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      Chelsea 1 Leicester 0: Marc Cucurella strike saves Cole Palmer’s blushes as Blues get back to winning ways

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      CHELSEA celebrate a big birthday tomorrow – but at times it feels like it’s more than just the club that is 120 years old.Despite having the youngest squad in the Premier League by far, they toiled and laboured their way to victory against a team which has now lost six games on the spin and is hurtling through the relegation trap door at breakneck speed.Marc Cucurella scored a clinical finish from outside the boxCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s barren run continues after he missed a penaltyCredit: APThree points does put them back into the top four and guaranteed Champions League football next season if they stay there.But a hard-won win over one of the worst teams in the division with a goal from the left back is hardly the stuff to trigger the popping of champagne corks for tomorrow’s anniversary.And it’s even more of a party pooper that golden boy Cole Palmer’s frustrating run in front of goal hit a new low as he missed his first Premier League penalty.Stamford Bridge’s poster boy was also subbed with 17 minutes left and trudged straight down the tunnel in an apparent grump at being taken off.It might actually do him some good to feel some tough love from boss Enzo Maresca as he strives to become a consistent force and not just a once-in-a-while superstar.New England boss Thomas Tuchel names his first squad this Friday and Palmer should be included.But recent performances suggest he still has a way to go to becoming the star the Chelsea and England fans want him to be so desperately.This was the third win in a row for Maresca but he knows his team is far from the finished article.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith tougher games looming against Arsenal, Tottenham and even Brentford in the next few weeks, he needs everyone on song for the run-in.Fifth place might be enough to seal a return to Champions League football but Chelsea’s manager cannot gamble on that.‘I spent ages just looking at him’ – Playing vs Cristiano Ronaldo is my career highlight says star-struck Chelsea aceEspecially when it could have been so much more comfortable.Palmer went down with what VAR described as ‘minimal contact’ within minutes of kick-off and Chelsea were denied an early penalty.On 20 minutes they did get a decision from ref Tim Robinson when Jadon Sancho was tripped by Viktor Kristiansen, with minimal argument from the Danish defender.Palmer is normally deadly from the spot. He had scored 15 out of 15 for club and country in the run up to this game.But for the first time in his short but eventful Premier League career his precision from 12 yards deserted him.He rolled a fairly tame shot to his right which allowed keeper Mads Hermansen time to hit the deck and push the shot away for a corner.The fluff sums up Palmer’s mood at the moment. He has gone from being chief marksman and ‘ice-cold Palmer’ to indecisive and frustrated.Now even from the dead ball situation with no opposition players in the way.But it’s not as if there are countless others in this team stepping up to the plate while striker Nicolas Jackson recovers from a hamstring injuryOf the seven changes boss Maresca made from Thursday’s narrow Conference League win at Copenhagen, one was to put Pedro Neto back in as centre forward or ‘false nine’ in this case.Not surprisingly, Chelsea struggled to make an impact, even upon a team on a headlong course straight back to The Championship next season.Christopher Nkunku’s header which sailed wide was just about the only other effort to trouble Hermandsen – and it didn’t bother him much either.There were more grunts and groans from the crowd at half time than you hear when a Chelsea pensioner gets out of bed in the morning.Talking of which, the club paraded old soldiers Dennis Wise, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Ron Harris before kick off as part of the festivities.Squint in the afternoon sunshine and it could easily have been any of those old boys still playing, such was the pedestrian pace.What threat they did mount on the Leicester goal either fell by the wayside or was swatted away by stout defending from Conor Coady and Luke Thomas in particular.It was no surprise Chelsea finally had to make the breakthrough from outside of the box when Cucurella popped up yet again in his new role as left back turned midfield maestro.This inverted tactic being utilised by Maresca has now yielded four Premier League goals for the big-haired Spaniard since mid-December.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd just when his manager needed another favour, curly-tops delivered, picking up a diagonal ball some 20 or so yards out and drilling a shot across the face of goal and in.Instead of celebrating wildly, just turned to the fans behind them in an attempt to whip some life into them as it struggles to shine. More

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      Chelsea 1-0 Leicester LIVE RESULT: Cucurella spares Palmer’s blushes as Blues seal back-to-back Premier League wins

