More stories

  • in

    ‘I will make things clear’ – Cristiano Ronaldo reveals how he would fix ‘sick’ Man Utd as new OWNER

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has claimed he could fix Manchester United if he became owner of the club.The former Red Devil ended his second spell at Old Trafford on acrimonious terms after a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.Cristiano Ronaldo appeared at the Dubai Global Soccer Awards with partner GeorginiaCredit: RexThe forward had his say on Manchester UnitedCredit: APHe revealed what he would do differently to co-owner Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PARonaldo left United on acrimonious termsCredit: PAThe club legend made 346 appearances at Old TraffordCredit: GettyHe slammed the Glazers for not caring about the club and pointed out several areas that needed to improve, stating the club had remained stagnant off the pitch in the 12 years between the end of his first stint and his return.United have failed to improve since letting Ronaldo leave for Al-Nassr in January 2023, and have since sacked Erik ten Hag.And although boss Ruben Amorim has not improved the side with four losses in ten games, Ronaldo believes he is not to blame as the problems at the club run deeper than which manager is in charge.Ronaldo appeared at the Dubai Global Soccer Awards where he revealed how he would improve United if he was owner.READ MORE ON RONALDOHe said: “[The] Premier League it’s the most difficult league in the world.”All the teams are good, all the teams fight, all the teams run, all the teams are strong. Football is different right now. There are no easy games any more.”I said this a year and a half ago, and I will continue to say it: The problem is not the coaches, it’s like… I always give this example… it’s like an aquarium.”If you have the fish inside and he’s sick and you take him out and you fix the problem and you put him again in an aquarium you will be sick again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher”The problem of Manchester United is the same. The problem is not always the coach. It’s much more than that.”If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s Christmas trip to Lapland with snowmobiles and reindeerAs well as praising the Prem, Ronaldo doubled down on his criticism of the French league.He added: “Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished.”Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see…”It is difficult to become champion in Saudi. This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions.”I’ve been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I’ve won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level.” More

  • in

    Ruben Amorim increasingly concerned at Andre Onana with Man Utd boss plotting January transfer for new goalkeeper

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to sign a new keeper, with young Belgian star Senne Lammens a target.New United boss Ruben Amorim has become increasingly concerned with the performances of Andre Onana, who conceded directly from a corner in the 2-0 Boxing Day loss at Wolves.Ruben Amorim is keen on signing a new goalkeeperCredit: RexAndre Onana has been error-prone this seasonCredit: AlamySenne Lammens could cost Man Utd up to £20millionCredit: AFPTurkish international Altay Bayindir, who also conceded from a corner away to Spurs in the Carabao Cup, could leave Old Trafford in the summer for more first-team football.So, although a new keeper next month is not a priority, Man Utd are considering their options, knowing they might have to strengthen in that area at the end of the season.And they are looking at a potential move for Royal Antwerp star Lammens, 22, although he could cost up to £20million.The Belgian Under-21 international arrived from Club Brugge in 2023 and has already attracted interest from Leeds.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut although he remains incredibly inexperienced, Man Utd believe he could be worth making a move for.Onana’s displays continue to be mixed.He cost £47m from Inter Milan 18 months ago but he cannot always be relied upon, as he proved at Molineux on Thursday.His recent errors add to a catalogue of gaffes he has made since moving to Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast season, his errors cost Man Utd in the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.He also made mistakes in the Premier League that cost the Red Devils valuable points on the board.Francis Ngannou tackles Andre Onana to floor moments after Man Utd’s win over Bodo-GlimtUnited have also been linked with a move to bolster their attacking options in January.Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is one reported target as he has impressed with 10 goals in the league this season.However, the Brazilian has insisted he is “happy” to be at the West Midlands side.Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

  • in

    Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot Rasmus Hojlund fuming at Amad Diallo for second time in a fortnight during Boxing Day loss

