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      Luton vs Swansea clash delayed after medical emergency in stands minutes before kick-off in Championship fixture

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      LUTON TOWN’s showdown with Swansea City was delayed due to a medical emergency.The Hatters’ Championship clash with the Welsh side was set to kick off at 3pm.Luton Town’s Championship clash with Swansea City was delayed due to a medical emergencyCredit: REXKick-off has been delayed until 3:15pm to ensure the stricken fan can receive medical treamentCredit: REXBut a medical emergency in the stands has led to the brief postponement of the match.A club statement read: “Please be advised that due to a medical emergency in the stand, kick-off will be delayed by 15 minutes. “Our thoughts are with the Hatters supporter for a speedy recovery.”The Kenilworth Road faithful were quick to send messages of support to their fellow Hatter.READ MORE CHAMPIONSHIP NEWSOne wrote on X: “Thoughts with the fan and his family.” Another said: “Praying.”And another said: “Thoughts with the supporter and those affected.”One remarked: “Prayers are with our fellow Hatter. Most read in FootballSwansea City’s players go through the motions as they warm up for the matchCredit: Getty”Hope all is well. For him/her & families.”Another chimed in: “Thoughts go out to the fan.”Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’Luton fans’ prayers, thankfully, were quickly answered as the supporter was stabilised before being transported to the hospital.A follow-up statement read: “We are relieved to report that the Luton Town supporter who fell ill in the Kenilworth Road stand is in a stable condition and is on his way to hospital. “Once again, our thoughts are with him and we all hope he makes a speedy recovery.”Fans were over the moon, with one writing: “Great news.”Another said: “All the Hatters family wish the fellow Hatter supporter a speedy recovery.”One chimed in with a praying hands emoji.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuton welcome the Swansea to Kenilworth Road on the back of consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Norwich City. Swansea, meanwhile, beat Derby County and drew Portsmouth in their last two outings. More

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      Peterborough release damning statement after ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision for huge FA Cup tie at Everton

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      PETERBOROUGH UNITED have slammed the “incredibly disappointing” decision to hold their FA Cup clash at Everton on a week day and called for it to be rescheduled.Peterborough were drawn with the Toffees in the third round of the competition and are currently penned to play at Goodison Park on the evening of Thursday, January 9.Peterborough were left furious with the date of their FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: GettyPeterborough and Everton are scheduled to face off on a week day at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyThe decision appears to have been made by the FA due to a scheduling conflict that also sees Everton’s archrivals Liverpool playing in the city on the Saturday of that weekend against Accrington Stanley.However, the Posh insist their supporters’ needs were not “taken into consideration” by the football chiefs as the current date would make it impossible for them to attend the FA Cup game.The League One side understand the need to avoid having both Merseyside rivals playing on the same day but are strongly asking for a solution.In an appeal for the FA to reverse the decision, Peterborough listed four major concerns.Read More on FootballThey stated: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Most read in FA CupPeterborough chief executive Dawn Gore added that the FA’s decision will cost the EFL club in terms of important revenue.Gore said: “Like our supporters, when the draw was made on Monday night, we were all very excited about travelling to Goodison Park. “We were inundated with supporters requesting details for ticketing within hours of the draw being concluded.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy“To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. “Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.“We have made our feelings very clear to the decision-makers at the top of the game and want to assure our supporters that we are just as disappointed as they are about when this game will take place and from a financial standpoint, the Club are set to lose out on revenue that would have been greatly appreciated as a club in Sky Bet League One.”Peterborough fans were left fuming, with some of taking to social media to say they can no longer attend the big game.One supporter tweeted: “Can’t even go as I have no holiday entitlement left.”Another commented: “Yet again it’s the fans that suffer.”A third wrote: “Most fans have a few more choice words. Devastated and a total disregard for match day fans.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “Appalling.”And that one stated: “Thursday night is scandalous.” More

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      Erik ten Hag could KO Ruben Amorim’s first Man Utd signing with axed boss tipped for immediate management return

