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      Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans convinced over Marcus Rashford’s future after spotting Ruben Amorim interaction

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      EAGLE-EYED fans are convinced that Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United is coming to an end.The Red Devils star is facing an uncertain time at Old Trafford after a tough spell of form.Marcus Rashford was not acknowledged by Ruben Amorim when he was subbed against Viktoria PlzenCredit: GettyHe was lucky not to be sent off in the Europa League clashCredit: ReutersAmorim could look to bring in new faces in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyRashford, 27, struggled in Manchester United’s win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.The forward was unable to influence the game and was arguably fortunate to escape a red card in the second half.Rashford flew into a tackle when already on a yellow but avoided further punishment before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.He was not acknowledged by the manager when walking off the pitch and to the bench.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans spotted the moment and are now convinced that it means that the club will sell him in January.One wrote: “Looks like Rashford is certainly gonna be sold, Amorim didn’t even shake his hand when he came off.”A second wrote: “Amorim acknowledges Malacia and Zirkzee.”No exchange between him and Rashford when he came off earlier.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother commented: “He didn’t even look at him.”While one summarised: “There was nothing to acknowledge about Rashfords game.”Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenAnother sad fan added: “I wouldn’t be devastated if Rashford left.”Reports have been circulating that Man United would be willing to cash in on Rashford in January.The Daily Mail have reported that the club would accept a bid worth £40million to allow him to leave.The potential sale of Rashford would boost the club’s PSR position as he is an academy profit and would count as 100 per cent profit.An influx of cash would also boost Amorim’s fund to invest in new players to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.However, finding a buyer could be difficult, with Rashford earning up to £325,000-per-week.His deal runs until 2028, having been signed only in July 2023.Man Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on. More

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      Europa League LIVE RESULTS: Hojlund’s double seals rare United European away win, Tottenham draw with Rangers

