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      Diogo Dalot hails Ruben Amorim’s ‘worst ever Man Utd team’ speech as a positive turning point in struggling season

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      DIOGO DALOT has revealed that Ruben Amorim’s “worst-ever” condemnation of his Manchester United side was the best thing he could ever have said.Not that he enjoyed it at the time.Diogo Dalot has revealed that Ruben Amorim’s ‘worst-ever’ comment was a reality checkCredit: GettyThe OId Trafford boss accidentally smashed a dressing room telly then did the same to his players’ egos in a brutal put – down after the 3-1 home defeat by Brighton two weeks ago today.Yet since then United have won three games in a row for the first time this season.The last of those was a 2-0 Bucharest defeat of FCSB to finish third in the Europa League table and an automatic place in the competition’s last 16.Amorim was devastated by that Seagulls loss and there were fears his damning verdict that United had hit a history-making all-time low might have crushed the squad spiritREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor he had already admitted that relegation was a “possibility.”Instead there has only been a positive response and Dalot puts that down to the manager’s damning words, declaring: “I don’t want to hear that.“So the message for me is the next training session I have to show that I don’t want to belong to the worst Manchester United team in history. “You can analyse it as something negative. But I analyse it as something positive because I want to change the situation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“My teammates also. We showed that we want to change this.”Dalot is now under his fourth full-time manager since signing from Porto for £19m in 2018.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change Amorim followed Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho who bought him – all sacked.The trajectory since Dalot arrived has been ever downward, despite Ten Hag’s successes in the League Cup then the FA Cup – to the point that Amorim delivered that brutal condemnation 15 games after replacing the Dutchman.The Portugal international can only applaud the manager for his honesty and his desire to reverse the fortunes of a club that lurches from one crisis to the next – on and off the pitch.The 25 year old stresses : “Obviously he is a passionate guy.“He was as a player and now he’s as a manager as well, and I think it’s what this club needs.“Speak to all the fans they always show this desire of wanting the best for the club. That’s what he wants.“So if we want to win, if we want to go to where this club belongs, we need to be there and follow.”Following has been traumatic during Amorim’s 18 games so far through a tactical re-education.Dalot believes Amorim is ‘what the club needs’Credit: RexGoing into Sunday’s meeting with Crystal Palace, Dalot says: “It’s no coincidence when we say that some things take time.“It can sound like an excuse that when we have more time to train, we will get better.“We will get better when we have more time to train, but you can see already that we are getting better. We are improving.“Football is always unpredictable, but what you can see is that we are trying to be more consistent about it, trying to win more games.“ It doesn’t mean that things will be lovely until the end of the season, but that’s where we want to go.“We are really positive about it. We know that this storm that everybody is talking about, it will go away.“But we need to suffer as a team, as a club, fans have to be together with us and I’m sure that they will rise again.” I analyse it as something positive because I want to change the situation.DalotAmorim, like Dalot’s first boss, now has the chance to take United into the Champions League, despite the club’s lowly and embarrassing Prem position, via Europa League success.Triumph within Europe’s elite may for now be only a memory of the glory enjoyed by Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson but it is still one that for the defender  and his team mates is an inspiration going forward.He insists: “The message I want to pass is that we really know what it means to win a European cup at this club.“We want to win the Europa League. We know how much winning will help the development of this club.”Even three wins in a row means something after the nightmare that saw Amorim implode as Dalot looks forward to fans singing about looking on the bright side of life again.He says: “It’s massive not just for us but as a club, but for the fans. “I think obviously you go to Old Trafford on Sunday, the atmosphere is already different because you feel that we are winning games.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s much easier to work, much easier to train when you are winning, and that’s where we want to go.“And with Ruben. And yes, we are right behind him.”Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate strugglesKOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the breakChristian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SUBSAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.Casemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80’ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal. 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      Watch as notorious Ferencvaros ultras disguise themselves as STEWARDS to launch brutal brawl on rival AZ Alkmaar fans