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      RUBEN Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.Ruben Amorim has identified Leipzig left-back David Raum as a key Man Utd targetBut Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag could potentially block the move IF he replaces Marco Rose, who’s job is on the brinkBut Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.The Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.There are mounting rumours that Ten Hag has already been sounded out to take over, which would see him linking up with Jurgen Klopp, now adviser to Red Bull-owned clubs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIf the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Defeat to Aston Villa in Tuesday’s Champions League clash could spell the end for Rose, and open the door to Ten Hag’s return to management.That would be bad news for Amorim, who is desperate for a left-sided defender after Luke Shaw’s latest injury blow.Tyrell Malacia is only just back from his own long-term absence, and Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been forced to switch flanks and fill in.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRaum, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, would be the ideal solution, even though United would prefer a loan with an option to buy in the summer.Ten Hag was close to taking the Leipzig job before he moved to Old Trafford, and agent Kees Vos had even agreed a pay deal when he left Ajax.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsUnited’s offer trumped that, but now the Dutchman – who worked under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich – could be on his way back to the Bundesliga.It would see him working with Klopp, the Liverpool boss when they thrashed United 7-0 in March 2023, who has just taken up a new role with Red Bull. More

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      Lionel Messi beats Prem cult heroes to win MLS MVP award after Inter Miami chief’s big update on icon’s retirement plans

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      LIONEL MESSI has won the MLS MVP award after a stunning season with Inter Miami – and could be set for more with David Beckham’s club.Messi led Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference and helped them lift their first ever Supporters’ Shield by having the best overall record during the regular season.Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP Award after a stunning season with Inter MiamiCredit: X @InterMiamiCFMessi beat three former Premier League aces for the MLS awardCredit: AFPThe eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also registered a staggering 21 goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances after missing almost two months of action as he joined Argentina in the Copa America where he got injured.That led the star forward to the Landon Donovan MVP Award, which he won with 38.43 per cent of the vote.The Barcelona legend beat runner-up and ex-Watford ace Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew (33.70 per cent) as well as Portland Timbers star Evander, who came third with 9.24 per cent.Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke won 7.10 per cent of the vote for DC United, while Messi’s team-mate and Reds legend Luis Suarez finished fifth with 2.71 per cent.Read More on FootballMessi said in front of Inter’s young academy players: “Truly, it is an honour for me to receive this award from all of you. It’s a source of pride to watch you all train.”I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing… “It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”Messi couldn’t lead Miami all the way to the MLS Cup as they suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta United in the first round of the play-offs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Argentina captain’s contract runs out next December, but co-owner Jorge Mas is “very confident” that his star player will sign a new deal.Mas said: “As I said before, I’m very confident that he’ll be opening our new stadium in ’26.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “I’ll be sitting with Leo, you know, now at some point in the off-season.”And I’m optimistic that as long as Leo’s health holds up, that we’ll be seeing him in pink.”Messi overcame runner-up and Columbus Crew star Cucho HernandezCredit: GettyMessi also beat ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa ace Christian Benteke of DC UnitedCredit: AP More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Haaland levels for Man City against Palace, Isak equalises for Newcastle – latest updates

