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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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      Wayne Rooney breaks silence on facing sack with Plymouth’s form the WORST in entire Football League

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      WAYNE ROONEY has vowed that he remains the man to lead Plymouth Argyle out of their current predicament.The Pilgrims boss, 39, watched his side get thumped 4-0 by Coventry on Boxing Day.Wayne Rooney watched his side get trounced by Coventry on Boxing DayCredit: GettyArgyle endured yet more away day disappointmentCredit: RexArgyle are winless in eight, having not triumphed since a narrow 1-0 victory over Portsmouth on November 5.And their travelling supporters have seen them collect just two points on the road all season.Following yesterday’s Coventry drubbing, Rooney was asked if he remains the man to lead Argyle.He said: “I believe I am. I know how football works, I’m not stupid, you need to pick up results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The biggest frustration for me all season really is we look like two different teams at home and away.”So psychologically is there an issue? It’s something we’re looking at.”Yesterday’s shellacking was not the first time that Argyle have drubbed on the road this season.They had already lost 4-0 at Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City respectively, 5-0 at Cardiff, 6-1 at Norwich and 3-0 at Leeds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Manchester United legend went on to add: “I’m sure the fans have questions, I’m sure a lot of people from the outside will, and I’ll do my best to answer them as best I can.”Rooney recently appointed Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 Mike Phelan to replace outgoing assistant Pete Shuttleworth.Wayne Rooney furious after Plymouth Argyle loss to Norwich Argyle are bottom of the Championship table, having collected just 18 points from 22 games.They will return to action on Sunday, when they head to Oxford in a relegation six-pointer.Earlier this month, Argyle chairman Simon Hallett publicly backed Rooney.’THE GREAT COACH THAT WE THINK IS IN THERE’Speaking at a fans’ forum in Cornwall, he said: “What we are going to do is not think about getting rid of him and changing him.”We are thinking about how we can support him.”So there are no conversations going on about replacing Wayne but there are conversations going on about how we can support him to help him become the great coach that we think is in there.”Hallett also updated supporters on his hunt for fresh investment into the club.He said: “We have been disappointed in how long it has taken to find a new investor.”I have been thinking this for about eight months, but I think we are on the verge of being able to come public with something.”We have actually got the EFL already beginning the initial approval process. The progress has been slow and every time I think we are close, you get a little bit closer but you don’t quite get there.”Rooney has had to deal with injuries to key players.READ MORE SUN STORIESMorgan Whittaker has missed Argyle’s last six matches, while Ibrahim Cissoko has not featured since October.Captain Joe Edwards is a long-term absentee, while forwards Michael Obafemi, Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu have all pulled up injured in recent matches.Morgan Whittaker has missed Argyle’s last six matchesCredit: GettyMustapha Bundu joined Argyle’s lengthy list on absentees yesterdayCredit: Rex More

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      Shocking moment gunman shoots pistol during mass brawl between football players as others flee for safety

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      THIS is the terrifying moment a gunman shot his pistol at a footballer during a mass brawl at a teenage match.Alarming footage caught on a fans mobile phone shows the punch up in full flow at a game on December 19 in Rosario, Argentina.An armed man shot his pistol during a fight between players in ArgentinaMobile footage caught the terrifying incident on December 19Players and spectators ran for their livesTwo youngsters were swinging punches at each other before a spectator walks onto the turf to follow the fight.The shooter then raised an automatic pistol and fired at point-blank range at one of the players at the centre of the fight.Players and spectators ran for their lives after the shot rung out in front of a large crowd.One teenager in a red shirt, who was in the midst of the bust-up, clutched his arm as if he had been wounded.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis two teammates help him from the pitch and his punching opponent ran off, before the video later went viral on social media.Meanwhile, the gunman, who had to be held back by a young woman, waved his weapon in the air and pointed in the opposite direction.It is unclear whether the shooting was triggered randomly by the violence on the pitch or if the gunman was targeting a specific player.The club ground owner later told local media: “Both teams use the ground regularly.Most read in Football”But had never seen the man with the gun before. We’re going to rise above this.”Police are understood to be investigating the shooting, according to NewsX.Hibs star in x-rated blast at rivals Hearts Last month, the leader of a notorious group of football hooligans in Argentina was shot dead near his club’s stadium in Rosario.Andres Bracamonte had spent more than 20 years as head of the Rosario Central supporters’ gang and had a history of taking part in violent conflicts with rival hooligans.He and his deputy, Daniel “Rana” Atardo, were just four blocks from the Gigante de Arroyito stadium when they were gunned down by a motorcyclist on Saturday.Rosario Central had just played a league game, but Bracamonte did not attend.He had been banned from matches because of previous incidents and had been accused extortion by Argentine authorities. More