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      THIS is the shocking moment notorious Ferencvaros ultras disguise themselves as stewards and launch a surprise brawl against their European rivals.Ferencvaros, often dubbed Hungary’s most feared football fans, kicked off a huge melee with AZ Alkmaar supporters in their tense Europa League clash on Thursday. The fake security managed to get close enough to the AZ Alkmaar fans through teir high visibility jacketsCredit: X/@thecasualultraDrinks were thrown at the raging crowds from both sides of the standsCredit: X/@footbalIfightsThe hooligan security managed to mix in with the actual security teams to pull off the brazen planCredit: X/@thecasualultraRiot police ended up being called in to deal with the clashesCredit: X/@thecasualultraThe Hungarian champions narrowly won the game 4-3 despite a late AZ Alkmaar surge in extra time when they scored twice.But the action on the pitch was overshadowed by fighting up in the stands.Footage shows dozens of Ferencvaros ultras secretly dressed up in high visibility security jackets making their way down the stairs in Budapest’s Groupama Arena.Their sneaky plan saw them mix in with the actual security policing the away end to keep any trouble at bay between the two sets of supporters.read more in hooliganism The large group of men managed to get as close as possible to the AZ Alkmaar fans before punches were thrown – sparking chaos in the stands.Both sets of supporters then appear to start launching strikes at each other in the brutal brawl.Onlooking fans from either side of the railings quickly noticed the fighting with drinks soon flying in from several angles at the fiery crowd.The genuine security teams in place could be seen trying to break up the brawl as the melee continued on for some time.Most read in FootballRiot police equipped with protective visors and batons were soon forced to be drafted in as the fake security broke through into the stands.The Europa League game between Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar was always tipped to be a highly intense affair due to the history of both sides.Moment shocking brawl breaks out at Old Trafford as Rangers fans ‘infiltrate Man Utd end’ with club set to investigate Ferencvaros’ fans have long been considered one of the most violent teams in Central Europe over past altercations. Governing body UEFA have sanctioned the club on several occasions in the past.Hooligans linked to the club reportedly stabbed four Millwall fans in 2004 before a UEFA Cup match.Uefa also charged the club over crowd trouble and racist abuse directed towards Millwall players.Then in 2013, fans also fought with police after a friendly match against Leeds United.AZ Alkmaar away days are also known to English fans as a potentially volatile trip.In 2023, hooded AZ Alkmaar yobs smashed down barriers to storm their own main stand via two sets of stairs and attack West Ham supporters. Several West Ham players, including sporting director Mark Noble, rushed to help protect them from the thugs – who were dressed in black and wearing balaclavas.There were also clashes between West Ham and AZ fans ahead of kick-off, who again were masked as they caused mayhem on the streets of Alkmaar.A local news outlet described it being a “grim atmosphere” before and during the match.AZ’s hooliganism is said to stem from the club’s early days with a group known as the “Ben Side” supporters.The name refers to where the group sits in the Jan van der Ben stand, which was named after a predecessor club’s chairman.The group claims they “made their mark for the first time” during an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, according to an AZ supporter website.There they clashed with opposition fans, throwing beer bottles and cans at players.In another notorious meeting, the group clashed with Haarlem in June 1977.Riots ensued over the game, with many supporters brining knives, and cops later made several arrests.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 16-year-old was stabbed and around 28 people arrested during a particularly horrific altercation in March 1986 between AZ and PSV fans.The teenager, a PSV fan who was not identified, was rushed to hospital.AZ Alkmaar away days are also known to English fans as a potentially volatile trip after fights broke out in 2023 with West Ham supportersCredit: GettyThe AZ Alkmaar brawl saw masked and hoodied yobs attackCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League closing in on EXTRA Champions League spot for next season after English clubs dominate European groups

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      THE Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.Prem clubs have excelled in Europe this seasonCredit: ReutersIt means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third-placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Across the 54 matches played by Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea – who had to play a two-legged Conference League qualifier, Prem sides have won 37 and lost just eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy contrast, Italy’s eight sides amassed 32 wins between them, losing 15, Spain clocked up 31 victories but had 19 defeats and Germany’s 29 triumphs were almost cancelled out by 26 losses.And with Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, Spurs, United and Chelsea all qualifying automatically for the last 16 of their respective competitions, the English sides have added a further 62.25 bonus points already.England’s aggregate total of 146.25 points is the highest by 7.75pts, with Italy on 138.5 and Spain on 120.25.But the position was strengthened by England having just seven teams in Uefa action, compared to the eight for Italy and Germany who earned an extra Champions League slot last term, as total points are then divided by the number of competing teams each nation has at the start of the season.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile all the English sides have reached the knock-out phase, the other major nations have seen clubs fall at the league hurdle.The Bundesliga lost both Leipzig and Stuttgart in the elite competition, while Bologna and Girona also missed the Champions League cut, meaning they cannot add to their countries’ totals.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Hoffenheim made an early Europa League exit as did French outfit Nice – also part of United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sporting empire.That means Germany are almost out of contention already.England’s huge advantage – plus the European form of the teams – means it would need a huge meltdown when the teams return to Uefa action for fifth place in the Prem not to earn a place among Europe’s elite.Despite their Prem wobbles, United and Spurs are now on course for a potential Europa League final showdown in Bilbao after finishing third and fourth in the league phase.It means they cannot play each other until the Final, when a sixth Champions League spot would also be on the line.Germany’s debacle leaves the Bundesliga fifth and more than six full coefficient points behind England, with Italy and Spain seemingly fighting for the second extra slotUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Europa League draw LIVE: Knockout play-off ties drawn as Man Utd safely through to Last 16 – latest updates

