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      Anthony Martial ‘chooses next club’ after Man Utd release as he snubs ‘biggest contract in team’s history’

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL is “expected to join” Flamengo after leaving Manchester United.Martial, 28, ended his nine-year stint at United after his contract ran out in June and has been a free agent since.Anthony Martial is expected to join Flamengo after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial also received a record contract offer from AEK AthensCredit: GettyThe centre-forward had offers from clubs in Brazil, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the US during the summer transfer window.But according to journalist Luca Bendoni, who is part of transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio’s team, the ex-France international has opted for Brazilian outfit Flamengo.Martial is now expected to finalise his move to the Maracana and put pen to paper with Tite’s side.The Frenchman also received a massive offer from Greek outfit AEK Athens.Read More on FootballAEK offered the versatile forward the biggest contract in the club’s 100-year history.That means he would have earned more than ex-Tottenham ace Erik Lamela, who also joined Matias Almeyda’s side as a free agent after leaving Sevilla this summer.While the details of Martial’s exact figures have not yet been released, Lamela nets £2.1million per year in Athens.However, the ex-United ace didn’t seem too keen to move to the Greek Superleague at this stage in his career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAEK, though, continue to keep tabs on the Premier League as they are pushing to sign Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana.Fofana has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and manager Enzo Maresca is looking to reduce his massive squad.Anthony Martial works hard in Sevilla training AEK’s sporting director Panagiotis Kone flew to England to get the deal over the line for the striker.Martial left United with 90 goals and 47 assists in 317 appearances under his belt.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Danny Simpson reunites with Wayne Rooney in charity game as Prem winner eyes boxing fight with Man Utd legend

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      DANNY SIMPSON reunited with Wayne Rooney on the football pitch – after previously eyeing a fight with his team-mate.Simpson – who won the Premier League title in 2016 with Leicester – crossed over to boxing after retiring from football. Wayne Rooney and Danny Simpson during their Man Utd daysCredit: GettyHe drew with YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds in a Misfits Boxing main event in Dublin. In the build up to the bout Simpson was probed on facing other potential footballers including Manchester United legend Rooney.Simpson, 37, told iFL TV: “I’m seeing him next Saturday because we’ve got a charity game at Old Trafford against Celtic. “Listen, I’d have a go with Wazza. He’s a boxer, I know he is. He’s been around it, everyone’s gotta back themselves, so why not?”READ MORE IN BOXINGSimpson – who came up the United ranks during Rooney’s Old Trafford prime – lined up with the ex-England captain against ex-Celtic stars.He posed for a picture with Rooney and Phil Bardsley and said: “Getting some boxing tips off these 2 legends before our game.”Rooney, 38, himself was in shock talks to fight in a Misfits bout but instead focused on management after taking the Plymouth job.He used to box as a youngster and was infamously knocked out by Bardsley in a drunken kitchen spar – which he later mocked himself in a celebration.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMisfits – co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcomes celebrity-style crossover bouts. And Simpson was the first former footballer to make the move – but he revealed others at tempted to do the same. He said: “I’m not going to say the names now, I’ve had a few people messaging me last few days. Hopefully they’ll be more now after seeing that. “I had a lot of lads from Leicester in the WhatsApp group so hopefully everyone’s seen it and hopefully they fancy it and they can all come along.”Danny Aarons and Simpson drewCredit: SportsfileRooney was once knocked out in a drunken spar with Phil BardsleyRooney mocked his KO in an infamous celebrationCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunRooney with Simpson and BardsleyCredit: @dannysimpsonDanny Simpson fought to SPLIT DRAW by YouTuber Danny Aarons with rematch AGREED More

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      ‘Oh my God’ snaps Gary Neville as Man Utd legend locked in another heated row with Jamie Carragher after Sky Sports spat

