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    Man Utd face tricky task even Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t pull off with only one Red Devils manager doing it in 20 years

    MANCHESTER UNITED face a tricky task when they take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League.The Red Devils will face a familiar foe as former manager Jose Mourinho is now in charge of the Turkish side.Sir Alex Ferguson never managed an away win over Jose MourinhoCredit: APThe Portuguese boss has only lost one home game against Man UnitedCredit: PAOle Gunnar Solskjaer got the better of Mourinho in 2021Credit: AFPThe two sides will face off on Thursday evening at the Şükrü Saracoğlu in Turkey.Man United have faced away games against a Mourinho side 11 times in the last two decades.The Portuguese manager can boast an almost impeccable record against the Red Devils.Only once has a Man United side ended on the winning side in an away fixture against Mourinho.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat was in 2021, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer masterminded a 3-1 win over Spurs.The Norweigian is the only Man United boss to manage the feat ahead of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag.Ferguson had seven attempts to beat Mourinho away from Old Trafford but failed each time.He was beaten by Mourinho’s Porto side in 2004 in the Champions League and by the boss’ Chelsea team in that year and in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Scot was held to draws on four other occasions before it was Moyes’ turn.The former West Ham manager only had one shot at beating Mourinho but lost 3-1 to his Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge in 2014.What Sir Alex Ferguson ruthlessly told Man Utd stars after Aguero’s iconic goal won Man City the Premier League The Special One also beat Van Gaal in his one opportunity as the Red Devils lost 1-0 in 2015.Solskjaer faced Mourinho twice while he was at Tottenham and drew the first away meeting 1-1 in 2020 before getting the win the following year.Fenerbahce appointed Mourinho as manager in June, and he has only lost one of his six home matches.That defeat came in a 3-1 loss to arch-rivals Galatasaray in September.Mourinho spent just over two seasons as Manchester United’s manager during the spell when the club failed to beat him away from home.During his time at Old Trafford, he oversaw the club reach a record 40 home games in a row unbeaten.The Red Devils only lost a total of nine games out of 63 under Mourinho at home. More

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    Man Utd draw up ‘Battle of Britain’ plans in desperate bid to avoid repeat of Galatasaray ticketing fiasco

    MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up plans for the ‘Battle of Britain’ three months ahead of the fixture.And the Red Devils are desperate to avoid a repeat of the ticketing fiasco from when they faced Galatasaray.Rangers take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in JanuaryCredit: GettyUnited were pitted against Scottish giants Rangers in this season’s Europa League.The two sides will face off at Old Trafford on January 23.But the hosts are already figuring out who will be able to attend. Last season, approximately 2,000 Galatasaray fans managed to buy tickets in the home end of Old Trafford to cheer on their Turkish heroes in the Champions League. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd not only would a repeat of the embarrassing scenes be humiliating for United – but could also pose a serious safety risk if rival fans clash in the stands.As a result, United have taken drastic measures to ensure only their genuine fans are in the seats reserved for home supporters.According to the Daily Mail, the club will only make tickets available to purchase to those who were registered members before the Europa League draw was made. The fixture has been categorised as “high risk”.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd that will also see the club in constant communication with local authorities on how to police the game. United’s clash with Rangers is their penultimate of the new league phase in Europe this term – finishing with a trip to Romania to face Steaua Bucuresti on January 30.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings Ten Hag: Mourinho is the exampleBy NEIL CUSTISERIK TEN HAG has hailed Jose Mourinho as an example for managers as he prepares to face him in Istanbul in the Europa League on Thursday.Mourinho, now manager of Fenerbahce, added to his already impressive trophy haul with the League Cup and Europe League in his time at Manchester United.Indeed that triumph in Stockholm in 2017 over Ajax was the last trophy United won back in 2017 until Ten Hag took charge and won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the last two seasons.Now the pair clash in Istanbul and United boss Ten Hag was full of praise for one of his predecessors at Old Trafford.Ten Hag said: “It’s a big game for both of us.”I really enjoy facing him and playing against him. He has always good teams, he is a winner – he has won so many trophies – I think he is an example for many, many managers.”Ten Hag has been the most successful manager alongside Mourinho since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Still, he remains under pressure with United sitting below mid-table.Ten Hag acknowledges that what happens now is all important.He said: “It is football, you have to live for now.“What happened is in the past, you have to prove yourself every day, you have to prove yourself every season so we have to go for it.”We are in the start of the season and we will see where we end but our target is to win a trophy again.”The pressure was eased on Ten Hag with a comeback victory against Brentford on Saturday with 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund grabbing the second-half winner.Ten Hag said: “He will always score. What is important is he is keeping fit.”He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.”Erik ten Hag’s struggles in European football have continued this term.They kicked off this season’s campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente.They then needed an injury-time Harry Maguire header to salvage a 3-3 stalemate at Porto – despite leading 2-0 after just 20 minutes. United head to the hostile Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday where they take on Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho. The Turkish side beat Union Saint-Gilloise in their opener before also being forced to settle for a point with a 1-1 result against Twente. Galatasaray fans managed to get home tickets at Old Trafford last yearCredit: Getty More

