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      Man Utd stars ‘failed to back Erik ten Hag just moments after winning the FA Cup’ with ‘clear issues among squad’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars were not in full support of Erik ten Hag even after their FA Cup final victory, reports suggest.Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag following a poor start to the season that has seen the Red Devils win just three of their first eight games in all competitions.Man Utd players were not in complete support of Erik ten Hag even after the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe latest defeat, a 3-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham, was the latest evidence of a team flat on its back.It follows a continuously concerning trend stretching back to last season, when the team recorded the club’s lowest finish in Premier League history.Winning the FA Cup ultimately proved to be Ten Hag’s salvation from almost certainly being sacked in June, with new club bosses Ineos instead opting to keep faith with the Dutchman for the new season.However, it has now been revealed that United players had their issues with the former Ajax manager’s set-up even in the aftermath of that famous triumph over Man City at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, who claim to have spoken to half a dozen players following the final, some stars had issues with the approach in certain matches throughout the season.While the report stipulated that no player definitively called for the manager to be sacked, no star definitively backed him to stay either.Players had a critical opinion of some of the tactics used during the season – ultimately with a change of approach in the Wembley final against Manchester City proving beneficial.It quotes one anonymous player as saying: “You cannot have teams in the relegation zone like Sheffield United and Burnley coming to Old Trafford and carving us open.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReporter Andy Mitten adds that following the final, while “all the players respected Ten Hag as a person and coach, the mood was far from harmonious”.Though he caveats this by explaining how stars both respected and feared Sir Alex Ferguson.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw SunSport today reported that Ten Hag’s potential exit is being discussed openly by Manchester United players.We understand the vast majority of United’s stars are behind the beleaguered manager.But there has been much talk among the squad over how much longer he will remain in charge with the club floundering in the Prem. Games this week against Porto and Aston Villa could prove pivotal in deciding whether he remains in the job after the international break.Ineos – who now run the sporting operation at the club – handed Ten Hag a contract extension in July.It would have reportedly cost £10million to sack Ten Hag in the summer, but will now set them back £17.5m.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesA number of managers have been linked with the Old Trafford gig in the event that Ten Hag is sacked, with Joe Cole believing that former England boss Gareth Southgate is the “obvious choice” to step in.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Inter Milan gaffer Simone Inzaghi have both emerged as potential candidates.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could also be appointed to the role given his previous, albeit brief, success with PSV.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Man City legend left family £1.6MILLION in his will following his death after glittering career

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      MAN City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his will — including a treasure trove of medals.The football star, who died last October aged 79, passed most of his possessions to wife Gillian.Man City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his willCredit: PAThe football star died last October aged 79Credit: AlamyLee passed most of his possessions to wife GillianCredit: GettyPots of £100,000 were handed to brother Trevor, sister-in-law Pamela and daughter-in-law Sonia.Eldest son Gary, from his first marriage, was to get £250,000, but died last year. The rest of his £1,648,000 estate is in a trust fund for his wife and three surviving kids.“Franny” joined City from Bolton in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 games, and winning the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.READ MORE IN SPORTSHe then won the First Division for a second time with Derby in 1975.Franny, who played 27 times for England, including at the 1970 World Cup and scored ten goals, later launched a successful toilet roll manufacturing firm and a horse racing stable.His final years were spent battling cancer at his £500,000 home in sleepy Wilmslow, Cheshire.England legend Alan Shearer led tributes after his death, posting: “RIP legend”.Most read in Football’Franny’ joined City in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 gamesCredit: Getty More

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      FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

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      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More

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      Fans fume Carabao Cup draw is ‘RIGGED’ as Tottenham handed brutal tie and ‘they don’t want Ange winning anything’

