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      Ruben Amorim’s start at Man Utd is worst for 93 years… when club secretary had to step in as temporary manager

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      RUBEN AMORIM must have thought he had cracked it after Manchester United’s dramatic derby win just two weeks ago.Their late show at the Etihad was a huge boost for morale — and a run of fixtures which looked winnable lay ahead over the festive period.Ruben Amorim is enduring the worst start for a Man Utd manager in 93 yearsCredit: GettyThe last time United made such a poor start under a new boss was in 1931 with Walter CrickmerCredit: PA:Press AssociationA tie with inconsistent Tottenham in the Carabao Cup was followed by a home game with Bournemouth and a Boxing Day trip to Wolves.Yet three straight defeats later Amorim finds himself with an unenviable record.It was back in 1931 when a United boss last made such a poor start to their reign at Old Trafford.Walter Crickmer lost six of his first ten in charge of the Red Devils — nine decades later Amorim has “only” lost five of his first ten.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet the worry is that dismal record could be about to get worse over the next fortnight.United tonight host a Newcastle side who are bang in form having won their last three Prem games — scoring 11 goals without reply in the process.Then they go to runaway leaders Liverpool on Sunday — and can expect no mercy from their bitter rivals at Anfield.And that is followed by just about the hardest FA Cup third-round tie they could ask for — at another of their traditional rivals, Arsenal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs his fellow Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo said at the weekend, the “storm will continue” for a while yet before “the sun rises again”.Amorim will be hoping that day when the skies start to clear will come quickly.Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsWho was Walter Crickmer?WALTER CRICKMER was Manchester United’s long-serving club secretary, who was twice asked to step in as temporary manager.The first time was in 1931 when he took the reins following the departure of Herbert Bamlett with the Red Devils in danger of relegation.Despite his difficult start, he led the team to 12th place — steering them away from danger — before standing down in June the following year.Then in 1937 the man nicknamed ‘Mr Manchester United’ was called on again.This time he remained in charge for eight years, although the number of games were limited due to the Second World War.Crickmer joined United in 1919 as a clerk and was on the staff in some capacity for 39 years before losing his life in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.When he arrived in Manchester just seven weeks ago today — on a typically wet day in the North West — he knew a huge challenge lay ahead.Yet it has not panned out how he would have hoped. Maybe the ex-Sporting Lisbon coach deserves some sympathy as he is coming up against teams at the worst time.Bournemouth arrived in Manchester having won three and drawn one of their previous four matches.Andoni Iraola’s men had also had a full week to prepare, looking both fresher and more confident in their 3-0 Old Trafford win.Four days later they went to Wolves to face a side who had been given a fresh lease of life by new coach Vitor Pereira.United have been shipping goals left, right and centre in recent gamesCredit: AlamyAlexander Isak is sure to fancy his chances tonightCredit: GettyThe hosts were still on a high after thumping Leicester a few days earlier and took that new-found belief into the clash with United.And now Amorim’s troops, who sit a miserable 14th in the table, host the Toon who are one of the Prem’s in-form teams.Three weeks ago the Magpies lost 4-2 at Brentford — a fourth league game without a win. But since they have been outstanding.It is now four straight wins in all competitions and they are scoring goals for fun. In Alexander Isak, they have a striker who has become one of Europe’s hottest properties with seven goals in his last six games.Bruno Fernandes will miss the Newcastle game after his red card at WolvesCredit: AlamyManuel Ugarte is also suspended, leaving United with a midfield dilemmaCredit: AlamyAmorim must find a way to stop the Geordies with skipper Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte both suspended.Yet sympathy is in short supply given the ruthless nature of the club he has joined.New minority owner Jim Ratcliffe has shown in the recent months he is not afraid to make changes quickly if he feels it is needed.And while Amorim needs time to put his stamp on United, they are struggling to do the basics right at the moment.Twice in the space of a week, they conceded goals direct from a corner — while Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth also scored from set-pieces recently.Teams have clearly picked it out as a weakness and no doubt Eddie Howe will have done the same ahead of tonight’s match.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shown he is not afraid to make changesCredit: GettyStars like Harry Maguire are rallying around AmorimCredit: PAFormer United captain Harry Maguire admits it is costing his team right now and is overshadowing the good work being done by Amorim and his coaches.The England defender said: “Since the manager has come in, performances have improved but results really haven’t come with it.“We’ve improved but we are conceding from set-pieces and conceding the first goal in the game so that’s tough to take.“In these games they are 50-50 and on a knife edge and you are going a goal down to a set-piece. We’ve not done well enough.“Winning breeds confidence and at the moment we’re not doing that enough, we’re not getting the right results. “Every game you’ve got to win and when you don’t there is a lot of disappointment. The outside noise will be loud.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You have to stay in your bubble, stay focused and look to the next game when it can all change.“It’s a huge privilege and honour to play for this club but it comes with a big responsibility and when you are losing games, it’s not nice.”Amorim’s Maguire backingBy Martin BlackburnHARRY MAGUIRE has great “belief” Ruben Amorim will “turn around” the Manchester United misery.Amorim’s start is the worst by any Red Devils boss for 93 YEARS.He admitted they are in a “survival” battle after Boxing Day’s 2-0 loss at Wolves. United are 14th ahead of tonight’s home clash with Newcastle.But Maguire said: “I’m sure things will turn around. He knows exactly what he needs to do to get this club back.“He’s come in and done everything he needs to. He’s really demanding.”Contrasting Portuguese Amorim and axed predecessor Erik ten Hag, Maguire said: “It’s not like they’re a similar style — they’re not, they are total opposites in terms of what they want and what they demand.“The transition period is going to be tough — but we all have great belief in the manager and all his staff.”United looked to be on the right track when they won the Manchester derby 2-1 at the Etihad two weeks ago.But they have since lost three games in a row.Defender Maguire, 31, added: “He’s a winner so I’m sure he will be frustrated. He hates losing games — just like all of us players.“It’s frustrating because we want to win football matches but at the moment, and this season, it’s not been good enough.“In the difficult moments the senior players have to try to guide them through it. Things will change and they will turn, we just have to fight.” Skipper Bruno Fernandes, 30, is suspended for the Toon clash after his red card at Wolves — while fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte, 23, also serves a ban.In his programme notes for tonight’s game, Amorim said: “What I can say for certain is that it will take time –— but we will improve, I have no doubt about that.“We are looking to implement a new way of playing — at the busiest time of the year.“So there are short-term costs for our long-term aims.” More

