s legal action against Fifa risks ‘anarchy’ and changing transfers forever

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Lassana Diarra will learn the outcome of his legal battle with FIFA this week.The 39-year-old’s case stems from his time with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and a dispute over wages.Lassana Diarra will learn the outcome of his legal battle this weekCredit: RexThe case stemmed from his time with Lokomotiv MoscowCredit: GettyIn the summer of 2014, Diarra fell out with then-Lokomotiv manager Leonid Kuchuk.Club officials subsequently tried reducing his salary, suggesting it was justified due to his drop in performance.The Frenchman refused to accept the pay cut and eventually stopped attending training.Lokomotiv terminated his contract as a result and took the matter to FIFA.Read More in FootballThe football governing body banned Diarra before the Court of Aarbitration for Sport ordered him to pay €10.5million plus interest in compensation.Belgian club Royal Charleroi then made him an offer, subject to a guarantee they would not have to pay any additional compensation sought by Lokomotiv.But when they did not receive those guarantees, they withdrew the proposal.Diarra’s legal team argue this amounted to a restriction of trade and a breach of European labour law because Diarra was prevented from engaging in his profession.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFIFA refused to issue the international transfer certificate (ITC) which Charleroi needed to register him.Diarra claims he played no role in talks between Lokomotiv and Anzhi Makhachkala, his former club, but still found himself blocked from resuming his career after being denied his ITC.Chelsea Player vs Brighton RatingsThe Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) will now determine whether FIFA’s refusal to issue the ITC was lawful or not.If it is not deemed lawful, FIFA may have to overhaul the whole ITC process.The football governing body could lose authority in the transfer market as a result, with clubs and players taking more control.Belgian sports law experts and academics Robby Houben, Oliver Budzinski and Melchior Wathelet suggested: “The likely practical outcome of Diarra will be that the transfer system in football, as we know it, will fall.”The Guardian also claim it could lead to “anarchy”.Diarra’s legal case is set to be concluded on Friday, October 4. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table after Arsenal catch Man City and Man Utd set for worst ever finish

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are destined for their worst ever Premier League finish this season, according to a supercomputer.The Red Devils have continued their abysmal league form from the last campaign and have just two wins in six Prem games.Pressure is growing on Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe title race could go down to the final dayCredit: EPATheir 3-0 drubbing at home to the hands of Tottenham heaps yet more pressure on Erik ten Hag, after he saved his job by winning the FA Cup last season.However he would unlikely enjoy such a reprieve this season if United can’t turn their form around, with a supercomputer tipping them to lose more matches than they win.A supercomputer run by Casino Hawks has run 10,000 simulations and placed United 11th in the table – their worst ever finish is eighth, which they managed last season.They are predicted to win just 15 games and finish below the likes of Brentford, Bournemouth and Fulham – and an astonishing 24 points off their goal of a top four place.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead Chelsea will qualify for the Champions League along with Liverpool, with the title race going to the wire once again.Manchester City dropped points away at Newcastle on Saturday but are still expected to win the league.However like last season the title race will go down to the final day and City will pip Arsenal by a point, with a remarkable tally of 93.Tottenham’s impressive win over United has not convinced the supercomputer of their top four bid, with Ange Postecoglou’s side predicted to finish sixth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInstead Newcastle will finish fifth – just two points off a resurgent Chelsea.Meanwhile all three promoted clubs Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester are tipped to go down, with the Saints accumulating just 15 points.Man City boss Pep Guardiola gives update on Rodri injury More

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      Arsenal fans fear Riccardo Calafiori has suffered ‘serious injury’ after spotting what happened to him in Leicester game

