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      Sofyan Amrabat opens up on Man Utd exit and says ‘you’ll have to ask Mr Wilcox’ before adding ‘I hope they lose’

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      SOFYAN AMRABAT has revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Manchester United – but the Old Trafford hierarchy had other ideas.The midfielder also sent a cryptic message to club chief Jason Wilcox ahead of United’s visit to Fenerbahce in the Europa League tonight.Fenerbahce loanee Sofyan Amrabat has opened up on his Manchester United exitThe Morocco international revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to activate his loan dealAmrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina and racked up 30 appearances across all competitions. He impressed towards the end of the campaign, producing an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.But that was the last time he would wear the United shirt.On his exit, he told The Mail: “I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”The Morocco international was then asked if he’d like to share anything else about his departure.To which he cryptically responded: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox.”Wilcox, 53, is the technical director at Carrington who has overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Most read in FootballAmrabat cryptically directed the blame for his failed moved towards Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag wanted to activate the option to permanently buy Amrabat for £21m but the United echelons thought otherwise, opting to go for Manuel Ugarte from PSG for £51m instead.Despite a strong performance in the FA Cup final, ongoing injuries meant that he did not start a single Prem game between Christmas and the end of April.Sofyan Amrabat looks shocked after receiving gift off young Man Utd fan in ‘beautiful’ momentAmrabat expressed his desire to join United on a permanent basis after falling in love with the city and the club in an otherwise difficult season.In fact, Amrabat reportedly refused to train with his Fiorentina teammates in a bid to try and force through a return to M16.United mulled over the prospect of re-signing the 28-year-old but a deal failed to materialise.He joined Fenerbahce on loan in August and is set to feature in Thursday’s Europa League tie against his former side.Amrabat will join another Old Trafford outcast in Fred, under former United boss Jose Mourinho, who lifted the Europa League with the Prem giants in 2017.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mFred revealed that he was also emotional when United sold him to Fenerbahce for £13m last summer.He told The Mail: “It was tough because we had adapted to life in Manchester and my wife was pregnant. But football is like this and Fenerbahce supported me a lot.”When the Europa League draw pitted Fenerbahce – who beat United 2-1 in their last encounter eight years ago when Mourinho was manager – against the Reds, Fred was straight on WhatsApp to his former team-mates.He revealed: “I messaged Bruno Fernandes saying ‘We will kill you’ and he responded that ‘No, we will kill you’.”But then my friend got a red card against Porto so he won’t play with us.” He admits there is still a tinge of sadness seeing United struggle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “They are not in the best moment but I support them.”I’m upset when they don’t get good results or don’t play well but against us, it’s different. On Thursday, they can’t play well.”Fred spent five seasons at United after signing for £50m under Jose MourinhoMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Jose Mourinho is long past his prime but ex-Man Utd boss was like Robert De Niro in his pre-match press conference

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      FRANK SINATRA never did perform in a crowded hut by the tradesman’s entrance of a football training ground in Istanbul.And Robert De Niro never fielded questions about the absence of a fit, recognised left-back for the fourth-best team in the Turkish Super Lig.Jose Mourinho’s press conferences remain box-office eventsCredit: GettyMourinho was at his Robert De Niro best with the way he entertained the gathered media – here in the film Raging BullCredit: AlamyBut had they ever done so, it would have gone something like this. An audience with Jose Mourinho never grows old. Even now that his vagabond shoes have strayed all the way to this outbuilding at Fenerbahce’s Can Bartu training complex.As a coach, he may be past his prime. Indeed, he claims he wasn’t even one of the ten candidates spoken to by the FA to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.But as a media operator, Mourinho is Ol’ Blue Eyes, he’s Bobby De Niro.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe’s a song-and-dance man and a box-office sensation. He’s the manager the Premier League craves because of his charisma, his take-downs, his mindgames and his wisecracks.Just not his football.Here he was, simultaneously spitting poison at Turkish journalists, who have been critical of his underwhelming start as Fenerbahce boss, while greeting the English press pack as if we were lifelong friends who’d never had a bad word to say about him. Which, believe me, was never the case.