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    Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against Tottenham, says ex-Premier League referee

    IN 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.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for his lunge on James MaddisonCredit: Getty Fernandes’ challenge was deemed recklessCredit: Sky SportsThe skipper appeared to slip as he went to make the challengeCredit: Sky Sports Chris Kavanagh immediately brandished the red cardCredit: RexMark Halsey thinks VAR should have told the ref to head to the monitorCredit: RexBut 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut 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.Fernandes was furious that he was sent for an early bath, telling Sky Sports post-match: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.Most read in Football”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.Manchester United vs Tottenham Player Ratings”The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn’t possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that.”Ten Hag said: “I don’t think it’s a red card. We had big chances [before it] and it’s only 1-0 so we could make a comeback. It had a big impact on the game.”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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    Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid SUSPENDED as ref begs players and managers to tell fans to stop lobbing objects onto pitch

    REAL MADRID’S 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano was suspended after fans threw objects at keeper Thibaut Courtois.The match was halted as the Real Madrid shot-stopper prepared to take a goal kick in the 69th minute.The objects were thrown as Thibaut Courtois prepared to take a goal kickCredit: ITV4The referee suspended the match and informed both managersCredit: ITV4Koke pleaded with the Atletico Madrid fans to stop throwing objectsCredit: ITV4Atletico’s Jose Maria Gimenez also remonstrated with the fansCredit: ITV4Diego Simeone also urged the Atletico supporters to calm downCredit: ReutersOne of the items thrown was clearly a lighter as the referee was seen holding it in his hand.Another was a carrier bag containing an unknown object which Courtois got rid of from the pitch. The official ran over to managers Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone to inform them of the situation.He appeared to ask Simeone and the Atletico players to help with calming the situation down.And after captain Koke had attempted to urge the fans to stop launching missiles onto the pitch, Simeone then came over to address the situation himself.The players went down the tunnel and returned after around 15 minutes.The score at time time of the stoppage was 1-0 to Real Madrid thanks to a second-half strike from Eder Militao.The goal came five minutes before the match was suspended.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe chaos occurred midway through the second halfCredit: ITV4A carrier bag containing something was one of the items thrownCredit: ITV4Simeone shook hands with Courtois as the players went to their dressing roomsCredit: ITV4When the game resumed, ex-Chelsea man Conor Gallagher was booked seconds later for a cynical foul on Fede Valverde.But the drama was not over there as Angel Correa equalised in stoppage time to salvage a dramatic point for Atletico.Top ten Instagram rich list of sportThe goal was initially ruled out but a VAR review overturned the decision as the stadium went wild.And just to add to the chaos, Marcos Llorente was shown a straight red card following another review for a horror tackle.Real Madrid came into the match knowing a win would close the gap to Barcelona to two points.Barcelona had won their opening seven LaLiga matches before suffering a 4-2 loss to Osasuna on Saturday.Real Madrid went to Atletico without Kylian Mbappe after he suffered a hamstring injury against Alaves on Tuesday. More

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    England star Phil Foden planning shock career change as Man City ace reveals ‘buzz’ from his favourite pastime

    ENGLAND and Man City star Phil Foden is planning to swap football for fishing when he retires.The midfielder, 24, is a keen angler and even indulged in the pastime during the Three Lions’ Euros campaign.Phil Foden is planning to swap football for fishing when he retiresCredit: GettyFoden is a keen angler and even indulged in the pastime during the Three Lions’ Euros campaignOn fishing tackle brand Korda’s YouTube channel, Foden told of the thrill he got when he landed a catch. He added: “This is me when I retire. A vlog for fishing.“When I was around five, my old man would always take me and I have loved it ever since.“I was just catching whatever really, the smaller fish, then the more times I did it I got into catching the bigger fish, the carp.Read More on Sport“I go to my local places and catch whatever. It’s the buzz — whatever fishing I am doing I enjoy.”Foden told host Neil Spooner: “At the Euros training camp we had lakes on the golf course. “I would get the rod out and catch a few carp.”During the YouTube video, Foden caught a 28lb carp — short of his 39lb record.Most read in FootballManchester City and England star Phil Foden wins PFA Player of the Year award More

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    ‘No effort… going backwards… absolutely DISGUSTING’ – Man Utd blasted by pundits after horror Tottenham mauling

