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      Bukayo Saka’s evolution into creative juggernaut makes him first Dream Team midfielder to reach 100 points this season

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      BUKAYO SAKA (£6.5m) has been a top-tier Dream Team asset for a few years now.But even by the Arsenal winger’s sky-high standards, he’s gone off like a rocket this season.The 23-year-old is one of just three players to have reached the 100-point mark by the end of Gameweek 7, alongside Erling Haaland (£9.1m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.6m).Saka is the first midfielder to reach 100 points in Dream Team this seasonCredit: Dream TeamSaka leads the way among midfielders and is now 15 points clear of the next-best player in his position, Cole Palmer (£6.5m).MOST DREAM TEAM POINTS SO FAR THIS SEASON:Erling Haaland – 111 ptsBukayo Saka – 102 ptsMohamed Salah – 100 ptsCole Palmer – 87 ptsKai Havertz – 76 ptsEberechi Eze – 75 ptsBrennan Johnson – 74 ptsDwight McNeil – 73 ptsTrent Alexander-Arnold – 72 ptsBryan Mbeumo – 72 ptsWhat’s interesting is that out of the top ten performers (see above), only defender Alexander-Arnold has scored fewer goals than Saka at this stage.The reason the Gunners’ homegrown hero has excelled to this point is his evolution into a creative juggernaut.Saka leads the way for both assists and big chances createdCredit: GettySaka assisted his side’s first two goals against Southampton on Saturday and bagged one of his own to seal the win just before full time.As a result, he’s now registered eight assists in all competitions this season, which puts him in a league of his own – Palmer and Salah are his closest rivals on five each.Most read in FootballAll football fans know that not all assists are equal in terms of their actual contribution to the goal being scored but Saka is thoroughly deserving of his tally because he’s also created the most big chances (as defined by Opta) for his team-mates with 12.Again, Palmer is his nearest competitor in the metric but Chelsea’s main man is four behind as it stands on eight.The stats paint a clear picture of Saka in a class of his own when it comes to playmaking.Arsenal’s set-piece supremacy is a huge factor in this as it’s generally the England international who swings in the corners and wide free-kicks for Gabriel (£5.6m) and company to attack with extreme purpose.But it would be a mistake to pigeonhole Saka as Saturday’s showing proved he’s just as capable of unlocking defences in open play – his throughball for Havertz and deep cross for Gabriel Martinelli (£3.9m) were unquestionably decisive actions.Eight assists and countingCredit: GettySaka may be the league’s leading playmaker at present but even that doesn’t tell the full story.He’s scored three goals and registered a whopping 14 shots on target, a tally only bettered by Haaland and Salah.Furthermore, he ranks inside the top 15 midfielders for bonus points and the top 20 for tackles – he does it all!The international break means there’s plenty of time for Dream Team managers to form their strategy for Gameweek 8 and beyond but at this early stage it’s notable that Saka is the second-most popular recruit ahead of the deadline.His ownership has increased to 42.6%, making him the third-most selected player in the game – Haaland and Palmer are one and two respectively.Only Haaland has more points than Saka but this lead has been cut to nine pointsCredit: APSaka’s current price of £6.5m makes him the joint-third most-expensive asset at the time of writing but gaffers should expect another bump after his 20-point haul in Gameweek 7.READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Arteta’s side have some tricky fixtures after the break with Liverpool, Newcastle, Inter and Chelsea (among others) to come before mid-November.That being said, Saka is among the exclusive group of players for whom the fixture list is largely irrelevant – he’s already provided returns against Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City and PSG this season.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — 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.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Johan Neeskens dead at 73: Barcelona and Ajax legend who starred with Johan Cruyff dies unexpectedly