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      FANS have fumed that the Carabao Cup draw is “RIGGED” after Tottenham were handed a brutal tie.The third round came to an end with Spurs joining the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the next round.Tottenham face a tricky clash against Man City in the next roundCredit: SKy sportsFans have claimed that Ange Postecoglou will never win a trophy at SpursCredit: PAHowever, the North London side could not have been handed a trickier tie to navigate in the fourth-round.Spurs were drawn against Manchester City with the one boost that it will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.And fans reacted on social media to complain about the tough fixture.One posted: “I’m shocked, draw is rigged as hell lol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second wrote: “That Carabao draw is so rigged, every time we get a hard draw.”A third commented: “Man City at home, I hate this rigged competition.”A fourth fumed: “It’s rigged, they don’t want Ange Postecoglou to win anything. Watch us get Man City in the FA Cup too.”Another added: “Last year we got them in the FA Cup last season 4th round now this year we got them in the league cup 4th round please don’t tell me that’s a coincidence, rigged.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite the claims of the fans, there is no actual evidence that the draw was rigged.Spurs have reached the stage in the tournament after beating Coventry City 2-1 last week.Raging Richarlison slams ‘f—ing s—’ card as Tottenham star’s EA FC 25 rating is revealedCarabao Cup draw in fullHere is the full draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup…Brentford vs Sheffield WednesdaySouthampton vs Stoke CityTottenham Hotspur vs Manchester CityAFC Wimbledon/ Newcastle vs ChelseaManchester United vs LeicesterBrighton & Hove Albion vs LiverpoolPreston North End vs ArsenalAston Villa vs Crystal PalaceMan City, however, played on Tuesday evening and dispatched Watford 2-1 at the Etihad.Postecoglou earlier this season proclaimed that he always wins silverware in his second season at clubs.However, if he is to continue that run he will have to guide his side past Pep Guardiola’s outfit.Elsewhere, Arsenal hammered Bolton 5-1 and Liverpool matched the scoreline against West Ham at Anfield to progress.Arsenal face Preston in the next roundCredit: GettyLiverpool knocked out West HamCredit: Alamy More

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      I’m a Bolton icon who scored against Arsenal in famous upset – here’s why we will beat Mikel Arteta’s men in Carabao Cup

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      BOLTON legend John McGinlay believes his old club can dump Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup — 30 years after his Highbury heroics.‘Super John’ scored the opening goal when second-tier Wanderers shocked the Gunners in an FA Cup fourth-round replay back in 1994.John McGinlay celebrates his goal against Arsenal at Highbury thirty years ago with Bolton captain Phil BrownCredit: GettyBruce Rioch led Bolton to victory that night- and a year later was Arsenal bossCredit: PA:Press AssociationArsenal had completed an FA Cup and League Cup double the previous season but lost 3-1 after extra-time to Bruce Rioch’s free-flowing side.The Trotters are now in League One but McGinlay, 60,  believes Ian Evatt’s current crop of players are capable of humiliating Mikel Arteta’s men in Wednesday’s third-round tie at the Emirates — despite their poor start to the season.He said: “There were many occasions when Bruce Rioch was in charge of Bolton that we went into games when people gave us no chance.“But we enjoyed proving them wrong — and that is what we have to do against Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have some good young players, who just need to go out and express themselves. It’s a free hit and it comes on the back of a big 5-2 win over Reading that was much needed.“It is the sort of night that can really click us into gear for the season. If the players play to their potential there is no reason why they can’t produce a shock.“Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for Bolton.“They can cause Arsenal problems and it’s an occasion they must enjoy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRioch’s Bolton also saw off Everton and Aston Villa on that famous Cup run before losing to Oldham in the last eight.And Scottish striker McGinlay, who made more than 250 appearances in five years at the Trotters,  revealed they EXPECTED to turn Arsenal over.What happened to Highbury?He said: “We were the lower-league team nobody wanted to draw in the Cup.“We had drawn 2-2 with Arsenal at Burnden Park so we knew we could be a match for them.“It was a great feeling to score with a header, then Alan Smith equalised.“Jason McAteer leathered one to put us back in front in extra-time and Andy Walker finished it off.“They had pretty much the England back four, with Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn in front of David Seaman, and an excellent manager in George Graham.Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for BoltonJOHN McGINLAY“We respected every team we played but we knew if we played to our maximum, we could get a result. We had David Lee on the right wing — he would rip teams apart with his pace and skill.“One of biggest things was looking back at the footage. Arsenal were on their knees. We were extremely fit but they were out on their feet.“Bruce Rioch was hands down the best manager I played for, there is no question about that.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have a tricky start to the season“He was a great leader. He was a hard taskmaster but he was fair with you.“He was fantastic and, looking back, that win probably sealed the Arsenal job for him.” More

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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      I played alongside Ronaldo and Scholes at Man Utd but now run a shop aged 35 – I regret leaving Reds too early