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      Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’

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      FULHAM’S in-house commentary team loved their side’s late comeback at Chelsea on Boxing Day.Marco Silva’s men had trailed for most of the game following Cole Palmer’s 16th minute opener.Pedro Neto rolled around after being breezed past by Alex IwobiCredit: X @FulhamFCNeto, 24, endured a disappointing day at the officeCredit: RexHarry Wilson celebrates his equaliserCredit: RexFulham piled the pressure on their hosts, however, and got their rewards late on.Harry Wilson nodded his side level on 82 minutes.And the equaliser tasted all the sweeter for those of a Fulham persuasion following an incident in the build-up.As Alex Iwobi skipped past Pedro Neto on the left wing, the Chelsea winger rolled around clutching his face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite no fewer than SIX rolls from the Portuguese, play was allowed to continue.Fulham’s club commentator Jim McGullion was unimpressed with Neto.He bellowed: “Oh get up, you…”A brief pause followed as he abruptly ended his sentence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlay continued with Iwobi swinging in a cross, and just moments later Fulham had levelled the game.As Wilson wheeled away celebrating, the commentary continued: “Yes! Come on! Come on Fulham!Enzo Maresca’s brutal warning to Chelsea stars after Madueke dropped for Fulham defeat and summer signing axed entirely “It’s Harry Wilson again! Harry the hero! Neto can… clear off. Rolling on the ground holding your face, the cheat!”Fulham fans watching the clip on their social media channels loved the commentary.One wrote: “Get up ya …… love it.”While a second gushed: “Commentary is brilliant.”A third claimed: “Dangerously close to calling Neto a very bad word before the first.”And another added: “Wasn’t ready for the commentator.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFulham then entered dream land shortly after, when Rodrigo Muniz prodded them into a 95th minute lead, sparking pandemonium.The West Londoners’ win saw them rise to eighth in the table – level on points with Manchester City, five above Tottenham and six above Manchester United.Fulham celebrate their incredible late winnerCredit: Rex More

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      ‘I still have hope’ – Football hero remains positive two years on from shattering motor neurone disease diagnosis

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      MARCUS STEWART feels like a fraud, even though he is anything but that.The Ipswich icon lives with motor neurone disease but can still drive and walk to the pub while the condition’s horrible effects are yet to fully take hold.Ipswich icon Marcus Stewart was diagnosed with motor neurone disease two years agoCredit: RexThe ace is remaining positive as he is able to still do many day-to-day tasksCredit: GettyIt is more than two years since the diagnosis and Stewart’s right arm is starting to show the symptoms that first affected his left hand.Yet the 52-year-old former striker confessed: “I feel a bit of a fraud sometimes.“I’m fine. I’m in pretty good nick considering a lot of other people with MND. I can still have a pint, I can still walk, I can still drive.“Life as it stands hasn’t changed that much. You see other people with MND in their wheelchair and they can’t speak, so hopefully that doesn’t come to me soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“If there’s no cure or treatment, then it will do but I still have hope. I always live in hope.”Despite his outward persona, Stewart — who also starred for  Huddersfield, Sunderland and both Bristol clubs during a 20-year career that saw him score 222 goals — admits frustration at no longer being able to easily do things he once did.He no longer has use for his bike and golf clubs. But he hopes to be around when a treatment for MND is found, ideally before he has to sell his car.Stewart added: “My wife will tell you I get angry when I can’t do something like take my socks off or put them on or open a jar or a can of beans, I can’t do that.Most read in Football“I don’t like asking someone. I’ve always been quite independent, so that frustrates me a lot.“I’ve just got to adapt. I love playing golf, I love running, keeping fit. I can’t really do that any more, that frustrates me.Prince William and Kevin Sinfield lead tributes to ‘inspiration’ Rob Burrow following rugby league star’s death aged 41Stewart hopes to take inspiration from Kevin Sinfield, who was close pals with the late Rob BurrowCredit: AFPRugby League icon Kevin Sinfield has been an inspiratIon in the battle against MNDCredit: PA“Every symptom I get, I seem to have to sell something as I can’t use a certain part of my body.“I’ve sold my bike and my golf clubs but I haven’t had to sell my car yet.“I know the day I’ll have to will happen, it’s just happening a bit slower for me.“And I’m hopeful something will happen before that comes. It’s unlikely but I still have hope.“I think I’ve got a little bit of time on my hands for there to be some sort of cure or treatment. Hopefully in my time, that might happen.”Stewart was at the finish line for Kevin Sinfield’s incredible 230-mile running challenge in the Saddleworth area of Greater Manchester earlier this month.Sinfield was a close pal of Rob Burrow, the Super League icon who passed away in June following his battle with the condition, and has raised more than £1million for MND charities.Stewart said: “He’s a juggernaut, isn’t he? He’s just a great guy who genuinely cares about people. In normal life, I think that’s Kev.“But he’s taken it upon himself to care for us really. It started with his mate Rob and he’s giving hope to the other 5,000 people in the country who have MND.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And the biggest thing he’s given through all this is hope. That’s what he does, along with the awareness and fund- raising that goes a long way, hope comes hand in hand with that.“If there’s money going to the scientists, to fundraising, to helping people, there’s got to be hope.” More