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTonight, Mourinho goes head to head with his former club Manchester United in a meeting of two once-great footballing institutions.Between them, United and Mourinho won 16 of the first 21 Premier League titles, as well as four European Cups during that same era. Inside Jose Mourinho’s £1,000-a-night Istanbul hotel as ex-Man Utd boss orders same three-course meal every nightBoth are now faded and in exile — Mourinho on the Asian side of this chaotic, sprawling, city and United in the bottom half of the table, a world away from the elite.A decade ago, both would have scoffed at the idea of second-tier Thursday night football. Yet here they are. Still, Mourinho, the old rascal with the glint in his eye, was shaking hands, slapping backs and throwing signed Fenerbahce shirts to a couple of English journalists.He’d read a newspaper story which claimed he had been ordering the same room-service meal every night in his Istanbul hotel suite — chicken soup, margarita pizza and ice cream.“You English guys know where I live,” he giggled, “you know what I eat. Come round and make yourselves at home. I’m staying here at the training ground tonight, so does anyone need a room for the night?”Mourinho saved his best jibe for Manchester City and his old El Clasico sparring partner Pep Guardiola — claiming he could yet win a title with United if City — who face 115 Premier League charges of financial wrongdoing — are stripped of their 2017-18 crown, when his Red Devils were runners up.Mourinho, wary of motivating tonight’s opponents too much, was selective in his criticism of United boss Erik ten Hag. He merely stated United’s ‘potential was far higher than their results’ and noted the Old Trafford board had shown more patience with Ten Hag than they did with him.There was also the assertion that United and another of his former clubs, Spurs, should be the two clear favourites to win the Europa League — given that the Premier League was ‘far superior in terms of quality, intensity and finance’ than any other league.While claiming that he wishes United well and believes ‘they will succeed sooner or later, hopefully sooner before one day I go back to the Premier League’, Mourinho suggested it was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ he returns to England. But is that so?He is already being criticised for negative football here, Fenerbahce lost their first major derby, 3-1 at home to leaders Galatasaray and were beaten in a Champions League play-off against Lille to end up in the Thursday night club.Yet still Mourinho possesses the capacity to fascinate. Still, owners of Premier League club clubs, who should probably know better, will remain intrigued.When I asked about United’s decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-per-year role as a club ambassador, Mourinho was keen to plug a documentary about his life to be screened on Netflix next year.He said: “My relationship with Sir Alex was amazing, incredible, when my Netflix documentary comes out you will know more about the reasons I have so much respect for him. The ambassadorial role, I don’t know that situation. It doesn’t matter.“Sir Alex has the most important thing: the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world. That is more important than a few more pounds he doesn’t need.”It was very different when questions arrived from the Turkish media.Jose Mourinho explains reason behind his Man Utd exitBy NEIL CUSTISJOSE MOURINHO says a lack of trust from the top denied him more success at Manchester United.Mourinho spent two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford hotseat, winning two trophies, reaching an FA Cup final and finishing second in the Premier League.But he was sacked in  December 2018 and believes he was not backed properly in the transfer market by then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Mourinho said: “What Erik ten Hag has in his time at United I didn’t.“I didn’t have that level of support or trust.“So I left sad, because I felt I was in the beginning of the process. I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience, things could be different.”Mourinho gave signed shirts to a few English journalistsCredit: ReutersTold that Fenerbahce were playing at a slower pace than last season, his response was simply: “That is your opinion and I respect it.” A line delivered with about as much respect as a cobra spitting venom from its fangs.There were sarcastic swipes at TV pundits ‘the specialists have all the answers’. If they told Jose to play his misfiring attacking midfielder Sebastian Szymanski at left-back then perhaps he’d do so to avoid criticism.When a TV reporter asked a perfectly-reasonable question, he was given a lecture about the need to stop showing endless replays of a ‘non-penalty’ incident involving Sofyan Amrabat, who will play tonight alongside a fellow former United midfielder, Fred.That was the modern-day reality of Mourinho’s career — an argument over the use of TV footage in Turkish domestic football.A spat he could never have imagined having when winning titles at Chelsea, Champions Leagues with Porto and Inter Milan or ruling the roost at the two most famous clubs on Earth, United and Real Madrid.Yet at 61, something still motivates him to keep going. Perhaps the prospect of returning to the Premier League — where press conferences now tend to be interminably dull and the whole soap opera is a need of a great brooding, anti-hero.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor now, he performs in a hut by the tradesman’s entrance and eats margarita pizza in his room.But one day he thinks he’ll be back in the bright lights. Like Sinatra, he’ll never truly retire.Aged 61, he is still a natural entertainerCredit: ReutersMourinho announced himself to United fans with his memorable run down the Old Trafford touchlineCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe Portuguese gaffer led Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League gloryCredit: AFPThe Special One is living at the Four Seasons Hotel in IstanbulCredit: Free for editorial use More