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      FORMER Manchestrer United starlet Richard Eckersley has now embarked on a very different career path. The Red Devils academy graduate, who was given his big break under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009, has transitioned from football to running a zero-waste shop in Devon.Richard Eckersley began his senior career at Man Utd under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty – ContributorThe forgotten Man Utd man now owns Britain’s first zero-waste supermarket with his wifeCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThe forgotten United man made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Tottenham on January 24 2009 as a substitute.Having joined United as a nine-year-old, he achieved his lifelong dream of making his first-team debut by stepping off the bench at Old Trafford.The former defender played alongside United legends Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.Eckersley told Manchester Evening News: “It was an awe-inspiring kind of moment.READ MORE MAN UTD”I was playing with people I had watched growing up and I was giving them the ball. It was a really surreal moment.”Three days later, he made his league debut in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.Then on March 1, 2009, he was on the bench for the League Cup Final against Spurs, which United won, earning him his first career medal.But his time with the senior squad did not last long as he left Old Trafford at the end of the season and signed a four-year contract with Burnley.Most read in FootballAnd the 35-year-old reflecting on his football said he regrets leaving Old Trafford so early on.Eckersley continued: “I think the decision to leave United was probably too early for me.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”I think I probably should have stayed on and developed at Carrington under the coaches that I was already working with, because I was making steady progress.”I think the jump from the cusp of one of the world’s greatest teams, you could say at that time, to Burnley, who had just got promoted but were going to be a struggling team in the Premier League was a massive jump.”After moving to Burnley Eckersley’s career took a different turn. He had loan spells with Plymouth, Bradford, and Bury before crossing the Atlantic to join MLS side Toronto in 2011, making the move permanent the following season.The move to the MLS was a much-needed change for the Salford-born star, who had lost his love for the game in the UK.Eckerlsey said: “I was desperate just to play and desperate to enjoy football, because at the time I wasn’t enjoying football.”I was playing in League Two, I was going on loan to Bradford, Bury and places like that.”Even though it was competitive football, I just wasn’t enjoying the football side of things because I enjoyed playing football and how we used to play at United.”But at 26, after leaving Toronto and having stints with New York Red Bulls and Oldham, Eckersley decided to retire from football. Seeking a new direction that would bring him closer to his family, he chose an uncommon path for ex-footballers by opening a zero-waste shop.Passionate about vegan and organic food, Eckersley and his wife founded Earth.Food.Love, the UK’s first zero-waste shop, located in Totnes, Devon.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It gives us a purpose, I think that is the biggest thing. I love letting my children see that. “I think that is the biggest thing: seeing their mum and their dad enjoying what they do. We’re all intermingling and they are never more than five minutes away from me all the time. That is important for me.” More

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      Non-league side lose 14-0 after fielding team of fans, a coach and even their press officer in protest at Hampshire FA

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      A NON-LEAGUE side lost 14-0 after they fielded a team of fans in a protest towards the Hampshire FA.Farnborough were hammered by Tadley at Cherrywood Road in the in the Servio Men’s Senior Cup second round.Farnborough boss Spencer Day missed the 14-0 defeatCredit: Farnborough FC TVThe Vanarama National League South club lost to Tadley despite the outfit being three steps above them.However, Farnborough’s team selection may be an explanation to the result.The team included fans, the club’s media manager Dom Lloyd, two first-team players and goalkeeping coach Dave Hill.The reason behind the selection was due to the club’s protest towards the Hampshire FA.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFarnborough were disqualified from the competition in 2022 after beating AFC Porchester 8-0.They were kicked out of the competition after failing player eligibility rules.After the decision, Farnborough boss Spencer Day argued that the rules were in a “grey area” and insisted that the club had always taken it seriously.Farnborough has come under scrutiny for the result as many have claimed the club has been “disrespectful”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Outrageous, should be made to play the rest of the season with that team.”A second commented: “Why take part if you had no intention of trying to win. An embarrassment and a disgrace.”Forgotten Premier League star scores Puskas contender in training as baffled fans say ‘didn’t know he was still playing’A third wrote: “That is truly shambolic and disrespect to a cup competition.”Just withdraw, don’t disrespect cup competitions by getting humbled to this blatant extent.”A fourth said: “Well done tadley, wish it was more, the disrespect from Farnborough.”Another joked: “Could have gone either way lads.”Who are these famous footballers? More