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      ‘Man Utd have spent a lot of money and have made no improvement under Erik ten Hag.. they’re nowhere near the top three’

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been slammed by a Manchester United legend for not improving the club’s performances.The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.Paul Scholes believes Manchester United have made ‘no improvement’ under Erik ten HagCredit: TNT SPORTSTen Hag’s side are without a European win in 12 months and sit 12th in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt leaves United winless from their opening three matches and 21st in the league phase standings.Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s side are also in the bottom half of the Premier League eight games into his third season as manager.Following their draw in Turkey, Paul Scholes was asked if he has seen any improvement in style or performances so far this term.The 11-time Premier League winner told TNT Sports: “No, not yet.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)”I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.”Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”United were pegged back during the second half in Istanbul after Christian Eriksen’s early opener.They also had Andre Onana to thank after a pair of stunning saves to deny the hosts.Sitting in 21st, United are only in the play-off places on goal difference and could drop out of the Europa League altogether.They are next in European action at home to PAOK on November 7.Meanwhile, Ten Hag takes his side to London to face West Ham this Sunday, with the club 12th after three defeats already this term.United were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on ThursdayCredit: APMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Fans spot amazing moment Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ‘apologises’ to Mykhailo Mudryk and say ‘I’m in love with this team’

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      CHELSEA fans noticed an amazing interaction between Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Mykhailo Mudryk during last night’s clash with Panathinaikos.Enzo Maresca’s side won 4-1 in Greece to make it six points from two games in this season’s Europa Conference League.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall spoke to his team-mate Mykhailo MudrykCredit: TNT SportsThe pair appeared to clear the airCredit: TNT SportsJoao Felix was at the double for the Blues, with Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku also notching.Mudryk, 23, assisted Felix’s first goal on 22 minutes.Amid the celebrations, Dewsbury-Hall was seen putting his arm around the Ukrainian.It appeared that the pair were talking out their differences, having clashed a few minutes earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Leicester midfielder, 26, had been upset when Mudryk failed to pass to him on the edge of the box.Having ignored Dewsbury-Hall’s cries for the ball, the winger instead took a shot – which sailed harmlessly over the bar.The pair appeared to exchange furious words, with Mudryk seemingly defending his decision to shoot.All was forgiven a few minutes later, when Mudryk teed up Felix’s opener.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMudryk, 23, produced an improved performance in GreeceCredit: APAfter seeing Dewsbury-Hall put his arm around his team-mate, several Chelsea fans gushed on social media.One wrote: “I’m in love with this team.”Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A While a second commented: “What we love to see.”A third gushed: “Discipline, my club is so back.”And another added: “Class move by DH.”Following Mudryk’s improved display, boss Maresca assessed his start to the season – having not even named him on the bench against Liverpool last weekend.”We’re working with him and all the wingers,” the Italian began. “They need to arrive inside the box in the position where Misha [Mudryk] scored.”He’s struggled to arrive there, now he’s started to. That’s where we’re going to score goals. We want the best for Misha – since day one we’ve tried to help him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Probably he’s one of the guys that the learning process is more slow compared to the rest. But he’s improving.”I’m sure that slowly, slowly we’re going to arrive where he will score more goals and to be more important for us.”Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. 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      Mudryk finally hits top gear after Chelsea accused of having ‘£88million Ferrari they don’t know how to drive’