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      James Maddison and Brennan Johnson grin at World Darts Championship hours after Tottenham draw left Postecoglou ‘hurt’

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      JAMES MADDISON and Brennan Johnson were spotted enjoying the darts at Ally Pally just hours after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Wolves.Ange Postecoglou’s men conceded a late equaliser in North London, before the Australian coach confirmed his struggling stars were “hurting”.Brennan Johnson and James Maddison were at the darts on Sunday eveningCredit: PAIt came just hours after the pair played in Tottenham’s draw with WolvesCredit: PAJohnson scored what he thought was the winner before Wolves’ late equaliserCredit: PAThe Spurs players have been given Monday and Tuesday off to recover from a demanding Christmas period – which has seen them play 10 games since November 28.And Maddison and Johnson – who scored Spurs’ second goal against the relegation battlers – shrugged off their disappointment to head to the darts to watch the likes of Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright.The pair could be seen smiling from their tables as they took in the raucous Ally Pally atmosphere.Maddison, 28, is known as a big fan of the sport – and often mimes throwing a dart after scoring a goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it has been a difficult time for Spurs following just one win in seven Premier League games.After the match, Postecoglou said: “It hurts me because I’m responsible ultimately. I’m the person in charge. So of course it hurts.”When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don’t even know where they got from.”I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWorld Darts Championship – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…All the info: News, features and interviews:”It hurts immensely. At the same time it’s my responsibility for where we’re at right now and it’s my responsibility to try to get us out of it.”The Spurs boss also explained why he is giving the players two days off.Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossHe added: “It was always planned. We knew this is the first week where we don’t have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover.”It’ll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves with their families and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically.”Spurs have now failed to win at home in their last five league games – an unwanted feat not managed since 2008.While seven wins in 19 league games means they are a point nearer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four.Yet Postecoglou still believes his side can achieve something in the league this season.The Aussie, whose team are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and still in Europe, added: “I just feel that at some point we’ll get a relatively healthy squad and when we do that we’ll be able to perform at a high level consistently and we’ve already shown this year we can beat anyone.”There’s a chance there you can go on a run.”But at the moment that’s secondary to the first bit, we have to try to get some support for the players – both mentally and physically and in terms of numbers to give them the opportunity to play at their best.”Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur is now banned for Saturday’s hosting of Newcastle after a needless foul in stoppage time on Rodrigo Gomes earned him his fifth yellow card of the season.Had he waited a week, the cautions picked up in the first half of the campaign would have been wiped.READ MORE SUN STORIESPostecoglou added: “It was an unfortunate moment, didn’t really need to happen and I’d much rather he didn’t make that tackle and was available for the next game.”The players are obviously hurting, they want to turn this around and it’s not for the want of trying.” More

