Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘face further chaos and could be forced to wait WEEKS before Ruben Amorim takes charge’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED may have to wait a number of weeks before Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim takes charge as their new manager, reports claim.Sporting all but confirmed United will poach Amorim after announcing the Premier League giants are willing to pay his £8.3m release clause.Manchester United may have to wait ‘a number of weeks’ to sign Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: PATalks between Man Utd and Sporting have reportedly hit a snag regarding Amorim’s notice periodCredit: APThe Lisbon giants did not confirm whether they had accepted the Red Devils’ advances in a letter to the Portuguese stock exchange but reports suggested it’s only a matter of time until a deal is finalised.According to The Mail, however, talks have hit a snag regarding the Portuguese tactician’s notice period, which will last several weeks.United are happy to meet the 39-year-old head coach’s clause but are currently negotiating when he can start.Amorim may now not be in the dugout when the Premier League giants host Chelsea on Sunday.Read More on Man UtdIn fact, the Sporting boss may not take charge until Man Utd visit Ipswich on November 24.Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge against Leicester in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday at Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy may also be in the dugout for the game with Chelsea, the Europa League encounter at home against PAOK and the Premier League clash with the Foxes on November 10 at Old Trafford.Amorim may not assume his new position until after the international break, meaning club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not get his man for another four weeks.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSporting issued the following statement: “Manchester United has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of 10m Euros.”Manchester United has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”How ‘Mourinho 2.0’ Ruben Amorim can revive Man Utd after being overlooked by Liverpool in summerAmorim broke his silence on the likelihood of taking over at Old Trafford during a press conference on Monday.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”United sacked Erik ten Hag after the club’s worst ever start in the Premier League era.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Scholes leaps to Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence as he slams Man Utd over ‘disrespectful’ and ‘distasteful’ axing

      by

      PAUL SCHOLES has slammed Manchester United’s “distasteful” decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial contract.The iconic Old Trafford midfielder jumped to his former manager’s defence before United drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce in the Europa League.Paul Scholes believes Fergie’s cost-cutting exit was ‘disrespectful’Fergie will no longer receive his £2million-a-year salaryThe legendary Scot, 82, had transitioned into a role as a global ambassador after ending his 26-year tenure back in 2013. The job is believed to have been worth £2.13million-a-year.But it emerged earlier this month that Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson in a meeting that his contract would be axed.Speaking on TNT Sports, Scholes said: “I thought it was a little bit distasteful for what that man has done for the club. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Almost a little bit disrespectful but they’re new owners and new owners makes changes and they think what they’re doing is best for the club.”If they think they can save whatever money I know it’s been talked about £2million, if they think they can use it elsewhere then so be it.”This club owes a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s where it is now mainly because of the success he had for so many years.“The timing of it was poor because you think they’re in a really bad run of form, could you have waited or done it before the season started, at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFerguson will remain as a non-executive director and retain his place in the chief’s box and table for eight which he hosts at home matches.He is the club’s most successful manager of all time winning 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues at the helm at Old Trafford.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Ferguson’s formal employment will cease at the end of the current campaign as the club continue in their bid to cut costs.The Ineos CEO and his team have embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February.The Red Devils’ latest figures take total losses over the past five years to more than £370m, according to BBC Sport.Meanwhile, things aren’t exactly going well on the pitch after Erik ten Hag’s side were held to a third consecutive draw in Europe, leaving them 21st in the league standings.They have now failed to win in European competition for an entire year, since a 1-0 home win over Copenhagen on October 24, 2023.Amid the chaos, Mourinho was red-carded, Andre Onana pulled off a ridiculous double save and Erik ten Hag survived another tactical brainstorm despite Youssef En-Nesyri’s header cancelling out Christian Eriksen’s opener.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho creates ‘football heritage’ with outrageously sarcastic interview about referee after Man Utd draw

