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      Tottenham crisis as Pape Matar Sarr becomes latest star to suffer training ground injury

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      TOTTENHAM have sunk deeper into injury crisis after Pape Matar Sarr was added to their crocked list.Ange Postecoglou will be going into the match against Hoffenheim on Thursday with a host of senior stars injured.Pape Matar Sarr has been added to the club’s injury listCredit: AlamyAnd they now also be without Sarr for the clash after he had to pull out of training earlier today.That means Postecoglou has as many as 11 stars sidelined through injury.To add insult to injury, three players who are fit are unavailable to play due to them not being registered in the competition.Those are Djed Spence, Antonin Kinsky and Sergio Reguilon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe North London club were handed a boost with both Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur seen back in training today.However, the pair remain doubtful of being selected.That means Spurs will be forced to field a makeshift XI of stars for the crunch tie.The stars ruled out are as follows: Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Micky Van de Ven, Wilson Odobert, Yves Bissouma, Fraser Forster, Sarr and the aforementioned Romero, Bentancur doubtful.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDespite the news, Sarr was strangely pictured in the background of training pictures released by the club.Tottenham sit ninth in the Europa League table, one place below the automatic knockout qualification spots.Tottenham boss Postecoglou takes blame for collapse in Everton defeat Spurs have seen their Premier League form drop off a cliff with four defeats in their last five games leaving them 15th in the table. More

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      Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Man Utd fury after ‘smashing big screen TV in dressing room outburst’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has broke his silence on smashing a TV screen in anger after Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton.The manager is alleged to have let out his frustrations at the players when they returned to the dressing room after the final whistle on Sunday.Ruben Amorim addressed reports he smashed a TV after the loss to BrightonCredit: RexThe TV can be seen behind Amad Diallo on the day of the Brighton gameAmorim tends to stay silent straight after a game and prefers to analyse the performance when he things have settled down.But the boss instead ripped into his team, with a TV inside the changing room used for showing tactics feeling the full force of his outburst.He later spoke to the press and claimed he is in charge of the “worst Manchester United team in history”.Asked about the incident ahead of the Europa League clash against Rangers tomorrow, Amorim said: “I didn’t think, that’s why. I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That’s why I don’t [usually] speak after the game. This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake.”Then I get more nervous and go to the [press] conference really nervous and say things you should not say.”I don’t promise I will not do it again. I don’t know, but I’ll try to improve.”Amorim later clarified his comments, adding: “I did not say I was nervous. I said the team was nervous and I was frustrated.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Frustrated is different from nervous. If you say for the players it is good to see the coach frustrated, maybe not, but I did not say I was nervous.”We, as a team, it is always, we. I am saying the obvious, if you want I can be delusional and say different things.Man Utd’s owners will have ‘very strong word’ with Ruben Amorim over ‘bizarre and ridiculous’ claim, says Carragher “I say it as I saw it and I say to the players. It is a good thing to be honest with you.”If you want me to say different things – I saw one thing and I tell you a different thing – I can start to do that, it is easier for me.”I am not nervous, I am frustrated.”United players and staff were reportedly left shocked by the manager’s fit of rage in the dressing room.Eagle-eyed fans also spotted a cut on his finger as he spoke to the media after the Brighton defeat.United’s record at home this season is the club’s worst in the league in 131 years – when they went by the name of Newton Heath.They have not lost six games at Old Trafford in 12 opening league appearances since the 1893-94 season, when they lost seven.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s men are 13th in the Premier League after 22 matches.They sit closer to the relegation zone (10 points) than they do the top four (12 points).Man Utd ratings vs BrightonBy Ken LawrenceANDRE ONANA was back to his worst as Manchester United fell to another Old Trafford defeat.It appeared Ruben Amorim’s side had turned a corner in recent weeks with a draw at Anfield and an FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Arsenal.But dreadful individual mistakes cost them yet again with Onana the chief culprit.The keeper dropped a huge clanger as he palmed a simple cross straight to Georginio Rutter under no pressure whatsoever.There were few positive notes for the Red Devils as Amad once again provided a spark.Here is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the United display…ANDRE ONANA: 2 – No chance with either of the Seagulls’ first two goals. But an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT: 5 – Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself throughout.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 – The one member of United’s three-man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.LENY YORO: 5 – The £52m youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 4 – Has been one of the few consistent successes of Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.MANUEL UGARTE: 5 – Supposedly “tired” in the 3-1 win over Southampton the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched on.KOBBIE MAINOO: 4 – Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst on the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT: 5 – Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO: 7 – Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team-mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES: 6 – Ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE: 5 – “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64): 5 – Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64): 5 – Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.ANTONY (for Mazraoui 84): 4 – Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim…RASMUS HOJLUND (for Zirkzee 84): 4 – Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display. More