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has continued to get under Gary Neville’s skin as they ramped up their row over the difficulty of recruiting top managers.It comes just days after the two pundits got into multiple heated discussions live on Sky Sports, ranging from Erik ten Hag’s job status to the quality of Manchester United’s midfield.Gary Neville was left visibly distressed as he argued with Jamie Carragher on Stick to FootballThe two Sky pundits disagreed over Erik ten Hag and Liverpool’s bid for Arne SlotOf course, Liverpool’s 3-0 demolition of United in their own back yard dominated discussion in this week’s episode of Stick to Football.Neville and Carragher’s latest spat arose as the pair continued to butt heads over the Red Devils’ attempts to replace Ten Hag this summer.The incident started out with Neville speaking about why United ultimately did not start this season with a new boss, unlike their big rivals.Neville, 49, said: “Liverpool had six months to replace Jurgen Klopp and still found it quite challenging to get their top two targets.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher then interjected: “Who was Liverpool’s number one target? You said this on Sunday and I never pulled you up on it. Where are you getting this from that Arne Slot wasn’t the top target?”A fuming Neville burst in: “Oh my god. Fortunately we do record Stick to Football and fortunately I have a good memory.”Whereby you said Liverpool will definitely be going for Xabi Alonso.”Carragher came back with: “That’s my opinion.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNeville again said: “Oh my God. You’re now all of a sudden so disconnected with Liverpool that you don’t think they wanted Alonso.”The two then disagreed over the time it took Alonso to reject Liverpool to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed a German Invincible season.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionCo-host Ian Wright was forced to intervene to get the conversation back on track.Carragher, 46, then quizzed: “Why did United not go for Slot then?”To which Neville responded: “They probably looked at Slot, I haven’t got a clue, but they probably thought ‘Can we get a rid of a guy who has won two trophies in two years?'”Who has not been backed by a proper structure to bring in another Dutch manager.”Carragher criticised this with: “What do you mean without a proper structure? He’s gone out and brought in everyone he wanted.”Roy Keane meanwhile couldn’t help but find their ongoing feud comical as the United legend couldn’t hide his smirk throughout the encounter. Wright had the final say, asserting: “But with all due respect, we should see a style of play and improvement from Ten Hag by now”.The Dutchman was handed a new contract and a show of faith by the new Ineos decision-makers over the summer, but familiar problems have continued regarding performance.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite the the Carabao Cup and FA Cup won in his first two campaigns, the quality of football at United has been underwhelming – at best.It’s now two defeats from three for the Red Devils this season, while they regroup during the international break and head to Southampton on Saturday 14.Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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      Premier League fans just accept their team rolling over for Man City – but everyone tried to beat Man Utd under Fergie

