Soccer

RUBEN AMORIM revealed that he’s prepared to STEP DOWN as manager of Manchester United if he can’t turn around the club’s disastrous form.United suffered their 17th Premier League defeat of the season after losing 2-0 to West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.Ruben Amorim said he’s prepared to step away from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyDejected United players slump on the floor as Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring West Ham’s secondCredit: AFPThe Red Devils are winless in seven Prem games with two draws and five losses – their joint-longest run in the competition since 1992.The Europa League finalists slumped to 16th place as goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen saw West Ham leapfrog them in the table.Amorim appeared dejected after the full-time whistle and then revealed that he’s ready to QUIT the club if he can’t turn things around.The 40-year-old said: “I don’t want to talk about the players. I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. I have that feeling.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“We need to change that and we need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave. “Because we cannot have a season like this next year. If the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different persons.”So it’s a big problem that we have here at the club. It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to address that.”We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club and the feeling that it’s not the biggest thing in the world losing a game at home.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”We don’t have that fear anymore and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have.”I think it’s a concern. It’s not the players fault. It’s my fault, I’m responsible.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!”If we cannot change that really fast we should give our place to different persons.”If you look at the goals that we suffer, we can avoid these goals. The lack of energy, of urgency. That is the most dangerous things in this club.”You can feel it at the beginning of the game. Between our box and opponent’s box there is a lack of urgency. That is something we have to change in this club.”If the feeling is still here next season, we have to go away and give the space to different people. All of us.United suffered their ninth home Prem defeat of the season, their joint-most ever home losses in a single league campaign, along with 1930/31, 1933/34, and 1962/63.The Red Devils have fallen 1-0 behind 12 times at Old Trafford in the league this season, with only Leicester (15) doing so more at home.Amorim added: “We don’t play so well in the Europa League but we have a different sense of urgency.”It’s something we need to work on. It’s inside the pitch and outside the pitch. “If we are not able to do, we have to go away and give the space to different people. All of us.”We are going to face a team from Premier League in the final so we are going to struggle. “Of course we are going to be more focused, and that is a concern because we have to be focused every game.”For me, it doesn’t matter if we win the Europa League because the problems are much bigger than that.””We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club.United face Tottenham, who have beaten them three times this season, in the final in the Bilbao on May 21.Spurs are also set for an embarrassing end to the season, as Ange Postecoglou’s men dropped to 17th after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace.Despite their horrendous domestic season, United could still sneak into the Champions league if they beat Spurs in Bilbao in 10 days.Read More on The SunYet Amorim said: “I’m not concerned about the final. It’s by far the smallest problem in our club.“They will be focused for the final but I don’t know what is best, if it’s playing in Champions League or not.”Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford… More

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was loudly booed by Liverpool fans after coming on against Arsenal.The defender this week confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed by Liverpool fansThe right-back covered his mouth as he entered the pitchFans sang in support of the player he replaced, Conor BradleyAlexander-Arnold confirmed this week he is leaving the clubAlexander-Arnold played Mikel Merino onside for Arsenal’s equaliserAlexander-Arnold was brought on in the 66th minute as Arne Slot decided to rest some key players.But his introduction was met with a wave of boos from the Anfield crowd.The Kop had already sung club legend Steven Gerrard’s name when they saw Alexander-Arnold getting ready to come on.Gerrard famously stuck with his hometown club in his heyday despite advances from Chelsea.While there were also cries in support of the player he replaced, with fans singing: “There’s only one Conor Bradley!”Alexander-Arnold covered his mouth as he entered the field of play, and the chorus of boos echoed around the stadium every time the right-back touched the ball.To make matters worse, Alexander-Arnold made a mistake shortly after coming on, playing Mikel Merino onside as the Arsenal star headed in an equaliser after Martin Odegaard struck the post.Alexander-Arnold looked glum as he completed a lap around the pitch applauding fans following the 2-2 draw, with many supporters still booing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAfter the boos began, Gary Neville remarked: “Wow. That is not pleasant for him.”Team-mate Andy Robertson stuck up for his pal after the match, saying: “I’m disappointed to lose my best mate in the game, We’ve done it all together.