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    Erik ten Hag gives major update on future and reveals he ‘misses Old Trafford’ after Man Utd sacking

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    ERIK TEN HAG has given a major career update after being sacked by Manchester United.The Dutchman was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford at the end of October after winning just three out of nine Premier League games and sitting 14th in the table.Erik ten Hag has revealed when he plans to get back into managementCredit: TikTok / SEGStoriesSpeaking on SEG Stories he spoke about what he ‘misses’ about Man UtdCredit: TikTok / SEGStoriesTen Hag was seen reading The Sun during the reflective interviewCredit: TikTok / SEGStoriesThings have not improved at his old club under successor Ruben Amorim with the club now in 15th and having lost 12 from 26 games in the league – a run not seen since the club was last relegated.Quarterly accounts revealed it cost skint Man Utd £14.5million to sack Ten Hag, his staff and former sporting director Dan Ashworth.However, the 55-year-old has now reflected on his time at the helm of the Red Devils, admitting there is one thing he misses more than any other.Speaking to SEG Stories with the full interview set to be published tomorrow, he said: “If there is one thing I miss, it’s Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’re always working towards a dot on the horizon but you never get to the horizon.”We’ve had many highs at Manchester United, but as I always say there is always room for improvement. And good is not enough, you can do better.”Ten Hag always thought highly of the Man Utd faithful, pending an emotional thank you letter to them after his sacking in which he said: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. “Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.”Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours…Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man Utd”I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life.”During Ten Hag’s time in England, he won the League Cup and FA Cup.But he also oversaw Man Utd’s worst-ever Premier League finish in his second season before kicking off another record-breaking campaign in all the wrong ways.Ten Hag has been linked with a variety of managerial jobs, including Borussia Dortmund, after his two-and-a-half-year spell in Manchester came to an end.He added: “I had already decided for myself, ‘Okay, I’m not doing anything until the 1st of July’.”Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.As well as the general pressures of the Man Utd job, Ten Hag was forced to deal with player mutinies from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.Meanwhile, a bust-up he had with Raphael Varane also came to light last week.The centre-back revealed the pair had a heated argument in November 2023 when discussing the team’s form and set-up, which left Varane frozen out of the team for two months.The Frenchman told The Athletic: “It’s hard to find the right words, it was very tense at times.“Sometimes he made an effort to listen to the players’ feedback. Sometimes he made decisions without listening.“So there were ups and downs. It was complicated at times. He always needed an example of a player who was alone the entire time he was at Manchester.“He did that with at least one important player on the team. He was always in conflict with certain leaders of the group, that is his way of managing.“We had a robust discussion. We told each other some truths but then I didn’t play again for almost two months.“I said I didn’t agree with certain ways of doing things regarding the relationship between him and the team. “It wasn’t something that I thought was good for the team because some players weren’t satisfied.“It was not good in terms of the relationship with the coach. He said, ‘OK I heard what you said’, and after that I didn’t play.“I also have to recognise what was good. He gave me the peace of mind to come back from my injury to play in the FA Cup final.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He was counting on me, that was very positive, it allowed me to play my role in the team.”Varane also added he was “surprised” Ten Hag was kept on following the FA Cup final – one of many poor decisions from Ineos in their first 12 months in charge of United – as the “connection with the group no longer existed”. More

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      ‘Love this’: Grassroots football set for major rule change which will revolutionise way young English stars play forever

