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      Wayne Rooney calls Ten Hag a ‘fantastic manager’ but ‘frustrated’ Man Utd legend pinpoints where it has gone wrong

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      WAYNE ROONEY has labelled Erik ten Hag a “fantastic” manager and has pinpointed a possible reason behind Manchester United’s failings.The Red Devils have suffered their worst start to a Premier League season and lie 14th after picking up just two wins in seven games.Wayne Rooney has identified how Man Utd could improveCredit: GettyHe also praised Ten Hag calling him a ‘fantastic’ managerCredit: RexTen Hag is under pressure but looks set to stay in charge with draws against Porto and Aston Villa appearing to save his job.Man Utd have a number of candidates in mind to replace the Dutchman but he has received backing from club legend Rooney, who is against the idea of having to undergo another rebuild at Old Trafford if Ten Hag is sacked.Asked if Ten Hag is the right man for the job, Rooney told Sky Sports: “Well that’s obviously down to the owners of the football club to look at that. I’m sure Erik Ten Hag is a fantastic manager.”He’s won trophies wherever he’s been and won trophies at Manchester United as well.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So yes, he’s going through a difficult period and I think he’d probably say that himself.”But you hope he can turn it around because too often managers lose their jobs and then it’s another rebuild with a different manager.”Rooney, 38, also offered Ten Hag a tip on how he could turn things around, suggesting he needs to implement a core of British players.He said on talkSPORT: “I think for everyone who wants Manchester United to do well, it’s been frustrating.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think the culture of the football club is… we’ve seen a lot of players who are coming in, a lot of foreign players.” I think Manchester United’s identity was always a good core of British players and I think that’s maybe missing a little bit, players who can control the dressing room and help the manager out when they’re going through a difficult period.Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 7 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exit”So I think that’s a big change, if you like, from what I’ve seen over the last few years, but we hope Ten Hag can turn it around and get them back challenging.” More

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      ‘I was unaware,’ says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon gives Phil Jones heartfelt public apology on camera after criticism

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      RIO FERDINAND has publicly apologised to Phil Jones for demanding he quit Manchester United.Jones, 32, officially retired in the summer after making just five appearances in his last three seasons at the club.Rio Ferdinand has apologised for criticising Phil JonesCredit: XJones struggled with knee injuries in his 12 years at Man UtdCredit: AFPThe defender battled persistent knee injuries and was out for 20 months with his worst issue.Jones has since admitted he struggled mentally while stuck in the treatment room.Meanwhile, Ferdinand was unaware of his former team-mate’s struggles and criticised the decision to keep him at Old Trafford.But he has now given Jones a heartfelt apology to his face as he joined him on his show Rio Ferdinand presents.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “Firstly, I have said sorry publicly and I will say it to your face now – sorry for criticising you.”He wasn’t playing for a long period of time and I was like ‘he’s got to go out and play’.”I knew this kid when he was 18 and came to Man Utd, he wants to play football, why is he sitting there?”Is it the crest of Man Utd that he wants on his chest, is he staying for his own ego? Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Just go and play some football and get out of the way let another young kid come through because you’re stifling someone else’s growth maybe.”But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer texted me and he said ‘you are obviously not aware but he has been injured for a long time’. Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones lifts lid on heartbreaking moment he ‘wanted world to swallow me up’ and realised career over”I thought ‘s***, why has nobody told me?’ But I was unaware of the situation.”I wanted to say sorry, I hope you do not judge me and it was not personal.”Jones admitted that Ferdinand’s criticism hurt due to his legendary status at Man Utd and the fact they used to play together.And he revealed he was in such a “dark place” mentally that he did not want to reach out to Ferdinand to explain his injury battles.Jones, who wants to go into management, previously said he used to hide his injuries from his team-mates because he did not want them to see him struggling.He said: “My coping mechanism when I had any problems was to stay silent, and that was probably my downfall.”I didn’t open up to anyone, and I would hide my injuries from other players and the staff. I put a shield up so no-one knew what was going on, apart from my close family.”One of my lowest moments was when I was trying to play through the pain of my knee injury, when it had got to a point where the doctor had to inject my knee before every game I played so I didn’t feel it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was embarrassing for me because I didn’t want anyone to see that I was struggling or in pain.”I was meant to be a tough guy as a defender, remember, so I went into a cubicle in the changing room just as the manager started his pre-match talk and got the doc to inject me in there.” More

