More stories

  • in

    Erik ten Hag will be sacked by Man Utd even if he WINS FA Cup, say pundits after ’embarrassing’ victory over Coventry

    NORMALLY getting to the FA Cup final would mark a time for celebration and be billed as a huge achievement.However, you would not know that was the case for Manchester United after they laboured their way into the final following a stunning collapse against Coventry in yesterday’s semi-final.Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd future is up in the airCredit: AlamySky Sports pundits where conflicted on the Dutchman’s futureCredit: Sky SportsAlan Shearer believes a decision has already been madeCredit: GettyHaving found themselves 3-0 down with 20 minutes left, the Championship side mounted an incredible comeback before losing out on penalties.Despite reaching a second consecutive Cup final, another Red Devils embarrassment has left Erik ten Hag’s role untenable for many fans.Below par displays in the league have left Man Utd staring down the prospect of finishing below seventh, which would be their worst ever finish in a Premier League season.Ten Hag, 54, has the chance to salvage the season by winning the FA Cup, though claiming victory over defending champions Manchester City on the May 25 final will not be easy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut does that mean he will still be at the helm come the start of next season, the first to be led by the club’s new minority owners Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe after they took over the sporting operation at Old Trafford?Well pundits have had their say on the matter, and many paint a bleak picture for the Dutchman, regardless of FA Cup glory.Speaking about Ten Hag’s future on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said: “I think that result today has just cost a Manchester United manager his job. “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERI would imagine that is probably the most embarrassing dressing room of a team that has just won a big game.”Man Utd legend Gary Neville was more optimistic, believing it would be “extreme” to sack a manager who has won two trophies in two years. Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘got away with it’ in shootout win over CoventryPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

    He said: “My view would be that if he won the FA Cup and he won a trophy last season, to sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”Winning trophies can never ever be underestimated. If you’ve got a knack for winning trophies and you just get through things I don’t think you can dismiss that.”There’s a good chance they (Ineos) would (sack Ten Hag). They’ve wiped everything else out at the top of the club and if he wins a trophy and it’s two trophies on the bounce, that’s tough.”Fellow ex-Man Utd star Louis Saha understood the argument for a new boss but said he did not see it as clearly.He told Sky Sports: “When you look at these performances you may say they need a real reshape. “The three people (Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Dan Ashworth) have different philosophy and maybe bring something else, maybe they can benefit from that.”I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
    Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
    Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
    On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
    And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
    If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

    BBC pundit Alan Shearer agreed with Carragher that Ten Hag would not be in place next season, revealing he believes the future to already be determined.He said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”I don’t think it matters whether they win the FA Cup for his future. That may be sad, that may be wrong but I just get the feeling that winning the FA Cup is not going to be enough for him.”When you look at the players, when you look at the attitude, when you at where they are in the league and all of those things [against], where they want to be, where they want to go in a quick time, I think he’s already gone.”I don’t know it. It’s just a guess but I look at the players, there attitudes and ability, I just get the feeling.”SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month how Man Utd stars feared Ten Hag was resigned to the sack.Reports last week also suggested several players were delaying decisions on their futures with Ten Hag’s future unknown.READ MORE SUN STORIESA number of names have been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, including Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thiago Motta and most recently Thomas Tuchel.After the narrow FA Cup triumph Man Utd can now focus on their league campaign, with Sheffield United and Burnley coming up in the next two games. Here’s how Man Utd’s next five games are looking More

  • in

    Man Utd fan cycles all the way from MONGOLIA to watch FA Cup semi-final as supporters ask ‘can he play centre-half’