    RASMUS HOJLUND lost his cool with Amad Diallo during Manchester United’s defeat to Wolves.The Red Devils suffered another frustrating defeat – Ruben Amorim’s fourth in 10 games.Amad Diallo annoyed Rasmus Hojlund by shooting instead of passingCredit: Amazon SportHis shot was blocked and the move collapsedCredit: Amazon SportHojlund jumped up and down in frustrationCredit: Amazon SportUnited conceded a direct corner from Mateus Cunha and had captain Bruno Fernandes sent off for picking up two yellow cards, but most concerning was their failure to create a clear-cut opportunity on goal.Hojlund has lacked service in recent weeks and he made his frustration clear after a failed attack in the first half.He and Amad were bearing down on goal together up against three Wolves defenders, two of which were closing down Amad.But instead of passing the ball to Hojlund, Amad decided to cut in and go for goal from a difficult angle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis resulting shot was blocked and Wolves regained possession, causing Hojlund to react.The striker slammed his arms down and jumped up and down while appearing to shout in frustration.It is the second time Hojlund has vented his frustration with Amad publicly, as the pair were involved in a row at the end of United’s Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen.Fans picked up on Hojlund throwing his toys out of the pram and are noticing a recurring theme.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne reacted saying: “He always puts his anger on Amad.”Another added: “He should stop getting frustrated. A Wolves defender was already closing him there and Amad noticed that but he didn’t see it.”Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must find way to end struggles after Wolves loss And a third wrote: “He is mad, that’s a rubbish position, he won’t trap the ball comfortably before the defence gets it from him.”I really hate players that throw tantrums at their team-mates on field like this.” More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘plotting shock move for Ipswich striker Delap’ as Enzo Maresca draws up 10-man transfer shortlist

    CHELSEA are plotting a shock move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, according to reports.The English forward has impressed at Portman Road this season following his summer switch from Manchester City.Chelsea could make a move for Liam Delap in JanuaryCredit: RexDelap, 21, has bagged six goals in his 16 appearances in the Premier League as Ipswich battle for survival.This form is believed to have caught Chelsea’s attention ahead of the January transfer window.The Athletic have claimed that the Blues have added Delap to a list of between five to 10 attackers.However, it is believed the Tractor Boys would be “reluctant” to listen to “any offers” during the current campaign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has also added that the Blues are unlikely to go back in for Victor Osimhen.The striker is currently on loan at Galatasaray, having failed to seal a permanent move away from Napoli in the summer.Chelsea could also be looking to cash in on some members of the squad.The report has claimed that selling Ben Chilwell is a “priority” for the club as he is one of the highest earners.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club could also be tempted to move on Carney Chukwuemeka should a “suitable bid” be made.It is also added that the midfielder has a release clause worth £40million. BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance Stars such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harvey Vale, Axel Disasi and Cesare Casade could also be available.Meanwhile, Chelsea will face a battle to sign Delap in the January window.The Blues will face competition from Premer League rivals Manchester United and Serie A giants Juventus.Delap’s performances have seen him be predicted to be the successor to Harry Kane for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far to say, for me, he’s the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.” More

  • in

    ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd icon

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in front of the rest of the Manchester United squad.A new documentary about the legendary Scottish manager released on BBC iPlayer Boxing Day, titled “Sir Alex”, saw details of the exchange come to light.Sir Alex Ferguson once made Cristiano Ronaldo cry in front of his team-matesCredit: Getty – ContributorRio Ferdinand recalled the story on the new documentary about Ferguson’s life titled ‘Sir Alex’Credit: GettyMany of the stars who played under Ferguson were asked for interviews about their time under the 13-time Premier League-winning manager.One of these was Rio Ferdinand, who starred under Ferguson from 2002 until the 82-year-old’s retirement in 2013.On the incident between Ferguson and Ronaldo, Ferdinand recalled: “He hadn’t played well, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. “‘Who do you think you are? You’re coming here trying to prove to everybody who you think you are, you think you’re a superstar’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember Cristiano in tears and I was like, ‘This manager don’t care, man. He doesn’t care who you are’.”Ronaldo would go on to win the Ballon d’Or and be named as the world’s best player in 2008 at United. Ferguson did not experience unprecedented success only at Man Utd.He had also managed to do so at Aberdeen, winning the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup glory against Real Madrid – still the last time the Spanish giants lost a major European final – and breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly of the Scottish Premiership with titles in 1980, 1984 and 1985.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer right-back Stuart Kennedy recalled Ferguson’s hairdryer as a “blast furnace”, while Mark McGhee compared it to a “volcano”.However, speaking about Ferguson in the past, Ronaldo admitted they had many “beautiful moments” together and praised his old manager’s compassion after his father fell ill.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand Speaking to United club media in 2021, Ronaldo said: “It’s hard to mention just one [moment].”There were so many beautiful moments that we had together. Not just winning things. But in my heart I keep the most difficult things.“Probably he doesn’t remember, but I will say it because it’s a beautiful story. “One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’“We had difficult games [coming up],” he continued, “and I was a key player in that moment. “He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. “So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

  • in

    Supercomputer predicts just how badly Man Utd’s first season under Ruben Amorim will end with worst ever finish on cards