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S horror display against Tottenham has been torn apart by pundits including three Manchester United legends.Erik ten Hag is now favourite to become the first Premier League manager sacked this season following a dismal 3-0 loss at Old Trafford.Manchester United were humbled by Tottenham at Old Trafford on SundayCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dismal start to the seasonCredit: GettyGary Neville did not mince his words when assessing the performanceAshley Young also heavily criticised his former clubSeven points from their opening six league matches equals unwanted records set by David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Red Devils’ joint-worst start to a season since 1989.And while Ten Hag has insisted he has given no thought to being axed, the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Young and Jamie Redknapp were quick to slate the performance.Ten Hag said: “I’m not thinking about being sacked, not at all. We all made the decision to stay together.”Ownership, staff, players, myself. We made the decision from a clear review of what we have to do.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We knew it would take some time. We are on the same page together.”But Neville took no prisoners in his analysis of the match as he labelled Man Utd “shocking” and a “disgrace”.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRio Ferdinand was another to slam the displayCredit: GettyJamie Redknapp insisted Ten Hag is going backwardsMARK 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.”Today has shocked me about how low they have gone.”Earlier in the afternoon before Fernandes’ dismissal, he said: “That sums up Manchester United in the first half. They have been an absolute disgrace.Manchester United vs Tottenham Player Ratings”It’s one of the worst performances I have seen under Ten Hag. And that is saying something. It is really bad.”Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Redknapp admitted having some sympathy for Ten Hag following the “embarrassing” display.He said: “It gets to a point where you almost feel sorry for the manager as well. He looks completely out of his depth, he looks like he’s struggling to motivate his team.”Man Utd and Ten Hag are going backwards. You can’t complain anymore, he’s got his back four in place, he’s got all the players at his disposal – there’s no excuses.”They are rock bottom right now. I just don’t see where they can go from here. They’re as bad as I’ve seen a United side.”It’s embarrassing. A club of this stature shouldn’t be producing performances like that.”While fellow ex-Man Utd title winner Ashley Young added: “Man Utd didn’t give anything. There was no effort. There was no work rate.”Five-time Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand took to his YouTube channel moments after full-time to rage about the display.He said: “An absolute p*** poor performance, I’ve got to be honest.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Powder-puff, embarrassing, no real idea it seemed, no real fight.”Second half a little bit of a fight here and there but a distinct lack of quality.”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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    Graham Potter lands new job 17 months after Chelsea sacking with manager to return to TV screens

    GRAHAM POTTER is set to make a surprising return to football despite his Chelsea nightmare.The former Blues boss has been out of work for 17 months after being sacked in April 2022.Graham Potter is set to appear on Sky Sports’ Monday Night FootballPotter joined the Blues in September 2022 under American owner Todd Boehly. Despite significant backing including the arrival of nine new players costing over £300million, Potter’s tenure was challenging with only 12 wins from 31 matches.Since his departure in April the 49-year-old has been preparing to return to football management.He turned down the Ajax job in May and withdrew from the race for Leicester City’s head coach position over the summer.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe has also been linked with the Manchester United and England job.Potter had stayed out of the public eye but is now set to make a pundit appearance on Sky Sports.He will be in the studio for Monday Night Football, analysing the weekend’s games including the match between his former clubs Chelsea and Brighton.In an interview with The Telegraph, Potter reflected on his difficult time at Chelsea taking responsibility for the results and acknowledging the learning experience. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe described the period as a “grieving process” and did not want to blame anyone for the situation.Potter, originally from Solihull, spoke about the humiliation of his high-profile sacking after just seven months of a five-year contract.Ex-Chelsea and England wonderkid now unemployedHe added that leaving Brighton, where he had been so successful, was a significant decision but he doesn’t regret the opportunity at Chelsea even though it didn’t work out.SunSport exclusively revealed how Potter had met with Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth earlier this year, with a view to replacing Erik ten Hag.But the football operation at Old Trafford decided to stick with their Dutch gaffer – though he is once again back under pressure.United have endured a miserable start to the season, with seven points from six Premier League games.And the 3-0 home thumping by Tottenham could be another sign yet more change is needed.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Man Utd flops BOOED off after Tottenham humiliation as Ten Hag matches horror Moyes record

    MANCHESTER UNITED were booed off the Old Trafford pitch after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.Erik ten Hag’s men were humbled by Spurs on Sunday as goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke handed the visitors a comfortable victory.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dismal start to the seasonCredit: GettyTen Hag has equalled David Moyes’ unwanted recordCredit: Getty – ContributorTo make matters worse, captain Bruno Fernandes will now miss games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham after being shown a straight red card for a challenge on James Maddison.And midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also suffered a blow as he went off injured in the first half.Yet it is the stats from their start to the season as a whole which really show just how dire things are for Ten Hag and Man Utd.Three losses, one draw and just two wins equals the torrid start David Moyes experienced at the beginning of the 2013/14 campaign.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe tally of seven points mirrors their struggles 11 years ago – while they picked up the same amount after six games in the 2020/21 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.And it means they have matched their worst ever Premier League start – a record that stretches back to their 1989/90 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson.They sit 13th in the table, one place lower than they were under Moyes at the same point.Another damning stat is Man Utd have now lost more Premier League matches by three or more goals since Ferguson left – 23 in 424 matches – than they did in 1,035 league games under the iconic Red Devils boss.Most read in FootballMARK 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLiverpool and Tottenham have both scored more goals at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season than Man Utd – three compared to just one.Kulusevski created nine chances in the match, the most by an opposition player in a Premier League game at Old Trafford since records began 21 years ago. Ten Hag gives clear reason why he won’t bench Man Utd star despite fan moansAnd Man Utd did not manage a single touch in Tottenham’s box in the first 60 minutes of the game.Ten Hag is now the favourite to become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.Next up for Man Utd is a trip to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, before they go away to Aston Villa in their final match before the October international break.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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    Ten Hag favourite to be next Premier League manager sacked as odds PLUMMET after Man Utd’s Tottenham humiliation