    A FAN cycled roughly 5,500 miles to watch Manchester United’s victory over Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final.Ochirvaani Batbold made the daunting trip all the way from Mongolia to Wembley in time for the thrilling match.Ochirvaani Batbold cycled 5,500 miles to watch the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: XThe Mongolian spent 11 months making the trip and arrived in London in time to watch his first-ever live Man United game.Ochirvaani was pictured outside the stadium ahead of kick-off in a Red Devils tracksuit jacket and holding up a club flag.His journey went viral on social media ahead of the match as fans hailed his efforts.One posted: “What an incredible feat and inspiration.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second wrote: “Incredible story!”A third commented: “Hope you’ve brought us some luck.”A fourth said: “I genuinely hope he has a top day! Fair play to him.”However, as Man United struggled against the Championship side some took a different approach.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne joked: “Can he play centre-back?”Another added: “I wish some of our players had this lad’s love for the club.”‘I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’Ochirvaani’s efforts were rewarded with a barnstorming match between Man United and Coventry.Erik ten Hag’s side dominated much of the match as Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire made it 2-0 before half time.Bruno Fernandes extended the lead in the 58th minute, seemingly booking the club’s spot in the final.However, Coventry refused to give up as Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare and Haji Wright all scored in the final 25 minutes to force extra time.The second-division side thought they had pulled off the giant-killing in the 121st minute, only for Victor Torp’s goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.Man United managed to escape the game with the win after a penalty shootout as O’Hare and captain Ben Sheaf missed for the Sky Blues.They will now face cross-city rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25. More

  • in

    Coventry boss cryptically says fourth official ‘said there was nothing wrong’ with goal ruled out for ‘toenail offside’

    MARK ROBINS has slammed the “toenail offside” decision that stopped Coventry from completing an all-time FA Cup upset against Manchester United.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster as they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a late winner to beat Man Utd 4-3 at WembleyCredit: GettyA narrow offside meant it was disallowed after a VAR checkCredit: ITVUnited went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 to reach the FA Cup FinalCredit: GettyMark Robins slammed the ‘toenail’ offside call that prevented their famous winCredit: GettyBut that was only after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous triumph.United looked to be cruising towards a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Ellis Simms pulled one back on 71 minutes before Callum O’Hare set-up a nervy finish with 11 left.Haji Wright then kept his nerve in stoppage time to score from the spot to send it to extra-time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen, in the 121st minute, Coventry looked to have pulled off mission impossible after Victor Torp appeared to have scored the winning goal after being set-up by Wright.The blue half of Wembley went wild after the ball hit the net but those celebrations were ended after a VAR check showed that American star Wright was millimetres offside.United went on to win the shootout as Antony taunted the Coventry supporters afterwards.But the Sky Blues boss Robins slammed VAR’s decision to disallow the goal as he felt Wright was offside only by a “toenail”.Most read in FA CupSpeaking to BBC Sport, the Coventry boss said: “Bitterly disappointed, I’m proud as well.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Someone said to me I don’t think any team have been as close to a final without getting there.“We deserved to go through, we were 20 seconds away and a toenail offside, it’s ridiculous.”Fans spot Man Utd players are ‘too ashamed to celebrate’ as even Roy Keane claims they were ’embarrassed to win’Robins continued: “Had he [Haji Wright] cut his toe nail, it wouldn’t have gone to penalties.”He then claimed that the fourth official, Thomas Bramall, had said initially there was nothing wrong with Wright’s strike.Robins added: “They hit the bar, we hit the bar. Another goal with 20 seconds to go. It took an age.“The fourth official said there was nothing wrong with it [initially]. A toenail offside.“Disappointed but we have to be really proud. Once the dust settles a lot of people will talk about that game for a long time.“We needed to try to get a bit of control and quality. We didn’t have that. We kept giving the ball away so we couldn’t build any momentum.“It looked a little bit more like us and that’s why I’m proud of them. They were incredible for the last hour.“The mentality changes because you’ve almost won it and then you haven’t. It puts you on the backfoot going into the penalty shootout. Thirty seconds later you’re in a shootout.”Following the game, Man United scorer Maguire hailed his side’s “good character “ – something Roy Keane completely disagreed with in the ITV studio.The defender said: “We found a way.“We started the game really well and then conceded a sloppy goal. We were unfortunate to concede the second goal.“I think the penalty was so hard but all credit to Coventry. They made it tough for us in the second half of extra time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It sums up our season, we had great control and played well for 60 minutes but then we conceded out of nothing. “Then I don’t know, it seems like the world wanted Coventry to go on and do it. We showed great character to stick with it and it was important to win the shootout.” More