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      DUTCH football icon Johan Neeskens has died aged 73.The former Barcelona and Ajax star was nicknamed “Johan II” after being likened to fellow Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff.Johan Neeskens has died aged 73Credit: PA:Empics SportNeeskens made his name at AjaxCredit: GettyHe also starred for BarcelonaCredit: GettyA statement from the Dutch FA read: “The KNVB was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.”Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him tremendously.”We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovée, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss.”Rest in peace, Johan.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNeeskens made 49 appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring 17 goals in the process.He represented the nation in two World Cups and one European Championship.At club level Neeskens starred for both Barcelona and Ajax, similarly to Cruyff, as well as spending a number of years playing in the United States towards the twilight of his career.The midfielder was a three-time European champion with Ajax as well as winning the Dutch first division twice.Most read in FootballNeeskens was known for his on-field relationship with Johan CruyffCredit: GettyWhile his time in Spain with Barcelona saw him lift the Spanish Cup and the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup.Neeskens hung up his boots in 1991 at Swiss club Zug 94, having made nearly 500 club appearances across a 23-year career.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsBut he didn’t step away from football completely, making the transition into coaching that same year and taking over at Zug as manager.His coaching career saw him spend five years as assistant manager of the Dutch national side, two years as the second in command at Barcelona and a season as assistant with Turkish giants Galatasaray – spending most of his time alongside Frank Rijkaard.On the pitch Neeskens was famous for having a fantastic relationship the middle of the park with Cruyff, with the pair often commended for their “total football”.Neeskens leaves behind his wife Marlis, four children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand and two grandchildren Djoy and LoveeFormer club Ajax led tributes for the legend online, writing: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Ajax legend.”While Barcelona posted: “FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Johan Neeskens.”A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace.”Neeskens forayed into coaching after his retirementCredit: GettyThe icon even returned to Barcelona as assistant managerCredit: AFPNeeskens heartbreakingly leaves behind wife Marlis and his four children and two grandchildrenCredit: GettyJohan Neeskens careerA brief look at a legend’s career…Playing Career1970 – 1971: RCH Heemstede1971 – 1974: Ajax1974 – 1979: Barcelona 1979 – 1984: New York Cosmos1984 – 1985: FC Groningen1985 – 1986: Minnesota Thunder1986 – 1987: FL Strikers1988 – 1991: FC Baar1991: FC ZugManagerial Career1991 – 1993: FC Zug1993 – 1995: FC Stafa1995 – 1996: FC 04 Singen1996 – 2000: Netherlands National Team (assistant manager)2000 – 2004: NEC Nijmegen2005 – 2006: Australia National Team (assistant manager)2006 – 2008: Barcelona (assistant manager)2008 – 2009: Netherland B2009 – 2010: Galatasaray (assistant manager)2011 – 2012: Mamelodi Sundowns More

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      Man Utd & England World Cup hero Bobby Charlton left staggering amount to beloved wife Norma, will reveals

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      FOOTBALL hero Sir Bobby Charlton left £631,000 in his will, The Sun can reveal.The Manchester United icon, who died last October aged 86, passed the huge sum to his devoted widow Lady Norma Charlton.The sporting great, pictured in 1970, played more than 700 times for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettySir Bobby with his wife Norma, who revealed his battle with dementia in 2020Credit: PAProbate documents signed off by a court in Manchester last week show the Munich Air Disaster survivor had a personal estate worth £652,000, reduced to £631,000 after personal debts and funeral costs were paid.The football star and dad-of-two appointed daughters Suzanne and Andrea as trustees, alongside solicitor Andrew Kay.In the final will, signed in 2011, the three trustees were told Charlton’s estate must be for the sole benefit of Lady Norma, 84, provided she survived him.Born Robert Charlton in the northeast mining town of Ashington, “Bobby” signed up for United in 1953, at age 15, and made his first team debut three years later.Read more about Sir BobbyHe went on to enjoy a glittering 17-year career at United, playing 758 games for the club, and scoring 249 goals – both records at the time.Sir Bobby was the last remaining survivor of the 1958 Munich disaster which saw eight United teammates among 23 killed when their plane crashed on the runway in Germany.Charlton, then just 20, was dragged from the wreckage by teammate Harry Gregg and amazingly returned to the pitch only two weeks later.A decade on, he led the club to an emotional European Cup victory over Benfica at Wembley, scoring twice in a 4-1 win.Most read in FootballSir Bobby’s stunning goals also helped propel England to the World Cup Final in 1966 – the same year he won the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy.He remains the Three Lions’ third-highest scorer, with only Wayne Rooney and current skipper Harry Kane above him.The club legend left United in 1973 to become player-manager of Preston North End before retiring from the game.He was knighted in 1993 and spent the latter years of his life acting as an ambassador for United and English football across the globe.Charlton also launched a foundation aimed at helping victims of conflict in war zones, raising hundreds of thousands since 2011.An inquest last year concluded Charlton’s death was accidental and was caused by trauma in the lungs, a fall and dementia – which also affected his brother Jack, who died in 2020.Sir Bobby’s death meant the sole survivor from England’s 1966 World Cup winning team is hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst, 82.He led tributes last year, writing: “Very sad news today, one of the true greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him and nor will all of football.”Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, whose 48 goals for England was one behind Sir Bobby, called him the Three Lions’ “greatest-ever player”.Prince William, President of the Football Association, paid tribute to “a true great”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wrote on X: “Sir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend.”A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.”Bobby and Norma holding their two daughtersThey wed on August 30 1961, two years after first meeting at a Manchester ice rinkCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSir Bobby and Lady Charlton were together for 64 yearsCredit: 2013 David M. BenettThey lived together in sleepy Lymm, in CheshireCredit: Mirrorpix More

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      Referee forced to give two penalties after players pick up the ball in bizarre separate incidents during same match

