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      Meet FA Cup underdogs whose star man is gravedigger and manager played under Sir Alex Ferguson

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      SCARBOROUGH’S part-timers hope gravedigging midfielder Dom Tear can help leave managerless Burton’s FA Cup hopes dead and buried this weekend.Tear has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season for sixth-tier side Scarborough, who take on League One’s bottom club Burton, who are winless, on Saturday in the first round.Scarborough hope gravedigger midfielder Dom Tear can inspire them to a winCredit: X @16TearFormer Man Utd star Jonathan Greening is in charge of the National League north sideCredit: GettyScarborough’s line-up is comprised of teachers, an NHS physio and an electrical powerline worker, among other trades, as the National League North side sense an upset.But Seadogs stalwart Kieran Glynn feels gravedigger and midfield partner Tear is the one most likely to signal the portents of doom to Brewers’ fans at the Pirelli Stadium.Glynn, also a furniture removal man, told the PA news agency: “Dom Tear is absolutely on fire, so gravedigging and football must be working!”He scored two in the last round as well, that’s 10 in all competitions. He can’t stop scoring.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”First-team coach Jimmy (Beadle), Mr Scarborough, nicknamed him the ‘backdoor burglar’.”Jimmy’s love for the town is mental. He’s unbelievable for morale and the funniest man I’ve met in football.”He said to Dom: ‘You’ve got 10 goals, but completed three passes’. Dom won’t touch the ball for 87 minutes and then he’ll score two in the last three.”He’s just there. They’re all one-touch finishes. Balls in across the box and he’ll sneak in back stick to tap it in.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”His knack of being in the right place at the right time is the best I’ve seen in a long time.”The Seadogs rose from the ashes as a ‘phoenix club’ in 2007, renamed as Scarborough Athletic and resuming in the 10th tier after the club had been wound up days earlier with debts of £2.5million.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingThey moved into their new Flamingo Land Stadium in 2017 having spent 10 years playing home games at Bridlington Town, 20 miles away.Former Manchester United midfielder Jonathan Greening was appointed manager in 2021 and guided the club to promotion to National League North in his first season.Glynn, in his third spell with the Seadogs, said: “Jono has revamped the whole club. It’s a club that, once it gets its claws in you, you keep coming back. I’m proof of that, I can’t get away!”But Jono came in and absolutely lifted the place in every aspect. Whether that’s professionalism or getting the fans onside.”Over 1,000 supporters will make the trip to Staffordshire on Saturday as Scarborough bid to reach round two for the second successive season.They beat Dunstan 5-2 in a replay, Warrington Rylands 2-0 and then Chester 3-1 in the qualifying rounds.”Before the first-round draw, half the lads wanted Hednesford or Gainsborough and the other half wanted Birmingham or Wrexham,” Glynn said.”We trained this week on Tuesday and everyone was buzzing for it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s weird seeing lads who have had a few niggles in the last couple of weeks training their hearts out.”Anyone in football knows confidence is massive. You would assume confidence is low in Burton’s camp and hopefully we can capitalise on that.” More

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      FA Cup first round: ‘Baffled’ club chief blasts ‘confusing’ TV picks after Ollie Watkins’ former club snubbed

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      FA CUP bosses have been slammed for their “confusing” first round TV picks by a club chief hoping for a giant-killing. Weston-super-Mare make the short 24-mile journey to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.Weston-super-Mare travel to Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium with the derby not on teleCredit: RexOllie Watkins spent one season on loan at non-league club as a youngsterCredit: BPMThe sixth tier club have come through three qualifying rounds to make the first round proper and have been rewarded with a local derby against League One opponents. Many expected the game to be one of the five selected for TV coverage across ITV and the BBC this weekend.But Weston-super-Mare’s huge clash has been surprisingly snubbed. Tamworth welcome Huddersfield on the Beeb tonight and Northampton’s local derby with Kettering Town is on tele on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSutton vs Birmingham and Harrogate vs Wrexham are live on Sunday before the action concludes on Monday as Chesham United face Lincoln. But the West Country clash’s rejection has frustrated Weston-super-Mare director Ed Bliss, who told Bristol Live: “It baffled all of us.”You’ve got Birmingham and Sutton being televised. Confusing. You know why with Wrexham. They’ve got a bit of weight behind them. I’m not taking it away from them. “But you can’t get a better opportunity to televise a game in the FA Cup than two reasonably well-matched teams on each other’s doorstep. Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So it’s confusing, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”Asked how much the club could have made if shown on tele, Bliss explained: “It would have been in the realms of about £80,000.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers”So a game changer for us to build for next season, to plug in a little bit of finance for this season. But that’s the way it goes.”Weston-super-Mare, who are top of the National League South, was where England hero Ollie Watkins played on loan in the 2014/15 season.They are taking around 2,000 fans up the M5 to the Memorial Stadium for the huge FA Cup clash, which has been labelled one of the biggest games in the club’s history. More

