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      Championship clash temporarily suspended after bizarre moment man flies over stadium

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      THE CHAMPIONSHIP clash between Coventry and Luton was temporarily suspended when a person FLEW over the ground.Referee, Robert Madley, called a halt to proceedings when somebody was seen paragliding over the Coventry Building Society Arena.A person was seen flying over the Coventry stadiumThe strange incident caused the game to stop temporarilyThe game was resumed by Robert Madley once the flyer was goneCredit: Sky SportsIn the 81st minute of the game, cameras stopped filming the match action to watch the peculiar flight path above them.The person was seen in a seated position with a red, black and white glide fully extended.A huge paramotor behind the pilot was helping direct them over the skies of Coventry.The match resumed after the flyer had gone over the stadium stand and was no longer visible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to the extraordinary stunt, one fan on social media said: “Dude casually flying over the match between Coventry vs Luton FC.”A second said: “Coventry City vs Luton Town has been interrupted by Moe Szyslak.”A third said: “Hahahaha one paragliding over the stadium at Coventry and Luton Town. Paragliding is the discipline.”Another said: “Why’s someone just flying about the Coventry game?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe game itself saw Luton take the lead through a Carlton Morris penalty after 15 minutes.Elijah Adebayo then got on the scoresheet in the 37th minute, which came after the 26-year-old had suffered vile racist abuse following their 2-1 loss to Sunderland on Wednesday.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowHowever, Ellis Simms got the hosts back into the game with his 59th minute strike, before Victor Torp netted an equaliser in the 76th minute.Following a sending off for Tom Holmes, Haji Wright then scored an injury-time winner for Coventry to complete their comeback. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star who quit to join Man Utd needs just 11 SECONDS to score first goal as he bags 14-minute hat-trick

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      CHIDO OBI-MARTIN has been described as “a cheat code” after scoring a 14-minute hat-trick for Manchester United Under-18s.The 16-year-old had a long-running transfer saga after quitting Arsenal before he was allowed to finally join Man Utd in late September.Chido Obi-Martin scored after just 11 seconds for Man Utd U18sCredit: TwitterIt set him on the road to score a 14-minute hat-trickCredit: TwitterObi-Martin failed to score on his U18 Prem debut for United off the bench against Sunderland last week.However, he more than made up for it in his second appearance against Nottingham Forest.Named in the starting XI by manager Adam Lawrence, Obi-Martin then took just 11 seconds to get on the scoresheet.It came as he chased down the ball following an underhit back pass to the goalkeeper, before going around the goalie and passing the ball into the back of the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLObi-Martin was then on hand again in the fifth minute, when a defender managed to get their foot to a low cross to the edge of the area.But the touch kindly fell to Obi-Martin, who then took a touch before burying a shot across goal and into the bottom left corner.He then sensationally bagged his hat-trick in the 14th minute to put the young Red Devils 3-0 ahead.Reacting to the stunning display, one fan said: “What a talent.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Bring him to the first team.”A third said: “Get him in the first team right now.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamAnother said: “Promote him to the first team and watch him cook.”Obi-Martin had scored 32 goals in 18 matches in the U18 Premier League last season, including netting TEN in one game against Liverpool.He was replaced by Victor Musa at half-time against Forest, denying him the chance to add to his goal tally.James Scanlon – another highly-rated prospect who fans have called to be promoted to the first team – added United’s fourth in the 39th minute.Amir Ibragimov then scored a fifth on the stroke of half-time as the teams went in with a five-goal difference.Jim Thwaites added the final and sixth goal of the game.United’s biggest win of the season so far saw them batter Blackburn 9-0 in September. They have a 100 per cent win rate so far this season, having lost just twice last season on route to the Treble.Man Utd’s senior team have struggled for goals this season, having only netted seven times in eight league matches. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey face West Ham on Sunday hoping to ditch their profligate shooting and build on the win over Brentford last weekend, when Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet.The much improved performance against the Bees came as manager Erik ten Hag made a tactical switch that saw Marcus Rashford take up a surprise role.The teen joined United after a long running transfer saga after quitting ArsenalCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      David Beckham plants kiss on cheek of daughter Harper at Inter Miami game as wife Victoria and son Cruz also attend