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      ARSENAL fans are fearing the worst after footage surfaced of Riccardo Calafiori seemingly hurting his knee.The new signing appeared to pick up an injury in the dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester on Saturday.Riccardo Calafiori appeared to hurt his knee versus LeicesterCredit: GettyHe also went down hurt as Arsenal players celebrated a late winnerCredit: RexThe Arsenal star had his knee strapped up after the gameWith the game level in the 94th minute, Leandro Trossard saw his shot from a corner deflected in off Wilfred Ndidi.Arsenal players celebrated wildly, with Calafiori in the mix as he ran after the Belgian.But as the team embraced, the versatile defender hit the deck in pain.And just after Kai Havertz made it 4-2, eagle-eyed fans noticed him limping and holding his knee after winning a header.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafiori was spotted post-match with huge strapping on his left leg.Arsenal fans are now worried the Italian is the next to join the likes of Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in the treatment room, with one saying: “Can’t catch a break. Hopefully it’s nothing.”Another added: “I pray nothing has happened to him.”A third commented: “No way, we are finished.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCalafiori was perhaps lucky to be on the field in the first place after a foul on Jamie Vardy while already on a booking.Leicester boss Steve Cooper said “it was beyond belief” that he was not sent off.Calafiori does not have long to recover from his possible injury as Arsenal are back in action tomorrow against PSG in the Champions League.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseArsenal player ratingsBy Tony Robertson, Digital Sports ReporterLEANDRO TROSSARD inspired Arsenal to a dramatic injury-time 4-2 win after Leicester’s second-half fightbackHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the players…David Raya – 6After quiet first half Spaniard had to be alert in the second. Quick distribution allowed Arsenal to sustain attacking pressure.Could do nothing for the goal after being wrong-footed by the Havertz deflection and was at full stretch for Justin’s world class equalising volley.Jurrien Timber – 7Showed off both sides of his game with some good early interceptions before a superb low cross to set up Martinelli’s opener.Skied a shot over the bar following a goal mouth scramble in the second half.William Saliba – 7Expertly marshalled Jamie Vardy whenever caught in a one-v-one situation in the first half.Gave away a free-kick against the Foxes ace which ended up going in after a deflection off Havertz.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7After being centre of attention against Tottenham and Man City, the Brazilian had a more low-key day dealing with the Foxes, at least in the first half. His problems today were more on the ball than off.Saw one near-post header miraculously saved by Hermansen in the second half.Riccardo Calafiori – 6Closed down a dangerous chance early on after some sloppy midfield play from Thomas Partey, often tucked into midfield when in possession and looked very comfortable in the role.Went missing for Justin’s equaliser and was booked in the second half. Denied by a goal with a far-post header by a superb Hermansen save.Thomas Partey – 5Caught out on the ball in the opening stages by Ndidi but recovered to play some nice passes.Seemed absent from the midfield at times when asked to defend.Declan Rice – 6Made some good runs into the attacking third and was always able to offer an option. Delivered some dangerous corners and provided energy in midfield, even if much of the rest of his impact on the game was limited.Saw a pass into Havertz on the edge of the area result in a penalty appeal that was waved away.Kai Havertz – 7Back in midfield role today and looked assured in much of his play. Nodded a header agonisingly wide in the 37th minute. Saw Leicester’s goal just after half-time deflect in off his chest to wrong foot Raya.Only denied a goal by a world-class save by Hermansen and was denied a penalty moments later. Showed desire to get to the far-post and score a last-minute goal and make it 4-2 after a Jesus run.Bukayo Saka – 7Usual bright self and tested the gloves of Hermansen early on before smart switch to play in Martinelli, who should have done better before skying his shot over the bar. Moments later played in Timber before he set up the opener.A real captain’s performance from the winger with the most chances created, most shots and most completed dribbles out of any of his team-mates – and he chipped in with an assist.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Naughty tackle from ex-Spurs man Oliver Skipp didn’t dampen his spirits as he ended his goal drought by netting from Timber’s low cross. Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half and ended with an assist for Trossard on the stroke of half-time.Faded in the second half and did not get back in time for Justin’s equaliser before being hooked for Sterling.Leandro Trossard – 9Tigerish work leading the line and forced a number of high turnovers, one of which led to a good Martinelli chance being saved by Hermansen. Got a goal for his efforts with a deft side foot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.Struck the wood work in the 58th minute and should have scored after Arsenal won the ball back high. Was eventually the match winner with a scruffy injury time strike from close range.SubsRaheem Sterling (on for Martinelli 74 mins) – 5Didn’t make much impact after coming on.Ethan Nwaneri (on for Partey 85 mins) – 7First act after getting the ball was to dribble and curl a shot to the far corner, which was destined for the net if not for a superb Hermansen save.Gabriel Jesus (on for Trossard 94 mins) – 6Dribble and shot helped Havertz net a last minute goal. More