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have WON their crunch Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen!Andre Onana’s howler gifted Vydra with arguably the easiest goal he’ll score all seasonBut Rasmus Hojlund’s double flipped this incredible tie completely on its head.Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski’s strike cancelled out Hamza Igamane’s opener which means that Tottenham and Rangers drew at Ibrox.RESULTS: Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man UtdRangers 1-1 TottenhamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Europa League final scoresHoffenheim 0-0 FCSBLudogorets 2-2 AZMalmo 2-2 GalatasarayOlympiakos 0-0 TwentePAOK 5-0 FerencvarosRoma 3-0 BragaUnion Saint-Gilloise 2-1 NiceViktoria Plzen 1-2 Man UtdAjax 1-3 LazioBodo/Glimt 2-1 BesiktasElfsborg 1-0 QarabagMaccabi Tel-Aviv 2-1 Riga FSLyon 3-2 Eintracht FrankfurtPorto 2-0 MidtjyllandRangers 1-1 TottenhamReal Sociedad 3-0 Dynamo KyivSlavia Prague 1-2 AnderlechtCopy linkCopiedForster frustrates old rivalsFraser Forster made a number of saves to deny Rangers victory tonight.Towards the end of the game he made a superb block to prevent Dessers giving the hosts all three points.He certainly kept his side in this one and earned them a point in Glasgow, despite the reception he received all game from the home fans.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSpurs leave it late in GlasgowAnge Postecoglou will feel his side got away with one tonight.They only really played for the last twenty minutes and came close to taking all three points.It would have been harsh on Rangers who definitely deserved something from this game.Copy linkCopiedFT: Rangers 1-1 TottenhamIt was a blockbuster European game in Glasgow tonight.The first-half failed to deliver us many clear-cut chances but those that were created fell to the hosts.After taking the lead, Spurs seemed on the ropes for a period but Clement’s side could not find that second goal.Postecoglou’s changes worked as Kulusevski and Solanke combined for the visitors’ equaliser.After that, both sides could have won this and taken all three points.This game deserved its ‘Battle of Britain’ tagline.Copy linkCopiedFT: Rangers 1-1 TottenhamThe referee brings the game to a close.What a brilliant game that was between these two teams.Nothing to separate them in the end.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay at IbroxANGE POSTECOGLOU was looking decked on his Glasgow return – and then up stepped Decky.Dejan ‘Decky’ Kulusevski, to be specific, who came off the bench to rescue his boss with a late leveller that chalked off Hamza Igamane’s opener.But ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou survived the Ibrox bear pit thanks to another old Bhoy in Fraser Forster, who pulled off a stunning late stop to deny Cyriel Dessers.Defeat would have plunged Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs further into crisis.And while they were by no means convincing here, the main thing is they came away unbeaten and with something to build on.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham90. We are into the dying stages of this game now.Maddison has the ball in the box and is trying to create a shooting chance.He dinks it into Solanke, just six yards out.His header is straight at Butland, who makes the save.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham88. Bergvall commits another foul in the corner.The referee awards the free kick and runs over contemplating a card.As he sees the culprit is a player who has already been booked, he thinks again.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham86. The hosts seem to have a second wind now.Fraser crosses the ball and Dessers slots home.Ibrox erupts but then the flag is immediately raised for offside.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham84. However this game finishes, this has been very enojyable.We have missed these clashes between British teams.There have been some European classics over the years.Dessers has an amazing chance to win it as he skips past two defenders but Forster makes a world-class save to deny him.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham82. Brilliant challenge from Tavernier to save his side.Tottenham worked it into Solanke on the volley and he pulls the trigger first-time.If the Rangers defender had not blocked that, it would certainly be two-one now.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham80. Dessers and Fraser come on, with the chance to make a name for themselves in this game.They replace Igamane and Yilmaz for the hosts.Spurs win a corner but as the ball comes in, the referee awards a free kick to Rangers.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham78. Well, Rangers may have paid the price for being caught between whether to stick or twist after their goal.Had they gone for the jugular, that second goal could have been the cushion they needed to see this one out.This does not feel like a game that is going to end in a draw, as to who will win it, only time will tell.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham76. He has been Spurs’ best player this season so far.Kulusevski plays the ball into Solanke in the box, who then returns the favour.The Danish winger slots the ball back in the direction of where it came from to beat Butland in the Rangers’ goal.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham 74. This could be a crucial sixteen minutes in the season of Spurs.While this result does not decide anything, it could be damaging for Postecoglou’s side going into a busy festive schedule.All this scoreline is making people wonder at the moment is, how many would Rangers stick on Man City at The Etihad given this potential result.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham72. Jefte gets into some trouble down the left flank.As it looks like Spurs are going to counter, Propper comes across and gets an important challenge in.Bergvall follows through after palying the ball and is penalised, showed a yellow card for his troubles also.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham70. Rangers have brought on Barron and Sterling.They replace Bajrami and Cerny.Some fresh legs to try and take the hosts through to the final whistle.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham68. Rangers are holding firm at Ibrox.Tottenham are starting to ask more questions now. Porro had a sight of goal but Butland saved well.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham66. This has been a great watch this evening, currently, if you are anyone but a Spurs or Celtic fan.Tottenham have brought Kulusevski, Solanke, Bergvall and Sarr on.They replaced Bissouma, Bentancur, Werner and Johnson.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham64. The ball is played into Raskin and he looks to turn away from goal.Maddison steals it and the Rangers man brings him down.He is demanding a penalty but the referee gives a free kick outside the box.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham62. This will be the big test now for the hosts.With so much time remaining there are going to be periods where Spurs put them under intense pressure.It is how they cope with that which will decide this game.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham60. Tottenham whip in a corner and Butland punches it clear.It drops to Bergvall on the edge of the box but he drags his shot well wide of the target.Postecoglou does not look a happy man on the sideline.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham58. Spurs play a ball over the top and Johnson chases it down.Butland comes racing out of his goal and Jefte almost heads it past him.Fortunately for the Rangers’ fans, he adjusts well to gather.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham56. Rangers are growing in confidence now.They are stretching the visitors all of the time, Cerny is in acres of space as Udogie goes wandering once again.Clement’s side work a corner well and almost get themselves a second goal but Forster gathers.Moments later, Diomande shoots from distances but it deflects narrowly wide of the far post.Copy linkCopied More

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      Rangers 1 Tottenham 1: Super-sub Kulusevski saves Spurs as Postecoglou leaves Ibrox with crucial Europa League point