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      DAVID BECKHAM kissed daughter Harper on her cheek during Inter Miami’s game against Atlanta United.Wife Victoria and son Cruz were also in attendance at the Chase Stadium.David Beckham kissed daughter Harper on the cheek before kick-offCredit: APSon Cruz was also in attendanceCredit: APCruz has been at several Inter Miami games this yearCredit: GettyVictoria Beckham also turned up for the crunch clashCredit: AFPIt was a big occasion for the Beckhams’ with Inter Miami competing in the MLS Cup play-offs, having won the Eastern Conference.Miami got off to a fast start as Luis Suarez scored in the second minute, and they went on to win the match 2-1 with another former Barcelona player Jordi Alba grabbing the winner.Beckham, 49, was in a good mood even before kick-off and he planted a kiss on his daughter Harper, 13, who looked less than impressed.Cruz, 19, was spotted back alongside his dad having watched Lionel Messi score a hat-trick for Inter Miami last week with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMiami’s win over Atlanta means they need just one more victory to progress to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.Eight teams qualified for the play-offs with Atlanta winning a wildcard match in order to take on Inter Miami in a best of three.The next game will be hosted by Atlanta on November 2 and if the home team win a third match will be played – back at the Chase Stadium.Inter Miami already have one foot in the semi-finals and will have to win that tie and the Eastern Conference final to qualify for the MLS Cup final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBeckham’s side have only once qualified for the MLS play-offs, in 2022, but lost in the first round to New York City FC.This time around they are one of the favourites to go all the way after winning their conference by eight points, while Messi has hit brilliant form with 22 goals in 23 games.She’s so pretty! say Victoria Beckham’s fans as daughter Harper jumps on her Instagram for make-up tutorial More

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      Penny-pinching Man Utd ‘ask Man City to give players lift in private plane to Ballon d’Or’ but get REJECTED by rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs took an embarrassing hit in their efforts to save money after Manchester City rejected their request for a lift to the Ballon d’Or ceremony, according to reports.New United part owners Ineos have embarked on a cost-cutting crusade since taking control of the football operation at Old Trafford.Man Utd chiefs asked Man City if two players could go in their private jet to the Ballon d’OrCredit: PABut City chiefs rejected the proposal because the flight was fullCredit: RexKobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are up for the Kopa TrophyCredit: GettyThe 2024 awards ceremony commences on Monday nightCredit: APThis saw 250 members of staff let go in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson chopped from his £2million-a-year role.The latest efforts to cut costs saw United ask bitter rivals Man City if they could give a lift to Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go to the Ballon d’Or ceremony.According to the Daily Mail, City have chartered a private jet to take their players over to Paris for the awards show on Monday.However, City rejected the request from United because the flight was full with their eight nominees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that alternative arrangements have now been arranged.United had placed the request because the idea of sending two players on a private jet was not seen as a good look.The club’s carbon-footprint was also said to be a factor.Sharing flights is a common theme for clubs when players are traveling for international duty from places such as South America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League champions City have the most players at the awards of any English club. They have four players in the men’s section of the awards – Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Rodri – and a further three in the women’s award – Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Savinho is also up for the Kopa Trophy award, which recognises the best young player, going up against Garnacho and Mainoo.However, they are set to be left disappointed, with Vinicius Jr the reported favorite to win the men’s award, though Rodri is said to be his closest challenger ahead of 2023 Kopa Trophy winner Jude Bellingham.Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmatí is the favorite to retain her crown in the women’s award.Lamine Yamal is the favorite to win the Kopa Trophy.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Roberto Mancini will NOT be paid up £77m contract in full after Saudi Arabia sack but still set for mega severance pay

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      ROBERTO MANCINI will not be paid the rest of his £77million contract in full after being sacked by Saudi Arabia.The Italian was dismissed earlier earlier this month following a 0-0 draw with Bahrain in World Cup qualifying.Roberto Mancini will not be paid out the rest of his £77million Saudi Arabia contractCredit: ReutersHis exit came 14 months into a four-year deal with the Green Falcons.Mancini had been the highest paid manager in world football prior to his sacking thanks to a £77million contract.He had also looked set to make over £60million over the coming years despite leaving the role if the rest of his deal was paid out.However, it has now been revealed exactly how much he will receive in severance pay.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to journalist Nicolo Schira, Mancini will receive £16.7million after being let go.The 59-year-old was appointed manager in August 2023, replacing Herve Renard, who had left earlier in the year.He went on to win seven of his 18 matches in charge up until this month’s international break.Those matches also included a run to the last 16 of the Asian Cup in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Saudi Arabia are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group following Mancini’s departure.Prior to his appointment, the former Manchester City boss spent five years in charge of the Italian national team.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansDuring that period, he guided the Azzurri to glory at Euro 2020, beating England in the final.However, they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after losing to North Macedonia in a play-off.Mancini was sacked earlier this month after just 14 months in charge of the Green FalconsCredit: Getty More