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      GRASSROOTS football in England is set for a major revamp after the FA announced its plan to implement sizeable changes from 2026.The new format promises to revolutionise the way football is taught to youngsters, with the FA taking inspiration from the European youth set up.Grassroots football in England is set for a major revampThe first major change is the introduction of a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level.Six to seven year old’s go straight into 5v5 at the moment, but will shift to fielding three players on each side from the 2026-2027 season.The smaller set up aims to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football that will allow kids more touches on the ball.This means that every increase in playing sides will be pushed back by a year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor example, U11s will go from playing 9-a-side matches currently, to 7-a-side matches from 2026-2017.England Football explained: “Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway.”The next biggest change means that 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.The FA will also evolve the Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of youth players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.The decision was informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againThe FA said: “We aim to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.”A series of workshops and tools will be provided to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented.The Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game. “Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.”The announcement has received a mixed response online.One footie fan wrote: “Ive seen 3v3 in Europe. You’re all fretting about nothing. Works great and the kids love it. “Coaches just supervise. No more yelling generic instructions required.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second added: “I think it’s great, the kids will get more playing time and more time on the ball to work on their own ability.” But another social media user questioned: “But won’t this reduced squad sizes?” More

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      Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’

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      MICAH RICHARDS revealed he supports TWO Premier League teams… and his loyalty depends on whether or not he’s on TV.Richards, 36, rose to prominence in 2005 with Manchester City and went on to win the Premier League title in 2012 as well as the FA Cup the year before.Micah Richards revealed he supports two Premier League teamsCredit: SkyRichards supports Manchester City and Arsenal, depending on whether he’s on airCredit: SkyThe former defender amassed a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 245 appearances with City, where he played for 10 years.The ex-England international enjoyed his most prominent years at Man City, so it comes as no surprise when he roots for Pep Guardiola’s side while on air.But Richards revealed he also supports another team when he’s off air… and that’s none other than Arsenal.Big Meeks appeared on the latest edition of A League of Their Own, where he joined host Romesh Ranganathan as well as guests Tony Bellew and Sean Dyche.Read More on FootballBellew asked the former Aston Villa ace: “Meeks, who do you support champ?”Richards responded: “Who do I support? Well, depends if I’m on air or off air.”Bellew insisted: “Well, we are on air then tell us the truth.”Richards replied: “Man City.”Most read in FootballRanganathan jumped in: “Off air: Arsenal!”Richards confirmed: “Yes!”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingThat led to quite a mixed reaction with some members of the crowd exclaiming in shock. More

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      Man Utd statement confirms ‘exceptional’ cost of sacking Erik ten Hag and staff including Dan Ashworth

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have revealed how much money they spent to sack Erik ten Hag, his staff and Dan Ashworth.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils in October after winning just three of their opening nine Premier League games.The cost for Man Utd to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff has been revealedCredit: PAThe figure also includes the cost of parting ways with Dan Ashworth after just five monthsCredit: PAThe interest paid back on the debt owed by Avram Glazer, right, and his family has hit £1bnCredit: The TimesThe club also got rid of the Dutchman’s staff as they swept the board clean for Ruben Amorim and the arrival of his own coaching team.While that move was not too surprising, at the start of December it was announced sporting director Ashworth would be leaving after just five months in charge.United have now confirmed the cost of parting ways with them.In the club’s second-quarter fiscal results for 2025 published today, it was noted under “exceptional items” that United spent £14.5million – £10.4m to sack Ten Hag and his staff and £4.1m on Ashworth’s exit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fiscal report also revealed the club’s total revenue was down 12 per cent over the quarter and the staggering cost of servicing the Galzer family’s debt.The loss of income was due to a 42.1 per cent reduction in broadcasting revenue, falling to £61.6m from the lack of Champions League football.That came despite commercial revenue increasing by 18.5 per cent driven by a new shirt sponsorship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon brand.The accounts revealed United had an operating profit of £3.1m, with EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of £70.5m, down 22.9 per cent from £91.4m in 2Q24.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, including player trading, this figure resulted in a £27.7m loss.The balance sheet of the club was also strengthened by an £80m investment by Ineos – without which Man Utd would have been left with just £15m in cash.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upInterest costs since the 2005 Glazer buy-out have now gone over £1billion after £18.8m payment, while the total debt stands at £731m – with around £300m still owed on transfers.In a statement, CEO Omar Berrada spoke about the challenges facing the club and the ongoing work to regenerate Old Trafford and redevelop the Carrington training centre.He said: “We recognise the challenges in improving our men’s team’s league position and we are all working hard, collectively, to achieve that. “At the same time, we are pleased to have progressed to the knock-out phase of the UEFA Europa League and the 5th Round of the FA Cup. “Meanwhile, our women’s team is currently placed second in the Women’s Super League, and has reached the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.“Our redevelopment of the Carrington Training Complex remains on track. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We continue to work towards a decision on the future of Old Trafford as part of a wider regeneration programme, which has now attracted UK Government support. “This follows the work of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force in demonstrating the significant economic potential of a revitalised area around a future stadium project.” More