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      CHELSEA might have finally found the keys to their £88million “Ferrari”.The Blues were slammed for their use of Mykhailo Mudryk by Shakhtar Donsetsk CEO Sergiy Palkin earlier this week.Mykhailo Mudryk appears to be finding his feet at ChelseaCredit: GettyShakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin slammed Chelsea’s use of the star since his £88m moveCredit: AlamyMudryk starred as Chelsea beat Panathinaikos 4-1 on ThursdayMudryk has struggled to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge since his £88.5m move from Shakhtar, and Palkin put the blame on Chelsea.Speaking to GOAL, he said: “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it. A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it. That’s my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea.”However, it looks like Enzo Maresca might know how to handle a supercar, as Mudryk has finally started to find his feet for Chelsea.The 23-year-old Ukrainian was electric in Thursday night’s 4-1 thrashing of Panathinaikos in the Conference League.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMudryk registered two assists and bagged a goal of his own as Chelsea went top of the league phase table.The winger didn’t just do well in and around the box, but also made an impact all over the pitch.Mudryk left Greece with 100 per cent passing accuracy and having won four duels.It wasn’t just last night that the tricky attacker excelled either.Most read in FootballMudryk occupied the left flank for Chelsea during their winHe made five touches inside the Panathinaikos areaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMudryk also registered another assist against Gent last time out in the Conference League, meaning he has played a part in HALF of all Chelsea’s goals in the competition this season.Minutes have been hard to come by in the league for Mudryk, spending just 81 minutes on the pitch in the Premier League so far this season.Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A But his Conference League performances are helping him show Maresca just how good he can be when he’s given time to shine.Maresca suggested that Mudryk is a “slow learner” after the win on Thursday, but seemed to think he is taking steps towards being a more regular starter.He said: “We’re working with him and all the wingers. They need to arrive inside the box in the position where Misha [Mudryk] scored. “He’s struggled to arrive there, now he’s started to. That’s where we’re going to score goals.“We want the best for Misha, since day one we’ve tried to help him. Probably he’s one of the guys that the learning process is more slow compared to the rest.“But he’s improving. I’m sure that slowly, slowly we’re going to arrive where he will score more goals and to be more important for us.”However, not everyone is convinced that Mudryk is starting to live up to his price tag.Rory Smith spoke about how Mudryk is only excelling against weaker opposition during TNT Sports’ analysis of the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I think it’s the issue that Maresca has got. You’ve got this sort of special Conference League squad.”But the quality of teams they’re playing, that’s not enough to make him think ‘I’m going to drop Noni Madueke on the weekend because you’ve done really well in the Conference League’.”Mudryk has struggled to perform in the Premier League More

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      Inside Nottingham Forest’s stunning 50,000-seater stadium plans as Marinakis demands ‘one of England’s best’ grounds

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have grand plans to renovate the City Ground.The stadium has been their home since 1898 and owner Evangelos Marinakis is desperate for the club to stay “where it belongs”.Nottingham Forest are set to renovate the City GroundCredit: RexIn 2019, Nottingham Forest produced a computer-generated image of their potential new Peter Taylor StandBut Forest want to keep their classic ground in touch with the modern day and make it “one of England’s best”.Marinakis has made it no secret that he wants to increase the capacity of the stadium to match demand.Forest claim that they could have sold 50,000 tickets to games last season given their huge season ticket waiting list.Back in February, details emerged via The Athletic about the club’s plans to redevelop their 29,550-seater into one fit for 40,000 supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey want to extend the Bridgford Stand and replace the Peter Taylor Stand with a new two-tiered 10,000-seater structure.The club shop and offices sit adjacent to the ground, and are set to be knocked down and replaced by a stunning 19-storey apartment block.This means the club shop will be moved and a museum showcasing the club’s two European Cup triumphs will be added.The Reds also want to install solar panels on the Brian Clough Stand to generate their own power for matchdays.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere will also be a “pedestrianised plaza” around the new City Ground.Forest have long wanted to get going with the building works but a standoff with the council has delayed the modernisation.Premier League club unveil ‘beautiful’ new-look training ground with games room, ice baths and state-of-the-art kitchen Nottingham City Council owned the land the it is on, which the club lease.Talks over a new lease collapsed before Forest eventually struck a deal to buy the land from the local authority in the summer.They are now ready to push ahead of with their stunning design.Computer generated images show what the main stand might look like in the future, with the stadium set to keep it’s square shape to ensure fans remain close to the pitch.The modernised ground built on the bank of the River Trent will initially hold 42,000 fans.But Marinakis has his eye on eventually increasing the capacity to 50,000 should it prove a success.AI’s impression of what a new 50,000-seater City Ground could look likeForest claim their are thousands on the waiting list for season ticketsCredit: AFPOwner Evangelos Marinakis wants to building works to start as soon as possibleCredit: AlamyHe said: “We have a lot of supporters and a huge waiting list for season tickets and I’m sure a 50,000-seat stadium will be full watching our team and our passion.”The Greek businessman hopes his ideas get the green light this year.Chief Tom Cartledge: “If you add up our 20,000 season-ticket holders, plus the 21,500 or more who were waiting in a queue for tickets, the city of Nottingham should be able to sustain a 45,000 to 50,000-seat stadium. “We can get ourselves to 40,000 and, if there was no obstruction, he [Marinakis] would get on it next season. He just wants to get going with it and that’s very exciting.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSuch is his desperation to get going, Forest are working on erecting 20 hospitality pods made out of shipping containers that can house up to 180 people over five storeys.The new feature, which sits in the corner between the Trent End and the Brian Clough Stand, has taken inspiration from the Qatar World Cup 974 Stadium.A CGI of the club’s new hospitality podsCredit: https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/The pods, made of shipping containers, have now been added to the stadiumCredit: Alamy More