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      Laura Woods blasts ‘we don’t look the part at all’ as TNT Sports host claims Arsenal ‘aren’t main Man City title rivals’

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      LAURA WOODS has claimed Arsenal are not Manchester City’s main title rivals this season.The TNT Sports host has also admitted the Gunners “don’t look the part” amid their poor disciplinary record this season.Laura Woods has admitted Arsenal are not Manchester City’s main title rivalsCredit: RexThe Gunners were beaten by Bournemouth last weekend as their disciplinary woes continuedCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have already had three red cards in eight Premier League matches so far this term.William Saliba is the latest player to be suspended as he serves a one-match ban this weekend.The French defender was sent off in the defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday.He will now miss Sunday’s home clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAhead of the match, Woods admitted Arsenal’s disciplinary record is a worry.She told BetMGM: “I do worry for Arsenal, with injuries and suspensions.”No Ricardo Calafiori, no Martin Odegaard, no Jurien Timber and no William Saliba. I tell you what, it’s pretty infuriating being an Arsenal fan at the moment!”What’s even more infuriating is feeling like a broken record and mentioning that the next day Tosin Adarabioyo only got booked for a foul just like Saliba’s on Diogo Jota.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Yes, we Arsenal fans moan, but we should also all be wanting to see consistency in the league with decisions like this because next week it’ll be your team. “Taking a bit of responsibility, though, Arsenal need to stop getting themselves into these situations. We’re literally leaking points and throwing away games. We don’t look the part at all!”How Arsenal can fool Liverpool with ‘musical chairs’ trap Trent Alexander-Arnold must beware ofArsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/ASaliba’s suspension takes the number of Arsenal absentees to seven this weekend.Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are all set to miss out through injury after failing to train on Friday.Meanwhile, Woods believes Liverpool are City’s main title rivals this season.The presenter added: “I watched Liverpool in Europe on Wednesday, and while they didn’t blow RB Leipzig away, it was a good game for Darwin Nunez’s confidence.”Scoring a goal and proving a handful throughout the match, they need him to be at his best against Arsenal if he replaces Diogo Jota again.”Liverpool look organised, less chaotic and more controlled under Arne Slot. He has a brilliant team too and their defence is once again immense. I think it’ll be the defence that would carry them to a title.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Jurgen Klopp left them in a really good place with some very promising youngsters coming through and a few experienced old heads that know how to see out the league.”I absolutely afforded them a season of transition, but I’ve been so impressed, I think they’re Manchester City’s closest challengers now.”Liverpool are the biggest threat to City according to the TNT Sports hostCredit: Reuters More

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      Manchester United ‘hold secret talks’ with ‘a number of managers’ leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in huge uncertainty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have held “secret talks” with “a number of managers” according to reports, leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in serious doubt.The Dutchman held onto his job this summer after the Old Trafford hierarchy, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decided to hand him a new deal. Erik ten Hag’s job as Manchester United boss remains in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe could already be looking at replacementsCredit: PABut that was only after interviewing potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, who has since taken over as England boss. According to the Daily Mail, United are back in the market scoping out a possible successor to Ten Hag. It is claimed chief executive Omar Berrada already travelled to Spain for talks with former Barcelona manager Xavi. Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also said to be on a four-man shortlist. READ MORE IN football Gareth Southgate – who stepped down as Three Lions manager after Euro 2024 – and out-of-work Graham Potter are also linked. United are 12th in the Premier League table going into their trip to West Ham this Sunday. And Ten Hag’s side have failed to win any of their first three Europa League ties following a draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.The ex-Ajax boss has consistently insisted that he is on the same page as United’s leadership team of Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballPaul Scholes: No improvements under Ten HagMan Utd legend Paul Scholes insisted he is yet to see any improvements under Erik ten Hag’s side this season. He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it…”READ MORE ON SCHOLES DAMNING VERDICT HERE CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut billionaire Ineos owner Ratcliffe refuses to give Ten Hag his public backing.And United’s co-owners are weighing up their options again amid concern over the lack of progress after another £200million was spent on transfers. Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory Ten Hag brought in Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraou this summer. But United legend Paul Scholes claimed he is yet to see any improvements following a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce this week.He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.”Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”Barcelona legend Xavi is a potential candidate to replace Ten HagCredit: PABrentford manager Thomas Frank is also linked to Man UtdCredit: ReutersSporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is another potential replacementCredit: Reuters More