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video Liverpool”He’s an amazing player and an amazing player. He’s made me a better player, and that’s from the bottom of my heart.”He’s took me to levels I never knew existed and kept pushing me through the good years.”His legacy at this club is there for everyone to see. The trophies he’s won, the moments he has had in history will always be there.”It’s not nice to see your friend get booed and it wasn’t nice, but we can’t tell people how to act.”Alexander-Arnold, 26, said his goodbyes to the fans this week in an emotional farewell video.He appears to be set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer – a move that has infuriated many Kopites.The England star has even been banned from two venues in Liverpool – Curry’s and Popworld.Real Madrid have officially begun negotiations to sign Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup, and have offered Liverpool £1million to let him leave early.It’s not nice to see your friend get booed and it wasn’t nice, but we can’t tell people how to act.Andy RobertsonLiverpool could play hardball and ask for a further £500,000, despite having to pay the defender £180,000-a-week until his deal expires.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that the anger towards his exit is “justified”.He said: “Liverpool are in the business of winning more Premier League and Champions League titles.”Anything which undermines that is a threat.”You may not agree, or believe that competitive attitude to the loss of a star player is justified, but it is what makes Liverpool the successful club it is, and it is no different than what you would expect at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester United.Read More on The Sun”By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is making it harder for his own club to win its 21st league title and seventh European Cup.”That is bound to stir emotions.” More

NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis charged on to the pitch to confront his manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the final whistle against Leicester.Forest conceded in the last ten minutes to draw 2-2 with the Foxes – denting their Champions League aspirations.Owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the pitch at full-timeCredit: AFPHe appeared to be arguing with Nuno Espirito SantoCredit: AFPThe owner seemd frustrated following the 2-2 draw with LeicesterCredit: AFPGary Neville was critical of Marinakis’ actionsCredit: GettyThat led Marinakis to enter the field of play as players, coaches and officials went through their post-match handshakes.The Greek appeared as if he would walk past Nuno initially, but he turned around and spoke to the Forest boss after he had finished his interaction with Oliver Skipp, whom he worked with at Tottenham.Marinakis began gesticulating and appeared frustrated as he spoke to Nuno in what seemed a forceful manner.Nuno looked a bit resigned to what he was being told, and stretched out his arms in an almost shrug.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said a few words back to boss Marinakis, who threw his arms in the air before walking away from the Portuguese.Gary Neville was dismayed by the behaviour, and hit out at Marinakis.He tweeted: “Scandalous from that Forest owner.”Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNeville later emphasised his view again on Sky Sports, saying: “I feel compelled just to mention what the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.”If I was Nuno I’d be going and having a strong word with him because that is an absolute scandal.Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo reveals ‘I might go throw up’ after downing six pickle juices during Tottenham clash”He’s just qualified for European competition and where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on the pitch in front of their own fans is an absolute joke.”However it is not the first time Marinakis has stormed the pitch following the final whistle.In March last year he entered the pitch to speak to officials after Darwin Nunez snatched a last-gasp winner for Liverpool at the City Ground.He was left fuming after the Reds took advantage of nine minutes stoppage time to score.Referee Paul Tierney also stopped a Forest attack after Ibrahima Kontate went down with an apparent head injury.Marinakis was allegedly removed by security after chasing Tierney down the tunnel. More