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      PREMIER LEAGUE football is back again this weekend but Storm Darragh has already wreaked havoc on the fixture list. Today’s scheduled 12.30pm kick-off between Everton and Merseyside rivals Liverpool has been postponed because of amber warning winds. Later on, however, Newcastle travel to Brentford while Manchester City look to close the gap as they take on Crystal Palace.And Man Utd face Nottingham Forest in the late kick-off this evening. Kick off times: 3pm/5.30pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Martin Lipton at Selhurst ParkCity back on terms through that terrific Haaland header – but the Palace fans are still singing in the rain.Guardiola’s men – who were called in for a huddle inside the Palace box after the equaliser – have started to look a bit more like their usual selves since regaining parity.Yet their defensive vulnerabilities, exposed by Munoz’ opener, remain abundantly clear.The wind hasn’t impacted things too much. Although the press box is more like an ice box…Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Neil Silver in West LondonFour first half goals warmed up the Gtech Community Stadium in awful conditions thanks to Storm Darragh. Bryan Mbeumo struck one of his specials before Alexander Isak headed Newcastle level. Yoanne Wissa pounced on Harvey Barnes’ woefully misplaced pass to restore the hosts’ lead, before Barnes atoned with an equaliser.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 1-1 Man CityIt was always going to be a tough ask to hold onto to such an early lead.Munoz’s goal was the only shot on target the hosts had, with Erling Haaland eventually drawing the visitors level.It is hard to see anything but a Man City win coming from this game based on what we saw in the first half.Copy linkCopiedHT: Brentford 2-2 NewcastleGames are never short of action in West London.Twice the hosts have taken the lead with well-taken goals but they are struggling to deal with The Magpies as an attacking threat.This game is finely poised and could go either way.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 1-0 SouthamptonThe hosts have just edged this one so far.While they were creating half-chances it was actually The Saints who gifted them the goal.Why Russell Martin still insists on this team playing out from the back is nothing short of baffling.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThere is no such thing as a dull game when Russell Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are around.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Cue some slapstick defending as Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis got in each other’s way, allowing Jhon Duran to power through the pair of them before slotting beyond Joe Lumley.1-0 Villa and more to come by the looks of things here.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-2 Newcastle32. You get some entertainment at the Gtech Community Stadium.Harvey Barnes makes up his earlier error as he notches to draw The Magpies level.That is 38 goals that have been scored here so far this season.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Man City30. Questions will be asked of Henderson in the Palace goal.Nunes does well down the flank but as he whips his cross in along the six yard box, weirdly, the keeper does not come to collect.Haaland cushions his header into the far corner to draw City level.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-1 Newcastle28. Big mistake from Harvey Barnes for the visitors.He gives the ball away and Wissa takes full advantage.He runs 30 yards towards goal before drilling the ball in to give The Bees the lead once again.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Yohan Wissa (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedView from Martin Lipton from Selhurst ParkRarely have I seen City look as uncomfortable at the back as they are this afternoon.Guardiola has moved Rico Lewis to left-back but Josko Gvardiol is still well off it and both were partially culpable – alongside Ruben Dias – for the Munoz opener.Palace clearly feel they can get at the champions in transition although Haaland could have scored twice at the other end. Wild as the weather.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-0 Southampton24. Once again Southampton are the architects of their own downfall.Bree has a nightmare in the centre of the park as he gifts the ball to Duran.Lumley comes steaming out of his box and makes the striker’s mind up for him as he lifts it over him and into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jhon Duran (Aston Villa)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 Newcastle19. The Magpies are starting to click a bit more now.Once again Isak is the man causing problems for the visitors.Flekken makes a good save to deny him but Newcastle really should be 2-1 up after that chance.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-0 Man City18. Man City are starting to put some pressure on now.De Bruyne is getting more involved and pulling the strings.A ball into Haaland is just behind him and cannot get it under control otherwise he would have been one-on-one with the keeper.