    MAN UTD’s humiliating defeat to Tottenham has left Erik ten Hag on the brink – if the bookies are to be believed. The United boss watched his side implode to a 3-0 loss in front of a furious Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.Erik ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford could be in jeopardyCredit: GettyUnited captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the horror showCredit: ReutersTen Hag had shuffled his pack before the game, leaving out Christian Eriksen following his midweek howler. But captain Bruno Fernandes was shown red for a dangerous lunge on James Maddison as Spurs dominated against the abject hosts.Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke piled on the misery for the Red Devils.And Ten Hag now finds himself as the new FAVOURITE to be sacked next in the Premier League. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBetfair had the under-fire Dutchman as a massive 9-1 shot to be axed next before kick-off at the Theatre of Dreams.Following a nightmare 90 minutes, those odds shortened to just 10-11.Sunday’s loss leaves Man Utd languishing 12th in the Premier League table.Only second-bottom Southampton have managed less than Utd’s paltry five league goals this season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking about the prospect of soon becoming unemployed, Ten Hag said: “I’m not thinking about being sacked, not at all. We all made the decision to stay together”.“Ownership, staff, players, myself. We made the decision from a clear review of what we have to do”.Man Utd arrive for Tottenham clash in new George Best adidas range“We knew it would take some time. We are on the same page together”.Betfair have also priced up possible replacement for Ten Hag, should United executives swing the axe.Former Stretford End favourite Ruud van Nistelrooy heads the betting at 9/4.The former goal machine is currently Ten Hag’s assistant at the club. Next up is former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who left his job with the national team following Euro 2024.Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi are next on the list at bigger prices.Ten Hag’s assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy is the current favourite to replace himCredit: ReutersSky Sports pundit and former Utd full-back Gary Neville was speechless as he slammed the “awful” display. READ MORE SUN STORIESNeville said: “Erik ten Hag, coming into October, November, this is where he’s really going to be judged.”He’s had five transfer windows, these are his players out on the pitch. This is his team. We’ve got to start seeing some real progression.” More

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    Man Utd trio risk Roy Keane’s wrath in tunnel just moments before kick-off against Tottenham

    THREE Manchester United players risked the wrath of Roy Keane just moments before their clash against Tottenham.Ahead of Spurs’ 3-0 demolition of Erik ten Hag’s side, both teams came out their dressing rooms and lined up in the tunnel.Man Utd and Spurs players were all smiles together in the tunnelCredit: sky sportsDalot and Martinez were seen hugging Porro and RomeroCredit: sky sportsOnana also put his arm around VicarioCredit: sky sportsKeane has previously expressed his hatred of friendliness in the tunnelCredit: GettyDespite being just seconds away from going head-to-head on the pitch, there was a friendly vibe inside the tunnel.Lisandro Martinez embraced his Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero and he also shared words with Pedro Porro.The United centre-back was not done there as he also hugged Rodrigo Bentancur.Diogo Dalot was also at it, saying hello to Porro and Romero.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd as goalkeeper Andre Onana made his way out to the front of the team, he was seen all smiles with Spurs stopper Guglielmo Vicario.No-nonsense pundit Keane has previously expressed his hatred of friendliness in the tunnel, ranting back in 2019 before Man Utd faced Liverpool: “I’m disgusted with these players.”You are going to war. You know, they are hugging and kissing.”Don’t even look at the opposition. You’re going to battle against them.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley acted like best mates ahead of Manchester City vs Luton last year, Keane reacted: “Not for me. But we’re all different.”Fortunately for Martinez, Dalot and Onana, the Irishman was not on punditry duty for Sky Sports today. Ten Hag gives clear reason why he won’t bench Man Utd star despite fan moansSoon after the tunnel love, Man Utd were stunned into silence by Brennan Johnson’s opening goal within just three minutes of the game.Gary Neville labelled the defending “awful” and “hopeless”.And things continued to fall apart as Bruno Fernandes was sent off and Ten Hag’s side went on to lose 3-0 to put the boss back under huge pressure. More