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      ‘We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warning

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      MO SALAH helped send Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the Premier League before firing off another contract warning.The Egyptian King grabbed one goal and two assists as Arne Slot’s men thumped five past West Ham.Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah revealed a new contract is still ‘far away’Salah led Liverpool to a dominant victory over West HamCredit: GettyBut Salah, who is out of contract in the summer and can start talking to overseas clubs about a move in two days time, revealed a new Reds deal is still “far away”.He said: “No we are far away from that and I don’t want to put anything in the media and people start saying stuff.”Now I am focused on the team.”The only thing in my mind is for Liverpool to win the league, I just want to be part of that.Read More on Football”That is the only thing I have been focusing on since the start of the season.”I will do my best for the team to win a trophy, we are in the right direction. There are a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again.”Luis Diaz opened the scoring before Salah teed up Cody Gakpo with a superb turn and then scored his own goal before the break.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected goal made it four before Salah then laid on Diogo Jota’s 84th-minute goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSalah has scored at least 20 goals in all eight of his seasons at Liverpool and has now scored and assisted in eight separate league games this season – setting a new Premier League record.Slot said: “Mo and the word extraordinary is something I’ve heard a lot in the last six months and he truly deserves this and probably in the last eight years, but I’m involved in the last half year.Mo Salah provides huge update on Liverpool contract situation as he breaks Premier League record in Tottenham thrashing”I don’t think he keeps surprising us. We know what a player he is and we know he’s able to do so.”But apart from that, he works really hard for the team also when the other team has the ball and yeah, we can only hope that he can keep bringing these performances in.”But I would like to add that if he scores, there’s also a lead up to him scoring.”So there are also other players that bring him in these positions, but if you bring Mo in these positions, he’s extraordinary.”While Liverpool were rampant, West Ham offered little threat and no fight before being booed off at the London Stadium.Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “We are very sad for our fans. I am very sorry about this. It is true that they deserve more. It has been a bad day for us for sure.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The fans are always right and we understand them for sure.”We are trying to become competitive, sometimes we achieve this but we have to be better in these kind of matches at home in the second part of the season.” More

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      Man Utd’s disastrous slump has worrying similarities to last time they were relegated… but Amorim’s defence is WORSE