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      Liverpool injury nightmare with Alisson set for layoff as seven matches he’ll miss revealed including crunch title clash

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      LIVERPOOL have been dealt a significant blow as Alisson is set for a month out injured.The goalkeeper picked up an injury against Crystal Palace on Saturday and had to be taken off.Alisson is expected to miss at least seven matches due to injuryCredit: AlamyThe goalkeeper picked up a hamstring injury and was taken off against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper sustained a hamstring injury and he is not expected to return until after the next international break in November.That means Alisson will miss at least seven matches across three competitions.Liverpool face several tough fixtures over the next month, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton and Aston Villa in the Premier League.They also face the Seagulls in the Carabao Cup and RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaoimhin Kelleher will likely deputise having featured in the Carabao Cup clash against West Ham last month.The Ireland international has proved a reliable No2, playing a key role in the Reds’ Carabao Cup triumph in 2023.He also featured in ten Premier League games last season when Alisson was sidelined with another hamstring injury.However he now has competition for the No2 berth from summer arrival Giorgi Mamardashvili.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatches Alisson could missOctober 20: Chelsea (h) – Premier LeagueOctober 23: RB Leipzig (a) – Champions LeagueOctober 27: Arsenal (a) – Premier LeagueOctober 30: Brighton (a) – Carabao CupNovember 2: Brighton (h) – Premier LeagueNovember 5: Bayer Leverkusen (h) – Champions LeagueNovember 9: Aston Villa (h) – Premier LeagueAlisson has missed 40 Liverpool games in the last five years – more than any other Big Six keeper.He has suffered from illness as well as hip, shoulder and thigh problems.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 Seasons More

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      Roy Keane reveals six players always in the ‘back of his mind’ during Man Utd career including ‘p***k to play against’

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      ROY KEANE once revealed his six-man hit list of players that he would keep in the back of his mind when he played against them.Known for his hard-man persona and crunching tackles, Keane was no stranger to booking during his career.Roy Keane once revealed the six players he would keep ‘in the back of his mind’ during his careerCredit: GettyOne of Keane’s most famous battles was with Alf-Inge HaalandCredit: GettyHis full-frontal approach to the game saw him pick up seven Premier League red cards – the second most sending offs in the league’s 32-year history.Keane has made it clear that his intentions were never to go out and hurt anyone on purpose, but admitted there was still a list of players he would keep at the back of his mind when he faced them with an eye to leave something on them.One of the former Manchester United star’s most famous incidents was a heavy blow on Alf-Inge Haaland – father of Man City’s Erling Haaland.Keane put in a studs up challenge right on the Norwegian’s knee back in 2001, with many suggesting that the brutal tackle was the point at which Haaland’s career ended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpeaking in his 2014 book “The Second Half”, Keane described Haaland as “an absolute p***k to play against”, going on to list the other five players that he would always look out for on the pitch.He explained: “He was an absolute p***k to play against. Niggling, sneaky. “The incident took place in a match against City. But I’d played against him when he was at Leeds. The rivalry was massive between United and Leeds.”Was I going around for years thinking, I’m going to get him, I’m going to get him’? No. Most read in FootballKeane landed a horror challenge on Haaland in 2001, leaving the Norwegian with a knee injuryCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Was he at the back of my mind? Of course, he was. Like Rob Lee was, like David Batty was, like Alan Shearer was, like Dennis Wise was, like Patrick Vieira was. “All these players were at the back of my mind. ‘If I get a chance, I’m going to f****n’ hit you.”Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateKeane had some pretty famous battles on the pitch with Patrick Viera and Alan Shearer with some of their bad blood spilling into the tunnel.But the incident with Haaland has always stuck out above the rest.Following the challenge, Haaland’s knee injury saw him make just four substitute appearances in the subsequent season and he was forced to retire aged just 30.While Keane was handed a five-game ban and a £150,000 fine by the FA for his excessive force.The seven-time Premier League champion has insisted he never intended to injury anybody though and that heavy tackles were just part of his role as a central midfielder.He said: “That’s the game. I played in central midfield. I wasn’t a little right-back or left-back, who can coast through his career without tackling anybody.”Or a tricky winger who never gets injured. I played in the middle of the park. There’s a difference between kicking somebody and injuring somebody. Any experienced player will tell you that”.Keane had some famous spats with Arsenal icon Patrick VieiraCredit: GettyHe regularly came to blows with Alan Shearer tooCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It’s not normal, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history,’ says Spain boss as Euro winner reveals contract woes