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      Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use as club target FA Cup giant-killing

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      HE IS the Rory Delap of the National League — and can hurl a football further than most can kick it.Tom Tonks intends to put ­Huddersfield through hell with his long-throws in the FA Cup at The Lamb tonight.Tom Tonks hopes his long throw will fire Tamworth to FA Cup glory over HuddersfieldCredit: X/ tamworthfcTonks’ long throws are just like the ones used back in the day by Rory DelapCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdTamworth’s not-so-secret weapon has also earned a reputation for scoring spectacular long-range goals which have made him a huge hit on social media.So Terriers’ Aussie goalkeeper Jacob Chapman is sure to be tested whenever Tonks picks up the ball.Former Stoke midfielder Delap made long-throws fashionable under boss Tony Pulis during their promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and their run to the FA Cup final in 2011.Tonks, 33, said: “I’ve been hurling in throw-ins since primary school.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My headteacher at primary school said to me: ‘You never threw that in,’ because he had his back to me and assumed I’d kicked it.“So I asked him if he wanted me to do it again and he couldn’t believe the distance.“I’ve had a lot of joy with it since and get called the Rory Delap of the National League but I wouldn’t mind his wages from a few years ago! I’ve never actually measured how far I can throw the ball, I just launch it as far as I can.“The lads sometimes ask me to take something off it and keep it between the goalposts, because I can deliver it well beyond the back post if I want.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I can see it in the faces of opposing defenders and goalies — they absolutely hate it.”Teams are obviously now planning for Tonks’ arrival and Huddersfield will no doubt be well aware of it on the artifical surface at The Lamb. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundTonks’ long throws have become the stuff of legendCredit: YOUTUBE / Vanarama National LeagueAnd since a 7-0 defeat at Barnet in August, the National League North champions have shown they have what it takes to compete at a higher level.Tonks added: “When we played Barnet, we got a bit of a turning over.“But they are full-time and spent a day of analysis on us.“Their players were actually told NOT to give away any throw-ins in their half. Fair play to them I don’t think I took one in the 90 minutes!”While Jurgen Klopp famously employed a throw-in coach at Liverpool, Tonks has never been taught how to perfect his technique.He said: “It’s just natural to me. I just do the same weights as the other lads.“I’m not chucking medicine balls around the gym or anything like that.“I’d probably get banned for putting the ball through the wall if I did!JACK OF ALL TRADES“It’s more to do with timing. Someone asked me the other day how many assists I’ve had but I’ve never kept count.”As one of the few part-time teams in the National League, 5am gym sessions before work are not uncommon for Tonks and his team-mates.But, as well as the throws, Tonks is more than useful with his feet.A David Beckham-esque goal from the halfway line he scored for Stourbridge against Peterborough Sports in the FA Cup went viral.He revealed: “That got a million views in a week and my phone didn’t stop ringing for two weeks.“You can hear team-mate Luke Benbow’s mum screaming on the audio. That’s a funny listen on Youtube, well worth 20 seconds of anyone’s time!”Tonks also scored a screamer for Tamworth earlier this season to seal a stoppage-time win at Braintree.He charged into a tackle on the right touchline and, when his opponent pulled out of the challenge, Tonks sent the ball sailing over the goalie’s head from 40 yards and found the top corner.Hopefully big Dave is looking down and I can get another goal for him on Friday nightTom TonksTonks added: “My phone blew up after that as well!“I had a tweet from some Italian sports news station and someone in Kuwait too. Mad.“I’ve watched it a few times since and I’m still asking myself how it actually went in!“It was also special because it was my first goal after my grandad passed away.“He used to love coming to watch me. He’s been to so many cold parks in step six of non-league and used to be instantly noticeable in his white vest!“Hopefully big Dave is looking down and I can get another goal for him on Friday night.”Tonks is a Wolves fan and has a score to settle with Huddersfield.He went to a Premier League game at Molineux when Town’s Aaron Mooy put two free-kicks past Rui Patricio in 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESPart-time Tonks, who also sells sandwiches and sausage rolls from a food truck, added: “I’ll never forget that so I owe them one.“It’s going to be very tough but we’ve had some good results at home and fancy ourselves against anyone at The Lamb.” More

