Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Carabao Cup fourth-round draw simulated as Man Utd’s reward for 7-0 hammering is horror clash with rivals

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a horror draw against their huge rivals in our simulated Carabao Cup round four draw.The Red Devils smashed Barnsley 7-0 in their first game in this season’s competition.Manchester United were handed a nightmare draw in the simulated Carabao Cup fourth-round drawCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen all got doubles while Anthony converted a penalty. That put the 2023 winners into the last 16.The final third-round ties are scheduled for this evening – including Bolton vs Arsenal and Liverpool vs West Ham. And then the draw for the fourth round will take place immediately after the clash at Anfield. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt will be live on Sky Sports at approximately 10pm with Mark Chapman hosting and Jamie Redknapp and Kevin Nolan pulling out the teams. However, ball No16 will be AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle after their match was postponed due to the flooding in South-West London that wreaked havoc at Plough Lane and caused a sinkhole to open up in the pitch.The Magpies generously donated £15,000 to help with the repairs while the match has been moved to St James’ Park next Tuesday. The fixtures for the fourth round will take place in the week beginning October 28 – and in our simulated draw, there is one standout fixture.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is because United’s reward for thrashing Barnsley is a home clash with Chelsea.The two giants of English football have won the League Cup 11 times between them.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelBut the SunSport simulator pitted Erik ten Hag up against Enzo Maresca in a mouth-watering battle in the week before they take each other on in the Premier League.Like United, Chelsea smashed lower-league opposition to reach round four.The Blues – runners-up last season – crushed Barrow 5-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with Christopher Nkunku helping himself to a hat-trick. The other top ties include Aston Villa hosting holders Liverpool or West Ham and Brighton taking on either Newcastle or AFC Wimbledon.Should Arsenal make it past Bolton – with a 16-year-old possibly making his Gunners debut in goal – then they would face Preston at the Emirates.Tottenham needed two late goals to scrape past Coventry and face another Championship outfit in Sheffield Wednesday. READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester City, six-time winners including in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, get an away trip to Stoke.Leicester City vs Brentford and Southampton vs Crystal Palace complete the supercomputer’s fixtures with two all-Premier League ties. Simulated Carabao Cup fourth-round draw in fullBrighton vs Newcastle/AFC WimbledonAston Villa vs Liverpool/West HamArsenal/Bolton vs PrestonSheff Wed vs TottenhamMan Utd vs ChelseaStoke City vs Man CityLeicester City vs BrentfordSouthampton vs Crystal PalaceChristopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick as Chelsea breezed past BarrowCredit: APLiverpool beat Chelsea in last season’s finalCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle was postponed and moved to St James’ Park after flooding at Plough LaneCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Everyone says I was Man Utd teacher’s pet but Sir Alex Ferguson told me I’d never play for him again in blazing row

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has opened up about a blazing row he once had with Sir Alex Ferguson.Scholes established himself as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history during his 19-year spell with the Red Devils.Paul Scholes has recalled a blazing row he had with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: YouTube/Football’s GreatestScholes admitted Sir Alex went ballistic at himCredit: GettyDuring that time he made over 700 first team appearances and won over 20 major trophies – including the Champions League twice.The 49-year-old’s former team-mates, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, recently claimed he was the “teacher’s pet” during his time at Old Trafford.Neville suggested he “could never put a foot wrong” in the eyes of legendary manager Ferguson.However, Scholes insists that was not the case,Read More in FootballSpeaking on his new show, Football’s Greatest, the ex-United star told co-host Nicky Butt: “Everyone says I was like a teacher’s pet and I never got [the hairdryer], but I did.”I remember one in particular at Newcastle away. I was actually sub in the game.”I think we’re getting beat 3-0 at half time, he brings me on with 20 minutes to go, maybe. And we get back to 3-2. I’m not saying that it’s nothing to do with me. “We get back to 3-2 and I tried a flick in the middle of the pitch in the centre circle, they broke and scored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Alan Shearer scored to make it 4-2. So we couldn’t get back into the game. And he went ballistic at me. He went absolutely…”Do you know when I got a b****cking, or the hairdryer, as it was called, I always took it. I never answered back in my life.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-Ups”There were some people, you’ll know, there were some people that answered back all the time. I think you’d be the one to answer back.”But for some reason that day, I kept answering back. I didn’t agree with what he was saying. So, he kept saying stuff, ‘You’ll never play for this club again,’ and all that usual kind of stuff.”I got back on the bus that night. I remember thinking, ‘I’m gone. This is me, Monday morning. I’m signing for somebody else.'”After re-watching the match, Ferguson apologised to Scholes in a private meeting the following week.The former England star concluded: “He ended up watching the game back on Sunday and he came to me on Monday morning, and I thought, ‘I’m in big trouble here.'”He actually apologised to me. He said ‘I was wrong, you had an influence on the game.'”Fellow United hero Butt quickly responded: “I told you you were his teacher’s pet.” More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher spots loophole Arsenal take advantage of with David Raya that happens ‘more than anywhere else’