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      Where it’s all gone wrong for Crystal Palace from failed signings and moody strikers to struggling England stars

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are the most surprising member of the four clubs yet to win a Premier League game this season.The Eagles won six of their last seven matches to finish 10th last season after beating the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa.Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace haven’t won a Premier League match this seasonBut they have fallen flat on their face this term, leaving Austrian boss Oliver Glasner having to front up to question marks over his future.He has a reputation for falling out with chiefs at previous clubs but staff and players haven’t noticed a shift in his mood yet. And despite the terrible start Glasner has credit in the bank.SunSport’s JACK ROSSER looks at a few reasons why things are not as they should be at Selhurst Park…DEFENSIVE ISSUESCRYSTAL PALACE were not only devastating going forwards once they hit their stride at the end of last season, they had a solid foundation — using three centre-backs — to build from too.Read More on FootballBut there appear to be one too many cracks at the back so far this season — few of the Eagles’ own making.Joachim Andersen was sold to Fulham in a £30million deal, breaking up the successful pairing of the Dane and Marc Guehi.Whether it is fatigue or distraction, Palace star Marc Guehi has not looked his usual self this termAlthough, due to Guehi’s knee injury last season, the duo only played in the same Glasner team once and the England man was used in central midfield in that game on the last day of the campaign.Guehi, 24, himself had a hectic summer, first starring at Euro 2024 with the Three Lions before a drawn-out pursuit by Newcastle ended up with him staying put.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhether it is fatigue or distraction, Guehi has not looked his usual self this term.Spanish-born Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad, 21, was signed from Barcelona to add depth but picked up a knee problem in the Carabao Cup second-round, while USA ace Chris Richards, 24, has also had fitness issues.Visit the restaurant serving tasty food at affordable prices just steps away from historic Premier League groundSTRIKER STRUGGLESJEAN PHILIPPE-MATETA’S transformation into a lethal striker was key to Oliver Glasner’s early success with Crystal Palace.The 27-year-old French striker scored 13 goals in as many games under the Eagles boss to end last season.But a summer spent playing at the Olympics and frustration over contract negotiations have marred this season.The Olympics and frustration over his contract have marred Palace ace Jean-Philippe Mateta’s seasonMateta has just two Prem goals this term — both against Leicester — with relations between him and the club threatening to turn sour after he was offered a deal with wages well below where he feels they should be.Palace signed Eddie Nketiah, 25, for £25million from Arsenal, though the former England Under-21 international is yet to net for his new club in the Premier League.WHARTON HAMPEREDADAM WHARTON’S rise from the Championship to the England squad was one of the stories of the second half of last season.The midfielder, signed from Blackburn in January for an initial £18million, was an instant hit in South London and was at the heart of Crystal Palace’s superb finish to 2023-24.However, after not getting a single minute in Germany with the Three Lions, Wharton, 20, sustained a groin injury during his short pre-season which has continued to niggle and impacted his form.Adam Wharton has suffered a frustrating season so farCredit: GettyHe has still been playing games but has required injections and painkillers to do so while it is expected he will need surgery.There has been some frustration that after withdrawing from the England U21s squad this month and then not being involved against Nottingham Forest that the operation was not done during the last international break.A fit Wharton at the top of his game would make a world of difference.OLISE’S ABSENCECRYSTAL PALACE accepted early last season that it would almost certainly be their last with Michael Olise on the books.His electric form earned a £50million move to German giants Bayern Munich and the Frenchman has been sorely missed as talisman.Oliver Glasner points out that Olise, 22, was not even fit for half of his games as Palace manager last season, which is true, but he was involved in five of the seven wins that they picked up.Palace have really been missing Michael Olise after he left for Bayern MunichThe lack of a like-minded presence appears to have hit Eberechi Eze’s form too.While he has gone close on many occasions and had a perfectly-good stunner ruled out against Brentford, the mercurial midfielder has not been at his best.The man brought in to effectively replace Olise, Daichi Kamada, has struggled to adapt.READ MORE SUN STORIESJapan international Kamada was one of Glasner’s stars at former club Eintracht Frankfurt but has looked out of place in the Premier League so far.The 28-year-old, one of the top earners following his arrival on a free transfer after a year at Lazio, has struggled to compete deeper in midfield and has not been able to create enough when played further forwards. 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