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been enduring their most disappointing Premier League season EVER.Under previous manager Erik ten Hag, United recorded their worst beginning to a domestic campaign as they managed a mere eight points out of their first seven matches in the English top flight.Manchester United are enduring arguably their worst ever Premier League seasonCredit: PAMan Utd have similarities with the team that was relegated in 1974Credit: Rex FeaturesThat form saw the Dutchman finally put out of his Old Trafford misery.United fans hailed the arrival of Ruben Amorim to replace Ten Hag at the beginning of November.But, despite the initial optimism, things have hardly got any better for United.And after just two wins in seven Prem games so far, Amorim has seen his new side stuck in their lowest-ever league position at Christmas, sitting 14th.Read More on Man UtdWorryingly, United’s 22 points from 18 games have them just just eight points above the relegation zone.And it has started to bring back some bad memories from the 1973-74 season, which was when the Manchester giants were relegated from the First Division.Of course, relegation this season feels like an almost impossible scenario, even though their counterparts from the 1970s also bore the stereotypical label of “too good to go down”.Amorim’s success in Sporting Lisbon and the individual quality within the roster suggest that at some point the players will adopt the Portuguese tactician’s philosophy and tactics.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNevertheless, there are many similarities between the current team and the one that went down to the Second Division.For starters, the 1974 team were relegated after losing their best player at the time and one of the greatest legends George Best, who played his last ever match on New Year’s Day. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconOf course Marcus Rashford’s career can’t be compared to that of Best, but the fallen England star is the closest thing to the team’s biggest star and has been enduring a phenomenal decline.The forward is still part of Amorim’s squad but probably not for long after being left out of the team four times in a row.Furthermore, the current team averages 1.2 points per game as opposed to the 0.76 of the 1973-74 side over a 42-game season.However, back then clubs were awarded two points for a win and adjusting the figures to the modern-day system would leave Tommy Docherty’s side at a round point-per-game.And that of course is not a big difference to Amorim’s current flops.Nevertheless, there is one a major difference between the two Man Utd sides – and that is in terms of goals conceded.READ MORE SUN STORIESDocherty’s team averaged fewer goals conceded per game than the current strugglers.United are next in action on Monday against in-form Newcastle at Old Trafford after three consecutive losses across all competitions.Sir 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 voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Coleen Rooney looks unimpressed as she watches on during Everton defeat with husband Wayne on brink of sack

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      COLEEN ROONEY watched Everton lose to Nottingham Forest while husband Wayne also suffered defeat away at Oxford.The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here runner-up, 38, went to Goodison Park to watch Wayne’s boyhood club lose 2-0 to high-flying Forest.Coleen Rooney was spotted in the stands at Goodison ParkCredit: PAColeen watched on as Everton lost 2-0 to Nottingham ForestWayne’s Plymouth lost yet again at Oxford on Saturday afternoonCredit: RexColeen looked glum as she sat in her seat on Merseyside alongside sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, and Cass, 6 – just weeks after being pipped by Danny Jones in the jungle.She returned from Australia in time for Christmas but opted to take her boys to the Everton game rather than Plymouth’s trip to Oxford on Sunday.And her afternoon would have gotten even worse when she realised Wayne’s Plymouth side had been beaten yet again.The Championship outfit went down 2-0 at Oxford on Saturday afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt extends their winless run to nine matches and increases their relegation fears.Plymouth sit bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety.And Rooney is thought to be on the brink of the sack in Devon.Following their defeat to Oxford, Rooney told BBC Radio Devon: “We didn’t create enough chances and didn’t do enough to stop them scoring their goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With the first one, it comes from a cross and it’s disappointing because we’ve been putting in work to stop crosses and get tighter to the man to stop it.”The second goal comes from when they break out, we didn’t do well enough one-on-one defensively and it has cost us.Wayne Rooney clinging to job after Frank Lampard’s Coventry ruthlessly thrash his ten-men Plymouth team 4-0″I expected a bit more today and we didn’t get it but that’s football, and unfortunately we come away with the defeat.”Rooney joined Plymouth in the summer but has won just five of his 25 games in charge. More

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      Jamie Carragher reveals his 2025 predictions including title winner and how long it will take Amorim to fix Man Utd