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      SPAIN’S manager insists his contract situation is “not normal” after winning Euro 2024.Luis de la Fuente stepped up from his national team’s Under-21s boss to take over from Luis Enrique as the senior gaffer in December 2022.Luis de la Fuente is astonished he has not sorted an improved contract despite winning Euro 2024Credit: GettyDe La Fuente successfully ensured Spain qualified for the Euros, winning seven of their eight matches to book their spot in Germany.His initial contract took him up to the end of the summer tournament.However, he put pen to paper on a new deal at the beginning of June until the 2026 World Cup.But despite leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory – beating England 2-1 in July’s final in Berlin – De La Fuente has still not been rewarded with an improved contract with no pay rise or extension.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLReports suggest the Spanish FA and De La Fuente’s representatives are in talks to seal a new deal to take him through to Euro 2028 where he will try and defend the title. But for now, the manager is stunned by the lack of progress – and suggested Enrique would not be treated in the same way if he had led Spain to the major honour. De La Fuente – who won two LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey as a left-back with Athletic Bilbao in the 1980s – said: “It’s not normal for a European champion to be without a contract. “I don’t know if the same thing would have happened with Luis Enrique.Most read in Euro 2024FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’ve had offers, as is normal. “What’s not normal is that the current European champion, I don’t know if it’s ever happened in history, is without a contract. Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 win”I have the same conditions as when I was promoted from the U21s.”It would have been fair if I had signed the contract already.”Spain beat Germany and France before downing the Three Lions at Euro 2024.In their two matches since being crowned champions, La Roja drew 0-0 with Serbia then beat Switzerland 4-1 despite playing with ten men for 70 minutes.They face Denmark on Saturday in their next Nations League fixture before hosting Serbia on Tuesday. De La Fuente led his country to glory in Germany, beating England in the finalCredit: Reuters More

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      Distraught fans say ‘the game’s gone’ as iconic stadium to be renamed after mega-money partnership with Riyadh Air

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      FANS are up in arms after Atletico Madrid announced their new stadium sponsor.The Spanish giants moved into the 68,456-capacity Metropolitano Stadium in 2017 after leaving the iconic Vicente Calderon Stadium.Riyadh Air will sponsor the Metropolitano stadiumCredit: AlamyThe state-of-the-art venue hosted the 2019 Champions League final, when Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1.Now Atletico’s stadium will undergo a rebrand after the club agreed a deal with Saudi company Riyadh Air, according to AS via Expansion.The sponsorship means the venue will be renamed the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until at least 2033.The deal is reported to be worth in the region of £210-250million, and will see Riyadh Air increase their involvement in Atletico, having already sponsored their shirts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChinese company Wanda group sponsored the ground for the first five years before Civitas took over in 2022 in a deal worth £7m a year to Atletico.Fans are unhappy at the switch with some declaring the “game has gone”.One supporter reacted to the news saying: “Riyadh Air Metropolitano” not even remotely feels like their home ground name 🤮”Another added: “Woke nonsense.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. A third wrote: “They’re coming for absolutely EVERYTHING.”And another commented: “Atletico and Barcelona are selling their souls for money it’s embarrassing.”Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debut More

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      Israel vs France: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the Nations League with BetMGM

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      FRANCE are warm favourites to collect three points on Thursday when they take on Israel in Hungary.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the Nations League encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsIsrael vs France: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Israel vs France: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Italy vs Belgium bonus: Get £30 in free bets to spend on the Nations League with talkSPORT BET

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      THERE’S a belter of a Nations League game this Thursday night from the Stadio Olimpico when Italy host Belgium in League A Group 2.And talkSPORT BET are marking the big game by offering new customers a tasty £30 in free bets when signing up and staking a tenner!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sports market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*Not yet got yourself a talkSPORT BET account? Terrific, you can claim this offer!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Thursday’s Nations League clash between Italy and Belgium and below are some of our expert picks and top prices with talkSPORT BET.Home favouritesItaly have responded well after a disappointing last-16 exit to Switzerland at the Euros.A 3-1 win at France was followed by a 2-1 victory at Israel and now they’re treated to back-to-back home fixtures now.They host a Belgian side beaten in France last time out and Italy are rightly favourites going into this one.But like their previous two wins in the group, both teams can score.Italy to win and BTTS at 16/5 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More