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO gave a sarcastic interview after being sent off during Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last night.The Portuguese manager, 61, threw a touchline tantrum when his side were denied a penalty.Jose Mourinho was in a fiery mood after the gameMourinho, 61, received a red card for throwing a touchline tantrumCredit: EPAFenerbahce’s former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.But neither referee Clement Turpin nor the VAR officials deemed it a spot kick.Mourinho was subsequently forced to watch the rest of the game from the stands after receiving a red card for a trademark touchline meltdown.After the game, the former Man Utd boss was asked about the penalty incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe shook his head as he told TNT Sports: “I don’t want to speak about it.”It was then put to Mourinho that he’d been to see the officials, before he added, dripping in sarcasm: “He (Turpin) told me something incredible.”He told that, at the same time, he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.”I congratulate him because he’s absolutely incredible. His peripheral vision during the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation, and he had one eye on the bench and on my behaviour.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”So that’s the explanation he gave me. That’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world.”Mourinho’s interview prompted plenty of discussion online.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)One fan wrote on X: “Football heritage.”While a second posted: “Man never changes.”A third added: “Another “if I speak I’m in trouble” moment. Classic Jose.”Still upset over the decision not going his way, Mourinho also bizarrely issued a come-and-get-me plea to teams at the BOTTOM of the Premier League.He said: “Best thing I can do is to go to a team who does not play in Uefa competition.”So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go.”I don’t want to speak any more about it.”Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho issues come-and-get-me plea to Premier League clubs as he hints he could leave Fenerbahce

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has issued a come-and-get-me plea to the Premier League.The Special One hinted that he could LEAVE Fenerbahce after his side held former club Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League.Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has teased a potential Prem returnThe Portuguese boss produced a vintage Mourinho performance after he was shown a red card for his touchline outburst, before delivering a classic hostile interview.Mourinho, 61, said: “Best thing I can do is to go to a team who does not play in Uefa competition.”So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go. I don’t want to speak any more about it.”Mourinho also sarcastically called referee Clement Turpin “one of the best in the world” after he was sent-off in Thursday’s match.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Fenerbahce manager was raging after Manuel Ugarte appeared to bring down Bright Osayi-Samuel in the box around the hour mark.But he lost his temper when neither the referee nor VAR gave the penalty.And TNT Sports host Jules Breach revealed he launched a foul-mouthed tirade in the tunnel “that she couldn’t repeat”.After the game, the Portuguese boss gave a very tongue-in-cheek explanation for his anger.Most read in FootballMourinho was forced to watch the rest of the game from the standsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told TNT Sports: “I congratulate the referee. He told me something incredible.”He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ save”His peripheral vision during the game, at 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on the bench and on my behaviour so that’s the explanation given.”That’s why he is one of the best referees in the world!”Mourinho was sent off FIVE times during his two-year spell at Serie A side Roma before he was sacked in the summer and joined Fenerbahce.Meanwhile Man United took the lead in the match through Christian Eriksen after a sleek move in the 15th minute.However, Mourinho’s side equalised early in the second half through former Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri.Mourinho even teased a potential return to the Prem BEFORE the game in Istanbul.The former United boss refused to bash Erik ten Hag’s tumultuous campaign, instead saying: “Sooner or later they will succeed.”The ex-Chelsea and Spurs gaffer added: “Hopefully sooner and hopefully before I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponents.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Special One has a two-year contract at Fenerbahce that runs until the summer of 2026.He won three Prem titles across two separate spells at Chelsea, while he later had stints in charge of United and Tottenham.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Terrifying moment Man Utd fans ‘attacked by mob of Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ hours before Europa League clash

