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      ‘That is WRONG’ – Jamie Carragher singles out Man Utd flop’s position for Olise goal as he tears into Ten Hag tactics

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER slammed Christian Eriksen after Manchester United’s humiliating defeat to Crystal Palace.United endured an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday and it all started with Michael Olise’s opener after just 12 minutes.”I would argue night and day with Erik ten Hag, that is WRONG!” ❌”Casemiro is just a joke tonight” 👀@Carra23 and Ashley Young with their honest thoughts on Manchester United’s defensive structure against Crystal Palace 🔍 pic.twitter.com/jksOlqE95p— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 6, 2024

      Jamie Carragher slammed Manchester United ace Christian EriksenCredit: Sky SportsCarragher criticised Man Utd ace Eriksen’s defending against Crystal PalaceCredit: RexCarragher was baffled by Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag’s tactics against PalaceCredit: GettyCarragher also insists Casemiro needs to leave Man Utd in the summerCredit: RexIt all started with Daniel Munoz’s free-throw that found Olise who then put together a sensational run as he dribbled past Casemiro like he wasn’t even there before beating Andre Onana with a clinical shot.Carragher was left baffled by the Red Devils’ defending and manager Erik ten Hag’s tactics as five different players were wrongly positioned high up on the pitch without any regard of their own half.The Liverpool legend singled out Eriksen who failed to guard the back four by leaving Olise completely unmarked in the build-up.The former England international insists if the playmaker was deeper then the Eagles would have never opened the scoring so early in the match.Read More on Man UtdThe Sky Sports pundit also criticised Kobbie Mainoo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s positioning before calling Casemiro a “joke” for the way he left his line and was easily beaten by Olise.Carragher said: “When I say some things are wrong, that is wrong.”And even though I’ve never managed or coached a team in my life, I would argue night and day with Erik ten Hag that is wrong [Eriksen’s position].”Because there is no way in the world, that ball will ever go there [to Palace’s defence].Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”So Eriksen’s got to come in here [deeper] to protect the defenders and if the ball does go there [to Palace’s defence], by the time the ball’s thrown he can get there.”That is wrong, now Mainoo goes in front [and] of course what is Wan-Bissaka doing? Doing nothing there. ‘Shut up and get off the pitch’ fumes Carragher as he calls out ’embarrassing’ Man Utd flop after Palace thumping”He could easily go in there and Mainoo can go in there but again, leadership, organisation. Again no one taking responsibility.”And then Eriksen just gets thrown to the floor, Casemiro is just a joke, hasn’t he tonight? I mean, how does he run that far without anybody getting there?”Carragher was especially critical of Casemiro, who was playing out of position at centre-back amid United’s injury crisis that saw them losing Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.The analyst insisted that the defensive midfielder can’t continue at top-level football and should seriously consider moving to Saudi Arabia or the MLS this summer. More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand hides behind the sofa and turns off Palace thumping after being called out by Piers Morgan

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      ARSENAL fan Piers Morgan called Rio Ferdinand out on X yesterday as Manchester United were thumped 4-0 by Crystal Palace.It was United’s heaviest defeat this season, with Michael Olise adding Palace’s fourth just after the hour mark.Morgan took to X to poke fun at Rio FerdinandCredit: PAThe two engaged in a war of wordsCredit: PAUnited were lucky in the end not to lose by more, and Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan wasted no time in letting Ferdinand know about it.Arsenal fan Morgan took to X to post:”Hi mate, @rioferdy5 – you OK? #Tears4Rio”.Ferdinand hit back at Morgan straight away while also joking that he had been watching the game from “behind the sofa”.He wrote: “Hey #moobs. I’m behind the sofa ffs 🤦🏽‍♂️ Make sure ya tuck them moobs in ya long johns while jumping around and gloating over our embarrassing performance tho @piersmorgan 😘”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMorgan then replied saying: “I’d focus on the massive t*ts playing for your team mate..”Frustrated after seeing his team well beaten by Palace, Ferdinand then told his 11.6million X followers: “Going bed… night all 🤬”A delighted Morgan quoted that post and responded with: “🤣🤣🤣🤣”Morgan is enjoying having the bragging rights over United this season, with Arsenal currently top of the Premier League table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Gunners are currently on 83 points and sit one point ahead of Manchester City.City could overtake them though should they win their game in hand against Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerUnited, meanwhile, continue to plummet down the table and are now in eighth, outside of a European spot.They have been overtaken by Chelsea who continue to look revitalise under former Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.Morgan then continued to troll United fans ahead of The Red Devils and Arsenal facing off on Sunday.He wrote: “Oh no… at this rate Ten Hag will be sacked before Sunday. We need him still there. 🙏🙏🙏”I used to give Declan Rice compliments on the football pitch… I couldn’t help myself, says Troy DeeneyBy Troy Deeney
      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.
      Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.
      When he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.
      The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.
      And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.
      We would tell each other to ‘do one’ every now and again but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say, ‘Good touch, mate’.
      He had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.
      He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be.
      When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or, ‘Why him?’. It was more a sense of, ‘Yeah, that makes sense’.
      There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.
      Read Troy Deeney’s column in full. More