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      Erik ten Hag’s latest tweak may have created Man Utd’s perfect frontline and rejuvenated Marcus Rashford with shock role

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      ERIK TEN HAG answered some of his doubters after Manchester United came from behind to beat Brenford 2-1 last weekend.Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, assisted by Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes respectively, secured victory for the Red Devils.Alejandro Garnacho’s volley from Marcus Rashford’s cross set Man Utd on their way to victory over BrentfordCredit: GettyAnd it may also set United down a new path for the season with particular benefits to Rashford and GarnachoCredit: GettyGarnacho and Rashford’s Premier League stats comparedAnd the Red Devils then followed that up with a 1-1 draw away at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.United were generally dominant against Thomas Frank’s tricky Bees, particularly in the second half.Ten Hag opted to switch up his team selection for the game, which could be the trigger for a rebirth after a tricky start to the season.This was seen with Garnacho deployed on the left wing and Rashford on the right, despite Rashford previously saying he preferred to be on the left rather than in the middle or on the right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in the Fenerbahce came, Ten Hag continued with the two players in their new roles, though started Joshua Zirkzee up front instead of Rasmus Hojlund.It is easy to make the argument that Garnacho and Rashford should be interchangeable in terms of their position on the wings due to being right-footers who prefer to drive inside towards goal.But that is not strictly the case, and it seems Ten Hag has made a clear statement about how they can both add value to the attack in those specific roles.In this article, we will take a closer look at the role of the two United attacking players in the match against Brentford and discuss how this could see United set up for the rest of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGarnacho as the threat on the counterWhen we think of the truly great United teams of the last 20-30 years, we do not think of teams that look to dominate possession of the ball. Instead, we think of teams that were truly great and extremely difficult to play against in counter-attacking situations, or, in the more modern term, in transition. Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings They traditionally excelled when it came to winning the ball back in their half of the pitch and then hitting the opposition quickly on the counter. This is why they tended to have wide attackers who were quick and direct in the mould of Ryan Giggs or even the early version of Cristiano Ronaldo.This is where Garnacho thrives. He is something of a throwback as a wide-attacking player because he thrives in moments when there is space to attack in front of him and where he can use his pace and direct running to hurt the opposition. There is an argument to be made this is what we thought Rashford would become when he first came through at United, but he has developed into a more controlled player who likes to receive the ball in front of the opposition as opposed to constantly making runs to attack space behind the defensive line.Here, we see Rashford out wide on the right able to pick a pass to Garnacho with space on the left sideGiven that Garnacho models his game on Ronaldo it should come as no surprise that the young Argentinian is extremely dangerous when receiving the ball with these kinds of spaces to attack.He is far less likely to want to drop off to receive the ball from his defenders and midfielders, and he wants to play on the shoulder of the last defender, therefore giving United a constant outball and threat in behind.Before the Brentford match, he was averaging four shots per 90 minutes but took eight alone against the Bees. He was also managing just 7.4 touches in the opposition penalty area, before having ten against Brentford.This time Rasmus Hojlund drops deep before looking to pick out Garnacho in spaceStraight away we see the increased outputs that come from playing Garnacho in a position that suits him better.Garnacho is an extremely exciting player who needs space to attack when he receives the ball to be at his best. Playing from the left-side seems to give Garnacho just that.Rashford as a more creative playerMarcus