  • in

    ‘I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’

    ROY KEANE completely disagreed with Harry Maguire’s claim that Manchester United showed “great character” in their dramatic victory over Coventry City.His old team the Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster as they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Harry Maguire hailed the ‘character’ shown by Man Utd against CoventryCredit: EPARoy Keane slammed Man Utd’s performance and completely disagreed with himCredit: ITVMaguire headed home United’s second goal of the game at WembleyCredit: GettyThr defender and his team-mates needed penalties to secure their place in the finalCredit: GettyBut that was only after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous triumph.United looked to be cruising towards a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Ellis Simms pulled one back on 71 minutes before Callum O’Hare set-up a nervy finish with eleven left.Haji Wright then kept his nerve in stoppage time to score from the spot to send it to extra time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVictor Torp’s 120th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up as United survived by the skin of their teeth – meaning that the tie would need to be settled by penalties.Casemiro stepped up first but had his effort saved before Wright slotted home to give Coventry the lead.Diogo Dalot made no mistake and then Torp smashed it into the top corner, then Christian Eriksen drilled it in low with United’s third – but this time Andre Onana dived to his right to keep out O’Hare’s effort.Captain Fernandes sent the goalie the wrong way to put United ahead, then Ben Sheaf fired way over the crossbar.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat left Rasmus Hojlund with the job of stepping up to win it, and the Dane sent the goalie the opposite way as he raced off in celebration – although Antony infuriated others with his reaction to the win.Following the game, goalscorer Maguire said: “We found a way.Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘got away with it’ in shootout win over Coventry“We started the game really well and then conceded a sloppy goal. We were unfortunate to concede the second goal.“I think the penalty was so hard but all credit to Coventry. They made it tough for us in the second half of extra time.“It sums up our season, we had great control and played well for 60 minutes but then we conceded out of nothing. “Then I don’t know, it seems like the world wanted Coventry to go on and do it. We showed great character to stick with it and it was important to win the shootout.”But the non-nonsense Keane was having none of that afterwards as he spoke to his fellow pundits in the ITV studio.The Irishman said: “We’re having the same conversation every week with Man United, you don’t know what you’re going to get. All they do is play in moments. They concede so many chances.“You always say you need a bit of luck. Maguire said they showed good character, I don’t see character in this group of players.“I’m looking at the goalkeeper, wasting time. Just get on with the game. Show some courage. “Huge problems for Man United going forward but they got the job done.”Keane also said: “Maguire got interviewed at the end there and said they showed great character, I don’t see character in this group of players, I really don’t.“It’s getting to the stage that I’m almost disliking them. I see a group with bad habits, they were almost frightened to win the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s huge problems for Manchester United going forward but they got the job done.“In extra-time Coventry looked like a Premier League team and Manchester United looked like a Championship side.” More

  • in

    Football fans baffled as ‘time travelling’ supporter makes incredible Antony prediction during Coventry vs Man Utd

    FOOTBALL fans were left baffled after a “time travelling” supporter made an incredible prediction about Antony during Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Coventry.The Red Devils booked their place in next month’s final against Man City with a narrow penalty win at Wembley.A ‘time traveller’ left fans baffled after an amazing prediction about Man Utd winger AntonyCredit: RexErik ten Hag’s men had been cruising at 3-0 up with just 20 minutes remaining when Coventry launched a stunning comeback.The Championship side netted a last-gasp equaliser to force the game to extra-time.And they thought they had won it in the 120th minute before the goal was cruelly disallowed by VAR for the narrowest of margins.United went on to win the shootout, despite Casemiro missing their first penalty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut earlier in the game, supporters were left amazed by a fellow fan who predicted Coventry would “come back” against United following the introduction of Antony from the bench.Ten Hag’s Brazilian winger was introduced in the 66th minute with his side in the driving seat.But five minutes later Coventry scored.The “time travelling” fan in question tweeted as Antony came on: “The Coventry comeback starts here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTheir prediction saw a flurry of supporters respond in shock and awe.One said: “How did you know that??”Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘got away with it’ in shootout win over CoventryAnother declared: “Bro is the scriptwriter.”One noted: “This man predicted United’s downfall.”Another added: “Bro is in the future.” More