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was looking decked on his Glasgow return – and then up stepped Decky.Dejan ‘Decky’ Kulusevski, to be specific, who came off the bench to rescue his boss with a late leveller that chalked off Hamza Igamane’s opener.Hamza Igmane netted the go-ahead goal for RangersCredit: Willie VassHamza Igmane fired past former Celtic stopper Frazer ForsterCredit: ReutersDejan Kulusevski fired Tottenham levelCredit: GettyThe Swede made a positive impact after coming on as a substituteCredit: ReutersBut ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou survived the Ibrox bear pit thanks to another old Bhoy in Fraser Forster, who pulled off a stunning late stop to deny Cyriel Dessers.Defeat would have plunged Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs further into crisis.And while they were by no means convincing here, the main thing is they came away unbeaten and with something to build on.Postecoglou claimed on Wednesday that the injury crisis crippling his squad is the worst he has ever faced “by a fair stretch”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMicky van de Ven and Cristian Romero joining Ben Davies on the treatment table – along with Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison – left him perilously short at centre-back.It meant 18-year-old Archie Gray, a boyhood Celtic fan due to his family’s love of the Bhoys, started in the middle of defence alongside last-man-standing Radu Dragusin.The great-nephew of Scotland legend Eddie Gray is a defensive midfielder by trade.But he has been largely used at full-back by Postecoglou and here was drafted into the middle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGray’s Celtic allegiances did not appear to be widely known among the Gers fans, judging by his reception.But Fraser Forster’s certainly were and he was roundly booed throughout.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenForster, in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, had his best years at Celtic Park, including a magnificent performance to help beat Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in 2012.The 36-year-old has deputised well during Vicario’s absence and made another smart stop early doors here to tip over Nedim Bajrami’s effort.But while Forster looked sharp, his out-field team-mates seemed sluggish.Twice Gray attempted to dribble up field and play a ball round the corner, only to surrender possession with a poor pass.Pedro Porro was equally guilty of giving the ball away, sparking a Gers’ attack with one such lazy delivery which ended with Mohamed Diomande blasting well over.While the less said about Timo Werner’s attempt to trap Fraser Forster’s pinpoint long ball the better.Postecoglou had opted to play his out-of-form captain Son Heung-min through the middle and leave £65million striker Dominic Solanke on the bench,But luckless Son struggled to impose himself on the Philippe Clement’s backline, which lost centre-back John Souttar to injury ten minutes before the interval.This was a throwback game for former England stoppers, with Jack Butland in nets for the hosts and Forster for Spurs.Butland’s kicking out from the back looked suspect but he made a brilliant stop to deny Brennan Johnson from close range, even if the offside flag would have bailed the ex-Stoke keeper out anyway.Spurs were poor but Rangers looked toothless, even if Forster did pull off another decent stop to keep out Vaclav Cerny’s drive just before the break.Postecoglou had a point about his lengthy absentee list but it was not as if the side he put out here was lacking in quality.But the volume of games recently and the inability to rotate had left them looking tired.One player who looked bereft of confidence – and quality, in honesty – was Werner.So it was no surprise to see him hooked at the break with player of the season Kulusevski sent on to breathe some life into Postecoglou’s sleepy side.Yet they failed to wake up in time to stop Igamane coolly slotting home James Tavernier’s delivery two minutes into the second half.That sent Ibrox potty – with a number of the diehard fans literally bouncing behind Forster’s goal.It could have been worse ten minutes later too were it not for Diomande’s low effort deflecting the wrong side of the post.In between, Brennan Johnson had a golden chance to level but steered a cutback wide, much to Postecoglou’s frustration on the sidelines.That proved to be Johnson’s last meaningful action as on the hour as he was hooked as part of a triple sub that saw Dominic Solanke, Pape Sarr and 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall sent on.Spurs looked to be heading for a first defeat for an English team to a Scottish side in 18 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut then when Solanke sent a ball across the box which James Maddison shielded, there was Kulusevski to fire home a leveller.It got Postecoglou out of jail – even if his struggling side were anything but convincing on the ground of his auld enemy. More