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER reckons Arsenal are taking advantage of a football loophole.But Paul Scholes labelled the tactic “cheating”.Jamie Carragher called out David Raya and Arsenal for exploiting a loophole in the rulesCredit: GettyCarragher compared the tactics to Jose MourinhoCredit: YouTube @TheOverlapThe Gunners tried every trick in the book in an attempt to cling on to all three points at Manchester City on Sunday.Those infamous “dark arts” included David Raya going down and allegedly needing treatment during the second half.Unlike outfield players, when a goalkeeper is tended to by the team’s physio, they do not need to go off the field before returning to play.Therefore, Arsenal know they can help run the clock down and delay play by helping Raya.READ MORE ON ARSENALThis has been a tactic used throughout Raya’s time with the Gunners, often going down when Arsenal are under pressure and the opposition are gaining momentum as a way of taking the sting out and calming things down.Speaking on Sky Bet’s The Overlap Fan Debate, Carragher likened the tactic to a Jose Mourinho masterclass.He said: “Being a defender, I sometimes watch the game, and everyone wants to play the same way, so I was intrigued watching this attack against defence. “It reminded me of Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan going to Barcelona all those years ago when they had a man sent off early in the game. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Mourinho was always ahead of the game in trying to gain an advantage and there is one thing I do notice at Arsenal more than anywhere else, and I don’t know whether the stats back me up. “David Raya goes down a lot more than other goalkeepers in tense situations because the rule is that a goalkeeper can’t go off.Mikel Arteta says ‘I would be very thick’ if he repeated previous mistake as Arsenal boss defends tactics vs Man City “So that’s definitely one the coaching staff at Arsenal are switched on more than anyone else. I see Raya go down in high-pressure situations.”However, Scholes chipped in and was far less diplomatic.The ex-Manchester United midfielder replied: “Cheating, that’s called Jamie. “I’ve seen it loads of times watching at Salford. “The keeper goes down and the other ten players are with the manager getting tactics. Referees will see it and pick up on it.”In Raya’s defence, he was spotted limping after full-time at the Etihad with his knee bandaged – suggesting the injury claims had some legitimacy this time.So much so that Raya is a doubt for the League Cup trip to Bolton tonight, where 16-year-old Jack Porter could be drafted in for a shock debut. READ MORE SUN STORIESRaya’s antics on Sunday came back to bite him, though.Because plenty of time-wasting in injury time saw more minutes added on – and John Stones scored the dramatic equaliser in the 98th minute to snatch a point. Mikel Arteta tried as many dark arts as possible at the EtihadCredit: EPAPaul Scholes was less impressed and labelled it ‘cheating’Credit: YouTube @TheOverlap More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He won’t like it if I talk about this’ – Steve McClaren reveals touchy subject around Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