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      Sir Matt Busby’s medal to be put up for sale – but Man Utd fans will not want to buy it

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      A MEDAL won by Sir Matt Busby in his playing career is going up for sale.The family of the legendary Manchester United boss are selling off his Manchester FA Senior Cup winner’s medal from the 1928-29 season – which he won while playing for CITY.Sir Matt Busby is regarded by many to be Manchester United’s greatest-ever managerCredit: PAHe’s been immortalised outside Old TraffordCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDA medal from his playing days for Manchester City is up for saleCredit: PAThe nine-carat gold medal – which is engraved “Manchester City F.C, Winners, M. Busby.” – is estimated to fetch between £8,000-12,000.His private collection of football match programmes between the 1950s-80s will also go under the hammer in live online bidding at Surrey-based Ewbank’s on February 26.Busby joined City as a teenager and stayed there for eight years before moving to Liverpool in 1936.The Scotsman, who died aged 84 in 1994, won the league championship five times for United and lifted the European Cup in 1968 – ten years after he survived the Munich air crash.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe is considered by many to be the club’s most important manager along with fellow great Sir Alex Ferguson.Fergie surpassed the late Sir Matt as United’s longest-serving manager in 2010.He said of his fellow Scot: “It has been frozen into the memory bank. Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?”I think of Sir Matt Busby as being here forever. He started at the end of the war and went right through to winning the European Cup in 1968. Most read in Sport”The timespan [of his reign] seems to be much longer than mine. Academy Man Utd star Dan Gore talks about his admiration for Luke Shaw “Of course, there are emotional issues. He had to rebuild the team after Munich. There was so much emotion. I did not have that. “That is the reason he seemed to have been here forever.”He added: “The most important piece of advice he gave me was not to read the press.”It was great advice and I have not read it since. The issue of ex-players at the club was something I have been addressing for quite a long time. “I wanted to keep all our great players around the club in some capacity. I had Sir Bobby Charlton on the board and Sir Matt was here as well. “People like that are able to understand the dimensions of Manchester United. “That is necessary to understand the role of manager. It was very helpful to me.”Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to Goodison Park to take on Everton. More

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      Thomas Tuchel strikes agreement with FA that sees new England boss working from GERMANY and missing huge games

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel has struck a deal with the FA to be based in Germany. The 51-year-old German penned an 18-month contract last October to replace Gareth Southgate.Thomas Tuchel is preparing for his first game as England boss next monthCredit: EPAThe Three Lions head coach has been spotted at games around the country in recent weeksCredit: GettyIt has been revealed Tuchel is being given special permission to return regularly to GermanyCredit: GettyTuchel officially began his new £5million-a-year role as Three Lions chief on January 1. He has since been seen at Premier League grounds around the country ahead of his first squad announcement next month.But according to The Times, Tuchel has already missed three rounds of top-flight fixtures and cup matches.The FA have agreed Tuchel can make regular trips back to Germany to see his family.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has two children with ex-wife Sissi, who he divorced in 2022. The ex-Chelsea boss attended his first Premier League game on January 4, watching Tottenham take on Newcastle. He has since watched 16 more matches at home and abroad, including Champions League games in France, Spain and Italy.But he has also missed the entire FA Cup third-round weekend and three entire Premier League gameweeks. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked by talkSPORT how often he would be at the FA’s base at St George’s Park, Tuchel said: “Very regularly, this our home, this is our base.”I will be there otherwise we cannot create the atmosphere that is needed for the 18 months we have together. England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying draw”I’m happy to be there. We have an excellent infrastructure.”Tuchel is preparing for his first game in charge on March 21.The Three Lions host Albania at Wembley in the first of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers. England will then take on Latvia three days later, again at the Home of Football. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarTuchel will become England’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.After taking the job in October, he said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.” More