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      ERLING HAALAND sauntered out of Stratford on Saturday night clutching a match ball under his arm, leaving behind 60,000 comatosed Cockneys.West Ham had duly fulfilled their role in the annual turn-up-and-take-three-points parade for Manchester City.Erling Haaland with the matchball after his hat-trick at West HamCredit: RexThe Hammers at least used to give Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United a gameCredit: RexIn itself, this is fine. There’s no doubt that having a planet-sized Viking battering ram spearheading a team of magicians gives City a certain edge over their rivals.But in conversation with some Hammers-supporting friends in the aftermath, one of them shrugged off the latest surrender by admitting ‘our season won’t be defined by Man City at home’.And that is the state of the Premier League in a nutshell.A declaration of defeat being totally acceptable — indeed, expected and irrelevant — long before kick-off. By the fans, not the players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a time when a visit to West Ham for teams at the top of the table was a football minefield.When Manchester United were the dominant force here in the Nineties and Noughties, wherever they went they mostly got a game on the field.Even if they didn’t, the home team’s supporters would whip it up so that whichever of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13 title-winning squads came to visit, they played in fevered stadiums.Everyone just wanted to give the champions  a bloody nose. And back in 1995,  United were defending the  title right up to the last day, when they rocked up at West Ham’s old Upton Park ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe atmosphere was so hostile that the very air became a performance-enhancing drug for the mid-table Hammers, who built a wall around their goal to deny a very red-faced Fergie his win and the title went to Blackburn — by a point.That season, the Red Devils lost at Everton, Leeds, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday in the league.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsLesser teams who were up for landing a punch on the best team in the country for the sake of it — or because they simply couldn’t stand United.Ferguson toughened up his team to wrestle back the crown 12 months later but even then they lost at Leeds again, Aston Villa and Southampton.In the past two seasons, Brentford and Wolves are the only teams from outside the traditional Big Six to  have found enough gumption to beat Pep Guardiola’s City at home in the Premier League.West Ham have moved grounds since 1995 but the apathy among what was once  a ferocious fanbase is not entirely down to the vast oval-shaped ground they now play at.It’s become the mindset of the  fans that, come what may, City will stroll up, pass their way around  the West Ham players and help  themselves to a few goals.If this is the feeling on the terraces in the East End of London, be sure it’s the same at Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth,  Nottingham Forest, Leicester. The list goes on.West Ham have not beaten City  at home in the Premier League  since 2014.Top-flight grounds are now more like must-see stop-offs on the tourist trail than hotbeds of pumped-up locals lying in wait to ambush title ambitions of the elite.No wonder Guardiola’s team have been able to plunder four titles on the spin with diehard home support diluted to a point of disappearing and those that remain resigned to defeat.It’s not games against closest rivals that should count. Clashes between the top teams have always guaranteed uncertainty because of the smaller skills gap between the players.It should be the less glamorous surroundings of the relative minnows or the also-rans where English leagues are ultimately won and lost.Top-flight grounds are now more like must-see stop-offs on the tourist trail than hotbeds of pumped-up locals lying in wait to ambush title ambitions of the elite.ANDREW DILLONAt grounds where world-class footballers like Haaland tremble, even if just momentarily.The players of those teams need their supporters to believe — foolishly  or not — that everything depends on beating City.That even if they go down, they go down fighting.Not knowing that the vast majority of the home crowd are checking their watches to see if there’s time for a crafty pint if they leave early enough and that losing to City at home is ticked off for another year.GREEN WITH ENVYOF course, the Irish have a point about Declan Rice, Jack Grealish and, to an extent, Lee Carsley.With Rice in particular, three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before jumping ship to England in 2019, means he should rightfully expect a coating from the fans in Dublin on Saturday. Grealish is the same, having represented the Boys in Green at Under-21 level.Lee Carsley won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland but will manage England against them on SaturdayCredit: GettyEngland’s interim boss, former midfielder Carsley, played 40 times for the Republic, so is Irish in football parlance.Yep, pretty dodgy, isn’t it? The Irish must be fed up as hell to have lost those three to their colours — and it’s England’s gain.For those old enough to remember Sunday afternoons watching quiz show Bullseye on the telly, the words of compere Jim Bowen spring to mind, ‘Look at what you could have won’.THE D’OR IS WIDE OPENTHE Ballon d’Or has been pretty much a two-horse race for 15 years.With the odd exception, it has been either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo winning the poll of the planet’s best player.So it’s refreshing that neither Messi nor Ronaldo has even been nominated for the 2024 award.Can’t see past Erling Haaland as the winner but seeing Jude Bellingham’s name on the list suggests there could be more competition from now on.However, we need the likes of fellow nominees Kylian Mbappe and Phil Foden to make sure the competition doesn’t just slip back into its old ways.Otherwise, it will be no more interesting than Scottish football.MAKING A BEELINE FOR ITI DO rather bang on about climate change and annoy the hell out of my editor by doom-mongering about the environment.Yet it’s always better to see something good happening and reading this week’s ‘Sport Positive’ bulletin, a little initiative by Brentford lifted my mood.The Bees travel to Manchester City for their next match a week on Saturday.And they have teamed up with Trainline so that anyone in possession of an away ticket can save 20 per cent on the rail fares to Manchester.It’s part of the ‘I Came By Train’ campaign to curb car journeys and it’s wonderfully simple.Though it does make me think why nobody has thought of it before?LIFE GOES JONNORTHERN IRELAND began life without Jonny Evans in their squad last night.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter 107 caps, one of the best defenders and nicest blokes in the game has retired from international football.Just hope the Irish FA don’t let him slip away and give him a role shaping the next generation in their tiny but productive football outpost. 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      Man Utd manager Ten Hag to take charge of new team during international break with chance to get back to winning ways

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have been given the backing of Manchester United bosses – but he will be back managing in Holland THIS WEEKEND.Manchester United have a blank few days over the international break as they recover from back to back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.Erik ten Hag takes charge of testimonial game at his old club FC UtrechtCredit: GettyBut the Red Devils boss has agreed to take charge of one of the teams for a testimonial game at his old club FC Utrecht on Sunday.And it provides the perfect chance for ETH to get back to winning ways before he clocks back on to the day job at Carrington early next week.The game between the club’s current side and some of their former players has been organised to honour club icon Mark van der Maarel.The 35-year-old full-back has recently retired after spending his whole professional career at the Galgenwaard Stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDPerhaps the most memorable spell was spent playing under ETH – so he approached the United boss to see if he would be willing to be part of the special occasion.Ten Hag had a clear diary and was happy to say yes – after being given permission by United.While the jury is out among many fans over his long-term future at Old Trafford, he is assured of a warm welcome back by the Utrecht faithful.He played for them for one season but it was his achievements during his two and a half year spell in charge that mean he is fondly remembered.Most read in FootballMan Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn his first campaign in the hot-seat, he led them to the KNVB Cup final – where they lost to Feyenoord – and also to a fifth place finish in 2015/6.The following year, they finished fourth – which was enough to earn a European spot and it caught the eye of Ajax, who approached him about taking over as their manager just after Christmas in 2017.The Galgenwaard is expected to be a sell out for the fixture and van der Maarel said: “I’m looking forward to sharing memories all together.”Ten Hag is due to take charge of one of the teams along with Rick Kruys – while Jan Wouters, Ton du Chatinier and Robby Alflen will be in the other dug-out.Watch Manuel Ugarte in awkward moment with Erik ten Hag after Man Utd manager tries to hype up new transfer More