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    Jose Mourinho’s struggling Fenerbahce consumed by ‘unhappiness and hopelessness’ ahead of Man Utd clash in Europa League

    FENERBAHCE have been consumed by “unhappiness and hopelessness” under new boss Jose Mourinho’s steerage.The Turkish giants are winlesss in October as Mourinho gears up to face his former side Man Utd for their Europa League clash in Istanbul on Thursday.Fenerbahce have been consumed by “unhappiness” under Jose Mourinho, according to a club legendThe Turkish club are winless in October a Man Utd head to Istanbul on ThursdayFenerbahce were expected to mount a title challenge when they recruited serial winner Mourinho, who was axed by Roma in the summer – but things aren’t exactly going to plan.The Super Lig side find themselves fourth and eight points behind leaders Galatasaray after twice throwing away the lead in their 2-2 draw with Samsunspor on Sunday.And now club legend Volkan Demirel has provided a damning verdict on Fenerbahce’s dip in form.Demirel told Turkish outlet Fanatik: “Right now, this Fenerbahce team is mixed with unhappiness and hopelessness. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Why the unhappiness? Because of the environment they are in. Why the hopelessness?”We were all expecting something. We were expecting it from Mourinho, we were expecting it from the transfers that were made. “We were saying let’s see after the international break, but nothing has changed at the moment, but it will obviously continue like this. “We waited to see if we could see a change, a variability, but it didn’t happen.Most read in FootballMan Utd head to Turkey on the back of a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old TraffordFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We have not seen any changes in the game designs of the matches played at home and away.  Or if you are leading 2-1, will Fenerbahce play a seven-man defence? A big question mark.”Fenerbahce brought in former Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin on loan from Al-Ahli as well as ex-Man Utd loanee Sofyan Amrabat as they spent £40.8million this summer.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionThe former Chelsea boss made headlines last week after ripping up ex-Rangers forward Ryan Kent’s contract in the 16th month of his four-year-deal.But there’s absolutely no suggestions Mourinho’s job could be in danger, with Fenerbahce winning five of their opening eight league games.Thursday’s game is a big one for Erik ten Hag as well, with many believing a defeat to Mourinho would be too much for fans to bear.The Man Utd boss is winless in the Europa League this season, having drawn 1-1 with Dutch side Twente at Old Trafford and crawling back to 3-3 away at Porto.In fact, in his last 10 European games Ten Hag has won just once, which came against Copenhagen in the group stage of last season’s Champions League. More

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    Repulsed fans say ‘it’s still overpriced’ as 85p lard bread with onion at Europa League side goes viral