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      How Man Utd lined up last time they faced Fenerbahce in loss under JOSE MOURINHO… with two stars still in squad now

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing to face former manager Jose Mourinho when they take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.It comes eight years after he was sacked by Red Devils chiefs following a mixed two and a half seasons at the helm.Jose Mourinho faced off against Fenerbahce as Manchester United boss eight years agoCredit: PA:Empics SportIt was during his first campaign at Old Trafford that he took Man Utd to Fenerbahce in the Europa League.And while he would eventually win the competition at the end of the season, the group-stage clash in November 2016 was an evening to forget for the iconic Portuguese coach.Man Utd, who had beaten Fenerbahce 4-1 two weeks earlier, trailed after just two minutes and fell 2-0 down before the hour mark thanks to goals from Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens.Wayne Rooney pulled one back late on, but it proved to be merely a consolation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while it was nearly a decade ago, two of Man Utd’s starting line-up are still in Erik ten Hag’s squad.They are left-back Luke Shaw and forward Marcus Rashford.Shaw played in front of keeper David de Gea and alongside defenders Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian.Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba made up the midfield trio.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLuke Shaw and Marcus Rashford started against Fenerbahce eight years agoCredit: Getty Images – GettyHow Man Utd lined up in their 2017 defeat to Fenerbahce under Jose MourinhoAnd Rashford and Rooney were joined up front by Anthony Martial.Pogba lasted just 30 minutes before he was replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings The Swedish striker was one of three substitutions made by Mourinho.Juan Mata came on for Schneiderlin at half-time, before Rashford made way for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.The unused substitutes were Sergio Romero, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini. More

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      Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man Utd

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      JOSE MOURINHO had claimed he’s still holding out hope that he will win the Premier League with Manchester Utd – nearly six years after being sacked by them.The now Fenerbahce boss faces his old club on Thursday in the Europa League.Jose Mourinho is still holding out hope for a Premier League title as Manchester United bossCredit: ReutersMourinho won the Europa League during his spell with the Red DevilsCredit: Rex FeaturesHe also guided United to a second place finish in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMourinho, 61, spent two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and helped the Red Devils win the Europa League and the League Cup during his tenure before he was axed in 2018.However, the Special One is claiming that he might still be able to add a Premier League title to that tally amid Man City’s battle against their 115 charges. Mourinho has claimed that he is still hoping that his side’s second place finish behind City in the 2017/18 season will be turned into a league title if the Etihad outfit are stripped of their achievements as a result of their ongoing court case.And the Portuguese manager is also hoping it might earn him a pretty penny too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking ahead of Thursday’s clash, he said: “As you know, we won the Europa League and finished second in the Premier League.”I think we still have a chance to win that league, because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league.”Then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”Mourinho was sacked after United failed to live up to the standards they’d set with their second place finish the season before.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have only finished second in the league once in the six years that have followed Mourinho’s departure.And when asked if he thinks that the Red Devils have improved since he was axed, the Fenerbahce manager gave an uncharacteristically diplomatic answer. Inside Jose Mourinho’s £1,000-a-night Istanbul hotel as ex-Man Utd boss orders same three-course meal every nightHe said: “I wish the best to Man Utd since the moment I left.”I left with a good feeling to the club and a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them.”So if things are not going amazingly well for them it’s not something that makes me happy.”But at the same time, I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened or didn’t happen.”Mourinho also added that United have “kept faith” in Erik ten Hag, claiming that the Dutchman is having different treatment to him at the Theatre of Dreams.Ten Hag remains under pressure at United after a poor start to the season has seen his side lose three of their opening eight Premier League clashes.While they are yet to win a European game this season either, with Thursday’s tie against Fenerbahce another tough test for Ten Hag’s men.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: Best free betting tips, odds and preview for Europa League tie