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      Wilfried Zaha joins MLS side Charlotte FC in bid to reignite his career and will link up with ex-Premier League manager

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      WILFRIED ZAHA has joined Major League Soccer side Charlotte in a bid to reignite his career.The Crystal Palace icon turned down a £200,000-a-week deal to pursue his Champions League dream with Galatasaray 18 months ago.Wilfried Zaha endured an underwhelming loan spell at LyonCredit: GettyZaha scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for the Turkish side last season before being sent on loan to Lyon – where he has made just six appearances this term.The Ivory Coast international has joined the MLS side, who are managed by ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, as a designated player on loan for the 2025 season.Zaha’s deal includes the option to extend the loan for another year across the 2026 season.Charlotte’s General Manager Zoran Krneta said: “Wilfred is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfred can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.”“He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games. “We are delighted to add a player of Wilfred’s pedigree and experience to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte.”Zaha has already started training with his new teammates, who include former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYCharlotte begin their MLS campaign against Seattle Sounders on February 22.Zaha has not played at all since a one-minute substitute cameo against Angers on December 7.Wilfried Zaha posts video from flight to new club as he’s finally set to complete shock move after long transfer race He started just one match for Lyon during his loan stint, a 2-1 win at Toulouse on September 29.Lyon boss Pierre Sage said of Zaha in October: “The idea isn’t to fine him for the sake of fining him.”The idea is simply for him to be aware of what we expect from him at our club and I said he needs to understand that we recruited Wilfried Zaha, so we would like to have Wilfried Zaha.”Zaha, 32, struggled for game time in FranceCredit: SNS More

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      Man City accused of persuading transfer target, 18, to buy out his contract as Real Valladolid threaten legal action

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      MANCHESTER City have been slammed over the potential signing of young defender Juma Bah.Spanish side Real Valladolid are accusing City of persuading Bah to buy out his own youth contract in order to secure a move to the Etihad.Man City are being threatened with legal action over a move for Real Valladolid’s Juma BahCredit: GettyAnd Valladolid have threatened to take legal action against the centre back, 18, for breach of contract.According to reports in Spain, City were in talks with the LaLiga side for a deal worth up to £6.75m.But Sierra Leone-born Bah, 18, and his representatives informed Valladolid that they were instead going to pay up the terms of his current youth contract at a cost of around £5m.And Valladolid are furious, because Bah has refused to sign a pro deal that would have cost more to buy out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish club issued a stern statement, saying: “Abdulai Juma Bah and his agent informed Real Valladolid yesterday evening of their intention to unilaterally break the contract that binds both parties.“Previously, yesterday evening, Manchester City sent a statement asking Real Valladolid to open negotiations for the player for a possible permanent transfer.“Today, the Sierra Leonean has decided not to report to his workplace for morning training. For all these reasons, the Club holds the player responsible for the breach of his contractual commitments, and has asked its legal department to initiate disciplinary action in this regard.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation at the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The Club considers that Manchester City, a member of the City Football Group, is behind the Player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route, which puts Real Valladolid in a defenceless position, after having recently rejected financial offers of a higher amount, even more so when the player is in the legally protected period of his youth stage.”And, in recent days, had refused to sign the professional player’s licence, as this would entail an automatic increase in his termination clause.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence“Manchester City seems to have advised the player to adopt this path that puts Real Valladolid in a helpless situation.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid.”Real Valladolid will resort to the appropriate legal and sporting jurisdictions to exercise its rights and defend its interests.”Man City have declined to comment.Bah arrived at Valladolid on loan last summer from AIK Freetown in his native Sierra Leone.The 6ft 5in centre back was so impressive that on January 1 the La Liga club exercised its right to buy him for a fee of about £840,000.If City complete a deal for Bah, he is expected to go straight out on loan to Lens after the French club sold centre half Abdukodir Khusanov to the Premier League champions earlier this week. More