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      ENZO MARESCA welcomed his former side Leicester for a huge clash in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.Cole Palmer was the subject of early penalty discourse as he was denied an early shout in the opening exchanges before having his spot-kick saved twenty minutes later after Jadon Sancho was clipped in the box.Marc Cucurella eventually broke the deadlock in the second half with a superb strike from the edge of the box.Blues failed to add to the Spaniard’s strike, but it was enough for Maresca to secure victory against his former employers.Match result: Chelsea 1-0 LeicesterChelsea XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto.Leicester XI: Hermansen, Justin, Faes, Coady, Kristansen; El Khannouss, Ndidi, Soumare, Thomas; Vardy, Daka.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Massive win for Chelsea With Chelsea’s last two games now being Leicester and Southampton at home they knew they could not allow any slip ups as they aim for that top four finish. From Chelsea’s viewpoint they got the job done but will know they still need to convert more of the chances they create with their xG only being lower than league leaders Liverpool at the moment. Cole Palmer will personally still feel disappointed as that means he is now seven games without a goal or assist after missing a penalty early in the first half.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Chelsea 1-0 LeicesterChelsea win a much needed second game in a row and see themselves in the top four above Man City. Enzo Maresca enjoyed that one as the second the whistle blew he was hugging his managerial team – he knows what that win does for him and his team.That means for Leicester they have now lost 12 out of their last 13 in the league now and their chances of survival are looking very slim indeed.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester90+6. Leicester freekick now on the halfway line. Everyone is up for this one!Nothing amounts from it – poor delivery from Hermansen and Chelsea get it clear. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester90+4. Chelsea looking shaky in the final stages of the game with Leicester putting on a lot of pressure here. Buonanotte just misses a pulled back ball to him as it was just ahead of him.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester90+3. Massive penalty appeal from the Leicester players as when Cucurella tries to clear the ball it looks like it may have grazed his own arm. Play is carried on as it has been checked and cleared.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester90. Six minutes added on again as they were at the end of the first half.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester89. Another sub for Chelsea as Acheampong comes on for Nkunku who hasn’t really done enough today.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester87. Neto has to be forced off the pitch with the cut from earlier in the game looking like it has opened again. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester86. Pereira jumps straight into the action as his strike from outside the area is saved by Sanchez.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester83. Subs for Leicester as it looks like they’re going all out for a draw now. Daka, Kristiansen and Justin coming off for De Cordova-Reid, Pereira and Mavididi.Pereira received a big applause from his fans with this being his first game in four months. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester80. Yet another penalty shout for Chelsea!Sancho has a shot blocked by Coady’s arm but there’s nothing the defender could do there with his back being turned. VAR checks it and clears it quickly.Copy linkCopiedView of SunSport’s Andy Dillon from Stamford BridgeMarc Cucurella has finally broken the deadlock with a goal for Chelsea – his fourth in the Premier League this season.Much more of this and the left back will become Chelsea’s top scorer before long. Cole Palmer certainly needs some help up front at the moment.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester77. Chelsea not giving up on this second goal as they’ve just won a couple of corners in the last few minutes.Enzo to put this one in. It’s cleared away but finds its way back to Enzo who floats in a dangerous looking cross back in. Nothing amounts from it though and a freekick is awarded to Leicester. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester72. Two subs for Chelsea now and one of them is Palmer.That means it is now seven games without a goal for him!Palmer and Fofana make way for Chalobah and George. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester70. Chelsea still pushing for another with Palmer getting forward and see’s his shot blocked. The ball is eventually cleared for a corner but it’s clear to see Chelsea are in need of a second goal to close this game off.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester66. The first sub of the game is for Leicester. Soumare comes off for Winks. Copy linkCopiedANDY DILLON AT THE BRIDGEMARC CUCURELLA has finally broken the deadlock with a goal for Chelsea – his fourth in the Premier League this season.Much more of this and the left back will become Chelsea’s top scorer before long. Cole Palmer certainly needs some help up front at the moment.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Leicester60. Chelsea finally break the deadlock!Cucurella scores a beauty as his low driven shot from range finds the right sided corner of the net. It was coming from the blues as since this half has kicked off they have been applying non stop pressure and been racking up the chances. It’s the Spaniards fourth goal of the season and that’s easily the best one yet!Credit: PACopy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Leicester58. You can hear the frustrations from the home crowd now!It’s clear they want the ball forward quicker.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Leicester54. Another penalty shout for Chelsea!How many penalty shouts will there be today!?Neto’s dancing feet in the box cause him to go down by the Leicester player but it did look like he may have initiated the contact by dragging his leg.Checked and cleared by VARCopy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Leicester52. Vardy forces a save out of Sanchez.The Leicester striker fights for the ball and gets his shot away but Sanchez puts it out for a corner.Copy linkCopiedANDY DILLON THEY WEREN’T loud or prolonged but Chelea just got booed off at half time. Cole Palmer’s saved penalty ort of sums it up. Tame and lacking direction.There is a sense of frustration at Stamford Bridge. The team on a five game losing streak is holding its own – just about.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Leicester49. Chelsea have come out impressively in this half picking up where they left off from the first half. Great pressure from the Maresca’s men whenever they’re not in possession.Hermansen just about dives onto the ball before it falls to the feet of Sancho after the ball is headed in the danger zone for Leicester – close for Chelsea.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-0 Leicester47. We’re back underway at the bridge. Chelsea have come out straight back into the action as Neto lays off Cucurella but his shot is blocked resulting in a corner for them. Nothing comes from the corner with the ball falling to Enzo and he just smashes it into the side netting.Copy linkCopiedHalf time – Chelsea 0-0 LeicesterIt’s still somehow deadlocked at the break.There’s no chance it will stay this way till the end of the game.Here are the stats at halftime:Copy linkCopied More