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 Newcastle11. Jacob Murphy floats a ball into the box, looking for Isak.The Swede rises to head home and get The Magpies level.This has been a good start to the game at the Gtech Community Stadium.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-0 Newcastle8. Norgaard does well to find Mbuemo on the side of the box.He cuts inside and lets rip with a brilliant strike into the back of the net.Brentford look keen to keep their sensational home form going.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-0 Man City9. Will Hughes plays a neat one-two with Mateta.He then threads it through to Munoz in the box.The Palace defender slots it past Ortega to break the deadlock in the capital.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThis really is a must-win game for Villa, against a Saints team which has won just one of their last 27 Premier League fixtures – against Everton last month.Russell Martin’s men will be encouraged by their 1-1 draw at Brighton last weekend and will be hoping to build on that.However Saints are without suspended skipper Jack Stephens following his hair-raising experience when he tugged Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella’s locks!Unai Emery rests Ollie Watkins and hands Jhon Duran his first Premier League start.Copy linkCopiedPremier League matches underwayWe have three afternoon games to enjoy today.Aston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Man CityThese matches could affect the top and bottom of the table.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd issue statement on Nottingham Forest clash as Storm Darragh forces Merseyside Derby and EFL games to be axed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have issued an update about their match against Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils are due to host Forest at Old Trafford in today’s 5:30pm game.Man Utd have issued a statement about their match against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyThe statement said the match would go ahead as plannedCredit: EPABut as Storm Darragh batters the UK there have been fears it could be called off.This morning the decision was made to postpone the Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool.EFL clashes have become casualties of the storm this morning, with League One and Two seeing games called off after Championship matches at Cardiff and Plymouth were both postponed last night.Notts County’s League Two match with Colchester was axed after high winds caused damage to the scoreboard, while Blackpool’s League One fixture against Rotherham was also abandoned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Man Utd have declared that the game against Forest WILL go ahead as planned. A club statement released on social media said: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”The club also announced a small boost for season ticket holders, a week after the controversial call to raise all ticket prices to £66 regardless of age, which sparked fan protest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt continued: “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”Crystal Palace also announced that their own 3pm game against Manchester City would go ahead as planned, but asked fans to take care travelling to and from Selhurst Park.Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford and Newcastle all issued statements confirming their games would be going ahead as planned too.Storm Darragh has caused severe delays to a number of services, including transport, with winds of up to 90mph.An Everton statement on their postponed match with Liverpool said: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.”Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. “Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Full list of postponed fixturesPremier LeagueEverton vs LiverpoolChampionshipPlymouth Argyle vs Oxford UnitedCardiff City vs WatfordLeague OneBristol Rovers vs Bolton WanderersCrawley Town vs StevenagePortsmouth vs RotherhamLeague TwoNewport County vs Carlise UnitedBarrow AFC vs MK DonsNotts County vs Colchester UnitedFA TrophyTorquay United vs HorshamSouthport vs Peterborough SportsHanwell vs EastleighFA VaseSouth Liverpool vs Albion SportsNational League NorthWarrington Town vs Curzon AshtonNorthern Premier LeagueMatlock Town vs Ashton UnitedBlyth Spartans vs Workington.Prescot Cables vs Bamber BridgeNorthern Premier League WestBootle vs Witton AlbionVauxhall Motors vs Stafford RangersKidsgrove Athletic vs AvroHanley Town vs ClitheroeHednesford Town vs Stalybridge CelticNewcastle Town vs City of LiverpoolNorth West Counties LeagueCharnock Richard vs BurscoughAFC Liverpool vs Cheadle TownStafford Town vs Foley MeirAshton Athletic vs Holker Old BoysWinsford United vs Sutton UnitedRamsbottom United vs PadihamMarket Drayton vs EccleshallCheadle Heath Nomads vs Allscott HeathBarnton vs Ashville More