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      Man Utd face having stadium capacity REDUCED by government body who have power to close parts of Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED risk having their stadium’s capacity reduced by a government body, according to reports.The Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) have the power to close parts of Old Trafford.Old Trafford’s capacity could reportedly be reduced by a government bodyCredit: RexThe Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) have the power to close parts of Old TraffordCredit: ReutersThey have warned United to clamp down on ‘persistent standing’ inside the Theatre of DreamsCredit: GettyIt comes after the SGSA have warned United to clamp down on “persistent standing” inside the Theatre of Dreams.Footage emerged online after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton of stewards taking photographs of fans who were standing up.The group has outlined its concerns with the number of fans standing in certain parts of the ground, including the Stretford End.Standing is only permitted in designated areas with barriers or rails to keep fans safe, as long as certain criteria are met.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited claim that they’ve never had any recorded injuries from fans standing.According to The Mail, it is understood they have been left surprised by the mid-season pressure from the SGSA.The Red Devils have effectively been forced to take stronger action to risk having the capacity reduced.But there is no suggestion that tipping point has been reached.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club have also successfully rolled out safe-standing in several sections of Old Trafford.And rail seating now accounts for more than 10 per cent of the stadium.My 16-year-old brother will be even better than Wayne Rooney at Man Utd Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundUnited first introduced safe standing in January 2022, when the stadium was one of five chosen for a trial period.They received government approval following a series of trials.Ruben Amorim and his players are back in action on Thursday when they face Rangers in the Europa League.Meanwhile United took a major step forward in their discussions surrounding the future of Old Trafford.A Task Force, set up by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe last March, announced that they have “completed their initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium.”They determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing ground, which has stood in place since 1910, from 74,000 to 87,000,But a new-build stadium, which would cost around £2billion, would allow capacity to reach 100,000.Paul Scholes reacts to Man Utd ticket price hikeHow can you ask Manchester United fans to pay more money with what is on the football pitch?£66 for a ticket is ridiculous. If you think of Manchester, there are so many deprived areas.Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself is from Failsworth, which is a deprived area.If you take one kid with you, that is £120, if you take a family, you are looking at £300-400 – it is just not right.Where do these owners get the front to put ticket prices up?For the value – we’re probably having our worst ever Premier League season and they’ve got the cheek to put the prices up.There is nothing positive happening with that football club. The team look bang average. They are not doing anything for fans.If we have got Sir Jim Ratcliffe, compared to all these American owners, who has been a United fan since growing up in an area in Manchester – he is still hiking prices up.It just shows that they don’t care. More

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      Alejandro Garnacho will prove he’s a world class talent at his next club… but he won’t reach those heights at Man Utd