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      A REFEREE was forced to give two penalties after players from both teams bizarrely picked the ball up in separate incidents.In the German second division, Magdeburg drew 2-2 with Greuther Furth on Sunday.Gideon Jung bizarrely picked the ball, thinking it was a goal-kickCredit: XDaniel Heber then did the same after he assumed a foul had been given on the edge of the boxCredit: XThe first unusual moment of the match came with just 15 minutes on the clock to hand the hosts a spot-kick.Furth defender Gideon Jung had a moment of madness, picking the ball up off the ground in the six-yard box after it was rolled to him by goalkeeper Nahuel Noll.He seemingly thought it was given to him to take a goal-kick – but with the ball not having gone out of play, the ref had no choice but to hand Magdeburg a penalty.Jung thought his blushes were spared when Noll saved the spot-kick, only for Mo El Hankouri to score the rebound.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in crazy scenes, lightening struck twice when just after half-time Magdeburg star Daniel Heber copied Jung and picked up the ball.He appeared to think the ref had blown for a foul on the edge of his own box – yet in fact he had not and it was therefore a clear penalty.Ex-Bayern Munich star Julian Green stepped up and scored to make it 2-1.And the goal inspired a Furth fightback as they fought back to earn a point.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were baffled by the incidents, with one saying: “To have this happen at all is fairly crazy to begin with, to have this happen twice within 30 minutes in the same match is completely absurd.”Another added: “This is insane.”Others were reminded of when Arsenal’s Gabriel got away with a similar incident in the Champions League versus Bayern Munich last year.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowWhy would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark HalseyArsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

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      Man City and Premier League locked in bitter war of words as BOTH sides claim victory in landmark legal battle

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      MANCHESTER CITY are locked in another war of words – after BOTH sides claimed victory in a landmark legal battle.City had attempted to overturn new rules relating to “Associated Party Transactions” – funding through sponsorship of companies owned by club bosses.Man City have won a big legal battle against the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIn a major rebuttal of the Prem case, three senior Judges including a former Master of the Rolls have now ruled that the Prem’s Associated Party Transaction rules meant City were “unfairly blocked” from inking two major deals.Lord Dyson and his colleagues ruled that current regulations, which do not include loans from major shareholders to clubs having to be part of the APT calculations, are “unlawful”.They also agreed that the element of the rules that prevented City from responding to Prem decisions over what was the “Fair Market Value” of two proposed sponsorship deals was “procedurally unfair”.But a number of City’s other claims against the Prem and its rulebook “failed”, including that the League had wrongly applied its regulations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt left the battle lines being drawn even deeper between the two feuding sides – with the case into City’s alleged “115” breaches of Prem rules still being heard in a Central London venue.City were understood to be triumphant at what they believed was a huge victory, with suggestions that the outcome was a massive blow for the credibility of the League.Yet Prem bosses issued a lengthy statement in which they insisted that the REAL winners were based at offices near Paddington, not at the Etihad.A Prem spokesman said: “The Tribunal endorsed the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The Tribunal upheld the need for the APT system as a whole and rejected the majority of Manchester City’s challenges.“Moreover, the Tribunal found that the Rules are necessary in order for the League’s financial controls to be effective.”Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence City were furious when League bosses pushed through the rules, strengthening oversight of commercial deals, at a fractious meeting of the 20 “shareholder” clubs in February.The rules aimed to block clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts from sponsorships by companies linked to an owner, or by signing a player for below market value from a club in the same ownership group.In the tightest vote on record, the new rules were approved on a vote of 12 in favour and six against, with two clubs abstaining, meaning they passed with the bare minimum majority.That came despite clubs being informed that one member – which swiftly became clear was City – had threatened legal action under the League’s rules allowing an Arbitration appeal.That panel, headed by former Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, sat to hear submissions in June.City argued that the new rules were anti-competitive, had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven, while also questioning the cost of enforcement.The judges concluded the rules were unlawful because they did not take into consideration interest-free loans which shareholders lend to clubs.Of the £4billion borrowing across the Prem, £1.5bn is in loans from club owners and shareholders.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if regulations are changed to make these loans included in a profitability and sustainability calculation, many clubs could find they are in breach.That includes City’s title rivals Arsenal, who have borrowed more than £200million from shareholder loans. More

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      Liverpool loanee has brutal start to life at new club as he’s fined and ‘team-mates are astonished he keeps starting’