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      Man Utd legend Juan Mata, 36, makes shock return to football after eight months unemployed

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      JUAN MATA has made a shock return to football after EIGHT MONTHS of unemployment.The former Manchester United and Spain star has been twiddling his thumbs since the expiration of his contract with Vissel Kobe in January.Juan Mata has been unemployed since leaving Vissel Kobe in JanuaryCredit: TWITTER@JUANMATABut the former Manchester United man has found a new home with Western Sydney WarriorsCredit: PABut the winger has found a new home… Down Under.Mata, 36, has joined Aussie side Western Sydney Warriors, although the details of his contract have yet to be revealed.The A-League side have yet to officially announce the arrival of the Spaniard, although they have teased an imminent announcement on their social media pages.The Warriors will be the SEVENTH professional club of Mata’s illustrious career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSMata started his career off at Real Madrid Castilla in the Spanish second division before joining Valencia in 2007.He spent four seasons at the Mestalla before a big-money move to Chelsea, where won the FA Cup, Europa and Champions League.Mata would leave Stamford Bridge in January 2014 to join Manchester United.In EIGHT-AND-A-HALF seasons at Old Trafford, Mata won the FA and Carabao Cups with the Red Devils as well as the Europa League before leaving for Turkish Galatasaray on a one-year deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he continued his streak of winning trophies at every club he’s ever been at as he helped guide the Lions to the 2022/23 Sup Lig title.Mata left the Turkish big boys last July but was scooped up by Vissel Kobe the following September.Juan Mata says goodbye to Man Utd fans as he leaves the club after eight years He made a solitary appearance for the J-League outfit but was awarded a winners’ medal for the 2023/24 season, continuing his incredible trophy streak.After leaving the Japanese champions, he wrote on social media: “Thank you very much to all my team-mates and all the people who are part of Vissel Kobe for these unique months with you.”It has been an incredibly interesting experience that ended in the best possible way, making history, winning the league for the first time for our club.”I’m really happy to have been part of your family at such an important moment that will be remembered forever! I wish you all the very best for the future!”Of course, thank you very much to our fans, you are my most special memory of these months, and I will keep your love and respect with me forever.”Incredible people, incredible culture. I’ve learned so much from you.”I’m looking forward to continuing enjoying football somewhere else, and hopefully to keep winning trophies, let the streak continue!” More

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      Watch Manuel Ugarte in awkward moment with Erik ten Hag after Man Utd manager tries to hype up new transfer

