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      Sir Alex Ferguson looks in good spirits after Christmas as Man Utd legend is spotted in stands at EFL match

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the only family member with a huge smile as he sat in the stands at PeterboroughThe ex-Manchester United boss wore a festive grin – while son Darren’s expression became more like the Grinch.Sir Alex Ferguson went through the emotions at PeterboroughCredit: AlamyFergie saw his son Darren’s side trail 3-0 at half-timeCredit: GettyThe Scot, 82, was well wrapped up against the coldCredit: GettyFerguson Junior’s League One strugglers were thumped 3-0 at home by Mansfield.Sir Alex might not have been beaming quite so brightly later – as 78 miles down the road the Red Devils slumped 2-0 at Wolves.But his son was focused on a festive beast of a display from Peterborough that he called “unacceptable”.His legendary dad, 82, defied the chilly weather as he wrapped up warmly and watched on attentively, suggesting his love for the game is as deep as ever.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Alex reigned at Old Trafford like none before or since, finally retiring in 1986 after 27 years dripping in trophies.In contrast, 52-year-old Darren has spent most of his managerial career in the EFL, with brief spells in the Championship at Peterborough and Preston.The ex-United midfielder arrived back at Posh for a FOURTH time in charge in January 2023.And he’ll need another happy new year to turn things round as Peterborough sit 17th in the third tier after their Boxing Day beating.Most read in EFLDarren Ferguson labelled his team’s home performance as ‘unacceptable’Credit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Will Evans double and a soaring header from Baily Cargill showed its not just Santa’s reindeer with sparkling antlers at Christmas – as the Stags romped to a 3-0 half-time lead.Posh defender George Nevett. 16, was then given a straight red for a foul five minutes from time.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand By that stage Fergie had switched to a more intense look, no doubt in sympathy with his son.And the big question then was: Would Darren give his flops the junior hairdryer treatment?Ferguson had a relaxing start to the afternoon at London RoadCredit: GettyBut Baily Cargill then put Mansfield on the way with a sixth-minute openerCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes worst player on pitch vs Wolves as Lisandro Martinez is best of bad bunch

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      WOLVES 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.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for two yellow cardsCredit: ReutersAndre Onana was beaten directly from a Matheus Cunha cornerCredit: GettyUnited 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLENY 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.Most read in FootballLISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6 Teamed 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.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterNOUSSAIR 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: 6 Brought 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.SUBS: Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins) 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins) 6READ MORE SUN STORIESAlejandro Garnacho: (for Amad, 79 mins) 5Joshua Zirkzee: (for Hojlund, 79 mins) 5 More

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      Wolves 2 Man Utd 0: Amorim crisis deepens after embarrassing goal and Fernandes red – and he faces disaster in next game