      by

      STEVE McCLAREN has hilariously revealed the one subject Erik ten Hag “won’t like” him talking about.Former England boss McClaren, 63, was Ten Hag’s assistant at Old Trafford for two years until this summer.Steve McClaren refused to get drawn in on one aspect of Erik ten Hag’s management styleCredit: RexMcClaren joked Ten Hag ‘won’t like’ the topic being discussedCredit: GettyIt was his second stint at the club having previously worked as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaches between 1999 and 2001.He left Man Utd to take the Jamaica national team job, drawing 0-0 with Cuba in his opening game before they beat Honduras 2-1 two weeks ago.Now he has reflected on his time back at the Theatre of Dreams, working under the manager who was his assistance at FC Twente 15 years ago.And McClaren admitted Ten Hag’s sartorial decision not to wear socks as part of his pitchside outfit is not something he would want discussed.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Telegraph, he said: “Well, that’s just fashion. Dutch fashion.”Don’t get me on to his fashion! He won’t like that.”McClaren also spoke about the relationship he has with Ten Hag, insisting they are able to be brutally honest with one another.He added: “He’s great. He knows I don’t take him too seriously and he doesn’t take me too seriously.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We kind of have that English-Dutch banter. We had that when he was [my] assistant.”We could be honest with each other. That’s what he wanted. So that’s what he got.”Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest fierce criticism of Man Utd with spiky response to club legendMcClaren commented on the spat between Ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo which occurred at the start of his second spell at Old Trafford.The Man Utd boss bombed Ronaldo out after he publicly criticised the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.McClaren said: “I couldn’t fault his [Ten Hag’s] approach. He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in.”That was shown in the way he handled [the departure of Cristiano] Ronaldo. He [Ten Hag] came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are.”He knew that was what was needed. There could be no flexibility, no way the players could manoeuvre [out of that responsibility].”This is what you had to do – or you didn’t play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly. Other managers have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t feel it was necessary to do that.”[Ralf] Rangnick had tried and it hadn’t quite worked out and Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] the same. So he [Ten Hag] stuck to his guns and developed other players.” More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I lost it with Ralf Rangnick in X-rated dressing room blast after he humiliated me, says ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones

      by

      FORMER Manchester United star Phil Jones has lifted the lid on the time he let rip at Ralf Rangnick with an X-rated blast.The Old Trafford favourite lined up for United in their 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool in 2022.Phil Jones admits letting rip at Ralf Rangnick with an X-rated blastCredit: YouTube/High PerformanceRangnick ‘humiliated’ Jones by subbing him at half-time in a defeat to LiverpoolCredit: EPAThe Red Devils had failed to click under interim boss Rangnick following Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s sacking.And despite putting in an admirable performance at Anfield, Jones was hauled off by Rangnick at half-time with Liverpool 2-0 up.The former England centre-back admits the decision left him feeling “humiliated”.And Jones gave Rangnick an X-rated blast for his cruel substitution.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old told the High Performance podcast: “I’ve never lost my head in a dressing room and I’ve never been emotional enough to lose myself in the dressing room.”And I think that’s the only time in my career that I completely lost it. I was absolutely raging. Raging. That he humiliated me.”Humiliated me in front of an Anfield crowd first and foremost, fearsome rivals, and the fans and my family and the players.”We were 2-0 down at half-time, weren’t great, I don’t think we had a shot on target first half. Nothing was coming off. And I’d actually done alright in the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Considering where I’d been, what I’d been going through, knee and injury-wise.”I’ll look back at the game and I’ll highlight anything, I didn’t give the ball away, I was calm under pressure. Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones opens up on mental health trauma caused by vile trollsJones retired from football this summer and is now a youth coach at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe was once hailed as a future captain by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty“I’m not saying I was exceptional, but I definitely didn’t deserve to come off at half-time.”There were far worse players on the pitch that day, I was the easy one to come off. You’re an easy scapegoat.”Jones’ admission came after he was hailed by fans for an impressive appearance on Sky Sports.The ace, who retired in August and is now a youth coach at United, also recently opened up over his mental health battle.And he is now looking to make his own way as a manager in the beautiful game.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.But he still can’t get over Rangnick’s decision to haul him off two-and-a-half years ago,Jones continued: “At half-time I remember Ralf came in and said, ‘I’m going to make a change, Phil’s going to come off.'”I remember the whole dressing room went like [eyes open] as if to say, ‘Is he bringing Phil off here?'”I took my boots off and I slammed them on the floor and I said, ‘You’re taking the p*** out of me’. “Everyone said, ‘Calm down, calm down.’ I get irate now (thinking about it), it really got to me. I just couldn’t get my head around it. “I apologised afterwards, I said, ‘It was out of character for me, I shouldn’t have done that, at that moment that was not what was needed in the dressing room,’ but you can understand I was pretty peeved off.”Jones spent 12 years playing for United, winning a title, FA Cup and Europa League in the process.A £16.5million signing from Blackburn in 2011, he was once hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as a future United captain.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Jones’ career was blighted by injury and he only ever made a relatively few 229 appearances before being released in 2023.The defender failed to find a new club between then and the summer, forcing his decision to retire and take up a full-time coaching role. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers Europa League clash intel has Malmo safety chief on security alert as rival fans pose risk ‘in negative way’