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      Premier League boss facing FA punishment after claiming ‘smaller’ clubs are being targeted by referees

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      IPSWICH manager Kieran McKenna faces an FA rap after claiming “smaller” Premier League clubs are targeted by referees.McKenna was furious at the first of two yellow cards ref Rob Jones gave defender Axel Tuanzebe in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.Kieran McKenna slated what he reckons was a harsh initial bookingCredit: PAAxel Tuanzebe earned a yellow card McKenna reckons was never a foulCredit: RexTuanzebe then saw red for this challenge on Jacob RamseyCredit: GettyHe blasted: “I didn’t think it was a foul. Even if it was a foul, I think it was a decision given against a smaller team against a bigger team away from home.”It (the yellow card) was out of the pocket before the ball even stopped rolling. “I thought that was a really poor yellow. The second one, there’s not too many complaints.”FA bosses want to clamp down on criticism of refs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd ex-Prem whistler Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports: “As a referee, you are so focused on what you have to do.“You do not have time to think, ‘This club is bigger than this club’. It would not cross your mind.”Tuanzebe saw red as early in just the 40th minute for his second booking.The defender brought down Jacob Ramsey on the edge of the area.Most read in SportDefender Tuanzebe was gutted to see red at Villa ParkCredit: AlamyLiam Delap then stunned Villa by turning home Omari Hutchinson’s cross 11 minutes into the second period.But with the home fans growing in frustration, Unai Emery’s men finally nicked a point midway through the period.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLoanee striker Marcus Rashford, who came on at the break, hit the bar with a free-kick and Ollie Watkins gobbled up the rebound.The point lifted Ipswich to third bottom – above Leicester.Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town But victory would have put them level on points with Wolves. McKenna said: “A really good solid first 40 minutes, pretty much Even Stevens, then down to 10 men.”And of Tuanzebe’s initial booking, he added: “Anyone can make a mistake but I think it’s more how quickly the yellow came out. “Even if it was a foul, so many times this season I’ve not seen a yellow on the first foul at all. And I don’t think it was a foul. I think he got the ball.”If you’re booking a full-back for something like that away from home, you have to be right on the first foul, because you know it’s going to be a real hard game from then on.” More

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      The ‘middle-ground’ that could save VAR, as FA Cup proved football can do just fine without it