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      Tottenham 2 Bournemouth 2: Son Heung-min’s late penalty rescues point for Spurs after dismal first half

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was right about one thing: We will miss him when he’s gone.Neutral fans will, at least, with this the very latest in a madcap series of matches during his Spurs tenure, full of goals, incident and helter-skelter action.Marcus Tavernier fired in the opener for BournemouthCredit: GettyEvanilson doubled the lead in the second halfCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou was not happy with the performance for 70 minutesCredit: ReutersPape Matar Sarr scored for TottenhamCredit: ReutersHis cross found its way flying all the way inCredit: RexTottenham supporters may be less enamoured by all the chaos, though.And many had had just about enough of it when Bournemouth were looking on course to inflict what would have been a record eighth Prem home defeat of the season.That was after clinical goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had them cruising at 2-0.But then Pape Matar Sarr’s bizarre strike grabbed Postecoglou a lifeline.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBefore Kepa Arrizabalaga helped revive them completely by needlessly taking out Son Heung-min in the box.Son’s scuffed penalty – nothing seems to go smoothly for Postecoglou this season – grabbed an unlikely point.Whether it provides any confidence for the team or for supporters going into Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg against AZ Alkmaar is another matter.That match, after all, is the one that really matters to saving Spurs’ season – and possibly Postecoglou’s job – with the North Londoners’ 1-0 down from Thursday’s horrendous first leg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Aussie had his big-hitters back here too with Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke starting for the first time in months.While Micky van de Ven came off the bench too after his own lengthy injury lay-off.Former Tottenham star Ivan Perisic does ‘Spursiest’ thing ever as Arsenal hammer his PSV sideKepa Arrizabalaga brought down Son Heung-Min in the boxCredit: EPAThe forward converted from the spotCredit: ReutersThe goal was enough to earn Spurs a pointCredit: RexYet Tottenham looked as shambolic as ever for most of the match.And Cherries boss Andoni Iraola – likely a prime candidate to take over here if Postecoglou does not make it to next season – must be scratching his head over how his team did not win.To say Romero looked rusty on his long-awaited return would be an understatement – he was all over the place.The Argentine’s awful pass with 18 seconds on the clock went straight to Evanilson, who should have scored but was denied by Guglielmo Vicario’s excellent save.More poor Romero distribution led to Yves Bissouma giving the ball away on the edge of his box three minutes later but once again Vicario came to the rescue to repel Justin Kluivert.A few weeks ago, Spurs survived an early onslaught from Ipswich to win 4-1 at Portman Road.That victory was their third league one in a row, earning Postecoglou a nomination for Premier League manager of the month for February, even if the performances had been unconvincing.But Bournemouth are a far better team than Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, so a similar turnaround was never on the cards.Iraola’s side were not exactly hitting top gear – they themselves had lost their last two league games – but always carried a threat.And when Pedro Porro’s misplaced pass went to Milos Kerkez just outside the Cherries box on 42 minutes, that threat turned to punishment for the hosts.The Hungarian galloped the ball forward into space, driving midway into the Spurs’ half before sending a sumptuous, swerving cross towards the far post.It flew over Kevin Danso’s head and there was Tavernier, who had ghosted past Djed Spence and clinically dispatched a half-volley this time too good for Vicario.There has been a lot of transfer talk surrounding Kerkez who has been one of many success stories under Iraola.Liverpool have been consistently mentioned as possible suitors as part of their succession planning for when Andy Robertson’s time comes to an end.There was certainly a resemblance there to a peak Robertson in Kerkez’s assist here, from the long-busting stride into enemy territory to the sweet-as-a-nut delivery.The goal rocked fragile Spurs and angered their frustrated supporters.There were widespread boos as the half-time whistle goes, with patience fast running out after yet another dismal half.Postecoglou clearly knew it had not been good enough because he made two subs at the break, hauling off Brennan Johnson and Bissouma with captain Son Heung-min and Lucas Bergvall introduced.The game looked up for his side just seven minutes into the rebound when Justin Kluivert dispatched Evanilson’s cross to conclude a devastating counter-attack.But mercifully for Postecoglou and his side, VAR spotted that Antoine Semenyo had been offside in the build-up.The Aussie desperately needed a response and he almost got one straight away as Son’s deflected effort clipped a post.Spurs called for yet more reinforcements on the hour as James Maddison came on – along with the returning Micky van de Ven.The Dutchman had played just 45 minutes since that Chelsea game in December – the same one when Romero got injured – due to a hamstring problem.He did come back for a half against Elfsborg on January 30 but it proved a false dawn.So no wonder the Spurs physio spent a good minute or so massaging the Dutchman’s upper legs before he took to the field.Van de Ven had only been on for a few minutes before Bournemouth doubled their lead.That man Kerkez, who had just drawn a super stop from Vicario with a blast, gave it to Kluivert who fed Evanilson and the Brazilian produced a delightful dinked finish over Vicario.That looked game, set and match, even when Bergvall crashed the woodwork soon after from 30 yards.But then a Sarr’ wildly mishit cross somehow flew in off the post and the contest was back on.READ MORE SUN STORIESChaos reigned supreme as Vicario was almost charged down on his goal-line by Evanilson, before Kluivert struck a post after Maddison lost the ball.Then just as Bournemouth looked like they were going to see it out, Kepa needlessly took Son out in the box, allowing the South Korean to convert a point-saving spot-kick. 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      Cole Palmer’s 100% penalty record finally over as struggling Chelsea star fluffs spot kick against Leicester