Rashford’s Premier League statsWhen Rashford made his breakthrough many thought the club had unearthed their next big striker and that he looked ready, technically and physically, to play as the main star for the next decade.Instead, we have seen Rashford become a high-level wide attacker, though last season there was a notable dip in form with a heavily reduced output from the 30 goals he got the season before.Despite being clear that he preferred to play from the left side of the attack, the switch to the right side may actually be really beneficial to the 60-cap England star.In the match against Brentford, we saw Rashford moving inside from the right wing to take up more central positions in the channels as Diogo Dalot moved high and provided width from right-back. Rashford received the ball inside in the channel and in a deeper area than typical of him before crossing for Garnacho to scoreThis movement and more central occupation of space actually saw Rashford get on the ball far more in the final third than we may have been used to seeing.In these more central positions, Rashford is still a threat to take the ball on the turn and to attack forward and into space. He is also, however, a creative threat with the ability to take the ball in tight areas and when under pressure and to link the play or find angles to play passes to break the last line.This showed in the data where, previous to the Brentford game, Rashford had been averaging 4.4 passes into the opposition area per 90, while he played eight of these passes in this game.Here, again, we see Rashford come inside to play more centrally and allow United to progress the ball forward as Dalot moves high and gives them widthHe had also been averaging 1.6 chances created per game but in this match he created four, showcasing his increased involvement in the build-up than what had been seen on the left previously.Using Rashford in a more creative and involved role from the right side of the attack gives United a more unpredictable yet balanced look across their attack.Both Garnacho and Rashford can attack space behind the defenceWhile it would be fair to say Garnacho had a strong game against Brentford, it was also one of the more complete and impressive performances seen from Rasmus Hojlund since his arrival.The Dane has an excellent physical profile and that was put to perfect use in this match as we saw him continually look to drop deep into the midfield to receive the ball. These movements from Hojlund dragged one of the Brentford defenders out of position over and over again, and these spaces were then free to be exploited by United. This is where having two wide attackers who have explosive pace, like Rashford and Garnacho, comes into play as they are able to make runs from out to in to attack this space.Hojlund dropping in to receive the pass from the midfield opens up space for Garnacho behind the defenceHojlund is capable of dropping into deeper areas and receiving to turn and play the ball forward.But he can also receive the ball and then quickly link with creative central midfielders who can then play forward and into advanced positions. And he is then equally capable when asked to play on the shoulder himself, as seen with his lovely chipped finish for the winner. With the capability of Garnacho and Rashford to time their runs to attack the space this can create dangerous situations for United.Hojlund drops in to receive the ball with his back to goal before both Rashford and Garnacho split and run in behindIn having both Rashford and Garnacho playing in this manner and threatening to attack space behind and between the opposition defenders, we will see United setting up in a similar way to Jurgen Klopp’s best team at Liverpool.His title-winning side saw Roberto Firmino dropping deep to receive and Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane making diagonal runs to attack space, which proved very effective for all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionWhile Rashford may not prefer to play from the right, his positional intelligence, creative passing and link play on the ball showed a new layer of his game.When you combine this with the pace and directness of Garnacho on the left side, it is fair to say that Ten Hag may have unearthed a combination that can drive United up the Premier League table. 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      Ian Holloway lands first manager job in football in four years as he is named boss of EFL club