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      Barcelona ‘ready to SUE LaLiga’ as attempt to re-register Dani Olmo blocked and Spain ace can walk out for free

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      BARCELONA are reportedly ready to sue LaLiga after the Spanish league blocked Dani Olmo’s re-registration.Olmo joined from RB Leipzig for £50m in the summer but could only be registered on a temporary basis until the end of the calendar year.Barcelona are reportedly ready to sue LaLiga, who blocked Dani Olmo’s re-registrationA court inBarcelona has announced that it would not be allowing the Blaugrana to register the midfielderLaLiga approved the registration of Olmo and Pau Victor for the first half of the season only, giving Barca a temporary permit to use the players while they kept looking for fresh revenue streams before January. Their four-month allowances will expire on December 31 and major changes are yet to happen.And now the Commercial Court 10 of Barcelona has announced that they would not be allowing the Blaugrana to register the midfielder.The Spanish giants wanted to make the Euro 2024 winner’s registration permanent by the start of the New Year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLaLiga are pushing for the Catalan giants to make more cuts, find more revenue and comply with their financial guidelines.In response, Barca are expected to present a new lawsuit against LaLiga in a last-ditch attempt to register Olmo, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.They will likely argue that the registration rules are invalid because they are regulated by a body that they consider incompetent.It means Olmo, 26, can leave as a free agent if he cannot be registered for the remainder of the season.Most read in FootballThe Spanish star included the clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Camp Nou on a free transfer if the club were unable to register him due to financial restraints.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a statement welcoming Friday’s verdict, La Liga said the outcome is based on the league’s “established budgetary balance rules implementing the powers conferred upon it by law”.The league stressed the importance of the rules being “applied in the same way to all clubs and thus avoiding potentially seriously altering the equal conditions of the competition rules”.Barcelona star Alejandro Balde vomits blood and is stretchered offA contract for the sale of VIP seats was put on the table during a meeting on Monday in order to raise funds.Barca hope the package can be sold for about £166m – in a desperate bid to raise funds and register Olmo and defender Victor.Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are all closely monitoring Olmo’s dilemma.Olmo’s wanted to stay with Barcelona, his boyhood club, but the drawn out process is understood to have forced his agent Andy Bara to begin exploring potential moves.Croatian Bara, 42, is owner of Niagara Sports Company, one of the biggest agencies in the worldBara also played a role in Manchester City’s £77m deal to land Josko Gvardiol from Leipzig in 2023.Bara flew to Manchester by private jet ahead of City’s game with Everton and was due to be attending the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESOlmo missed Barcelona’s first two months of the season after picking up a hamstring injury in preseason.He has since scored five goals in 11 games this term. More