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      LIVERPOOL loanee Stefan Bajcetic has allegedly caused quite a stir at new club RB Salzburg.The 19-year-old joined the Austrian side on loan in August and has made five appearances.Stefan Bajcetic has struggled since joining RB SalzburgCredit: APFormer Liverpool star Bobby Clark has also failed to impress in AustriaCredit: GettyBut his performances have been so poor that some of his team-mates have questioned why he regularly plays, according to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung.To make matters worse for Bajcetic, he was given a 1/10 rating by Krone following Salzburg’s 5-0 defeat to Sturm Graz on Sunday.The newspaper described him as “looking like a foreign body” in midfield.His team-mates all received the same rating following the dismal loss.Read More in FootballLast week, it was revealed that Bajcetic received a fine for being late to training ahead of a 4-0 Champions League defeat to Brest.His team-mate, Bobby Clark, is also struggling to impress at the Red Bull Arena.The teenager joined RB Salzburg from Liverpool in a £10million transfer this summer.He followed former Reds assistant Pep Lijnders to Austria when he was appointed manager of the Red Bulls.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn six first team appearances, Clark has managed just one assist.Salzburg have been struggling in the Austrian Bundesliga following the arrival of Lijnders.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ They currently sit fifth with 13 points from seven games.In the Champions League they are down in 34th following two defeats.Meanwhile, Liverpool sit top of the Premier League table and fifth in the Champions League.Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.Manager Arne Slot, 45Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot. More

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      Why Arsenal’s crucial goal to take lead vs Southampton should NOT have stood, according to ex-Premier League referee

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      FORMER Premier League ref Mark Halsey believes Arsenal’s crucial goal in the 3-1 win over Southampton should NOT have stood.The official, who spent 14 years in the top-flight, reckons VAR has done Mikel Arteta’s side a huge favour for the second week running.Merino (No23) is offside as he makes an attempt to play the ball before Gabriel Martinelli (No11) scoresCredit: Premier LeagueThe goal proved crucial as the Gunners picked up three pointsCredit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League ref for 14 yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHalsey felt the Gunners were lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch last Saturday when Riccardo Calafiori made a cynical foul while on a booking in the 4-2 win over Leicester.And this week they appeared to get fortunate again with the decisions again. Arsenal were being held 1-1 by Southampton when Gabriel Martinelli put the hosts in front with a finish from a cross at the back post.The ball fell to him after Mikel Merino tried to head it at goal – only to not make contact with the ball. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is in an offside position when he leaps for the cross and seemingly impacts the play.Yet VAR did not chalk it off – despite a similar incident seeing Bournemouth have a goal ruled out on the same day.Halsey told SunSport’s The Whistleblower show: “I thought it was offside because you are offside if you challenge an opponent for the ball or clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when the action impacts on an opponent.”This is making an obvious action which clearly impacts the ability of an opponent to play the ball. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So if you’re looking at offside, technically he was offside because he did challenge for the ball and then ducked his head. “It clearly impacted on Aaron Ramsdale because like you say, he thinks Merino is going to win the ball.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark Halsey”But he ducks at the last moment and then leaves it for Martinelli. “So for me, I think that should have been disallowed, that goal, because it was clearly offside. “He clearly made an attempt to play the ball.”It is inconsistencies again. It is a massive moment in the game. “For Southampton, they’re struggling at the moment coming up from the Championship and who knows?”It was not the only controversial decision of the week as Crystal Palace felt their should have had a penalty against Liverpool.Virgil van Dijk appeared to pull Marc Guehi to the deck from a corner, with Halsey convinced the ref should have pointed the spot.He explained: “I thought it was a clear penalty.”Simon Hooper, did he have a good viewing angle? Was he blocked by some of the players? But that is what VAR is there for. For me, I thought it was a clear holding offence.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR’s David Coote should have come in on that and recommended a review.”Watch the full episode of The Whistleblower at the top of this article – where Halsey fumes over the laws of the game.Palace felt they should have had a penalty for Virgil van Dijk’s tug on Marc GuehiCredit: TNT Sports More

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      Erik ten Hag brutally trolled by Domino’s as Man Utd manager faces sack with crunch talks tomorrow

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      DOMINO’S has taken a hilarious dig at Erik Ten Hag, as pressure continues to mount on the Manchester United boss.The restaurant chain poked fun at the Dutchman, putting a van outside Old Trafford with the message “We’re hiring (not you, Erik)”.Domino’s have brutally trolled Erik ten Hag with a van outside Old TraffordCredit: PinPepThe job advert read: ‘We’re hiring (not you Erik)’Credit: PinPepIn an accompanying social media post, they also wrote: “You need the right people for the top jobs.”It comes as speculation continues to mount about his future at the club following a run of poor results.A spokesperson for Domino’s said: “Based on his performance, it can’t be too long before Ten Hag is given the sack.“It coincides with us gearing up for our busiest time of year where we need people to join our team.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“We are looking for people who are results-driven… so not one for Ten Hag unfortunately.”The 54-year-old’s position as United manager is under threat following an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.That comes off the back of a 3-3 draw against Porto midweek, with United throwing a 2-0 lead to the Portuguese team, and a 3-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham Hotspur.The goalless draw leaves the Red Devils languishing in 14th place in the Premier League – the club’s worst start to a season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd key decision makers at United are set to meet on Tuesday, with Ten Hag’s future hanging in the balance.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagWhy NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More