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has been appointed manager of EFL side Swindon Town.The League Two strugglers parted company with Mark Kennedy following their underwhelming start to the season.Ian Holloway has been appointed Swindon managerCredit: PAThey have wasted little time in appointing his successor with Holloway confirmed just hours after his sacking.Holloway, 61, has signed a deal until the end of the season.He said on joining The Robins: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Holloway has not managed since he was sacked by Grimsby four years ago after winning just 11 out of 38 games in charge.He is just 11 games away from 1000 matches managed in a managerial career that has seen him win promotion three times.Holloway’s first taste of success came at QPR when he won promotion to the Championship in 2004.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then twice one promotion to the Premier League, first with Blackpool in 2010 and again three years later with Crystal Palace – both of which came via the play-offs.Swindon will hope Holloway can add a bit of inspiration immediately as they have just two wins from 13 games and sit three points above the relegation zone.Worthing FC owner George Dowell describes club’s ambition to reach EFL for first time More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas denies role in £600k Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot

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      A FORMER Arsenal star has denied being behind a £600,000 Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was detained by National Crime Agency officers after the haul of cannabis was seized.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has appeared in courtCredit: GettyHe was allegedly behind a plot to smuggle cannabis into the UKCredit: National Crime AgencyEmmanuel-Thomas appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court todayCredit: PAThe former Arsenal star appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today charged with importing Class B drugs.He denied the charge and was remanded into custody ahead of a provisional trial in May next year.The maximum sentence for cannabis importation in the UK is up to 14 years in prison.Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested in Inverclyde, Scotland, last month.Read more newsHis contract with Scottish Championship team Greenock Morton was later “terminated with immediate effect”.The NCA said the drugs were seized at Stansted Airport on September 2, with two women arrested and charged.Border Force officers allegedly found 60kg of cannabis in two suitcases which that arrived on a flight from Bangkok.Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, also pleaded not guilty to the same charge today.Most read in FootballThey were bailed ahead of a hearing scheduled for all three defendants on January 6.Emmanuel-Thomas is a former England under-17 and under-19 international.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis seized at airportHe began his career at Arsenal before playing for various clubs – including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, QPR, Livingston and Aberdeen.The striker signed a six-month contract with Greenock Morton in July.NCA senior investigating officer David Phillips said: “The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling – that includes both the couriers and the organisers.”We would appeal to anyone who is approached to engage in any kind of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions and the potentially life-changing risks they will be taking.”Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested last monthCredit: InstagramHis contract at Greenock Morton has been terminatedCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Fans fear Man Utd star Amad Diallo ‘will leave’ after spotting his touchline reaction against Fenerbahce

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are fearful that Amad Diallo might walk away from Old Trafford for good.The tricky winger was spotted looking rather bleak on the touchline before being subbed on in the 89th minute for Antony, who left Fenerbahce’s stadium in a boot.Amad looked visibly disappointed as Ruud van Nistelrooy attempted to encourage him on the touchlineAntony was only on the pitch for 16 minutes before being stretchered offThe optics before Amad’s brief cameo have left United fans stressing after Erik ten Hag was held to a 1-1 draw in Istanbul.In fact, it looked as though assistant coaches Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson all tried to cheer a glum Amad on.But the Ivory Coast international, who had his head down before coming on, looked as though he wasn’t having any of it. Ten Hag threw on Antony for Marcus Rashford first before eventually turning to Amad after the Brazilian picked up an injury inside 87 minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Dutchman had raised eyebrows before the game when he announced that fullback Noussair Mazraoui would play in the No10 role for the suspended Bruno Fernandes.Before kick off one fan wrote: “If the rumours are true and Ten Hag is playing Mazraoui as a 10 instead of Amad, I’m actually going to lose it.”But Amad made a quick impact, bringing down Mazraoui’s cross-field pass brilliantly to soar past Mert Muldur within seconds of coming on.According to The Athletic, that single attacking action left Fenerbahce staff stunned as to why Amad wasn’t introduced earlier in the match.Most read in FootballThe winger made an instant impact after coming on in the 89th minuteFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag said: “Away from Europe to start with four attackers is too much. I made Mazraoui a full-back.“He was always a number 10. I knew he could fill in with that role, he had a big role in the goal.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)”You can always move him back. Antony is training very good. Amad had some good actions.”Ten Hag added: “Amad, he is doing well. But I must also reward the performances of Antony in training. “He is a threat almost every training session, so I felt in that moment the right thing to do was bring him on to decide the game.”But United fans were left confused and reeling after the manager’s explanation – with many fearing Amad will seek opportunities elsewhere.One wrote: “He will leave. And he’s not wrong for that.”A second said: “Can United really expect Amad to stay when Ten Hag is so hot and cold with him?”A third replied: “I can’t understand why he’s been dropped???”While a more direct fan wrote: “Amad is suffering what Sancho suffered in the hand of Ten Hag, because of Antony.”Amad took to X and sent out a heartfelt message after his mere five minutes against Fenerbahce.The 22-year-old wrote: “Fans. Thanks for the support”, adding a series of different emojis to his tweet.He previously was shipped out on loan to Rangers and Sunderland and was limited to nine Prem appearances last season.Amad was Man Utd’s Player of the Month for August, but he’s made just one start, against Crystal Palace, in the last five games .He was left as an unused substitute for United’s last two Premier League matches against Brentford and Aston Villa.READ MORE SUN STORIESFenerbahce marked Amad’s first minutes since United’s 3-3 draw with Porto earlier in the month.The winger has been unable to re-establish himself in the XI after starting United’s first two games of the season and scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton.Amad thanked fans in the stadium and on social media after his brief cameoMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More