    FOOTBALL scran enthusiasts might not be too eager to pay a visit to one Europa League side.It comes after a less-than-appetizing meal at Ferencvaros went viral on social media.Football scran enthusiasts were left stunned at a piece of lard breadCredit: Twitter/@SportScranA photo of a piece of lard bread at the Hungarian side caught the attention of fans for all the wrong reason.The picture showed a piece of “greasy” white bread looking moist in the middle and a meagre amount of red onion, with nothing else to support it.Social media users were taken aback by the item, and that was before mentioning the 85p – or 580 Hungarian Forint – price tag associated with it.One shocked fan said: “Even in England that s*** is overpriced.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “This would be good immediately after experiencing a heartbreak.”Specsavers official account said: “This brought tears to our eyes.”Another said: “That would leave you Hungary…”A fifth said: “This would literally make you in tears.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTottenham fans had the chance to try this dish during their recent visit to Budapest in the Europa League.But even as the image seemed to suggest some Spurs fans may have been left wanting, there was no wanting for a better result.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymousAnge Postecoglou’s side collected a 2-1 win on the road to maintain their 100 per cent start.Pape Matar Sarr and Brennan Johnson were both on target for the visitors. More

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    Bruno Fernandes takes swipe at Man Utd as he reveals he prefers playing for Portugal and the food is better

    BRUNO FERNANDES has suggested that he prefers playing for Portugal over Manchester United.The 30-year-old admitted today that United’s current situation is “not positive”.Bruno Fernandes has suggested he prefers playing for PortugalCredit: EPAThe midfielder has endured a difficult start to the season with UnitedCredit: GettyThe Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with just eight points from seven games.They have also managed just two points from two in the Europa League.And the situation was made worse last week when club captain Fernandes received a red card against Porto.Amid the ongoing chaos at Old Trafford, the midfielder now considers international duty with Portugal a nice break away.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “It’s not a positive moment. We’re not winning games and the national team space is completely different.”I’ve felt very at ease, the dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.”It’s a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.”Fernandes went on to add: “It’s about improving as soon as I get there [Manchester].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Making the goals appear again because I’m a midfielder that scores a lot of goals and has over the years always shown a very high level of goals.”I have to live up to those expectations and to my standards. What I’ve been doing is not at all what I want for this season because I haven’t scored at the club yet.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs Tottenham”I hope that once I get there, I can score and help my club get back to winning ways and be at a good level.”Man Utd next face Brentford in the Premier League after the international break. More

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    Europa League supercomputer predicts Man Utd to finish shocking 19th in table… but there’s much better news for Spurs

    MANCHESTER UNITED Europa League struggles look set to continue.Erik ten Hag’s side surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Porto last night.Man Utd’s Europa League woes have been tipped to continueCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag’s side surrendered a 2-0 lead at PortoCredit: ReutersHaving drawn 1-1 with FC Twente in their European season opener, the Red Devils are still searching for their first win in the revamped competition.United’s two points earned so far has them 21st in the 36-team league phase.After each team has played eight league phase games, the top eight in the table will qualify for the round of 16.Those placed between ninth and 24th will then go into a knock-out play-off round, which they must win to advance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoffins and brainiacs over at CSDB have built a supercomputer tasked with predicting the outcome of this season’s competition.They have tipped United to rise from their current 21st-place position, but not by much.The Red Devils have been predicted to finish 19th in the league phase – with a record of three wins, two draws and three defeats.Ten Hag’s men will next travel to Turkey to face former boss Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir remaining league phase games will then be against PAOK, Bodo Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers and Steaua Bucharest.The supercomputer has then determined that United could face Dutch side Alkmaar in February’s play-off round.Man Utd blasted by pundits after horror Tottenham maulingIt reckons the Red Devils will have enough to get past the Eredivisie outfit and into the round of 16.Incredibly from there, the supercomputer backs United to get all the way to the final by beating Lazio, Olympiakos and Hoffenheim.In the final, the supercomputer believes that the Red Devils will face… Tottenham.Brennan Johnson has scored in both of Spurs’ Europa League games so far this seasonCredit: RexAnge Postecoglou has masterminded two wins from two in Europe this termCredit: RexCompared to United, Spurs are predicted to cruise through the competition.Ange Postecoglou’s men began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Qarabag last month, despite Radu Dragusin’s seventh minute red card.They then beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in Hungary last night, having fielded four teenagers in their starting XI.The supercomputer backs Tottenham to come third in the league phase, with an unbeaten record of six wins, two draws and zero defeats.Spurs’ next European action will come on October 24, when they host Alkmaar in North London.Their further league phase games will be against Galatasaray, Roma, Rangers, Hoffenheim and Elfsborg.Coming third would see Postecoglou and Co jump straight into the round of 16, with no need for a play-off.From that point, they are tipped by the supercomputer to beat Athletic Bilbao, whose stadium will host the final, and then Braga and Roma.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis would set up an incredible all-Premier League final – with huge stakes for both teams.The supercomputer tips Tottenham to come out on top 1-0 in Bilbao, beating Man Utd to see Son Heung-min lift the Europa League trophy, therefore ending his club’s agonising 17-year trophy drought. More