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      How Scott McTominay has sparked a major tactical transformation by Antonio Conte as he ditches trademark playing style

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      SCOTT MCTOMINAY has quickly endeared himself to the Napoli fans.But he’s had an even greater impact on boss Antonio Conte – who has performed a major tactical transformation in order to see the Scot flourish at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.Scott McTominay is loving life under Antonio Conte at NapoliCredit: GettyThe Italian is making the most of the Scot’s talentsCredit: AlamyAnd he’s repaying that ingenuityCredit: GettyMcTominay, 27, joined the Serie A giants last month in a £25.7m transfer – a deal that made him the most expensive Scottish player of all-time.On his first start for the club last week, McTominay left the Italian media in awe of his virtuoso performance.He then bagged a goal in his next game, coming off the bench in style to help Napoli to a 5-0 win over Palermo.Conte has been in management for almost 20 years now and in that time has coached Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan, among others.One thing the 55-year-old is known for perhaps more than anything is his use of the 3-5-2 formation.Conte was credited with reviving the use of three-man defensive units to great success, particularly with Juventus and Chelsea.He has generally varied between a standard 3-5-2 and a 3-4-2-1, 3-4-3 and 3-5-1-1 but this year his set up at Napoli is markedly different.Conte has ditched his trademark playing style in favour of a 4-3-3 this season, with McTominay operating in a mezzala role as one of the advanced central midfielders.Most read in FootballThe role allows McTominay to make the same trademark runs into the penalty area as he does for Scotland, with his boundless energy in the middle of the park also being utilised as he covers ground from box-to-box.Conveniently for McTominay – and Scotland – the man playing behind him in midfield this season for Napoli is Billy Gilmour.Kris Boyd explains how Tartan Army hero Scott McTominay can get even better for ScotlandThe 23-year-old former Rangers wonderkid deployment in the deeper playmaking role allows McTominay to go and cause havoc in the opponents’ half, whilst Gilmour sits and recycles the play, a blueprint Steve Clarke knows can yield results.Napoli have lost just once this season and that was before McTominay arrived in Naples.Indeed, in the matches McTominay has been involved in Napoli have only dropped points against Juventus (a 0-0 draw) and sxored 11 goals in the process. They also haven’t conceded.Gli Azzurri are top of Serie A at the moment and Conte is excited at what McTominay is bringing to the team.He said: “Scott is a player who has goals in his blood, he is very good at getting into the game.”He has very good technical qualities, as well as a significant physical build.”And he makes his presence felt in the air. He has quite a few goals in his DNA.” READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Glum pictures sum up Man Utd fans’ feelings after embarrassing 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans’ faces said it all after their embarrassing Old Trafford thrashing against Spurs.Erik ten Hag’s side collapsed to a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham to mark back-to-back home defeats by a three-goal margin.Scenes around Old Trafford after Man Utd’s defeat to Spurs summed up the moodFans were seen with despondent facesMany were seen sitting alone as they digested the latest horrorFans have now seen the team fall to back-to-back home 3-0 home defeats for the first time since 2021Results will have to drastically improve to lift the moodMood follows another lifeless performance from playersCredit: RexHaving gone a goal down inside three minutes, Bruno Fernandes’ controversial sending-off effectively killed any hope of a comeback.Two more second-half goals then sent things from bad to worse.The boos rang around Old Trafford at half-time and, despite the defiant whimpers of chanting from the Red Devils faithful during the game, they could only muster some apathetic post-match cries for another dreadful performance.It was a mood reflective of another tepid and lifeless team performance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd pictures showing disenchanted fans coming to terms with the loss in the stands long after full-time summed it all up.Sky Sports broadcast of the game showed despondent fans littered around the stadium, seemingly in disbelief of the horror show they had just watched.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Manchester United fans don’t deserve this pain.”A second shared an image of a fan sitting with his hands in his pockets, saying: “All of us.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “The picture says a lot.Another “Heartbreaking scenes.”Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.A fifth said: “I saw this and sighed.”The result leaves United down in 12th with seven points from six games – a record of two wins, one draw and three defeats.Club chiefs Omar Berrada – who this week outlined a target for both the men’s and women’s teams to win the league by 2028 – and Dan Ashworth publicly backed Ten Hag at the start of the month.However, results have dramatically dipped since then, and upcoming games against Porto and Aston Villa could dictate whether Ten Hag remains in his post following the international break.MARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against TottenhamIN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind. 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      Erik ten Hag given two games to save Man Utd job after second successive home thumping in Tottenham clash