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO will be a world class forward, just not at Manchester United.Garnacho, 20, is rightly labelled as one of the club’s brightest talents and was considered as one of three untouchable stars following last year’s FA Cup final.Alejandro Garnacho will prove he is a world class talent but not at Man UtdCredit: RexPuskas-winner Garnacho is one of the club’s most talented starsCredit: APBut a slew of issues and run of poor form under Ruben Amorim have cast doubts on his futureCredit: EPAAnd with transfer interest high it could be time to cash inCredit: GettyBut now the Puskas-award winning attacker looks set to be one of the first casualties of Ruben Amorim’s rebuild.So what happened in the space of half a season to trigger such a drastic change in transfer policy?After all, Garnacho is the Red Devils’ joint-second top scorer this season with eight goals, ranked only behind Amad Diallo on nine and level with club captain Bruno Fernandes.Former manager Erik ten Hag said of him that if he works hard, “that will bring him to being a world-class player because he has the potential.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCristiano Ronaldo, Garnacho’s idol, played 73 games for Manchester United before turning 20, during which he had managed 10 goals. In Garnacho’s first 73 games, he had 12, suggesting he’s shown more promise in these early years than even the great CR7.However, the winger has been one of the main stars to suffer a dip in form following the appointment of Amorim.Since the former Sporting Lisbon boss’s arrival, Garnacho has scored just two goals and his inconsistency has been clear to see in a role which he just doesn’t seem to have a feel for.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis is not to say he can’t learn his new position as one of the two No10s supporting the striker that Amorim likes to deploy, but off-field issues have also surrounded Garnacho in Amorim’s early days in the job.Both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were omitted from the matchday squad for the Manchester derby with the pair implicated in alleged team leaks.Fans convinced they’ve spotted cut on Ruben Amorim’s finger in interview that gave away Man Utd boss’s furious outburst Amorim choosing to address the leaks in public appeared to help end that particular saga for the time being, but Garnacho has still been highlighted over major concerns about his attitude and professionalism.It was reported that a touchline incident where Garnacho turned his back on Amorim played a part in the decision to axe the youngster.With these sort of issues in an environment as toxic as Man Utd, it feels like a ticking time-bomb where a huge fallout could be on the horizon.If that happens, Manchester United run the risk that Garnacho’s value would have plummeted compared to what it is now – just like many other young stars who generated big expectations but failed to deliver.Jadon Sancho, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Adnan Januzaj are just some of the names to have played for Man Utd with high hopes early on before failing to deliver.At the moment Garnacho is undoubtedly the club’s most valuable and – most importantly in this context – sellable asset with heavy interest from Napoli and Chelsea.Just not ChelseaOut of those two, Manchester United’s transfer chiefs should do all they can to ensure a sale to a direct rival in Chelsea does not happen.Napoli would be the ideal destination from a damage-limitation perspective, particularly if they can get the full £70million valuation out of the deal.You only have to look at Scott McTominay to see that Garnacho could unlock his full potential there, with the Scot thriving in Italy with six goals in 23 games in all competitions.That £25m sale, counted as pure profit as part of PSR rules that encourage the sale of academy stars, was a big part in ensuring Man Utd avoided a points penalty and were in a position to splash another £200m on transfers in the summer.Even before Amorim was appointed it was acknowledged a huge rebuild task was needed for this squad. But with a completely different tactical style the squad once again needs open-heart surgery with way more than £200m needed to course correct – even assuming every transfer ends up being a hit.And this time the club cannot afford to botch it up.Regardless of history, Man Utd are no longer in a position to attract the top names and need to reflect and understand the new food chain of football sees the Red Devils as a has-been.In an ideal world, Garnacho would be one of the main parts of this new dawn, and he is one of the last names who should be sold from this squad of so-called stars.Old Trafford icon Paul Scholes listed the winger among just three players Manchester United must keep.But one simple rule of business comes from supply and demand, and many of the underperforming and overpaid players who should be sold before Garnacho are simply not attracting interest.Names like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen spring to mind in that sense, while those who are being moved on such as Antony are only leaving on loan and therefore only offering a reduction in wages.Even former talisman, Rashford, is unable to generate a considerable fee following his declaration of wanting to leave, with any transfer for him this month looking set to be a loan.Selling a diamond in the rough like Garnacho will only serve to further agitate an already battered and bruised fanbase.They have endured disgraceful performances on the pitch, scandalous ticket price increases and a general state of stagnation and regression supporting the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, due to Garnacho – like McTominay – counting as pure profit on the books he may need to be the first domino to fall and serve as the catalyst of Amorim’s United getting back to the top of England.And unfortunately, it should be a head over heart resolution where any player is for sale if a deal is good enough and both parties can depart with no hard feelings.Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

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      Ruben Amorim is wrong, this isn’t the worst Man Utd team in history… I played in a worse one under Sir Alex Ferguson