      by

      MALMO security chiefs have expressed fears over fan trouble at their Europa League opener against Rangers.They have dubbed the game a ‘high-risk’ fixture – and are concerned visiting fans could link-up with, or even be infiltrated by, Swedish rivals.Malmo are preparing for around 2,000 Rangers fans to travelCredit: SNSThe visitors will be housed in this corner of the Eleda StadionFormer Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is now in the Swedish squadCredit: AlamyGers are due to take up around 2,000 of the Eleda Stadion for the 5.15pm kick-off.But officials at Malmo, where ex-Ger Filip Helander is a club favourite and ex-Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is in the first-team, are worried about the clash.They fear Helsingborg fans may pile in amongst the crowd and “present themselves in a negative way”.Malmo head of security Peter Narbe has claimed Helsingborgs have links to Rangers and could attend the game leading to a security headache.Speaking to Sydsvenskan, the Swedish safety chief said: “We know there’s a ‘friendship’ there. We are aware of that.“It is likely that there will be HIF supporters who bought tickets in the home section. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re behaving badly; it’s important to point out.”However he added: “There may be a risk that they want to present themselves in a negative way.”Malmo’s main football rivals are IFK Gothenburg but neighbours Helsingborgs are also old foes in the Skanederby – in the Scania region of Sweden.Most read in FootballTrouble flared between the two sets of supporters before a derby two years ago, leading to ugly scenes of running battles on the Helsingborg streets.Ross McCormack on borrowing Michael Mols’ boots for his Rangers debutMalmo have already stoked up the Europa clash by poking fun at their two previous meetings with the Gers saying ‘we’ve missed you’.Their social media video revisited their previous two encounters this century – in 2011-12 before Rangers were plunged into the fourth tier as a result of their financial woes.They also met three seasons ago when Antonio Colak put Steven Gerrard’s side to the sword – the manager left two months later, but under Giovanni van Bronckhorst Rangers reached the Europa League Final.Jon Dahl Tomasson also tried to rile up Rangers by claiming Gers needed the money at the time.Swedes v ScotsRANGERS must make history on Thursday night if they are to get their Europa League group campaign off to the perfect start.by Roger HannahGers have NEVER beaten the Swedes in four previous meetings – and have suffered three damaging defeats to them.Here, SunSport looks back on those games as Philippe Clement prepares to take his squad to Scandinavia for the opener on Thursday evening.Rangers 0 Malmo 1Champions League qualifier – July 26, 2011ALLY McCOIST’S champions suffered a shock home defeat as Daniel Larsson hit the only goal in the first-half at Ibrox.New boss McCoist, who had stepped up to succeed Walter Smith, stuck with the stars who had won the title at Rugby Park just two months earlier.But the loss of captain David Weir to injury shortly after Larsson’s goal was another blow and Gers couldn’t equalise.Malmo 1 Rangers 1Champions League qualifier – August 3, 2011NINE-MAN Gers were dumped out of the Champions League by Malmo in a bad-tempered encounter in Sweden.Nikica Jelavic’s goal had levelled the tie in the 23rd minute but red cards for Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra hit McCoist’s side.The Swedes were reduced to ten men when Ferreira Ricardinho saw red but an 80th minute goal from Jiloan Hamad put the tie out of reach.Malmo 2 Rangers 1Champions League qualifier – August 3, 2021EXACTLY a decade after Gers’ elimination in Sweden, they returned to Malmo and suffered another damaging result.Soren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic scored two goals in two minutes after the break as Steven Gerrard’s side wobbled.Steven Davis scored in injury-time to give Gers hope for the second leg at Ibrox – but more woe awaited them just days later.Rangers 1 Malmo 2Champions League qualifier – August 10, 2021ALFREDO MORELOS cancelled out Malmo’s first-leg after just 18 minutes and Gers fans believed they were on the way to victory.That feeling was fuelled when Malmo’s Bonke Innocent was sent-off in first-half stoppage time with the tie balanced on a knife-edge.But Gers collapsed in the second half and Croatian striker Antonio Colak – who would later sign for Gers – scored twice inside four minutes to send the Swedes through 4-2 on aggregate.He famously said, with a wry smirk: “Is the pressure on us or them?”Don’t you think that they need the Champions League’s money here? I think so.”I think they need that. I think that’s a good answer, isn’t it?”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea in major gaffe as they show Premier League club’s XI instead of Barrow during Carabao Cup clash