    MANCHESTER UNITED are tipped for their worst-ever Premier League finish this season, according to a supercomputer.The Red Devils ended the 2023-24 campaign in eighth under Erik ten Hag, their lowest final position since the league’s formation in 1992-93.Manchester United’s prediction makes for grim readingCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has struggled to get things going for the Red DevilsCredit: ReutersBut they spent Christmas Day in the bottom half of the table for the first time in the Premier League this year.And their Boxing Day defeat at Wolves only heaped more misery on everyone connected with the club.Now, Opta’s number-crunching machine has given its predictions for the rest of the season.And it does not make pretty reading for United.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is because Opta believe the Red Devils are most likely to finish all the way down in 12th.According to the figures, their chances of ending up in 12th are 13.7 per cent.Then it is 13.3 per cent for 13th, 13.1 per cent for 11th and 11.2 per cent to sneak into the top half in tenth. Ruben Amorim’s side are just about as likely to be ninth (9.6 per cent) or 14th (9.7 per cent) after 38 matches. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd most worryingly, the fallen giants have a greater chance of getting relegated – 0.1 per cent to finish 18th – than winning the title or finishing second, 0.0 per cent.United currently sit 14th in the table with just 22 points from their 18 Premier League matches – with six wins, four draws, eight defeats and a goal difference of -3. Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump Their nightmare week was compounded at Wolves as they lost their third match in a row. The club were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham before a 3-0 thumping at home to Bournemouth and then the shock 2-0 defeat to the struggling Molineux side.Their chances of beating Wolves were not helped by Bruno Fernandes being sent off for the third time this season but nevertheless the woeful performance sparked boos from the travelling supporters and further fan fury online. Amorim’s men now sit just eight points clear of Leicester in the relegation zone – and a whopping 20 off leaders Liverpool before reaching the midway point of the season. The Opta numbers unsurprisingly have Liverpool as the heavy favourites to hold on to their commanding lead. The Reds are 88.0 per cent to finish top of the table at the end of the season – with Arsenal (10.3 per cent), Chelsea (1.5 per cent) and Manchester City (0.3 per cent) making up the remainder.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are most likely to finish second with Chelsea tipped for third and City squeezing into the top four. At the other end of the table, the promoted trio of Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester seem set to go straight back down.Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

  • in

    Matheus Cunha slapped with five-match ban after Wolves star’s antics in Ipswich clash caught on camera

    MATHEUS CUNHA has been banned for FIVE GAMES in a major blow to Wolves.The Brazilian has received the punishment for his antics during the West Midlands side’s defeat against Ipswich Town.Matheus Cunha has been banned for five gamesCredit: RexCunha, 25, was caught on camera snatching the glasses of an Ipswich security team member’s face.The moment came after full-time after Wolves were beaten 2-1 which led to manager Gary O’Neil loving his job.More to follow…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTHIS 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. More

  • in

    Matheus Cunha drops telling message over Wolves future with Man Utd and Arsenal ‘chasing January transfer’

    MATHEUS Cunha dropped a telling seven-word transfer message with Arsenal circling over a shock January transfer.Both the Gunners and Man Utd are interested in a January move for the Wolves star, according to reports.Matheus Cunha has been targetted by Arsenal and Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe Brazilian scored directly from a corner in Boxing Day’s 2-0 victory over the Red Devils, with Hwang Hee-chan scoring the second late on.Cunha’s goal inflicted further misery on new boss Ruben Amorim, whose side appear to be going backwards and slipping down the Premier League table.Speaking after Boxing Day’s huge victory, Cunha said: “I feel so happy to be here.”The result saw Wolves climb out of the relegation zone, providing some much-needed Christmas cheer after a dismal start to the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCunha’s sublime goal – the second time Man Utd conceded directly from a corner within a week – had been worked on in training as set pieces continue to be the Red Devils’ downfall.Cunha added: “It was my first time [scoring from a corner].”We train it a lot. He said to me kick [towards] the goal and we try to manage the goalkeeper.”The Wolves man confirmed he WAS shooting, and revealed he had tried a similar attempt in the first half that was saved.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAddressing his future, Cunha said: “I feel so happy to be here.”That’s me as a leader of the team and then I give it to Channy [Hwang Hee-chan].Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must find way to end struggles after Wolves loss “I think it’s first goal in the Premier League [this season}n and he says every single day, ‘pass to me please’.”So today, I’m so happy because I got the chance to pass to him, and he scored.”According to The Athletic, Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Wolves star and could pursue a January transfer, however unlikely this may be.Given the recent injury loss of Bukayo Saka, Arsenal are chasing further attacking reinforcements. Raheem Sterling’s injury woes have only added to Mikel Arteta’s need to bolster his attacking ranks.The Brazilian has been the shining light in the Wolves side this season.Cunha has bagged an impressive 10 goals in 18 Premier League appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also contributed four assists for his teammates as Wolves have just about kept themselves in the battle for safety.Cunha joined the club back in 2023 on an initial loan deal from Atletico Madrid before the deal was made permanent for £44million.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More