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      Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Plzen win… but Amorim says it’s ‘perfect’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo were involved in a furious row after full-time in Plzen.But new Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim hailed the public bust-up as a “very good sign”.Manchester United aces Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo had a row at full-timeThe incident took place while Europa League cameras were still onThe warring United pair confronted each other at the final whistle of their comeback Europa League victory.Substitute Hojlund, 21, was United’s game-winning hero but was left raging as he accused Amad of wrecking his chance at a first club hat-trick by refusing to pass to him when in front of goal deep into injury time.While Amad was also angry that Hojlund did something similar moments before.But United boss Amorim said: “It’s a positive thing, a healthy thing, perfect. In this moment, we need to feel something, if we need to fight each other it’s like a family, for me it’s a very, very good sign.Read More on Man Utd“When you don’t care, you do nothing, when you care, you fight with your brother, with your father, with your mother.“It’s a normal thing, so I leave it to the players and captain to calm things down.“If it’s too much I will go inside the dressing room. But it’s their space, they have to talk, to fight — it’s very important.“I am happy we win the game and still fight each other, that is a very good thing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“When you win and you fight with your team-mate because you want to score one more. It’s a very good day for us.”Matej Vydra’s goal on 48 minutes fired Viktoria Plzen 1-0 up after an error by keeper Andre Onana, when his pass to Matthijs de Ligt was intercepted.Amad runs the show again but Rashford is lucky to stay on the pitch and Onana has night to forgetThe row may have erupted after Amad failed to pass to Hojlund, who was on a hat trickMan Utd ace Hojlund appeared frustrated during the matchMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim praised the incident and described it as ‘perfect’But captain Bruno Fernandes said: “He knows he made a mistake because he is a clever guy, he is going to help us many times and we trust his qualities on the ball.“Mistakes are part of football. If they don’t happen then goals don’t happen.“But we did well to show the resilience to come back and find the victory.“We want to play from the back and everyone knows that, then we have to make the right decision on the pitch.It’s a positive thing, a healthy thing, perfect. In this moment, we need to feel something, if we need to fight each other it’s like a family, for me it’s a very, very good sign.Ruben Amorim“Andre thought that Matta could get on the ball but he missed it and they scored a goal.“It is not about Andre making the mistake, we don’t look at individuals when something happens on the wrong side. We have huge belief in him.”Hojlund dug the team out of trouble with goals in the 62nd and 88th minutes — the winner after a clever free-kick from Fernandes found him.Man Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.The striker said: “I have watched Bruno do that before. I remember a goal with Anthony Martial when he did the chip for him.“I thought I had a good opportunity because I am strong, I could push the defender, spin him and finish.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We didn’t play too direct in the first half. We needed to play over them and behind them more because there was space to run into. Especially with the boggy pitch, if we won the second balls, you can play from there.”Asked about progress under Amorim, Hojlund added: “It’s early days. I know it sounds odd but we don’t get enough time on the training ground, so we have to train during the matches. But it’s getting better and better.” More

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      Viktoria Plzen 1 Man Utd 2: Hojlund scores twice off bench to rescue Amorim’s Red Devils after Onana horror show

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      RASMUS HOJLUND produced a dramatic second-half double to dig Manchester United out of trouble and give them victory in the Europa League.United had gone behind just three minutes after the break thanks to another Andre Onana howler.Manchester United came back to beat Viktoria PlzenCredit: ReutersViktoria Plzen opened the scoring against Man Utd with Matej VydraCredit: APVydra was aided by Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana’s howlerBut after coming on as a 56th-minute sub, Hojlund scored in the 62nd and 88th to give the Red Devils their first away win in Europe since March 2023.Hojlund’s Premier League record may not be one to shout about for United but he loves it in Europe.This pair makes it 10 goals in 12 appearances, plus an assist.It lifted some of the gloom hanging over the club and also means they have a foot in the next stage of the Europa League.Read More on Man UtdThings changed after a raft of substitutions early in the second half for United, which gave them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s derby at The Etihad.Hojlund has to start that one, Joshua Zirkzee will need to stay on the bench and was rightly hooked a minute before United had equalised.Zirkzee was certainly doing himself few favours once again here in the Doosan Arena.For every decent piece of work there are at least two glaring first touches that immediately give possession back to the opposition.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe certainly wasn’t having any chances on goal in the first period.United have been a hard watch at the moment and the first half in minus three degrees here in Plzen was taking it to another level.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are all on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe The 640 loyal followers from Manchester in one corner of the ground must have been longing for a warm fire at their local.Still they come and they were rewarded with that second-half comeback.In the first period United didn’t look in particular danger but then again didn’t look dangerous either.It looked like being that sort of game.The only effort of note before the break came from captain Bruno Fernandes, who, with Amad Diallo, was the only player worthy of some praise before the break.Casemiro played the ball out from the back to Zirkzee who for once found his man in Fernandes and he charged forward before having a shot towards the far bottom corner.Rasmus Hojlund equalised for Man Utd soon afterCredit: ReutersMan Utd ace Hojlund turned the game around close to full-timeCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.Andre Onana howlerIt was a decent effort but goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka had it covered and palmed the ball away with a full-length save.Plzen’s best hope of scoring looked like it would come through United keeper Onana.He had let a shot that was virtually straight at him go into the net in United’s last game against Nottingham Forest that resulted in a 3-2 home defeat.Here he was flapping early on from a free-kick and corner as he came to punch with little conviction.It would get worse for him when he gifted Plzen the lead just three minutes after the break.No alarm bells were ringing when Lisandro Martinez laid the ball back to him.Ruben Amorim’s changesBut as he dithered in deciding what to do they sounded.He chose a pass that was no longer on out to Matthijs De Ligt and Pavel Sulc had already anticipated the error.In he charged to be first to the ball and square it for a grateful Matej Vydra to side foot home.It was a special moment for the former Burnley player while the man who assisted him had grown up a United fan.Amorim needed to make changes and off first was Marcus Rashford with no acknowledgement between player or manager as he made his way to the bench.Hojlund was on, and Mason Mount as well as Antony would soon join him in action, and moments later United were level.Man Utd equaliseAntony found Amad who produced a great little run, turn and shot that was blocked but Hojlund followed up to finish.It was Amad’s eighth goal assist in United’s last eight games.United were now looking the more dangerous and when Fernandes whipped a ball across the six-yard box, Hojlund somehow failed to connect for his second.Plzen were not finished and Vydra nearly had a second when he fired a volley just wide of the near post.United should have been ahead in the 77th minute when a good break finished with Amad teeing the ball up for Mount but his weak shot was straight at the goalkeeper.But Hojliund would grab another set up by Fernandes to turn and fire back across the goalkeeper.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis time when the United players went over to the away fans to applaud their support there was every reason to clap them back.Hojlund had made sure of that, he is ready for the derby. More