      by

      CHELSEA made a huge gaffe ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Barrow.The Blues romped to a 5-0 victory with Christopher Nkunku grabbing a hat-trick.Chelsea made a gaffe when revealing Barrow’s line-upChelsea won 5-0 with Christopher Nkunku netting a hat-trickCredit: APThey are now four games unbeaten and looking good under Enzo Maresca, having beaten West Ham 3-0 at the weekend.But off the pitch the club made a blunder on the big screen as they attempted to share Barrow’s line-up.The screen showed Barrow’s crest next to a list of player names – but Chelsea got the wrong team.So instead of revealing who was playing for the League Two side, there was a list of Crystal Palace stars instead.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThat is because Palace were the last team to visit Stamford Bridge at the beginning of the month.Fans joked about the gaffe with one saying: “No wonder Barrow are top of the league.”Another added: “Fair play to Chelsea beating this side 5-0.”A third wrote: “Decent for League Two that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea player ratings vs BarrowJOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.Here’s how the starting XI rated…Filip Jorgensen – 6Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.Malo Gusto – 7Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.Axel Disasi – 6Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.Benoit Badiashile – 6Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.Renato Veiga – 6Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.Cesare Casadei – 7Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.Pedro Neto – 7Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.Joao Felix – 8Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.Christopher Nkunku – 9Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.SubsBen Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.Click here to read more on Chelsea.And another commented: “Definitely a top three squad that, Barrow in League One next season surely.”Chelsea fans were also left frustrated during the match as cameras cut away just before Nkunku performed his trademark celebration with an inflated balloon after netting his hat-trick goal.Chelsea player ratings from 5-0 win over Barrow More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Steve McClaren takes swipe at Cristiano Ronaldo as he claims Man Utd legend fell short of Erik ten Hag’s ‘standards’