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer saw his stellar penalty record finally coming to an end against Leicester.It has been eight games since Palmer, 22, last scored for the Blues and he had the best chance of ending that hoodoo against the Foxes in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea star Cole Palmer saw his stellar penalty record finally coming to an endCredit: APChelsea’s Palmer missed his first ever penalty against Leicester goalkeeper Mads HermansenCredit: RexThe West Londoners earned a penalty after just 19 minutes when Victor Kristiansen tipped Jadon Sancho inside the visitors’ box.The England international stepped up to the challenge looking set to break the deadlock against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.The signs looked very promising as the winger had scored all of his previous 12 spot-kicks across all seasons and competitions.However, Palmer’s stunning run came to an end thanks to a magnificent save by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermanen.Read More on ChelseaThe ex-Manchester City ace fired a tame effort to the left but Hermansen dived smartly to paw the shot away.Chelsea have really been missing Palmer’s influence in the last few weeks.The forward has also been cutting quite a frustrated figure on the pitch amid a poor run of four defeats in the last seven matches across all competitions – of which they won three.Palmer, though, still poses as the best player in Enzo Maresca’s side.Most read in FootballThe Chelsea star has amassed a total of 14 goals and six assists in 31 appearances.However, the Blues’ inconsistency has raised questions regarding the possibility of a top-four finish.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich And after their elimination from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the most realistic prospect of silverware lies in the Conference League. More

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      Thousands of Man Utd fans launch furious protest march at way club is ‘slowly dying before our eyes’