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      FOOTBALL life without VAR is bearable.More than that – by all the evidence from the FA Cup so far, it is a reasonable proposition.VAR continues to cause controversy week after week in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s FA Cup win at League One Birmingham showed we don’t need total VARCredit: GettyOne incident in particular provides support for this view. It occurred when Birmingham goalkeeper Bailey Peacock- Farrell beat away a shot from Newcastle’s Joe Willock on or beyond the goal-line.Blues supporters thought the man with the fanciest name in football had just kept out the shot until the linesman flagged and referee Matt Donohue waved play to the centre spot.Willock had equalised and his side went on to win the fourth-round tie 3-2.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith no goal-line technology in play because the match was held at a League One ground, imagine VAR trying to pick that apart.Referee Donahue would have asked for a ruling on a very tight decision. Cue a delay while set-squares and microscopes were (imaginatively) brought into play and a verdict finally reached.Not exactly the magic of technology.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI prefer the speed of the ref’s reaction, his assistant’s verdict here was swift and almost certainly correct. No VAR no cry. What a shame that we’ll now see VAR used for the rest of the competition.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralIt used to be carry-on regardless in the Premier League, too, but in the endless squabble between perfectionists and realists, the seekers of absolute truth won.It may be less than an invention to suggest a referee be able to press a button and an AI verdict will come back instantly with an answer.Until that slightly worrying day, let us be pleased that necessity led the FA for a while to abide by the whistle and leave VAR to gather dust.People fortunate enough to support a Premier League club are less lucky and have total VAR complete with constant interruptions. EFL have it in play-off finals and promise it elsewhere very soon.There are, it is true, several plusses to technology, such as quick and correct answers on whether a goal-line has been crossed.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The major success of VAR, however, is the speed and precision of offside verdicts.Linesmen are good judges but inevitably do not always find it possible to decide on the basis of the length of a foot or elbow. On VAR it is a doddle and quick.Not so with free-kicks or yellow or red cards. These decisions are sometimes a good deal longer and often dubious.VAR itself does not make corrections, it is a helpmate for refs to make theirs.The methodology is sound but perfection is no easier to find than the holy grail. Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolStill, because VAR gives referees a second look, it soon became the Japanese knotweed of our game – once present, nothing short of a bomb will stop it.Various methods are being tried to speed up the process and waiting times have been cut to average 64 seconds. Yet the solution is easy to see. Bin total VAR. Trust the ref.Football was successful for well over a century before VAR. Referees in those days might have protested at being held responsible for United or City losing but the truth is they still are.They are the focus of the blame game and although do-gooders thought VAR would rectify all errors and cut down offensive and obscene shouting among fans, it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall, I would compromise. Tech works on line decisions but is very slow and almost as faulty for fouls given by refs who take only a fraction of the time.And it’s easier to forgive a wrong decision made by genuine human error, than one made by a machine. More

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      Ancelotti has been sacked more than Mourinho but never loses his cool unlike rivals… he’s the greatest of them all