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      THE Europa League knockout play-off draw has concluded as the brackets take shape.Manchester United, Tottenham and Rangers are all safely into the Last 16 already and did not feature in this draw, but have learned more about their four potential opponents.The Last 16 draw – which features United and Spurs – will be taking place on Friday, February 21.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the updates below…Europa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedEuropa League’s top earners so farCopy linkCopiedMan Utd secure biggest EL paydayMan Utd have bagged the biggest Europa League prize pot so far – despite finishing only third in the initial league phase.United’s final match win at FCSB means they have landed £19.5million to date and also confirmed their place in the last 16.And Spurs, fourth overall, stand second in the cash rankings at the end of the first phase.The North Londoners have banked £18.4m after recording five wins and two draws out of eight games.Copy linkCopiedRoad to BilbaoEuropa League draw sees Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers straight through to the last 16Copy linkCopiedA reminder of the EL draw in full…Left side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedWho could Man Utd and Tottenham face?Man Utd and Tottenham will each face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland in the last-16 of the Europa League.Copy linkCopiedWhen is the last-16 draw?The draw for the last 16 is on February 21 – a day after the play-off round finishes.Man Utd and Tottenham will find out their next opponents then.Copy linkCopiedPrem closes in on extra CL spotThe Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.It means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Copy linkCopiedPath to the final…Copy linkCopiedEuropa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedPlay-off fixturesThe first leg of the Europa League play-off fixtures will take place on February 13, with the return matches scheduled for the following week on February 20.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedDraw in fullLeft side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedLeft side of the bracketFC TwenteUnion Saint-GilloiseAZ AlkmaarFerencvárosiRight side of the bracketFenerbahcePAOKFC MidtjyllandPortoCopy linkCopiedHere we go!The Europa League play-off draw is about to begin!Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChampions League play-off draw in fullThe Champions League draw has just taken place! Here are the play-off fixtures we have to look forward to…Left side:Brest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side:Monaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedWhich teams are automatically through?The top eight teams in the Europa League group stage table have earned automatic qualification for the last-16.LazioAthletic ClubMan UtdTottenhamEintracht FrankfurtLyonOlympiacosRangersCopy linkCopiedAre there any changes to the knockouts?No, there are no changes to the original knockout stages.The last 16 stage will continue, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on May 21.The removal of away goals – implemented last season – will continue as well.Copy linkCopiedWho is in the draw?Bodo/GlimtAnderlechtFCSBAjaxReal SociedadGalatasarayRomaViktoria PlzenFerencvarosPortoFC AlkmaarMidtjyllandUnion Saint-GilloisePAOKTwenteFenerbahceCopy linkCopiedWelcome to the Europa League drawHello, good morning and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of today’s Europa League draw!Today the 16 teams who qualified for the knockout play-offs will find out who they will be facing next month.The winners of the play-off games will progress through to the last-16.We have some huge potential fixtures in the pipeline, so stay tuned!Copy linkCopied More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club play in front of lowest ever crowd as fuming Man Utd fans protest ticket price hike

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’s other club played in front of a record LOW crowd in their final Europa League group match.French outfit Nice welcomed Bodo/Glimt to the Allianz Riviera on Thursday night for what proved to be the final match of their European campaign this season.Nice welcomed Bodo/Glimt to the Allianz Riviera for their final Europa League group matchCredit: AFPThe match was played in front of a record-low crowd at the stadiumCredit: AFPThe French outfit are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound Ineos companyCredit: APLes Aiglons’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages had long gone up in smoke and they went into the match second-bottom of the 36-man table.Scores of fans opted not to attend Thursday’s academic match against Bodo, which led to a record-low attendance.A mere 4,272 supporters were in attendance for the 1-1 draw.And 800 of the fans in attendance were Bodo supporters who had made the long journey from Norway.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSNice boss Franck Haise said: “I think we’ll have fewer people at the stadium than against OM.”That’s all I’ll say. We have to be worthy of the competition.”And then there’s an interest for those who are going to play and prove that they can perform.”The midweek attendance figure was a stark contrast to the number of supporters who packed the Allianz for Nice’s clash with Olympique Marseille last weekend.