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      RUBEN AMORIM needs to spend plenty more time working on set-pieces if he is to stop United’s spectacular plunge towards the depths of the Premier league.If this terrible form continues – although they will surely improve at some stage – the Red Devils could end up in a relegation fight.Matheus Cunha scored direct from a corner as Man Utd crumbled at MolineuxCredit: GettyAndre Onana missed the ball completely as the hosts took charge against the ten-man visitorsCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes was sent off early in the second half after picking up two yellow cardsCredit: GettyMatheus Cunha scored the winner directly from a corner-kick to send United to their fifth loss in 10 matches under their new manager Amorim.And that was after United were forced to play with 10 men following Bruno Fernandes’ red card for a late challenge on Nelson Semedo – his second booking – at the start of the second half.Incredibly, under Amorim, United have conceded from set-pieces against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Spurs and Bournemouth.Yet it must be the first time in the space of a week that United have ever leaked two goals directly from corners which quite frankly, is shameful.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSon Heung-Min caught out United’s stand-in keeper Altay Bayındir in the Carabao Cup and in an identical goal here, Wolves’ star man Cunha saw his corner float into the far corner of the net.Andre Onana complained to referee Tony Harrington that he was being fouled but the United keeper was more interested in shoving Wolves defender Matt Doherty than trying to keep the ball out of the net.Cunha is a January target for Arsenal and little wonder as he is such a good player.And he is currently facing an FA ban for being charged with misconduct after the final whistle against Ipswich and Wolves would certainly miss him as he was terrific throughout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo, more problems for Amorim but a great night for Wolves’ new boss Vitor Pereira who has now won both of his matches in charge of the club.For Fernandes, it was his third red card of the season although his three-match ban after being dismissed against Spurs for a foul on James Maddison in September was overturned.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS Tempers flared after the break as the red mist descended for BrunoCredit: ReutersHe was booked in the first half for a late challenge on Cunha and then just over a minute into the second period, he caught Semedo and could have no complaints.Even before then, the Portuguese international had struggled and was constantly ducking out of 50-50 challenges even though some of the passing from his team-mates was terrible.Fernandes is one of the worst captains in United’s history but the alternatives are not great. Having been stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag, Fernandes was never going to hand the armband to the England centre-back so instead, it was given to Lisandro Martinez.The first 45 minutes, though, was incredibly poor with both teams making a huge number of mistakes.Amorim’s men have now lost five of their last seven in all competitionsCredit: AFPHwang Hee-chan wrapped up the points in stoppage time on the breakCredit: ReutersThe home crowd started singing the name of new man Pereira after just 26 minutes which is not bad for your first home game. Within seconds, Jorgen Strand Larsen forced Onana to push a header over the bar.Onana also clawed away a corner from Cunha which was about to creep into the goal at the near post so it is a shame he could not do better for the winner.In a rare United attempt in the first half, Martinez’s header was easily saved by Jose Sa.At half-time, United boss Amorim would have urged his team to keep things tight and for his two players on bookings, Leny Yoro and Fernandes, to be careful.But incredibly, in only the second minute of the second half, Fernandes followed up that caution with a late challenge on Semedo and he could not have too many complaints.No sooner had Fernandes left the pitch, Wolves stuck the ball in the net but Strand Larsen was ruled offside and a lengthy VAR check agreed with the officials.Wolves have now won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this seasonCredit: PACunha is a January transfer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyYet Wolves continued to play with purpose and they clearly fancied their chances although they would not have expected the goal to come from a corner.Wolves’ fans shouted in disbelief when the fourth official indicated there would be eight minutes of stoppage time.But right at the end of that period, the hosts broke and Cunha squared for sub Hee Chann Hwang to score with a tap-in.Now, there is even more for Amorim to think about ahead of United’s next match against Newcastle on Monday.READ MORE SUN STORIESMind you, if you think things are bad for Amorim, they have been even worse for his replacement at Sporting Lisbon with Joao Pereira having been sacked.At least Amorim will get a bit more time. 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      ‘I’ve no more words for Onana’ – Man Utd concede directly from corner for second time this season as fans turn on keeper

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      FANS blasted Andre Onana as Manchester United conceded directly from a corner for the SECOND time in eight days.It peaked a crazy start to the second period for the Red Devils as Bruno Fernandes had just seen red for his second silly booking.Matheus Cunha saw his corner float in over Andre OnanaCredit: GettyOnana was humiliated for the Wolves opener as he reacted too lateCredit: AFPCunha celebrated his surprise goal in a dramatic few minutesCredit: GettyMatheus Cunha swung over a corner that went straight into the far corner as the struggling hosts went in front on 58 minutes – with Hee Chan Hwang then clinching a 2-0 win in stoppage time.Matt Doherty and Santiago Bueno had appeared to box Onana in.And as the United keeper focused on those two Wolves players, he neglected Cunha’s corner sailing over him and into the net.Stand-in Red Devils’ stopper Altay Bayindir suffered the same humiliation days earlier in last week’s 4-3 League Cup quarter-final defeat at Tottenham.READ MORE TOP FOTBALLBut there was little sympathy for Onana from fans after his Boxing Day blunder in the Premier League.One posted: “I’ve no more words for Onana” while another posted: “Abysmal.”A third just put: “Our two keepers conceded from straight corners in one week.”United have now let in ten set-piece goals this term.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEven more amazingly, that’s eight such goals breached in the past seven games under new boss Ruben Amorim.And former United captain Harry Maguire even admitted opposition teams are targeting dead-ball situations against the Red Devils.Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee ex-girlfriend Celina Kerr looks stunning at photoshoot He said: “Set plays are so important in football matches and they decide games.”A lot of the games when they are tight and they’re 50-50 are decided by the first goal and the first goal has been a set play far too many times against us and it’s disappointing.”I think teams now are obviously probably maybe targeting our area of set plays.”The strange thing is I don’t think we are conceding many chances from them. “They’ve had a few set plays tonight and we’ve dealt with them really well then they’ve gone and scored from one.”Asked how United can fix the set-piece problem, Maguire added: “Work, work, work more on the training pitch. “It’s hard work. Keep the belief and things will change, I know that. “We have players who can defend the box well and it will change, we’ve just got to stick together.”Wolves boss Vitor Pereira amazingly revealed he planned for his team to score directly from a corner.He said: “Of course we analyse every match and try to understand the spaces we can explore.”United defensive legend Rio Ferdinand was more stunned than most.READ MORE SUN STORIESFerdy normally has plenty to say about big incidents but this time he could only post: “No comment.”A fan responded to the former England star’s message with: “Seriously we haven’t learnt anything in these past weeks on set pieces. This is becoming annoying.” More