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      THOUSANDS of Manchester United fans have launched a furious protest at the way the club is run.Supporters believe the club is “slowly dying” and are making their voices heard ahead of the match against Arsenal.Manchester United fans are protesting the club’s ownershipCredit: GettyIt is thought that there are thousands of fans in the marchCredit: GettyOne fan’s side criticised the club’s ticket process for childrenCredit: AFPOne banner asked fans to ‘fight’ for the clubCredit: EPAAnother claimed fan culture had diedCredit: GettyMan United are facing the title-chasing Gunners at Old Trafford TODAY.It has been reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and at least one member of the Glazer family will be in attendance.The Manchester Evening News has claimed that there are an estimated 5,000 fans taking part in the protest.Fans – many of which were dressed in black -have been photographed protesting the club’s ownership with various signs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne read: “£66 for kids tickets! Exploiting dreams!”We’re more than just a seat number.”Another stated: “Fight fight fight for United. Glazers out.”Another banner even claimed that “fan culture” has died this year.Most read in FootballFans will protest from the Tollgate Pub and march to Old Trafford before the 4.30pm kick off against Arsenal.The 1958 spokesperson Steve Crompton has claimed that the club is “dying” and is “facing financial Armageddon”.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inThey are marching from Tollgate Pub and march to Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Hojlund drops to the bench while Martinelli returns

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      MANCHESTER UNITED welcome old rivals Arsenal to Old Trafford for a huge Premier League clash this afternoon.The Red Devils are eyeing back-to-back wins in the Prem for the first time this season.But they face a rampant Arsenal side fresh from a 7-1 win over PSV in the Champions League last time out.The Gunners still have very faint hopes of winning the Prem title, but they will need an upturn in form and a drastic drop-off from leaders Liverpool.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main EventLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Lindelof, Eriksen, Casemiro, Dalot, Fernandes, Garnacho, ZirkzeeArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Nwaneri, Trossard, MerinoCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Furious protest marchThousands of Manchester United fans have launched a furious protest at the way the club is run.Supporters believe the club is “slowly dying” and are making their voices heard ahead of the match against Arsenal.Man United are facing the title-chasing Gunners at Old Trafford TODAY.It has been reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and at least one member of the Glazer family will be in attendance.The Manchester Evening News has claimed that there are an estimated 5,000 fans taking part in the protest.Fans – many of which were dressed in black -have been photographed protesting the club’s ownership with various signs.Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedMain Man Fernandes United goal involvements this season:24 –– Fernandes16 –– Amad15 –– Garnacho10 –– Rashford8 –– Eriksen, Højlund, Zirkzee4 –– Dalot, Martinez3 –– Casemiro, Maguire2 –– De Ligt, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte1 –– AntonyAs it has been for much of the season, Fernandes has been the main man for United but according to Harry Redknapp, he’d only be fit to put out cones for the Class of 92.Copy linkCopiedHow Arsenal line-upRiccardo Calafiori comes in at left-back in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly in the one notable change to the Arsenal side.Gunners fans will be thrilled to see the return of Gabriel Martinelli, who is on the bench this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedHow Man Utd line-upRasmus Hojlund drops to the bench after 19 goals without a goal.Joshua Zirkzee leads the line, with Bruno Fernandes joining the front three, while Christian Eriksen comes in to pair Casemiro in the midfield two.Copy linkCopiedUnited’s home strugglesOld Trafford used to be a fortress for the club, now it’s a mere burden. United have only won one-third of their home games—six in 18.  Rúben Amorim on the team’s struggles at Old Trafford:”I think we cannot just talk about the players, I think our fans are a little bit tired, you cannot blame them.”They are tired of the moment, they are without patience, and that is completely normal. It’s not normal to handle a lot of things in our club and be there all the time, supporting us.Copy linkCopiedManchester United vs Arsenal line-ups Manchester United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Yoro; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Eriksen, Garnacho; Zirkzee. Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard. Copy linkCopiedSome pre-match reading Copy linkCopiedSuper Sunday Good afternoon and welcome to the blockbuster game of the Premier League weekend, or is it? Both of these teams kick off in a weird state of respective obscurity, yet still feel burdened by the weight of expectation. Arsenal hit SEVEN (7) in the Netherlands in midweek as they all but secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, but as domestic action goes, The Gunners lack of clinicality has found them way off the pace of league-winning ambitions, trail table-toppers Liverpool by 16 points going into today but are eight points clear of sixth place. Manchester United on the other hand, struggled to show any sort of authority in their European travels on Thursday (and for much of the season) as they are deadlocked with Real Sociedad in the Europa League tie. As the league is worth, it’s simply not. Ruben Amorim’s side won’t get relegated nor will they claim a European place. This encounter provides a whole lot of personal pride but not equal amounts of game-changing outcome. Kick off is at 4.30pm GMTCopy linkCopied More