      by

      THIS is the terrifying moment Man United fans were “attacked” by Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul just hours before the Europa League clash.The Fenerbahce stormed the bar where Manchester United fans were sat having a casual drink before the game. Man Utd fans were seen having a drink outside a barCredit: XThe fans soon had to scramble as Fenerbahce ultras apparently launched an attackCredit: XChairs were seen being used as weaponsCredit: XIt is unknown if any injuries were sustainedCredit: XFootage shared on social media showed a clan of thugs dressed in all-black swarm into the bar’s outside seating area.Manchester United fans desperately scrambling from the scene as a violent brawl breaks out. Within a few seconds chairs appear to fly through the air as thugs hurl the outdoor seating at their opponents.More ultras then seem to get involved as they swarm the bar and continue to use chairs as weapons.read more in sportSeveral tourists were captured desperately fleeing the dangerous scene.It’s currently unknown whether anyone was injured.But this isn’t the first time an alleged attack has taken place.In a separate incident as many as 50 Fenerbahce fans are said to have “swarmed” a group of United fans who had travelled to Istanbul for the match.Most read in FootballFootage shared on social media showed an attack taking place outside of the Grand Hisar Hotel.Multiple Man Utd fans injured after ‘being ambushed by 50 Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ ahead of Europa League clash Ultras charged and assaulted fans, leaving several injured.A self-professed “anarchist” account on X by the name of GFB Bogaz Hooligans then boasted about the footage after posting it online.The account shared a 26-second video of the attacks with the caption: “This is İSTANBUL!”An ominous post on their Instagram page showed an apparent group of hooligans on bikes.It was captioned: “On the first punch of a fight… Manchester is now truly RED :).”One Red Devils fan who was caught up in the attacks told StrettyNews how five fans were “swarmed” by a violent mob.They said: “About 50 of them swarmed us.”One lad followed me down a street and pretended to help before hitting me a shot into the jaw.”They added that two members of their group were left injured by glasses and a crowbar.Man Utd fans appear to have been attacked in Istanbul before their match with FenerbahceCredit: X/BogazHooligansWitnesses said multiple fans were left injuredCredit: X/BogazHooligansA separate incident is said to have involved 20 Fenerbahce fans descending upon a smaller group of United fans.The Fenerbahce ultra account posted a screenshot of an apparent online conversation between them and a so-called United fan.They said: “A response has been given to the traitors who insulted our religious and national values ​​and gave us a position.”The pictures detailed how an offensive message was sent to start the exchange before messages of “see you soon”, and “let’s go” were sent.The location of the Celtic Irish Pub in Istanbul was then sent. The pub is approximately an 11-minute walk from where one of the attacks took place.SunSport was unable to track down a social media account with the details shared in the screenshot, meaning the message could have been fabricated or the original account was changed or deleted.Manchester United and Fenerbahce have been approached for comment.Violence has unfortunately become commonplace in football in Turkey, with Fenerbahce’s chairman attacked by a pitch invader and pelted with bottles earlier this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited’s former boss Jose Mourinho was sent off during the match last night for throwing one of his infamous tantrums. Manchester United and Fenerbahce ended the game level with a 1-1 tie. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Antony leaves Fenerbahce stadium on crutches after Man Utd star carried off on stretcher in Europa League clash

      by

      ANTONY left Fenerbahce’s stadium on crutches following Manchester United’s Europa League draw.The Brazilian initially came off the bench on 73 minutes with the game level at 1-1. Antony left Fenerbahce’s stadium on crutchesAntony was stretchered off the pitchCredit: GettyBut Antony was forced off himself just before the final whistle after going down with what looked to be a calf injury. The winger was stretchered off by the physio team and was later pictured leaving the ground on crutches. Antony has struggled for form this season with just five appearances and one goal to his name. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in Turkey before Youssef En-Nesyri levelled five minutes after the break.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt means United have drawn all three of their Europa League matches. And under-fire manager Erik ten Hag spoke out following Antony’s unfortunate injury. He said: “It’s really unlucky for him. I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training.”His training performances are that good that he deserved to come on. When you have to come off so quickly, that is really sad to see.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Hopefully, it’s not too bad, we have to wait 24 hours for what the assessment is.”The forward is now set for medical checks ahead of United’s trip to West Ham on Sunday.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!”Moment Man United fans attacked hours before match in IstanbulThe match would finish 1-1 in Turkey as the Red Devils slumped to 21st in the Europa League table.It also meant they haven’t tasted a European win for TWELVE MONTHS.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham player ratings: Lucas Bergvall looks a star in the making but Radu Dragusin endures another mixed display