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      Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are ALL on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe

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      RUBEN AMORIM told Manchester United’s stars they are ALL on trial before the January transfer window.Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth have already been axed this season — and new boss Amorim admits more exits will follow if results do not improve.Ruben Amorim is willing to play the pantomime villain by axing some the failing Man Utd castCredit: GettyHe has warned that every player is on trial and could leave as soon as January if results do not improveCredit: ReutersAhead of taking on Viktoria Plzen this evening in the Europa League, he said: “We have good players, we need time to teach them our ideas and then we’ll see because this is a massive club.“If we don’t win, the coach goes, the player goes — so you have to know that.”Hit-or-miss opening results for the Old Trafford faithful have also left Amorim with no qualms about playing the pantomime villain as he considers changing the cast.The problem is that, after a £660million splurge under Ten Hag in just over two years, there are just beans rather than gold coins left to work with.READ MORE IN MAN UTDAmorim is ready to search in the land of the giants to start with, believing that the squad is just too short to deal with set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.United have conceded three goals from corners in the last two games, as well as a looping header from Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood.And if United’s players rest for a minute in Amorim’s set-up, it is worth reminding them: “He’s behind you!”Amorim said: “I’m really focused to see my players and to understand my players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We have to focus on what we have. We have to focus on the academy and to have a clear profile of the players. So it’s a lot of details you have to manage.“You can see at set-pieces, sometimes you look at our team, we are a small team compared to others.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up“Every detail counts and we have to be very clear in the profiles, arrange all the process and go to that phase of buying and selling players.“We have to improve as a team, we have to arrange a lot of things in our club before thinking just about buying or selling players.”If anyone thought Amorim was a modern-day footballing Merlin who could immediately magic better performances out of this team, two successive defeats have suggested otherwise.The limitations seen under Ten Hag were evident away to Arsenal and at home to Forest.Amorim said that against title-chasing Arsenal in particular, you could see how far behind a team of that calibre United were. It got no better against Forest — and Amorim has no time on the training pitch to try to change things with games coming thick and fast.The Red Devils travelled to the Czech Republic yesterday ahead of tonight’s Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen. And on Sunday it is the Manchester derby at the Etihad.Amorim said: “I know it’s a big job. It’s really tough to win in our league. We have to improve. There’s a lot at stake in this moment — we have a lot to do, a lot of games. We don’t have time to train.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS “Sometimes I have one idea in the first week, second week I have a different idea and then we have to see what happens as everything is so close, all the games before what is happening in the window in January.”United currently stand 13th in the Premier League but Amorim already has his sights set on the ultimate goal of winning the title during his time in charge.He said: “We want to take this club to win the Premier League and be an elite club, like this club should be.”For now he understands that this season, reaching the Champions League has to be a realistic target.To do that, it could be easier to do so by winning the Europa League, as Jose Mourinho accepted back in 2017 and achieved that by beating Ajax in the final in Stockholm.Amorim said: “You can do the maths and understand what is needed for the Champions League and look at the table and see that the Europa League is easier.”United are currently 12th in the Europa League standings on the same points as tonight opponents Viktoria Plzen in the Doosan Arena.The top eight qualify automatically for the knockout stage and Amorim says it is vital they do that to avoid a two-legged play-off in February.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “It’s really important to go to the next stage. We need to win this game because of all of that.“If you pass to the next stage without the play-off, we take off two games.”Man Utd ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat under Ruben Amorim after being shocked 3-2 at Old Trafford by Nottingham Forest.Here’s how Neil Custis rated the players…ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor.It maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area.LENY YORO – 6The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’.He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going.Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role.Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second.MANUEL UGARTE – 7Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably.Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat.DIOGO DALOT – 6Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team.Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.SUBSTITUTIONS…MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case.MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5Not surprisingly failed to have an impact.MASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. More