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      Match of the Day should ‘not be about football highlights’, says BBC chairman in bombshell interview

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      BBC chairman Samir Shah believes Match of the Day should not be about football highlights.The new Beeb chief is eager to make sweeping changes to the organisation as he looks to maintain its independence amid falling income.BBC chairman Samir Shah believes Match of the Day should show fewer football highlightsCredit: PAThe iconic BBC show will undergo a big change this summer with Gary Lineker stepping downCredit: BBCAn avid Manchester United fan, Shah has a keen interest in Match of the Day but argues it needs an update.Many fans now watch Premier League highlights online hours before Gary Lineker and co take to the screen on Saturday night.Because of that, Shah told The Times: “[Match of the Day] should not be built around highlights. “It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatch of the Day is set for reform this summer as long-term anchor Lineker will step down after 25 years as host.Replacing him will be a trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates.There is also speculation Wayne Rooney could join the show as a pundit.He has already made his BBC debut as he worked with the broadcaster during Euro 2024.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRooney also impressed as a pundit during his recent appearance for Amazon Prime.He appeared in the coverage of the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the Day More

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      ‘Bro thought he’s Fergie’ – Man Utd fans react as Erik ten Hag’s plan for TEN-YEAR reign at Old Trafford is revealed

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      ERIK TEN HAG had planned for a ten-year reign as manager at Manchester United prior to his sacking last October.That’s according to former Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who has claimed Ten Hag had a vision for the future at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag was planning on staying at Man Utd for 10 yearsCredit: AlamyFormer coach Benni McCarthy had revealed the Dutchman’s plansCredit: GettyMcCarthy, 47, worked under Erik ten Hag for two years at Old Trafford before leaving the club during a coaching shakeup last summer.But shortly after his departure, Ten Hag was sacked himself following a shocking run of form that had the Red Devils in languishing in 14th placeMcCarthy, who has just been named as Kenya manager, spoke to BBC Africa about what it was like to work at United alongside the Dutchman, revealing his plans for a lengthy stay.He said: “I was given an incredible opportunity to work with one of the biggest and best clubs in the world under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I learned utmost professionalism because the manager I worked under was not just a disciplinarian, but he was the best and one of the most unbelievable professionals I’ve ever seen in the game.”Extremely hard-working, very dedicated, very passionate, he planned on being the Manchester United coach for the next 10 years. That was his vision.”Fans online reacted to the news that Ten Hag was planning on a long-term stint with the club.One wrote: “He sure didn’t plan right”.Most read in FootballBenni McCarthy’s careerA brief look into Benni McCarthy’s career so far…Playing Career1996 – 1997: Seven Stars1996 – 1997: Cape Town Spurs (loan)1997 – 1999: Ajax1999 – 2003: Celta Vigo2003 – 2006: Porto2006 – 2010: Blackburn Rovers2010 – 2011: West Ham2011 – 2013: Orlando PiratesCoaching Career2015 – 2016: Sint-Truiden (Assistant Manager)2017 – 2019: Cape Town City (Manager)2020 – 2022: AmaZulu FC (Manager)2022 – 2024: Manchester United (Forward Coach)2025 – present: Kenya National Team (Manager)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another joked that Ten Hag was hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year spell in charge, writing: “Bro thought he was Fergie”.United have failed to move the needle since new manager Ruben Amroim has come into the frame, now sitting in 15th place ahead of their clash against Arsenal.However, even McCarthy can’t put his finger on what’s going wrong at the Theatre of Dreams. He added: “Everyone is talking about how bad, how terrible Manchester United is. “We still managed to win the FA Cup, we still managed to win the Carabao Cup. I was proud that I was part of that regime.”Adding: “Honest to god, I don’t know what the issue is,’ the former Ajax striker admitted.”It is just such a huge football club and the problems just seem to go on and on – and I don’t know how they’re going to resolve it.”And even new boss Amorim has hinted that he is going to need years to turn things around, citing “deep scars” at Man Utd.He told Sky Sports: “To tell you the truth, I feel sometimes there are scars in our team, in our players.“They are good players, but they (scars) are so deep, they are so long here that it is hard to change things in one moment.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Some players had one coach and then comes a new coach, new hope, new momentum and then we go to the same place.“Imagine this for any person, in any job. Imagine this as a player, with all the media and social media. So it’s really hard to turn things around just like that.”Ruben Amorim has claimed that United have ‘deep scars’Credit: Getty More