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      Moment Watford star is CHASED by fuming Portsmouth players over controversial celebration that earned him red card

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      WATFORD’S late win over Portsmouth ended in farce after one Hornets star was red-carded – for taunting opposition fans with his dance moves.Kwadwo Baah was sent off after the final whistle following a feisty clash at Vicarage Road. Kwadwo Baah was sent off after Watford’s win over Portsmouth – for taunting the away fansCredit: GettyRocco Vata netted a stoppage-time penalty for the hosts to hand Watford a dramatic 2-1 win. Following wild celebrations, Tom Cleverley’s men saw out the game to head back into the Championship play-off places.Baah – who had been booked in the first half – headed towards the Portsmouth away support after the final whistle. He was filmed taunting the video fans, throwing out some moves from video game Fortnite in front of a packed contingent from the South Coast. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter his team-mates tried and failed to pull Baah away, Pompey’s Terry Devlin charged over to confront the German.Referee Geoff Eltringham brandished the red card, halting the jiving Baah in his tracks. But plenty felt the punishment was overly harsh, with a host of supporters defending the striker on social media.One Watford fan wrote on X: “Was receiving stick from Pompey all of the first half, had every right to go and give some back.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “Why has he actually been sent off?? He did nothing wrong!!”While a third added: “Kwadwo Baah getting sent off after the FT whistle for taunting Portsmouth fans and doing the Fortnite dance in front of them. This boy is going straight to the top.”I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney And a fourth laughed: “To be fair he ran from the halfway line, he was hardly just walking past.”While Watford’s official X account tweeted: “Baah giving it back to the away end.”Cleverley’s Hornets are back in the top six thanks to the late Boxing Day victory.Watford have lost just two of their last ten games across all competitions. Their success has been built on making Vicarage Road a fortress – but the former Man Utd star wants his players to turn things around on the road. Cleverley said in the build-up to the clash: “At home we’ve suffered setbacks and responded to them, but away from home we just don’t show the same character or mindset to come back from any deficits.”I would never criticise my players for a technical mistake but when I see players shying away from wanting to receive the ball, then we’ve got a real issue.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To get to the level we want to get to we can’t just do it in the home games – we have to do it in the toughest environments.”At the minute we’re playing like a team who want to flip a coin and finish between fifth and 10th rather than really grab our own destiny by the scruff of the neck.” More

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      “He might one day be worth £200million the way he is going” – Former Man Utd star left stunned with Cole Palmer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Jaap Stam reckons Cole Palmer has the potential to become the world’s most expensive player.Palmer was again the shinning light for Chelsea as they were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Fulham in a Boxing Day Christmas cracker.Cole Palmer has been tipped to cost £200mCredit: GettyJaap Stam is still hopeful Palmer will one day play for Man UtdCredit: GettyHe opened the scoring with his 12th goal of the season by dancing around three defenders and rolling it into the bottom corner.The goal was his 26th of 2024 and it broke Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s record of most Premier League Blues goals in a calendar year – 25 in 2001.Palmer is also well on his way to improving on the 22 Prem goals he managed last season and Stam thinks he could soon be worth £200million.He even remains hopeful the ex-City star will one day play for the Red Devils as he grew up in Wythenshawe as a boyhood United fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStam told SportLens: “Seeing the potential of Palmer and him being just next door, you do wonder how Man Utd missed out on him, or maybe they did try and couldn’t get a deal over the line.”It would still be great to see him at Man Utd and being a fan of the club he would probably like that to happen as well.”However, in his current form there might not be any clubs who can afford him. “He might one day be worth £200million the way he is going.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe record for the most expensive signing ever goes to PSG when they signed Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 for £198m.Palmer’s team-mate Enzo Fernandez holds the Prem record when joining Chelsea for £106m last year.Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyAnd Jack Grealish’s £100m move from Aston Villa to Man City is the highest amount ever paid for an English player.The time to get Palmer was when Chelsea swooped in the summer of 2023 and signed him from City for £40m. More

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      Enzo Maresca gives blunt two-word response when asked about Noni Madueke’s Chelsea axing