  • in

    Furious Liam Gallagher tells Alan Shearer to ‘f*** off’ after MOTD presenter gives Pep Guardiola management advice

    LIAM GALLAGHER sent Alan Shearer an X-rated message in response to the Newcastle legend’s managerial advice to Pep Guardiola.Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final thanks to a second-half goal from Bernardo Silva.Alan Shearer gave management advice to Pep Guardiola on rotating his squadCredit: GettyMan City fan and Oasis singer Liam Gallagher told Shearer to ‘F*** off’ in response to ShearerCredit: The Mega AgencyCredit: X / liamgallagherBut Guardiola was far from pleased after the match as his team had to play on the Saturday just days after their Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid. City had to play extra time before losing on penalties against the LaLiga giants on Wednesday night.And the furious Spaniard told Gary Linker his players needed more time to recover.He fumed: “Why we play today and not tomorrow, with one day off, when Coventry and United and Chelsea don’t play in the mid-week? Why?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Why don’t you have one more day for the health of the players? “For me, as a manager, tell me how you prepare for this game against Chelsea in their best moment of the season? How? It’s impossible. There is no chance.”And Shearer then put to the City boss that he could have made more changes. He said: “You can change your squad around and play different players though. Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”You don’t have to play many players from the game on Wednesday and I know you made four changes today.”City fan and Oasis singer Gallagher went on to reply Shearer questioning Guardiola and tweeted: “F*** off Shearer you cop.”Fans spot Man Utd players are ‘too ashamed to celebrate’ as even Roy Keane claims they were ’embarrassed to win’Lineker asked Guardiola if he raised his concerns with the FA to which the 53-year-old added: “Gary, you think us demanding is going to change something? The only power I have is to say here.”It’s not going to change anything. I know it for many years.”City will now aim to retain the FA Cup title in the final against rivals Manchester United who scraped a win against Championship side Coventry in the semi-final. More

  • in

    Antony disgusts fans by goading Coventry supporters before Man Utd flop is absolutely savaged by ex-Premier League star