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJust over 31,000 fans were in attendance to watch Haise’s men record a 2-0 victory over the visitors.Nice fans have largely spoken positively about Ratcliffe since his company, INEOS, took ownership of the club in 2019.Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices But the same can’t be said of Manchester United supporters, who have been irked by a number of the billionaire’s decisions since he became a shareholder in December 2023.Ratcliffe drew the ire of the Old Trafford faithful by laying off 250 staff members last July and then asking club legend Sir Alex Ferguson to step down from his ambassador role the following October.But his decision to raise ticket prices to £66 per game and axe concessionary pricing for children and seniors has really enraged fans.And supporters vocalised their anger during the Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend.Sections of the travelling fans were heard chanting: “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t.”Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drawn the ire of Red Devils fans by increasing ticket pricesCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Roma and Frankfurt fans throw flares as riot police called in after violent scenes in Europa League clash

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      RIOT POLICE were called into action during Roma’s Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.The hosts emerged from the game victorious thanks to goals from Angelino and Eldor Shomurodov.Police were forced to intervene as Roma and Frankfurt fans clashedCredit: RexUltras from both sides attempted to throw flares and pyro towards their rivalsCredit: RexFour arrests had been made even before the gameCredit: RexHowever, shortly after Roma took the lead police were forced to intervene as fans started throwing flares.Fan-captured footage from inside the Stadio Olimpico showed police swarming up the stairs of the stands and ushering fans away from the protective glass separating them from rivals.A second video showed pyro being launched from one section of fans and into the other during the police intervention.Another showed how police and stewards had formed an extra barrier of protection at half-time to keep the two sides separate, while flares were ignited within the sections of the crowd.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFan tension had been rife even before the match.According to Italian media, four Roma fans were arrested ahead of the game who were involved in an attempted raid on Eintracht Frankfurt supporters’ shuttle buses heading to the stadium.The report says two of the fans arrested were minors, with the incident taking place near the Piazzale delle Belle Arti, a known meeting place for fans before games.Frankfurt’s strong campaign in the Europa League League Phase effectively secured them a spot in the top regardless of what might happen elsewhere on the final matchweek.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd despite suffering a 2-0 loss – just the second defeat of their European campaign – they came fifth in the overall standings.The Bundesliga outfit will play one of FCSB, Ajax, Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK in the last-16.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresMeanwhile, Roma have had a far more stop-start campaign and would have crashed out completely if they had not won last night.As it goes, they will now face a play-off round for the chance to get into the last-16 of the competition.Roma will play one of Ferencvaros or Porto in their play-off and could set up a heated last-16 tie against hated rivals Lazio.Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘That looks serious’ – Tottenham star Dragusin forced off injured in yet another blow leaving TNT Sports pundit worried

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      TOTTENHAM suffered yet another injury blow as Radu Dragusin was forced off.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou vented his frustration with recent squad setbacks ahead of Thursday’s Europa League win over Elfsborg.Radu Dragusin was forced off injuredCredit: AFPIt is yet another injury blow for SpursCredit: GettyHe planned to take off centre-back Micky van de Ven at half-time against to ensure he keeps his backline fresh. But it was replacement Dragusin who picked up a knee injury when the defender went down off the ball after a tussle with striker Jalal Abdullai.He was taken off – replaced by forward Dane Scarlett – as replays revealed Dragusin coming down on his knee awkwardly. TNT Sports’ Glenn Hoddle: “That looks quite serious because look, he plays the ball there and then he’s landed and wow, he holds his knee.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs have NINE first-team players sidelined through injury, including defenders Djed Spence, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie. Keeper Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison are also out. Postecoglou – who has blamed Tottenham’s woeful league form on injuries – did make light of Dragusin’s knock. The outspoken Aussie pretended to pull his hamstring when stretching for a ball that went out of play. Most read in FootballSpurs cruised into the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to goals in the final 20 minutes from Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore. And on Dragusin’s injury, he said: “It is too early to say what it is, we will need to investigate further. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss”But it was his knee which is not good.”We have another game on Sunday. The club will be working hard behind the scenes to see if we can get something done.”Ange Postecoglou celebrates victoryCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham 3 Elfsborg 0: Dane Scarlett unlikely hero as academy products combine to book spot in Europa League last 16