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      Premier League legend in shock career move as he heads to Scotland after 24 years and 450 games in English top-flight

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      FORMER Premier League referee Martin Atkinson is set to take over as VAR manager at the Scottish FA.The 53-year-old will say goodbye to the English game after 24 years.Martin Atkinson is set to take over as VAR manager at the Scottish FACredit: PAThe SFA moved quickly to steal Atkinson after Jon Moss left his VAR manager role after just 52 days of startin it.SunSport understands Moss will be taking up a top job with the Australian FA.Now, Atkinson will begin work as Scottish head ref Willie Collum’s No 2 in early December.Collum, 45, said: “I am delighted to appoint someone of Martin’s calibre.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I did not expect to be recruiting for that position again so quickly, but Jon received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and went with our best wishes.”I am pleased Martin has agreed to continue the considerable work undertaken to date in optimising our VAR operation.”And I’m sure our VAR officials and match officials generally will look forward to working with someone of Martin’s experience.”Atkinson was a Prem official for 20 years and refereed the 2015 Europa League final, won by Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during his time with LaLiga outfit Sevilla.Most read in FootballJon Moss left the SFA after little more than a month in postCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAtkinson oversaw 463 games in the English top-flight before turning to manage PGMOL’s Select Group. The Select Group meet twice per month for training sessions and analysis of match videos and data to help improve refereeing performances.Football analyst bizarrely blames ref Anthony Taylor for ‘hindering Man Utd’s play’ in humiliating loss to LiverpoolHe leaves the Select Group after joining in 2022 following his last Prem match – where Crystal Palace beat Manchester United 1-0 at Selhurst Park.Incidentally, that was the ground where he made his debut 17 years prior.Atkinson is only behind Mike Dean (521) for most Prem games refereed. PGMOL said: “Everyone would like to thank Martin and wish him every success for the future.”Atkinson refereed games at Euro 2016 and became a regular Champions League official.He also took charge of the FA Cup Final in 2011 and the 2014 League Cup final. More

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      Pep Guardiola admits Man City were ‘HUNGOVER’ for FA Cup final loss against Man Utd following Premier League title bash

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted that his Manchester City stars were “hungover” during their FA Cup final defeat last season.The City boss, 53, was speaking after his side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham last night.Pep Guardiola spoke after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last nightCredit: GettyMan City won the Prem title on the final day of last seasonCredit: GettyJack Grealish and Co subsequently went out to celebrateCredit: SplashMan Utd beat Man City in the FA Cup final the following weekendCredit: APThe 2-1 defeat was City’s first loss of the season, which was pointed out to Guardiola after the game.Their last defeat had come at Wembley in last season’s FA Cup final, in which they were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United.Referencing that match last night, Guardiola said: “This is the news, not that we lose, but how long it has been since we lose.”Of course, with the FA Cup final we were a little bit hungover, but it is good news.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wembley showpiece had come just a week after City had clinched the Premier League title on the final day of the season.City stars let their hair down after pipping Arsenal to the post, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland leading the celebrations.After lifting the Premier League trophy, City stars and their partners headed to plush Manchester bar and restaurant Fenix to continue their revelry.The following weekend at Wembley they looked sluggish, with goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo giving Man Utd a 2-0 half-time lead.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGuardiola comforts Phil Foden after the FA Cup finalCredit: ReutersCity stars were left disappointed at WembleyCredit: ReutersJeremy Doku did pull one back for City late on, but Guardiola’s men were unable to conjure an equaliser.The cup final win largely contributed to Erik ten Hag clinging on to his job as Man Utd boss at the time.Jack Grealish is helped out of bar at 5am as Man City’s wild celebrations continue into the night after record titleHe had appeared all but certain to get the sack after his side finished a dismal eighth.But following the cup final victory the Dutchman was given a reprieve by United’s Ineos chiefs.After another summer at the helm, Ten Hag was unable to change United’s league fortunes.He was finally sacked on Monday following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham, with United 14th in the table after nine games.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been placed in caretaker charge, with Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim primed to take over.City, meanwhile, are facing an injury crisis – having lost Manuel Akanji in last night’s warm-up and Savinho during the match.After the game, Guardiola confessed: “We have 13 players, we are in real difficulties.”The guys that play, they finish most of them with problems and we’ll see how they recover.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think we are in trouble, because in nine years we’ve never been in the situation with so many injuries.”The players make a step forward, more together than ever, and we will try to do this week in this short time of recovery.” More