      by

      TOTTENHAM made it a hat-trick of Europa League wins thanks to Richarlison’s penalty against ten-man AZ Alkmaar. The Brazilian converted from the spot on 53 minutes in an opening goal that eventually separated the sides. Richarlison won the game for TottenhamCredit: PAAnd the visitor’s night got even worse with five minutes to go when David Moller Wolfe was shown a second yellow. Here is how Dan King rated Spurs’ players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fraser Forster – 7Brilliant save and good rush from line in first half to stop Spurs falling behind. A spectator for most of the second half but made smart stop in last 20 minutes.Archie Gray – 5Unable to team up with fellow teenager Moore in first half to match threat from Tottenham’s other flank and struggled with pace of Ernest Poku.READ MORE IN football Radu Dragusin – 5Another mixed display. Good on the ball one moment, not so much the next. Sometimes looked strong, but then vulnerable, especially when Alkmaar ran at him.Radu Dragusin had another mixed displayCredit: GettyBen Davies – 7Tottenham’s Mr Dependable was their most convincing defender, thanks mainly to good positioning and calmness. Although even he showed signs of tension late on.Destiny Udogie – 6Did a bit of everything in the opening 45 minutes, although as usual his work in opposition half tended to be better. Less adventurous in the second half.Rodrigo Bentancur – 6After a commanding start, was unable to stop Alkmaar from gaining a first-half foothold. Apart from occasional lapses, maintained his authority better after the break.Most read in FootballMikey Moore enjoyed success on the leftCredit: AlamyMikey Moore – 7Missed golden early chance and looked uncomfortable on right. Immediate, massive improvement when switched to left, running at defence and creating chances..Lucas Bergvall – 8Impressive display with everything but a goal. Full of running, composed, and found killer passes that should have become assists. But had to go off injured.James Maddison – 7Skipper for the night had some lovely moments without finding a decisive contribution – until he let Richarlison have the penalty.Timo Werner was hooked at half timeCredit: RexTimo Werner – 5Superb cross for Moore chance but woeful finish when played through by Bergvall told you everything about his confidence levels. Hooked at half time. Richarlison – 6Busy and committed in first half, but ball wasn’t sticking much. Really wanted to take the penalty and converting it should be a morale boost. Lasted just over an hour.SUBSBrennan Johnson (for Werner, half time) – 5Failed to make most of a Bergvall pass. Quieter than usual.Dominic Solanke (for Richarlison, 65) – 6Worked hard without having a sight of goal. Dejan Kulusevski (for Bergvall, 73) – 6Gave the Spurs midfield the legs it needed to see out game.Pape Sarr (for Maddison, 73)  – 6Also brought an injection of energy to dampen Alkmaar hopes of a comeback.READ MORE SUN STORIESWilson Odobert (for Moore, 87) – 6Had two sights of goal but steered second wide from close range.Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ save More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ratings: Onana makes fantastic double save but is let down by poor defensive display from Lindelof

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half with a composed strike into the top-left corner.Andre Onana made a huge double save to keep United ahead in the first halfCredit: ReutersVictor Lindelof failed to challenge Youssef En-Nesyri for the ball before the striker scoredCredit: EPABut the Red Devils quickly found themselves under pressure.Andre Onana pulled off an outstanding double save to keep his team ahead just before half-time.However, things quickly fell apart after the break when some poor defending led to Youssef En-Nesyri equalising.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands by the referee, furious his side were denied a penalty.Read More in FootballAnd United were unable to restore their lead and now sit 21st in the Europa League group stage table.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performance.Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from En-Nesyri out.Onana stepped up to make two huge saves in quick successionCredit: APHis defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Most read in Europa LeagueDiogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes spared in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMatthijs de Ligt – 6 Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break. Probably Man Utd’s best defender on the night.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester UnitedLindelof failed to impressCredit: ReutersVictor Lindelof – 4 Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5 Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.The midfielder has now provided a goal involvement in every Europa League game this season for United.Manuel Ugarte – 6 Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6 Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved to left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Noussair Mazraoui played in the No10 position before moving to left-backMarcus Rashford – 5 Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Eriksen’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.READ MORE SUN STORIESJoshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More