RUBEN AMORIM told his players they cannot forget about the Prem as their D-day in Bilbao looms.Yet that’s all anyone connected with Manchester United wants to do now – as their domestic campaign goes from bad to worse.Tomas Soucek tapped home from close range for West Ham’s firstCredit: GettyJarrod Bowen was amongst the goals again to double their leadCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLeny Yoro was close to tears as he trudged off injuredCredit: GettyRuben Amorim had his head in his hands when Yoro went down injuredHere they slumped to a ninth home defeat of the season – and a 17th in total.Last time they lost this many was the year they were relegated from the top flight – 51 years ago.At least that won’t happen this season but they can count themselves lucky the bottom three have been so far off it.Otherwise it would have been a very uncomfortable end to the season for Ruben Amorim’s men who have yet to reach the 40 point mark.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith games against Champions chasing Chelsea and Aston Villa still to come, it could easily get worse too.The prospect of finishing 17th – just one place above the drop zone – is now very real.And to think they could still end up in the Champions League themselves if they can beat fellow strugglers Tottenham in Spain on May 21.Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen saw Graham Potter’s men secure a rare away day triumph – and leap-frog their opponents in the table.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis was a painfully familiar story for United fans – they have seen this movie so many times in the Prem this season.Amorim made six changes and kept his fingers crossed there would be no injuries – although that didn’t work either as key defender Leny Yoro hobbled off early in the second half.By then United were already behind. They had begun brightly enough with skipper Bruno Fernandes firing a couple of shots over the bar.On his return to the starting line-up, Amad was looking lively enough and plucked ball out of the sky, cut in and saw his shot saved by Alphonse Areola.However the visitors went ahead as former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka slipped a pass through to Mohammed Kudus who got a low cross in from the left hand side.Soucek cleverly backheeled the ball home and although it took a deflection off young defender Harry Amass as it made its way in, he will definitely be claiming it.It means United have now conceded the first goal in 22 of their 36 Prem matches this season – they really are making life hard for themselves.They could have been level before the break as Manuel Ugarte chipped a clever ball forward but Rasmus Hojlund could not control it and the chance was gone.After the break, some comical defending from United saw Kudus escape down the left again.West Ham have become the sixth team to do the double over United this seasonCredit: PAAaron Wan-Bissaka impressed on his return to Old TraffordCredit: EPAUnited have slipped to 16th in the tableCredit: GettyThis time his cross found James Ward-Prowse whose shot was straight at deputy keeper Altay Bayindir.Amorim had warned before the match of the importance of keeping his players fit with just 10 days to go before the final.So the sight of Leny Yoro – who has been a key part of their Europa League campaign – holding his foot in obvious pain was the last thing he wanted to see.The French defender, 19, went off shaking his head and with his shirt pulled over his head – and that will be a big worry for the Red Devils.He did not make his debut until December after suffering a foot injury in pre-season but has won the fans over in recent months.With Luke Shaw also going off, United had to re-organise at the back and they were wide open as the visitors doubled their lead just before the hour. Ugarte was robbed near the halfway line but then unforgivably made no effort to win it back as Kudus saw his shot blocked but it fell into the path of Wan-Bissaka.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford…The ex-United man squared it for Bowen to score a simple tap in and surely put the game beyond the home side.A breakaway saw Amad roll a pass to Hojlund but Areola got out quickly to close him down.And from the resulting corner, sub Harry Maguire planted a free header wide of the post before seeing another one saved by Areola.  Hojlund was denied by the visitors again when a Fernandes free-kick dropped kindly for him in the area but it was clearly not going to be their day.Read More on The SunBut how often have we said that this season? Far too often.The win for West Ham saw them become the sixth team to do the double over United this season, alongside Wolves, Forest, Spurs, Brighton and Newcastle. More

MANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.Manchester United slipped to 16th in the Premier League after losing 2-0 to West HamCredit: GettyTomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scored the goals for Graham Potter’s sideCredit: GettyUnited gave the fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.READ MORE ON MAN UTDApart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season. The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, who incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford…Atlay Bayindir – 4Does Bayindir even know his back-line? There was absolutely zero communication between him and his supposed defensive shield.Most read in FootballWith error prone Andre Onana completely rested for Europe, Bayindir was an unconvincing watch,The No.2 has now conceded 10 goals in the last three Prem games.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNoussair Mazraoui – 4Cut a frustrated figure after Kudus was left alone in the box to assist the opener.The Morocco international was drawn out to stop Wan-Bissaka, leaving Kudus unmarked behind him.One of the more surprising selections given Amorim has repeatedly said he is ‘at the limit’ and is a bigger injury risk than most. Leny Yoro – 5Started in the middle of the back three and was caught sleeping at times. Especially when West Ham won a corner on the brink of half-time.The 19-year-old has sparked huge concern after fighting back tears while going off injured with a foot issue in the 50th minute. He will be needed for the Europa League final against Spurs on May 21.Leny Yoro limped off injured five minutes into the second halfCredit: GettyLuke Shaw – 4Was caught off guard by West Ham at times given his obvious match fitness problems. But grew into the game better in his battle with Bowen. Came off at the same time as Yoro, seemingly to protect him if he is a contender to start the Europa League final at Yoro’s expense.Amad Diallo – 6Amad was handed his first start since returning from a lengthy injury, after coming off the bench for the last few games. And how happy Amorim must be to have him back. The 22-year-old immediately showed what United were missing – a proper winger who can beat his man.The pace of the game lifted every time Amad was on the ball. He cut in off the right and fed Bruno Fernandes for a shot inside four minutes, before having his own effort clawed away by Alphonse Areola.Kudus left Amad on the deck before assisting the opener. Anything positive for the home side came through his tricky runs and brilliant crosses.Amad Diallo was handed his first start since the start of FebruaryCredit: ReutersHarry Amass – 3Still very young and has plenty of time to mature, but this was a tough day’s work for the 18-year-old, who was beaten to the ball by Soucek’s back-post opener.Was caught on the ball inside 30 seconds of the second half, which West Ham pounced on and set up a chance for James Ward-Prowse.Harry Amass was beaten to the ball by Soucek’s back-post openerCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte – 1Was completely invisible in the middle of the park. Not sure why Amorim prefers him as the holding midfielder over Mainoo.The Uruguayan was at fault for Bowen’s goal after losing the ball to Kudus in his own half, while going down injured.The 24-year-old immediately limped off and was replaced after 2-0. It’s becoming clearer why Paris Saint-Germain sold him.Bruno Fernandes – 5Tactical tweak saw the Portuguese magnifico play in a deeper role, with Mainoo moving up to play with the central attacking trio.But Bruno was part of a wide open midfield, which was controlled by Soucek and Kudus, and failed to get on the ball enough to make an impact.Woke up a bit after half-time to find Amad and Mount on several occasions, but it wasn’t enough. Kobbie Mainoo – 4Completely missing. Mainoo needs play in his normal holding midfield role. This was another invisible performance as one of the two No.10s.Graham Potter clearly spotted United’s weakness in midfield, with Kudus running the show in a free role.The England star could leave in the summer if this positional problem keeps up.Mason Mount – 5A sensational switch of play by Mount gave Amad a chance to run and shoot early on.And the ex-Chelsea star matched that again with a delicious ball over the top to Hojlund after West Ham took the lead.But Mount was hauled off before the hour mark after scoring a brace here against Athletic Bilabo on Thursday.Mason Mount endured another disappointing afternoon in a United shirtCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund – 3The Dane made good runs but lacked quality and end product in the final third. Couldn’t hold up the ball and missed multiple promising chances across both halves.Had more touches with Amad on the pitch, but lashed a shot into Row Z, before rushing a finish to bobble Mount’s brilliant ball wide.But he worried Amorim when he went down holding his shoulder, as United have no other strikers available for the Europa League final.SUBSHarry Maguire (for Yoro ’50) – 4Amorim was clearly resting the England international for Europe, but he was forced to replace Yoro, who went off injured.Maguire was easily beaten by Kudus, before the midfielder set up Bowen’s goal.Victor Lindelof (for Shaw ’50) – 3Was equally all over the place for 2-0. The Swede was backing off and jockeying Kudus with his back to goal.United are the only team in the Prem to consistently change their centre-backs during games. Bizarre.Patrick Dorgu (for Mount ’58)Didn’t really have an impact on the game on his weaker right side.Read More on The SunAlejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte ’58) – 6Garnacho showed glimmers of his old self, when he used to cause havoc after coming off the bench under Erik ten Hag.The 20-year-old some caused problems for West Ham and provided the much needed impetus to no avail.Christian Eriksen (for Amad ’73) – 5 More