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      TWO EFL clashes postponed over safety fears as Storm Darragh wrecks vital part of stadium

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      NOTTS County’s League Two clash against Colchester United has been postponed after high winds damaged a scoreboard.Storm Darragh is wreaking havoc up and down the country, with League One’s Blackpool vs Rotherham also abandoned in the last hour.Notts County v Colchester United has been postponed after vital equipment damagedBoth clubs made the decision to postpone the match due to safety fears surrounding Storm DarraghIt comes after a scoreboard at Meadow Lane came loose in the high windsGusts of 90mph have seen a number of sporting fixtures cancelled, including Everton’s 12:30 kick-off against fierce rivals Liverpool.And now Notts County are the latest side to be affected by the amber weather warnings.The 3pm game has been postponed after two panels in the Kop scoreboard came loose in the 50mph high winds.The scoreboard hangs directly above the goal at Meadow Lane and is fixed to the roof of the Kop end.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA Notts County statement read: “Following damage to one of the Meadow Lane scoreboards, this afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Colchester United has been postponed in the interests of spectator and player safety.”Two panels in the Kop scoreboard, which is fixed to the roof of the stand, have come loose in the recent high winds and it will not be possible to make the necessary repairs in time for the match to safely go ahead.”Following conversations with this afternoon’s match officials, our opponents, the EFL and the Sports Ground Safety Authority, it’s been agreed that, particularly in light of this afternoon’s weather forecast, these loose panels pose a significant risk.”Tickets and hospitality bookings will remain valid for the rearranged match, a date for which will be confirmed in due course. We’re unable to process any refund requests until the new date is set.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJust one point separates the sides, with the hosts sitting 16th and Colchester occupying the place below.Fans of both teams were quick to react to the postponement.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex One wrote on X: “Should of done it last night.”Another said: “Safety first ❤.”The League One fixture between Blackpool and Rotherham United has also been called off.In a statement, Blackpool said: “After safety checks earlier this morning and in consultation with local agencies, the Club can confirm today’s match has unfortunately been postponed.”A Blackpool fan raged on X: “The lack of communication from the club for this has been appalling. The amber weather warning has been in place for over 24 hours.”Another said: “They announce it now when the travelling fans have probably already left.”The National Grid has revealed that Darragh has left a whopping 32,600 homes in the Midlands and the south west without electricity.An expensive Porsche was destroyed in CardiffStorm Darragh has left a trail of destruction up and down the countryThe storm also led to the cancellation of two Championship games on Friday.Under-fire Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle side’s clash against Oxford United was the first to be cancelled.While Watford’s trip to Cardiff was also abandoned, after Wales was among the heaviest Home Nations hit by Storm Darragh.The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind in the North West region.Fans are eagerly waiting on decision to be made around Man United’s clash with Nottingham Forest at 5:30pm.READ MORE SUN STORIESA statement on United’s website said: “Strong winds associated with Storm Darragh likely leading to some disruption and damage.”And Crystal Palace have confirmed that their home clash against champions Man City will go ahead as planned at 3pm.Full list of postponed fixturesPremier LeagueEverton vs LiverpoolChampionshipPlymouth Argyle vs Oxford UnitedCardiff City vs WatfordLeague OneBristol Rovers vs Bolton WanderersCrawley Town vs StevenagePortsmouth vs RotherhamLeague TwoNewport County vs Carlise UnitedBarrow AFC vs MK DonsNotts County vs Colchester UnitedFA TrophyTorquay United vs HorshamSouthport vs Peterborough SportsHanwell vs EastleighFA VaseSouth Liverpool vs Albion SportsNational League NorthWarrington Town vs Curzon AshtonNorthern Premier LeagueMatlock Town vs Ashton UnitedBlyth Spartans vs Workington.Prescot Cables vs Bamber BridgeNorthern Premier League WestBootle vs Witton AlbionVauxhall Motors vs Stafford RangersKidsgrove Athletic vs AvroHanley Town vs ClitheroeHednesford Town vs Stalybridge CelticNewcastle Town vs City of LiverpoolNorth West Counties LeagueCharnock Richard vs BurscoughAFC Liverpool vs Cheadle TownStafford Town vs Foley MeirAshton Athletic vs Holker Old BoysWinsford United vs Sutton UnitedRamsbottom United vs PadihamMarket Drayton vs EccleshallCheadle Heath Nomads vs Allscott HeathBarnton vs AshvilleTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. 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      Incredible stats show how player who Man Utd let go for FREE and made unemployed is now best in his position in Europe

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      DAVID DE GEA is the best goalkeeper in Europe despite being let go by Manchester United, according to the stats.Their decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top leagues, according to the statsDe Gea enjoyed 14 years with the Red DevilsDe Gea has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitchAnd now the 33-year-old’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks about former manager Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.He was often considered the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, and is now getting similar recognition in Serie A.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe stats show that De Gea is making more saves and from a higher quality of shots than any other keeper in Europe.He has saved a staggering 76 per cent of on-target attempts that have come his way so far this term, according to Opta via Fbref.In fact, no other shot-stopper performs better in that metric.And his rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.The ex-Old Trafford star sits top of the save per cent table, while he is also second in the saves per 90 minutes rankings and sixth in the goals prevented table.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford De Gea has put in multiple man of the match performances this seasonThe Spaniard is adored by those in Florence as Fiorentina sit inside the Champions League spotsHe has five clean sheets so far to his name this term with Fiorentina sitting fourth in Serie A.Replacement Onana comes in close with 70 per cent of on-target shots saved in all competitions.And returning Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has a higher save per cent than Onana, but has faced less shots than the Man Utd No.1At other end – West Ham’s Alphonse Areola has been enduring a nightmare run of form and is low in both save quality and save quantity.Alphonse Areola lost his place in West Ham’s starting XI more than two months agoThis has seen the Hammers DROP the Frenchman and bring in veteran Lukasz Fabianski as they look to fend off a relegation battle going into Christmas.Elsewhere, the freshly-crowned world’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fell into the same bracket as Areola, as Aston Villa dropped to eighth in the Prem.Martinez has saved just 50 per cent of his opponent’s shots on-target.The Argentine World Cup winner’s recent display in Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea saw him hauled off injured at half-time.Meanwhile, during his time at United, De Gea won the player of the season award four times.He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year on five separate occasions, including for four consecutive years.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are these famous footballers? More