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      ERIK TEN HAG will have two games to save his job at Manchester United.The Dutchman is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford following a poor start to the 2024-25 season.Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressureCredit: GettyUnited’s campaign went from bad to worse on Sunday thanks to a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.Many fans subsequently called for Ten Hag to be sacked, with the club dropping to 12th in the table.But SunSport understands he will remain in charge for this week’s crucial fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa.Man Utd take on Primeira Liga giants Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.Read More in FootballThey dropped points to Dutch side FC Twente last week in a disappointing display at Old Trafford.United then face Aston Villa away on Sunday – a must-win Prem clash.However, Ten Hag will be without captain Bruno Fernandes and potentially midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.Fernandes received a straight red card on Sunday following a controversial challenge on James Maddison whereby he slipped and caught the midfielder’s shin with his boot.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, fellow midfielder Mainoo was forced off in the first half with an injury.Ten Hag admitted after the match that he was “concerned” about the knock.Man Utd blasted by pundits after horror Tottenham maulingMan Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesHe said: “I can’t say at the moment. I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.”The Dutchman was also asked if he feared losing his job amid Man Utd’s poor run of form.He responded: “I am not thinking about this. We all made in the summer the decision to stay together, as an ownership, a leadership group.”Also we made the decision from a clear review what we have to improve and how we want to construct a squad. “But we knew it will take some time, how the window went, some players late in like [Manuel] Ugarte.”Also we have to make some improvement in [the overarching] organisation, we still have some ­injuries, we need some time. “We are all on one page or in one boat together, the ownership, the staff and the players as well. I don’t have that concern.”Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Erik ten Hag arrives at Man Utd training ground barely 12 hours after being thumped by Tottenham at Old Trafford

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      ERIK TEN HAG arrived at Manchester United’s training ground just 12 hours after his side were humiliated against Tottenham.The Red Devils put in a woeful performance and were thrashed 3-0 at Old Trafford yesterday.Erik ten Hag arrived at Carrington at 7:30am this morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe must have been given a sleepless night by his side’s horror performanceCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeUnited were thrashed 3-0 by TottenhamCredit: AlamyThe defeat must have given Ten Hag a sleepless night as he pulled into Carrington at 7:30am this morning.He was pictured looking glum behind the wheel of his Audi.There was no sign of the players just yet as the boss got to work early to analyse where it all went wrong.Man Utd were poor throughout and went behind after just three minutes as Micky van de Ven charged through their whole team and put it on a plate for Brennan Johnson to score.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThings then went from bad to worse as Bruno Fernandes was controversially sent off for a lunge on James Maddison.Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke then got on the scoresheet to wrap up the three points for Spurs.United were booed off by their own supporters at full-time, with Gary Neville labelling the display “disgusting” and “shocking”.Just nine games after receiving the vote of confidence from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new chiefs, Ten Hag is back under immense pressure.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe is now the bookies favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked this season.Asked about being in danger of losing his job, he said: “I’m not thinking about being sacked, not at all. We all made the decision to stay together.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Ownership, staff, players, myself. We made the decision from a clear review of what we have to do.”We knew it would take some time. We are on the same page together.”But the under-fire boss may not survive if there are more performances on yesterday’s level as Neville ranted: “The first half was as bad as it gets. This is a shocking day, a sobering day. “This is a really bad day for Ten Hag. Today has shocked me about how low they have gone.”Rio Ferdinand added: “An absolute p*** poor performance, I’ve got to be honest.”Powder-puff, embarrassing, no real idea it seemed, no real fight.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Second half a little bit of a fight here and there but a distinct lack of quality.”And Ashley Young said: “Man Utd didn’t give anything. There was no effort. There was no work rate.”MARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against TottenhamIN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind. More