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      TOTTENHAM are two from two in the Europa League and their 100% record is put to the test when AZ Alkmaar visit North London this week.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTottenham vs AZ Alkmaar previewBarring THAT Brighton collapse, it’s been a terrific spell for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou.Six wins from their last seven, 17 goals in their last six games – Angeball is looking like taking shape again.They’ve won both of their Europa League games so far and three from three here would put them in a strong position.They fielded a bit of a second string side in this competition last time out and still won, and they likely could do so again.AZ have lost their last four games in all competitions, seeing them dropping down to fifth in the Dutch top flight and three points in Europe.They do have one very interesting player to keep an eye on this week. Troy Parrott came through the youth ranks at Spurs and will lead the line on Thursday on his return to north London.Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar betting oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar predictionsTimo timeTimo Werner was the most experienced in the Tottenham front four against Ferencvaros last time and could be again here.Still lacking confidence it would seem and needs a goal to get that going.Not yet scored this season but that only means the value of him FINALLY scoring is getting higher!Speaking of scorers, you can’t ignore the storyline of Troy Parrott scoring against his former side!Troy Parrott to score anytime at 23/10 – CLAIM HEREComfyGoals are expected when Spurs are in town and the side’s confidence should be fairly high.They’ve scored 10 times in their last three home games and that average can continue.Spurs win and 4+ goals in match at 15/8 – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      TOTTENHAM’S 100% Europa League record is on the line on Thursday when AZ Alkmaar head to north London on Thursday.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsTottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched Mourinho’s Man Utd meltdown – but he’s still Special and can prove it vs Ten Hag

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      WITH his arms outstretched, holding the Europa League aloft, Jose Mourinho took the acclaim of Manchester United’s faithful.The date was May 24, 2017. The venue was the Friends Arena, Stockholm.Mourinho with the Community Shield in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorHe won the League Cup the same seasonCredit: AFP or licensorsMourinho ended 2017 winning the Europa LeagueCredit: PAAt that moment — more than any other in the turbulent 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — it really did feel like Manchester United were back.They had faced a young Ajax team who were tipped to showcase the future with their short passing and high pressing against a man some were beginning to write off.Mourinho out thought his opposite number Peter Bosz who, after the final whistle, would bemoan the tactics United had employed.They were simple. If they want to press high and pass short we’ll whack it over them onto the head of Marouane Fellaini and he’ll lay it off to Marcus Rashford and go from there.READ MORE IN football It worked a treat, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan getting the goals in a 2-0 win.Not long after, in a conversation with former chairman Martin Edwards, he said that the club really believed they were on to something special with Mourinho.He had already bagged the League Cup that season in what is still probably the most exciting final the new Wembley has seen as United beat Southampton 3-2.Foreign coaches tend to hold a lot more store by the Community Shield, or Super Cups as they are called abroad, so Mourinho was happy to claim a treble as he got his players to hold up three fingers at the final whistle in Stockholm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the team plane on the way home he was pictured laughing and joking with Pogba, the player who helped lead to his demise less than two years later.At the start of that season Mourinho was being written off as a United boss after a 1-0 away loss to Feyenoord sandwiched between defeats to Manchester City and Watford.