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      Fans spot spooky omen that proves Erik ten Hag was always doomed to face the sack by Man Utd this season

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      ERIK TEN HAG was always doomed for the sack this year thanks to a spooky omen.The Dutchman was finally relieved of his duties after being given a stay of execution for the start of the season.Erik ten Hag was hit with a Man Utd FA Cup curseCredit: ReutersUnited chiefs considered firing Ten Hag in the summer before giving him a two-year deal which guarantees him a pay off worth £15million.The Red Devils suffered their worst Premier League finish last term in eighth but Ten Hag saved his job by winning the FA Cup.However the 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City meant Ten Hag was perhaps always destined for the sack this year, thanks to a strange omen.The last United manager to win the FA Cup, Louis van Gaal, was also sacked after winning the FA Cup final 2-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBizarrely, Tommy Docherty met the same fate after winning the 1977 FA Cup final by the same scoreline.Fans picked up on the peculiar coincidence, with one saying: “Spooky fact. It’s almost as if they decided against sacking him in the summer so they could deploy it this week 🎃”Stats prove the writing may have been on the wall long before the FA Cup final, as Ten Hag’s win rate at Old Trafford plummeted following the 7-0 loss to Liverpool in March 2023.Prior to the defeat at Anfield, Ten Hag’s United had boasted a 73 per cent win rate, losing just six games over the course of the manager’s first 41 matches in all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut things started to look bleak after their 7-0 embarrassment with the win percentage plummeting to just 46 per cent from that game onwards.Including the 7-0 defeat, United lost 29 games in 87 fixtures from March 2023 until last weekend.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace him More

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      Ten Hag ‘had to be talked out of kamikaze FA Cup final tactic by Darren Fletcher’ which helped extend Man Utd stay

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S final glory at Manchester United might have NEVER have happened if he had persisted with his original tactical plan in the FA Cup final.The Dutchman was sacked from his post as Man Utd manager on Monday following a controversial 2-1 defeat to West Ham.Erik ten Hag won the FA Cup with Man Utd in MayCredit: GettyBut the tactical tweaks made before the game came after hours of debate led by Darren FletcherCredit: GettyIt left Man Utd down in 14th place in the Premier League after their worst-ever start to the season.Ten Hag, 54, had looked like a dead man walking at Old Trafford after finish a record low of eighth in the Prem last season.But he earned himself an unlikely lifeline by shocking Manchester City to win the FA Cup final in May, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.However, the result of that game could have turned out very different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because, according to The Independent, Ten Hag had to be talked out of his planned tactics for the Wembley showdown by concerned Darren Fletcher.It is claimed Ten Hag wanted to go “toe-to-toe” against the league champions in a kamikaze plan.And it was only after hours of debate led by then-technical director Fletcher that Ten Hag relented.The tactical tweaks he eventually did make prior to the game worked as a treat, as the 4-4-2 shape helped United defend against Pep Guardiola’s side and gave United the ability to be dangerous on the counter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReports at the time suggested that Ten Hag had also listened to the advice from new club chief Jason Wilcox to use Bruno Fernandes as a False 9 for the final, which yielded the captain an assist for the winner.Man Utd have tried going match up with teams this season, and come up embarrassingly short against Liverpool and Tottenham in 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford.Man Utd want Ruben AmorimBehind the scenes, one senior member of the Ineos hierarchy is reported to have said: “I told you this would happen,” in key meetings, where the main dividing factor was who could come next.However, after getting their first transfer window out of the way Ineos now appear to have made swift progress on appointing a potential successor.According to reports, Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has agreed to become the new Red Devils boss.United will have to pay his £8.5million buy-out fee, but the 39-year-old has impressive credentials behind him with two league titles ending a 19-year league drought at the club.The “Special One 2.0” has been heavily linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City, while was also linked with Liverpool, West Ham, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.Amorim has a distinct style with his 3-4-3 system and will have a five-point checklist of things to do upon arriving.The former midfielder has already broken his silence on the prospect of taking the job, admitting: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”The Portuguese tactician actually already has a tenuous link to Man Utd, having faced them three times in his career, including one player who he is now set to coach. More

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      Failed Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag handed £15m payoff after his sacking from Prem giants as he flees UK on private jet