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER believes only an injury crisis can stop Liverpool from winning the Premier League title. The Sky pundit has backed his former team to pip Arsenal to top spot in May. Jamie Carragher has given his predictions for 2025 across the world of footballCredit: AlamyArne Slot’s Liverpool are setting the pace in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCarragher spent his entire 17-year career with Liverpool, appearing over 500 times for the club. The 46-year-old never lifted the Premier League trophy during his time at Anfield.But he believes Arne Slot’s juggernaut are all but unstoppable this season, fresh from another thumping win on the road against West Ham. Writing in The Telegraph, Carragher claims “Chelsea are not quite ready to become champions.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe goes on to predict that “Liverpool will pip Arsenal into second place.”Carragher adds: “My only worry for Liverpool is if they pick up injuries to their big players. “If they can avoid them, they will be difficult to catch.”The former England defender also believes Manchester City will put their recent dismal form behind them and finish fourth.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola’s men won just their second game in 14 matches against Leicester on Sunday. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn the other side of Manchester, Carragher is not convinced Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution is yet to get out of the planning stage.The Portuguese coach has seen his team win just four times in 10 games, along with five defeats. Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’Carragher said: “Ruben Amorim has a bigger job with a blank canvas.”He will need more time and patience, especially in getting underperforming players on big contracts out of the club. “What is happening at United right now is to be expected – a few good results mixed with reminders as to why they needed a new coach.”Despite United’s woes on and off the field, Carragher is convinced Amorim is the right man for the job.Carragher believes Ruben Amorim will come good at UnitedCredit: PAMan 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): 5He reckons the Red Devils will be a “better, more consistent team by December 2025, especially when Amorim has a full pre-season and new players to implement his ideas.”Carragher was also asked to name his Champions League winner – but hedged his bets.The 2005 winner believes either Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid will lift Big Ears come May. He added: “No one wants to draw Real in the knockout phase because it does not matter how poorly they are playing, they always find a way to get through.”Bayern also look good and are always in contention by the latter stages. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And then, of course, there is Liverpool, who have a 100 per cent win record so far. “They are the four sides everyone else will want to avoid.” More

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      ‘He’s tired’ – Pep Guardiola lets slip Erling Haaland has become a DAD with partner Isabel Johansen after Man City win

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      PEP GUARDIOLA let slip Erling Haaland has become a DAD in his Manchester City post-match interview.Haaland scored his first goal in five games as City secured a much-needed victory over Leicester on Sunday.Erling Haaland has been a shell of his usual self this seasonCredit: REXThe Norwegian ended his mini-drought in Man City’s 2-0 win over Leciester on SundayCredit: REUTERSManager Pep Gurdiola has leapt to the defence of the under-fire NorwegianCredit: RexGuardiola casually revealed Haaland has welcomed his first child into the world with girlfriend Isabel JohansenCredit: SPLASHAnd his boss revealed the strike came at the end of a memorable week for the Norwegian superstar and partner Isabel Johansen.Guardiola, who celebrated his 500th game in charge with his team’s first win since December 4, said: “Sometimes, Erling has been judged badly but it’s part of football.“He’s tired, he’s played a lot of minutes.“He’s become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHaaland was so pumped that he turned the air blue after his second-half header sealed the points for the struggling champions.The Norwegian striker said: “S**t happens.“It’s always a relief when you score.“Leicester did a really good game, we knew it was going to be difficult.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have been dating since they were both at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty“It’s been a difficult time. I’m just happy we’re winning.”Guardiola seconded that emotion after City had won just one and lost NINE of their previous 13 games in all competitions.Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert The City boss said: “The right word to use, more than happiness, is relief.“As a performance it hasn’t been the best, I couldn’t expect differently.“Against Everton, the performance was better by far but today we won and that’s what we need to clean our minds and souls and see we can win games.“I know the last 13-14 games have not really been good but comparing that to 500, we have to be so pleased and so happy with what we have done together.“We have done a lot of things that will be a memory forever.“Maybe that period, the month and a half to two months that feels like 500 months, will make you realise how nice it was.Erling Haaland and Isabel Johansen have yet to officially announce the birth of their first childCredit: GETTY“Hopefully we can come back. Maybe we will not be what we were but closer than now. “Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was left to rue captain Jamie Vardy missing a golden chance as his side failed to turn an encouraging display into points.The Dutchman said: “That’s why it hurts a bit that we didn’t take anything off the game, because of the performance.“We created these moments in a great way.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As a striker, you need a bit of luck in taking these moments.“But of course it’s where games are decided.” More