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      RUBEN AMORIM declared on Sunday that his struggling side might be the worst Manchester United team in history.But hero of the Sir Alex Ferguson era Gary Pallister disagrees with the current boss’ assessment.Ruben Amorim made a bold claim about Man Utd’s current cropCredit: XGary Pallister spent nine years at Old Trafford under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA:Empics SportSir Alex pictured in 1990Credit: GettyPallister, 59, played for the Red Devils between 1989 and 1998 – winning four Premier League titles and three FA Cups along the way.He reckons that one of his early United sides was even worse than the current crop.Speaking to Punters Lounge, who offer the latest horse racing betting, Pallister said: “Is this the worst Manchester United team of all time?”I remember us going to Millwall in the middle of April in 1990 and if we had lost we would’ve gone into the bottom three.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Because of that I’d say I have actually played in a United team that was worse than this one, despite having players like Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Brian McClair, Danny Wallace, Lee Sharpe and myself in there.”That team went on to win the Premier League in 1993 so it’s not all doom and gloom, there are good players who are just struggling to find a way and put it all together.”Ruben Amorim made that comment preempting what people might say after the Brighton result, he said it with a wry smile.”Having said that, it’s a bit messy at the moment and the club are fighting transfer rules with more talks about players leaving, it’s a concerning time for everyone associated with United. We are not in a good place.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYPallister has had his say on Man UtdCredit: GettyThe centre-back played under Sir Alex Ferguson for nine yearsCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils have reportedly drawn up a four-man striker shortlist including Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Jonathan David ahead of a potential swoop later this month.But in order to free up funds, they may have to flog at least one of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford.Fans convinced they’ve spotted cut on Ruben Amorim’s finger in interview that gave away Man Utd boss’s furious outburst Amorim, 39, was furious after Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton – reportedly damaging a big screen TV in United’s dressing room.In his press conference, he said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.“In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.“You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”Man Utd have lost six of their opening 12 home league games this season – their worst start to a season on home turf in 131 years.They return to action tomorrow night, when they host Rangers in the Europa League. More

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      Chelsea set to seal Naomi Girma transfer with USA star due to sign for WSL leaders for world-record fee

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      NAOMI GIRMA is set to join Chelsea for a world-record transfer fee from NWSL side San Diego Wave.The deal for the USA international is thought to be around £900,000 ($1.1m), surpassing the £685,000 fee Bay FC paid for Zambia ace Racheal Kundananji.Naomi Girma is set to become Sonia Bompastor’s first January signing for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe USA ace helped San Diego Wave to win the NWSL Shield in 2023 and was named the division’s Defender of the YearCredit: GettyGirma also helped the USA win gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024 following their triumph in the women’s football tournament at the gamesCredit: GettyChelsea’s swoop for the player, who is 24, comes two months after their centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during their defeat of Liverpool. It will also see them beat Lyon to Girma’s signature with the eight-time Champions League winners believed to be keen on the defender. According to ESPN Chelsea are thought to have agreed terms with Girma, who is a key figure in the USA team managed by former Blues boss Emma Hayes. The California-born ace is one of the sport’s most highly-rated defenders and a player ex-San Diego Wave boss Casey Stoney believes will be a “massive gain” for the club. Read More Football Stories The centre-back played a significant role in helping her national side to win a gold medal in the women’s football tournament at last year’s Olympics in Paris. Hayes, who guided Chelsea to seven WSL title wins during her 12-year reign, described her as a player who is “unbelievable” on the pitch.Last August, the USA Women’s boss said: “She’s got everything, poise, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. She’s unbelievable.”Girma performances led to her being included in Fifa’s 2024 Best Women’s 11 side. Most read in SportThis line-up, which is dominated by Barcelona stars, also includes England and Blues right-back Lucy Bronze. Chelsea’s move for Girma follows the club breaking the British transfer record to sign Mayra Ramirez last January. The Colombia striker joined the WSL leaders from leaders from Spanish side Levante for a fee of £384,000 along with add-ous of up to £42,600. Chelsea will host Durham in the Women’s FA Cup ahead of their WSL game against ArsenalCredit: GettyChelsea, who host title rivals Arsenal in a WSL clash this Sunday, are currently top of the league after 10 wins and one draw so far this term. So far this season, under Sonia Bompastor, the Blues are currently unbeaten across all competitions. The Stamford Bridge duel will be Arsenal’s first away trip to the league leaders since Renee Slegers became the Gunners’ permanent head coach.  More