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      Enzo Maresca confirms forgotten Chelsea wonderkid, 18, will start against Astana after contract stand-off

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Josh Acheampong is set to start against Astana.The Blues will take on the Kazakh side tomorrow in difficult -13C conditions.Enzo Maresca has discussed Josh Acheampong’s futureCredit: GettyAcheampong, 18, is highly-rated at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMaresca is set to make several changes to the side that beat Tottenham 4-3 last Sunday, with 11 academy starlets having been added to his Europa Conference League squad.Full-back Acheampong, 18, is set to come in for his first Chelsea start.The England youth international is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge and has made two cameos from the bench for the Blues.But in October it was reported that he had been “frozen out” amid a contract stand off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was recently seen having returned to first team training, however.And asked about Acheampong ahead of tomorrow’s match, Maresca confirmed that a contract agreement is close.The Italian, 44, said: “He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start.”With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”Chelsea will embark on a 7,000-mile round trip to face Astana, with stars such as Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke among those that will be left at home.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upOn their travel arrangements, Maresca added this morning: “We have a session now, then we fly there, eight hours.”We arrive, have dinner, bed. Fortunately they are five hours ahead of us. We are going to be there for 24 hours.”Friday morning, we are going to arrive around 6am in London.”Following Chelsea’s arduous trip, their West London derby against Brentford this weekend has been pushed back to an unusual kick-off time.The match will get underway at 7pm this Sunday, and it’s likely that Maresca could make as many as 11 changes from the side that will face Astana tomorrow.Acheampong has made one brief first team cameo under MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd playing bizarre fixture against Fulham after objecting to proposed kick-off time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will take on Fulham at a bizarre fixture time in the Premier League.The Red Devils will have to play against the Cottagers at a new time after objecting to one proposed kick-off time.Manchester United will play Fulham in a bizarre TV slot timeCredit: RexChelsea faced Tottenham on a Sunday eveningCredit: GettyManchester United will travel to Craven Cottage for their Premier League on January 26.The match comes just days after their Europa League clash against Rangers at Old Trafford.The club have rejected a proposed kick-off time of 12pm due to wanting more recovery time for players.TNT Sports will televise the noon slot on Sundays, but it would have been only 62 hours after the match against the Scottish giants.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, the 2pm and 4.30pm slots are already reserved for Sky Sports, leading to the bizarre kick-off time.Manchester United will now take on Fulham at 7pm on the Sunday evening.Chelsea’s visit to Tottenham this weekend was played in the 4.30pm slot due to their away matches in Europe on Thursday.The Premier League has told clubs that the slot is supposed to only be a contingency option and not a regular one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has hit out at the Sunday evening fixtures and claimed it is “really unpopular” for fans.This is due to the limitations on transport, which can make it unsuitable for families.’Sit down.. childish,’ Roy Keane fumes at Ian Wright and slams ‘fing rubbish’ Man Utd star in Arsenal game watchalongIt is expected that Manchester United will offer travelling fans subsidised travel to Craven Cottage.A FSA spokesman said: “The Sunday evening kick-off slot is really unpopular with match-goers as public transport options are limited and it’s no good for families with young kids.“When the general slot was announced the Premier League told us it was a ‘contingency’ — but it seems to be getting used an awful lot for such a provision.“A big part of the problem is allowing broadcasters to choose ‘conditional’ picks which are then moved when a team progresses in Europe.“The Premier League puts broadcasters first by allowing them to select such games knowing full well conditional picks are very likely to be rescheduled again.”The slot will be used for Chelsea vs Brentford on Sunday but only due to them playing away in Kazakhstan on Thursday.The Blues face Astana away in the Conference League while Spurs will also have the slot to play Southampton due to their Europa League to Rangers. More