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    Erik ten Hag has just ONE match to save his Man Utd career after Europa League horror collapse to Porto

    JUDGEMENT DAY is on the horizon for Erik ten Hag.Following last weekend’s 3-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham, Ten Hag was reportedly given two games to try and convince club bosses he was the manager to lead them forward this season.Erik ten Hag now has one game to convince Man Utd bosses he is the coach to lead them forwardCredit: RexThose two games consisted of tough away matches against Porto and Aston Villa respectively.The first of them played out at the Estádio do Dragão last night, and started out well for the Red Devils.Marcus Rashford put United a goal to the good inside seven minutes before Rasmus Hojlund grabbed his first goal of the season after 20 minutes – with Diogo Costa not covering himself in glory for either.However, things began to unravel when winger Pepe reacted first to an Andre Onana save to half the deficit seven minutes later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea transfer target Samu Omorodion then bullied Matthijs de Ligt to head home an equaliser, before beating him to the ball in the second half to score a tap-in and make it 3-2.When Bruno Fernandes was then sent off once again there was a resounding sense of deja vu from Sunday.Fortunately for United, Harry Maguire climbed off the bench to head home a corner in injury time and ensure they escaped with a point.Yet the warning signs that have been seen before were present once again and showing absolutely no sign of remedy, with just three wins from their opening nine games this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTen Hag will desperately be hoping to grab a fourth win, and third in the league, to stop the rot before the international break.Reacting to the display, the Dutchman said: “We started the game very good, we dominated, scored two good goals, but then we lost control. Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man Utd”So the start was good, the middle part was not good, and then we finished very good. It’s a tough place to go, so coming back from 3-2 we get the equaliser, which is good for the spirit. “You see again that the team has a really strong character, but the middle part, the defending, we have to improve.”He also called on the judgement of the team to be reserved until later this season, adding: “We will get there. Don’t judge us in this moment. Judge us at the end of the season. “We are in the process and we will improve. We are now two seasons where we achieve finals. We have to develop and progress this team…”We will work and we will continue and we will fight. You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team. Between the players, together, there’s a strong spirit. “We want to achieve and we are in that [same] direction. We have that mentality and spirit-wise, but especially in some defending parts, we have to step up.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe trip to Villa Park – where United will face an Aston Villa team high on confidence after they beat Bayern Munich midweek in a repeat of the 1982 Champions League final – is do or die for Ten Hag at United.Should another loss be chalked up, however, the club’s sporting bosses will have a major decision to make.Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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    Ten Hag sets yet another horror record as Man Utd manager after Porto draw as he faces one game to save his job