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      DANE SCARLETT was Tottenham’s unlikely hero in every sense.The 20-year-old was only recalled from his loan at Championship side Oxford earlier this month due to a lack of game-time – with the club’s intention to farm him out again.Dane Scarlett celebrates scoring his first goal for SpursCredit: GettyDamola Ajayi came off the bench to seal all three points on his Spurs debutCredit: RexMikey Moore’s late strike finished off a fine night for the Tottenham academyCredit: RexThat was made impossible when Ange Postecoglou brought him on for the injured Radu Dragusin – Spurs’ crock curse striking again – in the 66th minute.Players are not permitted to play for more than two clubs in a season so another temporary switch was off as soon as he took to the pitch here.But given what he then produced, and Spurs’ desperate lack of options with so many players sidelined, they probably would want to keep him anyway.Because within four minutes of coming on, Scarlett had his first senior goal when heading home an inswinging cross from fellow sub Dejan Kulusevski.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt broke Elfsborg’s resistance and confirmed Tottenham’s safe passage to the last 16 of the Europa League, without the need of a pesky two-legged play-off in February.Thursday’s win confirmed they will face one of AZ Alkmaar, Galatasaray, Real Sociedad and FC Midtylland for a place in the quarter-finals.Scarlett even had an assist to his name with six minutes to go as he traded passes with another sub Oyindamola Ajayi who fired home on his debut for 2-0.Spurs team-mates gather to congratulate Damola Ajayi after scoring on his debutCredit: EPAThere was still time for 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore to make it a hat-trick of maiden goals for the club when he drilled home in stoppage time.Most read in FootballIt brought some much-needed relief to boss Postecoglou, who at one point made light of his mad injury situation by pretending to grab his hamstring on the touchline.The Aussie has felt the heat for the club’s disastrous league form which has seen them plummet down to 15th.A relegation battle cannot be ruled out given their form and injury problems.But Postecoglou has kept the faith that things will turn around when they get their players back.While he has also pointed to the potential glory of the cups, given they are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, the FA Cup and now the knockouts in Europe.Spurs have badly missed key defender Micky van de Ven for the last seven weeks due to his latest hamstring injury.So the loud cheer when the Dutchman’s name was read out before kick-off was understandable – as would have been any nerves over the prospect of reinjury.He ended up only playing the first 45 minutes in what was likely a planned move to ease him back gently – and in truth he had next to no defensive work to do in his time on the pitch.Micky van de Ven’s first-half appearance brought huge joy to the Spurs faithfulCredit: RexElfsborg are still in their pre-season for their domestic campaign and have only played two competitive games since December 12 – albeit both wins in th Europa League – and sat back throughout.Captain Son Heung-min has struggled for his own form amid Tottenham’s difficult season.But he has been better in the last week, netting twice in the 3-2 win at Hoffenheim last Thursday and being Spurs’ best player in Sunday’s 2-1 horror show against Leicester.Here he was at his twinkle-toed best, dancing round Elfsborg’s defenders and leaving Simon Hedlund particularly dizzy.South Korean football star Yang Min-hyeok explains his reasons for joining Tottenham One clever bit of movement saw the South Korean cut the ball back for Pape Sarr who was denied by a fine stop from Isak Pettersson.The Elfsborg stopper had said on Wednesday his side would “not be scared” when taking on Spurs.And he made a brave save when facing down Moore’s goalbound strike after more clever feet from Son.Lucas Bergvall may have felt an extra desire to impress given the Swede was up against opposition from his home country.Perhaps it affected his concentration as he gave the ball away sloppily several times in the first half, incurring the wrath of Postecoglou who angrily urged the 18-year-old to calm down.Dragusin came on for Van de Ven at the break in a triple change for the hosts.Besfort Zeneli’s shot hit the Romanian’s leg soon after and looped up, allowing striker Jalal Abdullai to pull off an acrobatic volley which went narrowly over the bar.The anti-Daniel Levy chants reached fever pitch in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s loss to Leicester, with many fed-up fans calling for ownership change.That dissension was more a murmur here that every so often would crop up, either in the form of a ‘We want Levy out’ taunt or the popular Kulusevski song which also takes aim at the supremo.All of a sudden, Dragusin went down clutching his right knee.He had attempted to hack away a loose ball and instantly felt a problem and after receiving treatment, eventually had to be withdrawn.Radu Dragusin was withdrawn after an injury scareCredit: AFPOn in his place came academy product Scarlett, who within four minutes was wheeling away after heading in Kulusevski’s cross for his maiden Spurs goal.There was another first strike 14 minutes later as 19-year-old debutant Ajayi played a one-two with Scarlett and fired a low, left-footed shot into the corner, killing off Elfsborg and raising the roof.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs had four teenagers on the pitch by the end in Archie Gray, Bergvall, Ajayi and Moore – who struck in stoppage time to round off a fabulous night for Tottenham’s kids.Ange Postecoglou applauds the Spurs fans at full-timeCredit: RexA late flurry of goals saw Elfsborg knocked out of the Europa LeagueCredit: RexElfsborg’s goalkeeper is consoled by manager Oscar Hiljemark after their Europa League exitCredit: Rex More