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      NONI MADUEKE was axed for Chelsea’s London derby defeat to Fulham.Blues boss Enzo Maresca revealed that the England man had been dropped from the squad due to a “technical decision” rather than injury.Enzo Maresca axed Noni Madueke from Chelsea’s side to play FulhamCredit: AFPMadueke was not injuredCredit: GettyFulham stole their first Stamford Bridge win in 45 years thanks to late goals from Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson, who had cancelled out Cole Palmer’s superb opener.The winger’s absence was all the more bizarre given that Maresca had to name two goalkeepers and three academy graduates on the bench to make up the numbers.Asked about Madueke’s absence, the Italian simply said: “Technical decision.”Madueke attended the game and sat with other team-mates not in the squad behind the home dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaresca has already dropped and publicly criticised Madueke, 22, for his attitude and training level this season.Speaking after the former PSV Eindhoven man grabbed a goal and an assist at Southampton, having been dropped for the previous game against Aston Villa, Maresca said: “He can do much more.”The moment he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit and the reason why he was not playing is because I do not like the way he trained.”He has to understand that he has to train good every day. He has to be ambitious.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs far back as August, before Madueke had made a Premier League appearance for Maresca, the Blues boss said: “I really like Noni.”The only problem with him probably is that he has to understand he needs to be consistent during the week; every training, every training, every training.”But he is a good player and he is doing well with us.”Madeuke arrived from the Netherlands in January 2023 and has 15 goals in 66 Blues games. Maresca slams Madueke’s ‘ambition’ and fumes ‘I do not like the way he trained’ after Chelsea star’s goal and assist More

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      Bruno Fernandes SENT OFF just 90 seconds after half-time at Wolves as Man Utd star sees third red card of season

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      BRUNO FERNANDES saw red for the third time this season.The Manchester United captain, 30, picked up his first yellow card in the goalless first half for a cynical trip on Wolves dangerman Matheus Cunha.Bruno Fernandes was sent off 90 seconds into the second half at WolvesCredit: ReutersFernandes could have no complaints after catching Nelson Semedo while already on a yellowCredit: Amazon Prime VideoThe challenge came immediately after giving possession awayCredit: Amazon Prime VideoAnd then just 90 seconds after the break, he flew into a late tackle on compatriot Nelson Semedo.The Portuguese playmaker was clearly frustrated at giving away possession.And his temper boiled over as he caught Semedo’s standing leg with his studs, sending the right-back tumbling to the floor. Referee Tony Harrington deemed the poor challenge worthy of a second yellow card, subsequently brandishing the red and sending Fernandes for an early bath.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe decision could not be checked by VAR because the ref did not award a straight red. The dismissal followed Fernandes’ red cards against Tottenham on September 29 and then Porto on October 3 just four days later. Fernandes became the first United player to be sent off three times in one season for 16 years… and it is still only December. In 2008-09, Nemanja Vidic’s three red cards including both home and away against rivals Liverpool in the Premier League. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandes’ tally of three is more than any other top-flight footballer this term – with Jack Stephens and Edson Alvarez locked as the only two to receive two. Admittedly, the ex-Sporting star’s first ever United red card against Spurs for a high challenge on James Maddison was overturned on appeal so he did not serve a domestic suspension. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyBut the lack of discipline from the player who is supposed to be the leader on the pitch will be a major concern for new boss Ruben Amorim.Especially because the red card immediately sparked the drab Molineux clash into life – and all in the home team’s favour.Just a minute after going down to ten men, United had a lucky escape.Jorgen Strand Larsen headed in Semedo’s cross but the flag went up and a lengthy VAR check proved the striker was marginally offside.Wolves did take the lead on 58 minutes, though.Cunha’s inswinging corner flew directly all the way in, over a flapping Andre Onana and into the top corner to break the deadlock.Then Hwang Hee-Chan grabbed a second for Wolves in the 99th minute as they leapfrogged Leicester out of the relegation zone – while United’s travelling fans booed their flops off at full-time.Fernandes’ first yellow came when he fouled Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyHe knew he was in trouble as soon as he made contact with SemedoCredit: PAThe dismissal was the United skipper’s third of the seasonCredit: PAThings went from bad to worse following his sending offCredit: ReutersWolves ran out 2-0 winners at MolineuxCredit: GettyFernandes was sent off for this challenge on James Maddison – but it was later rescindedCredit: GettyHe also saw red against Porto just four days after the Tottenham early bathCredit: ReutersNemanja Vidic saw red three times in the 2008-09 seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More