    ERIK ten Hag’s job is still on the line ahead of Sunday’s clash at Aston Villa despite the last-gasp 3-3 draw at Porto on Thursday night.As stirring as Harry Maguire’s last-gasp rescue was for the 10-man Red Devils at Porto, a crazy 3-3 draw revealed more shocking failings.It might be getting lonelier and lonelier for Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe Dutchman stunned many by taking off Marcus Rashford, right, and later saw key midfielder Bruno Fernandes sent offCredit: ReutersSub Harry Maguire rescued a late draw for the Red Devils at PortoCredit: GettyThe Europa League thriller means no Premier League club has let in three or more goals more often in all competitions than Ten Hag’s men since he took charge at Old Trafford in April 2022. United now visit Aston Villa – buoyant after toppling Bayern Munich in the Champions League – for a make-or-break Prem clash on Sunday.And there will be extra pressure on the Dutchman this Sunday as United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be watching from the stands for the Red Devils’ visit to Villa Park. But despite another night of dodgy defending, Ten Hag insisted he will not only survive but thrive for the long haul.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Dutchman said: “We will get there. Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us at the end of the season.“We are in the process, we will improve. We have two seasons now where we achieve finals – just wait.However, he did add: “You see again that the team is willing, strong character, but the middle part, the defending we have to improve.“We have to be better on the ball and defend better.”Most read in Champions LeagueUnited, free-flowing early on, were deservedly 2-0 up through Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, although Porto keeper Diogo Costa blundered for both goals.Despite claiming he will get it right, Ten Hag looked under pressureCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils at least produced a healthy number of goal attemptsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut goals from Pepe and Samu Omorodion put the Portuguese giants level.Ten Hag took off the flying Rashford for the second period – raising eyebrows by revealing it was purely to rest the striker for the weekend rather than any injury.Sir Alex Ferguson picked on me after a Man Utd game but nearly sacked me for my reaction Spanish forward Omorodion promptly cracked the home side in front.And Porto could easily have exposed more gaps at the back for United – before Ten Hag made another bold decision.Off went central defenders Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt, with Maguire and Jonny Evans coming on in a like-for-like gamble.Almost immediately, however, the Red Devils’ star midfielder Bruno Fernandes saw red for the second game in a row, courtesy of a controversial second yellow card late on. Fortunately, Maguire thumped home a point-saving header in stoppage time.Maguire, who was left out of the England squad yesterday, responded to the snub by nodding home in the closing stages of the dramatic draw.When asked if United’s players believe in Ten Hag, Maguire replied: “Yeah definitely. I’ve played for this club for six years and I know how it works.“When you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure but also the manager does.“He’s experienced enough that he’s learned how to deal with it. It’s part and parcel of the privilege you have playing for or managing this club.”United are now languishing in 21st place in the Europa League table.Maguire added: “When you go 2-0 up away from home in a place like this you’ve got to be a little bit more solid and secure.“There were far too many gaps and a lot of crosses coming in. In the first half they ultimately punished us. We played really well with the ball in the first half but really poorly without it.“It’s something of a mental issue that we’ve got to overcome. It probably starts with belief. When we go 2-0 up and then concede, does the belief go a little bit?“We need to be aware of it and make sure that when we concede we regroup and stick together. We’ve got to do that better.“The boys on the pitch have got to realise that it’s happened far too many times. If we want to be successful this season, we can’t concede as often as we have done this season.”Ten Hag took goalscorer Rashford off at half-time for Alejandro Garnacho and claimed: “We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t start him, but he had a great game not only Sunday but the whole season.“We go quickly with a turnaround to Villa and they have had a day longer to recover and we have an away game.”United have now conceded at least three goals in their last four European away days, with just one victory in their past 10 Euro ties.That’s four given away at Bayern, then four, three and three against FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray and Porto respectively.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second match in a rowCredit: GettyCasemiro had another miserable night in United’s midfieldCredit: RexSurely no team can challenge for a trophy with such forlorn facts ‘n figures.And if you look at the bigger picture – all competitions – the Red Devils also lead the leakers amongst Prem sides.United have surrendered two or more goals 31 times since the start of last season.That’s yet another unwanted tally for which United top the table.No wonder they will travel to Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa with the heat around Ten Hag really starting to prickle.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils sit just 13th, with just two wins from six games.That matches their worst-ever Prem start to a campaign and leaves fans fearing the pain might deepen before it is eased – unless Ten Hag finds a quick solution that could also the key to his own future. 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