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      MANUEL UGARTE was involved in an awkward interaction with new boss Erik ten Hag.Ugarte, 23, was announced as a Manchester United player on transfer deadline day and revealed to fans at Old Trafford on Sunday.Manuel Ugarte and Erik ten Hag had an awkward exchange at CarringtonCredit: XFans said they struggled to watch the videoCredit: XUgarte signed for Man Utd from PSG for £51mCredit: GettyAfter arriving at the club’s Carrington training base, Ugarte and Ten Hag were filmed heading indoors. However, before they got inside the Dutch coach could be heard speaking to his new defensive midfielder. An in apparent effort to hype up Ugarte in front of the cameras, he said: “This guy brings us the fight!” But Ugarte wasn’t clear who the former Ajax manager was referring to and confusingly answered: “Who?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag, 54, then responded: “You”After the crossed wires were cleared up, Ugarte said: “It’s normal for me, [to] fight!”Fans were stunned at the interaction, with one user writing on social media: “Tough watch that.”A second said: “Fight?? Did we sign Conor Mcgregor or a football player?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Ugarte didn’t even know who’s Erik ten Hag talking about.”Another said: “That’s awkward…”Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringThe former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder signed for United in a deal that could reach £51million.And it is hoped he can help to plug holes in midfield where his peers have struggled.Ugarte’s numbers paint a promising picture in that regard.His defensive stats including tackling and interceptions are better than United’s current defensive midfielder, Casemiro.The Brazilian had a howler of a game when Liverpool visited Old Trafford, though he was not helped by the structural flaws in the Red Devils’ gameplan.The 32-year-old gave the ball away for Liverpool’s opener before he was too easily dispossessed for their second moments later.READ MORE SUN STORIESKobbie Mainoo was then caught out in the second half for the final nail in the coffin of the 3-0 defeat.United travel to Southampton away after the international break in the hope that they can get back to winning ways.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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      Manuel Ugarte is a midfield bruiser… but Man Utd star is NOT immune to making same mistakes as Casemiro vs Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED appeared to make a turning point this summer with how they will recruit and build their squad.For the first time since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, it appeared there was a long-term plan.Manuel Ugarte has the ability to be a top player for Man Utd if used properlyCredit: GettyHe is a tough tackling midfielder who will add security to the Red Devils’ midfieldCredit: AFPBut he can sometimes be a bit of a liability on the ballCredit: GettyAnd he could suffer the same fate as Casemiro did against Liverpool if not supportedCredit: PAAfter taking sporting control of the Red Devils, Ineos identified younger players in key areas for, generally, decent fees.This saw them strengthen the defence with the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro – a wise move given how much they relied on veteran Jonny Evans, 36, at times last season.They also added versatile star Noussair Mazraoui at full-back, while Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee brings some much needed link play to the front line.It is their last deal of the summer, however, which could prove to be the most important, in the form of 23-year-old Uruguay star Manuel Ugarte.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe former Paris Saint-Germain defensive midfielder signed in a deal which could cost £51million, and is a positive and proactive step.However, while Ugarte is superb off the ball, he does have weaknesses.Reading of the gameOne of the most prominent aspects of Ugarte’s game is his ability to play at the base of a midfield, to read the game and react quickly to threats.He does not need to be constantly involved in possession, nor does he want to get the ball and break lines with forward passes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInstead, he likes to hold a deeper position, where he can react to the threat of quick opposition counterattacks.This is an area of the midfield in which United were severely lacking last season.Here Ugarte shields his defence as the opposition attacker looks to carry the ball into spaceErik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringThe likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are more than capable of attacking, meaning United needed to add a more defensive-minded player.United struggled badly with defending these spaces in midfield last season – they were often too high and too easy for the opposition to play through and bypass.Ugarte will allow United to be more secure in front of their back line – something they need after being horribly exposed in their 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.His presence at the base of the midfield will also allow United’s full-backs to bomb on.This time Ugarte is in a more settled defensive block and is able to read and react where necessary to win possessionUgarte has the mobility and ability to cover back or across the pitch to prevent the opposition from playing into an attacking space.The addition of Ugarte to the base of the United midfield will make them stronger and more difficult to break down.Is his aggression an issue?Aggression in footballers can often be seen only as a negative thing, but a certain level is needed at the top level.The issue comes when players cannot channel this intensity effectively and end up tearing around the pitch trying to win the ball back.That desire needs to be balanced with tactical discipline.Ugarte still needs to find that balance and his aggressive nature led to PSG sidelining him last season.Here Ugarte is too eager to break out and hunt down the ball on his ownMidfield players who can chase and win the ball can, of course, be a positive, as long as they have team-mates around them who can bring balance. One part of Ugarte’s game that needs further development is understanding when to go, and when to stay put.Yet with United’s new central defenders they should be more comfortable in a higher line and this will limit the space between the defence, midfield and attack.This structure and shape would free Ugarte to jump and press more aggressively.This time Ugarte charges to press the first forward pass into the midfield, but leaves the defence exposed behind himBut for now he still provides risk as well as security because teams can look to bait him into pressing high before playing quickly into the space he leaves behind.United boss Erik ten Hag will need to create a structure and set of pressing rules to bring the best out of Ugarte.Is his passing a problem?Ugarte is not a midfielder in the mould of Rodri, for instance.He is not a top-level passer of the ball and often his distribution can be fairly obvious and easy to defend against.He does, however, keep the ball fairly well, with stats showing last season he had a passing accuracy of 91.6 per cent compared to Casemiro’s 82.6 per cent.He has played at international level and for some of the biggest teams in the world, after all.In possession for PSG Ugarte could be too obviousIndeed, as long as he is allowed to receive the ball and play short and safe then there should be no issues. The issues he had at PSG – and that he is likely to have at United – are that teams will recognise his lack of passing ability and let him have the ball.This is designed to force him to be more expressive on the ball, which can prompt errors, especially in tighter areas.This is part of the reason he struggled at times with PSG under Luis Enrique. Here Ugarte tries a more ambitious crossfield pass but poor execution sees him lose possessionUnited are less focused on possession so his lack of ability on the ball should not be as much of a problem.The Red Devils will not exactly hide Ugarte in possession, although they will need to try to limit his involvement.ConclusionUgarte has a very specific profile and one that United need in midfield.He will stop them from being so open out of possession and he can win back the ball effectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are, however, issues that United fans will have to be aware of.As long as Ten Hag uses the Uruguayan international properly though he should prove to be a good signing. More