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionYet it had been on the eve of that Feyenoord clash late at night outside a hotel in Rotterdam that Mourinho was returning from dinner with his staff and happened across three of us in the Manchester press pack.Asked for a chat, he came over and explained, off the record, what he was having to do to unpick the Louis van Gaal football to create his own brand.His football brand that was a step up from the drudgery under Van Gaal although not always popular with the United faithful.But they liked him, and the fact he won, he gave United standing again, an image, they felt big.True that first Premier League season did not go well as they came sixth. Asked for a chat, he came over and explained, off the record, what he was having to do to unpick the Louis van Gaal football to create his own brand.But he had worked out late in the campaign the Europa League would provide the easier route back into the Champions League and cleverly rotated his squad accordingly.The following season he boasted it was one his greatest-ever achievements to lead United to Premier League runners-up spot behind City.He would deny the neighbours claiming the title on derby day as the Red Devils came back from 2-0 down at the Etihad to win 3-2.It was Pogba’s only good game. It is often forgotten that Mourinho also led the Red Devils to an FA Cup final that season going down 1-0 to Chelsea in the final.So it was all heading in the right direction as the season ended. Then came the summer in LA and we all realised something was not right.In a building at their training base in UCLA he was asked an innocent question as to whether he thought he had the squad to now go a step further and challenge for the title.He replied: “I cannot answer that question.” Eyebrows were raised.Later in the tour he would be seen in the foyer of a stadium snarling down the phone ‘it’s s**t, s**t’. Uh-oh.It seems an unsuccessful pursuit of Harry Maguire was part of it but his relationship with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was fracturing.Nobody wanted this all to unravel but the unravelling had started.He refused to engage in the traditional on-tour relaxed interview with the English media that every United boss has done. And saw criticism and injustice which was not there.The meltdown continued after a 3-0 home loss to Spurs he demanded ‘respect, respect respect’ from the media because he had won three titles.By the club’s Champions League exit to Valencia, he was questioning whether United had a ‘football heritage’ in Europe. Later in the tour he would be seen in the foyer of a stadium snarling down the phone ‘it’s s**t, s**t’. Uh-oh.Less than a week later, after a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool he was gone.“How on earth did it get to that point?” I asked Woodward later. He suggested if I had had to work with Mourinho, I would have known.He has never been easy. But as he sits in his Four Seasons’ suite on the banks of the Bosphorus tonight he will be planning to bring down his former club in the Europa League.There are already murmurings of unrest at his new club Fenerbahce.But United and Erik ten Hag know he is the man for the big occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has only lost five times against United as the opposition manager. He remains special.In years to come United fans may look back and realise that — for two years under him — it was special, too.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Man Utd promote £1million prodigy to first team ahead of Fenerbahce clash as fans say ‘Ten Hag is planning wonders’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Sekou Kone is training with the first-team ahead of the clash with Fenerbahce.The Red Devils travel to Turkey to face Jose Mourinho’s side in the Europa League on Thursday.Selou Kone has been training with Man Utd’s first-teamCredit: manutd.comErik ten Hag will not be able to play Kone against FenerbahceCredit: GettyAnd ahead of the game, Erik ten Hag has promoted Kone from the youth-team.But the teenage sensation will have to wait for his debut as he is NOT eligible for selection after being left out Man Utd’s Europa League squad. However, he is able to play Premier League games and in Europe post-January if he is chosen when Ten Hag can change his squad.Other youngsters Harry Amass, Amir Ibragimov, Sam Mather, Ethan Ennis, Ruben Curley, and Habeeb Ogunneye have also reportedly been training with the first-team.READ MORE ON MAN UTDKone, 18, joined for £1million in the summer from Malian outfit Guidars.The midfielder, who has been dubbed “the next Yaya Toure”, caught the eye of Man Utd scouts at the Under-17s World Cup last year.He helped Mali finish third at the tournament, with his performances attracting the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Ajax and RB Salzburg.The boss has a midfield selection headache to deal with as Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up a red card in the 3-3 draw with Porto.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer and Dan Gore are all out injured.Since joining Man Utd in August, Kone has not yet played a game for the club’s Under-21s.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’He has instead been given extra time to settle into life in Manchester.But fans are hoping he makes his debut soon, with one saying: “Erik is planning to do wonders with the youngsters.”Another added: “Him and Mainoo in midfield, scary for our rivals.”Man Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More