    ANTONY was labelled a “horrible person, horrible player” after he allegedly goaded Coventry fans after their defeat to Manchester United.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster as they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Some Man Utd players were ready to celebrate – Antony decided it was a good idea to goad the Coventry fansCredit: GettyCoventry fans won’t be happy to see this snapAntony was slammed after Man Utd’s penalty shootout win over Coventry CityCredit: AlamyBut that was only after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous triumph.United looked to be cruising towards a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Ellis Simms pulled one back on 71 minutes before Callum O’Hare set-up a nervy finish with eleven left.Haji Wright then kept his nerve in stoppage time to score from the spot to send it to extra time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntony had been brought on just before Coventry’s first goal, and he did not step up once the match came to the shootout after Victor Torp’s 120th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.His fellow Brazilian Casemiro stepped up first but had his effort saved before Wright slotted home to give Coventry the lead.Diogo Dalot made no mistake and then Torp smashed it into the top corner, then Christian Eriksen drilled it in low with United’s third – but this time Andre Onana dived to his right to keep out O’Hare’s effort.Captain Fernandes sent the goalie the wrong way to put United ahead, then Ben Sheaf fired way over the crossbar.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat left Rasmus Hojlund with the job of stepping up to win it, and the Dane sent the goalie the opposite way as he raced off in celebration.However, Antony reportedly started cupping his hands to his ears in the direction of the Coventry end as he goaded either their supporters or some of their players.Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itThat led to ex-Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison telling BBC 5Live: “He needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing the Championship next season.”And a host of other supporters could not wait to go two-footed on the winger, who had made little impact after replacing Alejandro Garnacho.One post on X read: “Antony taunting Coventry fans after Hojlund’s penalty. The absolute nerve of it.”“That bro has lost shame,” declared another while he was also labelled as being “unbelievably small time”.A long-suffering supporter said: “The standards have dropped at this club.”Antony’s actions were called “classy as ever” while another fan fumed: “Bro thinks he won the World Cup.”He allegedly cupped his ears and started goading the Sky Blue supportersCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans spot Man Utd players are ‘too ashamed to celebrate’ as even Roy Keane claims they were ’embarrassed to win’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans think their players were too “ashamed” to celebrate after they stumbled into the FA Cup final.The Red Devils had to resort to penalties to get past Coventry City after blowing a 3-0 lead in the last 20 minutes at Wembley.Rasmus Hojlund booked Manchester United’s spot in the FA Cup final with the winning penaltyCredit: AlamyHe ran away to celebrate with the Man Utd fansCredit: ITV SPORTAs he turned back to his team-mates, only Christian Eriksen appeared to join him in celebrationCredit: ITV SPORTUnited looked comfortable for most of the clash, but saw three late Coventry goals from Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare and Haji Wright eradicate their hard work.And it was almost curtains for the Erik ten Hag’s FA Cup efforts in extra-time when Victor Torp had his 121st minute winner chalked off by VAR after the tip of his toe was deemed to be offside.The penalty shootout gave Man Utd a chance to spare their own blushes – and that’s exactly what they managed to do when Rasmus Hojlund converted his spot kick to set up a Manchester derby FA Cup final.But fans of United are convinced the players were too embarrassed with the manner in which they had won to celebrate properly as they noticed only one star reeled away with Hojlund to celebrate his 12-yard decider.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dane was certainly enthusiastic as he shared the moment with United’s travelling supporters, but video of the celebrations appeared to only show compatriot Christian Eriksen joining him in the euphoria.Other stars were more subdued in their happiness and fans online certainly noticed the unusual reaction.One wrote: “Why on earth has only Eriksen gone over to celebrate with Hojlund????”While another added: “Kinda sad that nobody ran over to Hojlund there.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCoventry pulled off a miraculous second half comebackCredit: GettyThey were ultimately left heartbroken at their penalty defeatCredit: GettyA third commented: “United players too ashamed to celebrate 😭😭 Hojlund turned around and saw nobody behind him I’m finished.”And a fourth joked: “I was crying at that. 😭😭😭 He thought the whole team was coming to run to him and it was only Eriksen.”‘I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running London Marathon before Wembley dash to watch Man UtdFans weren’t the only ones who thought that Ten Hag and Co were stand-offish after booking a return to play under the iconic arch in May.Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane blasted the team on ITV Sport as he labelled them as “embarrassed” to win.The retired midfielder said: “I think from the United players and the supporters they weren’t really going over the top with the celebrations.”Because they know that they were quite lucky today. They had the game won at 3-0 and they are almost embarrassed to win in the end.”He went on to add: “Every time I see this United team I don’t like what I see.”They’re hard to like and they just play in moments.”We keep talking about leadership and characters – I don’t see any of that in this United group.”The team management when you’re 3-0 up… you don’t give a Championship team any sort of hope that they can get back in the game.”But that’s what they do, they give up chances, they give up goals. “We’ve seen it all season so I don’t know why we’re that surprised, but my goodness they rode their luck in the end.”Regardless of their celebrations and the manner in which they achieved the win, Manchester United will be playing in the FA Cup final this season.The Red Devils will face noisy neighbours City in a repeat of last year’s final as they look to paper over the cracks of another poor campaign with some silverware.Pressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team still rumoured to be compiling a list of potential replacements for the Dutchman.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor now Ten Hag will have to re-shift his focus, and the attention of his team, to the Premier League.Man Utd host Sheffield United on Wednesday and can put the Blades to the sword by all-but consigning them back to the Championship with a win.Roy Keane has blasted Manchester United for their performance and claimed the team was ’embarrassed’ to winCredit: ITV SPORTPressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag despite Manchester United making it to the FA Cup finalCredit: Alamy More