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      SACKED Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to the Netherlands after being axed as Manchester United manager yesterday with an expected £15million golden goodbye.The Dutchman, 54, got his marching orders at 11am.Erik ten Hag boards a private jet to Amsterdam just hours after being sacked as Man Utd’s managerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester AirportCredit: ZenpixThe Dutchman is in line for a £15million payday despite his turbulent spell as managerCredit: AlamyHe was seen smiling at 2.15pm before a Cessna light aircraft flew him home from Manchester to Amsterdam.Less than two hours after the announcement — at 1.30pm — sheepish Ten Hag was seen crouching down in the back of a black ­chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class.The 54-year-old Dutchman was whisked from his Cheshire home to Manchester Airport — where he was pictured in the gilet and with a rucksack — before his private jet left for Amsterdam at 2.15pm.He is in line for a £15million payoff after a turbulent 2½-year spell and is the fifth manager sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down after 27 years in 2013.READ MORE ON ERIK TEN HAGUnited chiefs had extended Ten Hag’s £6.5million-a-year deal until June 2026 just 166 days ago.Fellow Dutchman and ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was his assistant, has taken over as interim boss.A club insider said: “The dressing room has been like a morgue recently — and it is no wonder Ten Hag has gone.“The owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told people he acted with his heart not his head when he gave him the extension in the summer. Now he is acting with his head.”Most read in FootballUnited are currently 14th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Andy Mitten, from fanzine United We Stand, said: “I would never celebrate United sacking a manager but this season has been a nightmare and finishing eighth last year is not good enough.“It is a very expensive move after what happened in the summer – and that is the last thing the club needs at the moment and when we’ve made huge pay-offs to managers in the past.”’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedClub owner Ineos handed Ten Hag the extension after a shock FA Cup Final win over rivals Manchester City in May.A separate United source said of the sacking: “This is long overdue and no one could be that shocked the hierarchy have finally acted.“But the way it has been done is chaotic and shows the club is in a mess from top to bottom.“The worst thing the club did was extend Ten Hag’s contract after the FA Cup win. While that was a great achievement, it was so obvious that it glossed over a dreadful season. And it has now cost the owners potentially over £10million.“While there may be room for negotiation, Erik is not going to go without a hefty pay-off.“It is not the first time it has happened recently either with former managers like Jose Mourinho getting huge payouts as well.“It is a symptom of the chaos that has gripped the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left.”Announcing the sacking, United said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, who was Ten Hag’s assistant, has taken over as interim bossCredit: AlamyTen Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is the current favourite to take over as managerCredit: GettyNames in the frame to take over include Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and Germany’s national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.Ex-England boss Gareth Southgate, who recently hired Jimmy Worrall, a close associate of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as his agent — and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also contenders for the Old Trafford job.In 2019, United paid £19.6million in compensation after axing Jose Mourinho and backroom staff.Two weeks ago it was revealed Sir Alex is leaving his £2million-a-year role as a United ambassador at the end of the season.That decision was branded scandalous by club legend Eric Cantona and came amid an Ineos-led ­economy drive and after 250 staff lost their jobs in the summer.Ten Hag has faced criticism over his management of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who criticised him after leaving in 2022.Management slammedMany of his recruits came from the Dutch league or played under him at previous clubs.Some signings like £85million Brazilian winger Antony have under-performed.RUUD PIC REMOVEDRUUD van Nistelrooy deleted an old social media post of him in black make-up hours after his appointment as interim boss.The 11-year-old image, inset, of him dressed in jewelled headdress and robe as King Balthazar at a charity event in Marbella, Spain, had been re-shared ­thousands of times.Van Nistelrooy had visited a hospital to mark the Spanish Parade of the Three Kings. In a caption with the picture, he wrote: “In hospital with presents for the young and old.”The source added: “There has definitely been a divided dressing room recently. A lot of players did not like Ten Hag and quite a few will be happy with this news.“His man-management has not been great, and the way he has handled stars has got to be called into question.“No one doubts Erik was a likeable and honourable man who worked extremely hard and loved the club. But he could be dogmatic and inflexible — and that is one of the things that caused friction. The players who are happy he has gone are pleased because they didn’t think his tactics would work.“It is not because they didn’t like him as a person.“There is a new energy now Ruud is in charge, and a growing feeling that – if he does well – he will get the job permanently.United captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, said of the news: “Thanks for everything, boss. I appreciate the trust and moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”Pundit and former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “Erik ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But some of these players have been here for one, two, three managers and we’ve still had the same results.“Someone’s got to come in and change that now.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More