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      West Ham 0 Liverpool 5: Salah scores 20th goal of season as Reds dismantle hapless Hammers to pile pressure on Lopetegui

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      JURGEN KLOPP shocked English football and caused total panic on Merseyside in the first month of this year by announcing his departure from Liverpool.Yet we leave 2024 with Klopp’s old team in unbelievable shape, better than any of us could have imagined once Klopp dropped the bombshell that he had run out of steam.Liverpool thrashed West Ham at the London StadiumCredit: PALuis Diaz broke the deadlock after 30 minutesCredit: GettyCody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s leadCredit: GettyMo Salah added a third goal before the breakCredit: GettyLiverpool dominated large periods of the gameSalah racked up three more goal contributions following an impressive displayLiverpool now enter 2025 with a proper swagger. They are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, and threatening to run riot in the second half of the season.Yes, the big problem for Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and even second-placed Nottingham Forest, is that this team under Arne Slot is only just starting to go through the gears and they are getting better and more menacing by the week.Liverpool took apart a feeble West Ham at the London Stadium and could have got seven or eight if they really wanted to.Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and substitute Diogo Jota chipped in with the goals against Julen Lopetegui’s awful team.After a run of four games without defeat, Lopetegui has a bit of credit and you cannot judge any side against this current Liverpool team who are currently the best in the country by some distance.Two of Liverpool’s scorers were playing their last games before they are free to talk to clubs overseas from January 1.Salah struck for the 17th time in the Premier League this season while he also delivered a couple of assists bringing that tally to 13.Alexander-Arnold grabbed his first goal of the season while completing the out-of-contract trio is Virgil van Dijk and he will not have many easier games than this at the back this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was another dismal 90 minutes for West HamCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold fired in a fourthCredit: GettyLiverpool move eight points clear at the top of the tableCredit: RexDue to Lukasz Fabianski’s injury, keeper Alphonese Areola was making his first start since being dropped in October and was threatening to deliver a one-man supershow to defy the leaders.But after finally being beaten by in-form Diaz, who seems to enjoy playing in his more central wrong, it went horribly wrong for Areola and the rest of his team who could desperately do with a new central striker arriving next month as second half sub Niclas Fullkrug does not look the answer.’Spending my night watching fog on Prime Video’ – Fans slam ‘unwatchable’ Liverpool vs Leicester matchLiverpool, who lost the injured Joe Gomez before the break, now face Manchester United on Sunday and that is certainly a fixture which will not scare them.Yet no-one frightens Slot’s team, not in England, not in Europe, as they also lead the Champions League table.At first today, Liverpool missed a few chances. You would have put a fair amount of money on Salah to score from close range but he fired a shot too close to Areola although it was still a decent save.The Egyptian then delivered a brilliant pass to create an opportunity for Curtis Jones but he, too, could find no way past Areola who then delivered his best save of the half was to push over an effort from Luis DiazYet finally, Diaz got the goal that Liverpool had been threatening and it all became a bit straightforward after that.The Colombian was trying to thread the ball towards Jones but the pass came off Vladimir Coufal and bounced back into Diaz’s path.Diogo Jota added a fifth with an accomplished finishCredit: APAreola was not getting anywhere near a drilled first-time shot into the corner.Liverpool’ keeper Alisson, barely troubled all game, was saved by his left post as Mohammed Kudus came agonisingly close to grabbing a leveller and after that, it was downhill all the way for West Ham.Diaz delivered a sublime first touch to Salah, he skilfully got past Dinos Mavropanos but lost control of the ball and it bobbled towards Gakpo who had a simple tap-in.Before half-time, it just got worse for the locals, some of whom decided to head home once Areola failed to keep out a shot by Salah.It all started when Carlos Soler had been robbed of the ball by Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander-Arnold, whose previous goal came away to Fulham in April, chipped in with a strike, Ryan Gravenberch delivering the assist, although the 25-yard drive took a heavy deflection off Max Kilman.With six minutes left, Salah led a counter attack and West Ham’s defence could not get near him before he rolled the ball to Jota, who had replaced the impressive Gakpo, and Areola could only get a hand to the shot. More