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      HOW can somebody so good have been sacked so often?Ice-cool Carlo Ancelotti has ­suffered a manager’s ultimate fate more times than fireball Jose Mourinho.Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest managers of all timeCredit: ReutersThe Italian has been sacked more than any other managerCredit: AFPBut ice-cool Ancelotti always keeps his coolCredit: RexHe has won trophies all across his glittering careerCredit: GettyThe Italian leads six to five, give or take the odd ‘mutual consent’ — which of course can mean whatever you want it to.Yet there is not a silver-fox hair out of place, the dashing blue ­overcoat fits like a glove and even at 65, he puts many of his younger peers to shame with his elegance and eloquence.That was on crystal clear display as Real Madrid dismantled Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations on their own turf three days ago.Coming from behind to beat the pride of English football with a last-gasp winner against the team Ancelotti describes as his own ‘great rivals’ — yet not even a twitch in the pulse rate in the Spanish technical area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat unique characteristic among coaches sets Ancelotti apart. No head scratching, no bottle kicking, no digital a**e probing. Precious few examples of super calm Carlo losing the plot with the officials or opponents.Which when you consider he has also managed Europe’s titans in Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, to stay in control takes some doing.Ancelotti has shared rooms with shadowy Russian oligarchs, endured penalty shootouts in Champions League finals and managed Everton — it’s debatable which is most scary.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet while Pep Guardiola flicks phlegm through pursed lips by way of a nervous tick, spindly Thomas Tuchel leaps and gestures and Joachim Low reaches for his backside in stressful moments, Ancelotti is having none of it.And for that alone he should be considered the greatest of them all.Five Champions League titles does help. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the BluesBut to reach such heights and still not break sweat dealing with the egos and the snipes at such  a high level in the game is the ultimate accolade.As he assembles the latest troupe of Galacticos at the Bernabeu with the expected summer addition of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold,  that trait stands him in good stead.The nice guy nature has been his undoing but Ancelotti has learned from that. He managed Chelsea on a peer-to-peer level, treating his players as equals, hoping they would do the same.Some took advantage of that in his second season at Stamford Bridge. That contributed to him being sacked in the away dressing room at Everton in May 2011 — having won the Double the previous season.Yet despite the relentless pressure of working for ruthless Roman Abramovich, Ancelotti did not desert his humanity and never will.After trips back home to Italy, he would return bearing salamis made by a friend for one staff member’s son who was obsessed with Peperami sticks at the time.He fought hard behind the scenes for staff members who struggled to cope with life. And the guard never drops.Carlo Ancelotti managerial honoursJuventus – UEFA Intertoto CupAC Milan – Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Champions League x2, UEFA Super Cup x2, Club World CupChelsea – Premier League, FA Cup, Community ShieldPSG – Ligue 1Real Madrid – LaLiga x2, Copa del Rey x2, Supercopa de Espana x2, Champions League x3, UEFA Super Cup x3, Club World Cup x2, Intercontinnental Cup Bayern Munich – Bundesliga, DFL-SupercupDuring his short and surprising stint in charge of a troubled Everton team at the height of Covid, he secured an injury-time 5-4 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round. As the 97th-minute goal crashes in, Ancelotti stops to blow steam from the top of his piping hot cup of tea, then takes a sip while his coaching staff lose it around him.Everton fans with half a brain have accepted him walking out to rejoin Real Madrid where he is now furthering his already stellar reputation.Those with a fully functioning noddle are still shocked why he chose their underperforming, underwhelming club in the first place.When you deal at the top table you need to keep your cards close to your chest.And Ancelotti is smart enough to know never to say anything in a press conference that could be considered genuinely interesting.The arch-diplomat, he plays the game straight, takes his severance money and doesn’t burn bridges.Ancelotti’s only complaint about life in England was the poor standard of coffee. And he has a point. The washed-out Espresso being his main bone of contention.And it’s probably why he won’t ever come back to manage here again. Shame.Don’t sit ‘n take itTottenham fans need to rethink their protest strategyCredit: RexTOTTENHAM fans plotting a protest against club chairman Daniel Levy on Sunday should rethink their strategy.Planning a sit-in demo after the home game against Manchester United is the wrong way to go about things in this time of turmoil.With the team playing so badly and the whole matchday experience being one big letdown, why prolong the agony?Surely a walkout as soon as possible after kick-off would be far more appealing?That way the aggrieved supporters make their point and get to p*** off home early and do something far more enjoyable instead.It means sweet FAArne Slot didn’t care much for the FA Cup in realityCredit: PAAPPARENTLY Arne Slot will be kicking himself at Liverpool’s embarrassing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of second-tier Plymouth Argyle.Uh-huh.Sadly, with a Premier League title to chase down, genuine aspirations of winning the Champions League and a place in next month’s Carabao Cup Final in the bag, something has to give.Unfortunately, in this case, it’s our national cup competition.As exciting and unpredictable as the FA Cup is, I imagine it was fourth in line on Slot’s list of ­priorities — and he has probably forgotten where Plymouth is already.Vini kicks City in tifoVinicius Jr got his own back at Man City after their tifo displayCredit: GettyIT’S SAFE to assume that Manchester City gave the nod to the most tactless tifo in football with the giant banner poking fun at Vinicius  Jr and Real Madrid.In which case it’s going to be fun waiting to see whether the Spaniards hit back on Wednesday when they stage the second leg of their Champions League last-16 play-off.The poster featuring the Etihad midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy along with the caption ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ was successful only in winding up ungracious loser Vinicius Jr.Would love to know where it is now?PITY the poor sods who are working in the Manchester United public relations department.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the very day Red Devils legend Denis Law was laid to rest on Tuesday, hard-pressed staff in the communications team were dealing with questions that between 100 and 200 club workers are to be axed in the latest round of redundancies.Not easy that.Man Utd PR has been nothing short of disastrous recentlyCredit: PA More