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO failed to meet Erik ten Hag’s standards before his acrimonious Manchester United exit.That is according to former Red Devils assistant Steve McClaren. Steve McClaren was Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United assistant for two yearsCredit: RexHe got a front-row seat to watch the drama unfold between Ten Hag and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersMcClaren, 63, was reunited with Ten Hag in 2022 when the Dutchman took over as Old Trafford boss.Fourteen years earlier, they first met as McClaren was appointed FC Twente manager and had Ten Hag as an assistant.So when the former Ajax chief arrived in Manchester, he brought Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 McClaren back to the club.And that meant the Yorkshireman got a first-hand view of Ten Hag’s managerial approach – and saw exactly what happened with Ronaldo.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner infamously had his contract ripped up and he quit United midway through Ten Hag’s first season as the pair fell out.Ronaldo refused to come on, sulked on the sidelines, left matches early and then publicly slated the manager in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.Ronaldo, 39, explosively revealed he cannot respect Ten Hag because “he doesn’t show me respect” and said he felt “betrayed” by United, who had made “zero” progress since Ferguson’s exit. McClaren, though, believes his boss was in the right as he took a swipe at Ronaldo’s behaviour.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking to The Telegraph, McClaren said: “I couldn’t fault his [Ten Hag’s] approach. “He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in.Man United manager Erik Ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo Refused to come on against Tottenham and says he has been punishedCristiano Ronaldo vs Erik ten Hag rowMay 2022 – Ten Hag leaves Ajax to become Man Utd managerJuly 2022 – Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before end of pre-season draw with Rayo VallecanoAugust 2022 – Ronaldo tries to force through a transfer exit from Old Trafford after club failed to qualify for Champions LeagueOctober 2022 – Ten Hag not convinced by Ronaldo and regularly benches him, including as an unused sub in 6-3 Manchester derby defeat October 2022 – Ronaldo refuses to come on as a sub against Tottenham and left Old Trafford early, Ten Hag then suspends star and makes him train aloneNovember 2022 – Ronaldo does explosive interview with Piers Morgan, saying he cannot “respect” Ten Hag, United “betrayed” him and made “zero progress” since Fergie leftNovember 2022 – Man Utd terminate Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract with immediate effectFebruary 2023 – Ten Hag wins Carabao CupMay 2024 – Ten Hag finishes eighth in Premier League but wins FA Cup to cling on to job September 2024 – Ronaldo slams Ten Hag for saying United are not ready to challenge for Premier League or Champions LeagueSeptember 2024 – Ten Hag hits back at Ronaldo for his own views on the state of the club, then indirectly quotes the Portuguese forward’s ketchup bottle analogy “That was shown in the way he handled [the departure of Cristiano] Ronaldo.”He [Ten Hag] came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. “He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are. He knew that was what was needed. “There could be no flexibility, no way the players could manoeuvre [out of that responsibility].“This is what you had to do – or you didn’t play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly. “Other managers have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t feel it was necessary to do that. “Ralf Rangnick had tried and it hadn’t quite worked out and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the same. So he [Ten Hag] stuck to his guns and developed other players.”Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in December 2022.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.Two months later, Ten Hag led United to the Carabao Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought for the Red Devils, before qualifying for the Champions League.Last season, a disappointing campaign blighted by injuries led to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.However, a stunning performance in the FA Cup final saw Ten Hag’s men beat Manchester City.That capped off what McClaren described as a “turbulent” first two seasons for him and Ten Hag at Old Trafford.The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner last season also prompted speculation and uncertainty over Ten Hag’s future.McClaren decided to step away, taking on the role as Jamaica national team boss.But Ten Hag, 54, signed a new contract to extend his stay.However, it has been another difficult start to the season with painful defeats against Brighton and Liverpool before a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.And the simmering feud with Ronaldo reared its head again in recent weeks. Ronaldo slammed Ten Hag for suggesting United are not ready to compete for the Premier League or Champions League – then told his former manager to take advice from his new assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.The Portuguese forward told Rio Ferdinand: “Manchester United, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself]. I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen [to] the guys who were there.”But Ten Hag hit back – insisting it was Ronaldo’s own assessment that United could not challenge for the biggest titles.Then the Dutchman borrowed a famous quote from his nemesis to discuss Marcus Rashford ending his goal drought.Ten Hag said: “It’s very important. For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list.”Once the first is in, more is coming. Once, a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat unusual ketchup reference is an analogy Ronaldo has used to describe a forward finding goal-scoring form.Ronaldo previously offered the condiment-themed advice to Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota, while he has used the quip multiple other times throughout his career – first referencing it back in 2010.McClaren has taken over as Jamaica managerCredit: Instagram / jff_footballHe worked alongside Ronaldo before the Portuguese star had his contract ripped upCredit: EPARonaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan was explosiveCredit: TalkTVTen Hag has won two trophies since Ronaldo left Old TraffordCredit: Getty More