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      Fans stunned as time-travelling fan ‘saw the future’ with incredible Crystal Palace vs Man Utd prediction

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      FOOTIE fans have been left stunned by an insanely accurate prediction of Crystal Palace’s battering of Manchester United.The Red Devils’ season went from bad to worse as they were hammered at Selhurst Park on Monday night.Manchester United suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Crystal PalaceCredit: REXThe Red Devils were thumped 4-0 at Selhurst ParkCredit: REUTESA Palace fan correctly predicted the pummellingThe Eagles soared to a 4-0 win over a lacklustre United, who are on course for their LOWEST EVER Premier League points haul.And an optimistic fan of the South London club predicted the exact score FOUR HOURS before kick-off after learning of Bruno Fernandes’ absence.They wrote: “What stops us from beating United 4-0?”The tweet went viral after the final whistle and received a slew of comments, one of which read: “Unreal.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother said: “Bruh predicted the future.”And another said: “Bro saw the future.”One remarked: “Unreal bro.”And another chimed: “You have to be kidding me! Did you put a bet on?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne footie fan asked the Palace fan: “Lotto numbers?”Defeat at Selhurst Park has heaped even more pressure on the already under-fire Erik ten Hag, who remains adamant he’s the man to bring back the glory days to Old Trafford.Former Man Utd star reveals there were only TWO players who didn’t get Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous ‘hairdryer treatment’When asked if he’s the right person for the job, the Dutchman told Sky Sports: “Absolutely.”If the right players are available, we have a good squad.”We miss almost the whole backline and then we have problems.”I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do.”It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday’s game.”Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they host title-chasing Arsenal at Old Trafford.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Michael Owen – Has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Jamie Carragher tells Casemiro ‘this needs to stop’ and Man Utd flop needs to quit club after Crystal Palace horror show

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER launched a scathing attack on Casemiro last night after Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.It was a shocking performance all-round from the Red Devils but Carragher singled out Casemiro for criticism on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.Jamie Carragher suggested United should do what it takes to get rid of Casemiro this summerCredit: Sky SportsCasemiro was dribbled past eight times during the match, a record in the Premier League this seasonCredit: PAHe was embarrassingly dribbled past for Michael Olise’s brilliant first solo goal, which left him floored after attempting to tackle the winger.And in total, he was dribbled past eight times on the night, which is the most times a player has been beaten in a match in the Premier League this season.After the game, Carragher said it was time the midfielder “called it a day” on his glittering career.The former Liverpool man suggested the Brazil-man makes a move to the MLS or the Saudi league as he is, in his view, no longer a top level midfielder.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarragher said: “‘I said at half-time he’s [Ten Hag] got to bring Casemiro off. I know he’s got kids on the bench but I think Casemiro, deadly serious, should know himself tonight as an experienced player that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the [FA] cup final.”And he should be thinking ‘I need to go to the MLS or Saudi’. I’m deadly serious. He’s aging, the people around him they need to tell him this has to stop.”We are watching one of the greats of the modern time playing in one of the best midfields we’ve seen who dominated Europe. “Him holding, [Toni] Kroos to one side [Luka] Modric to the other was one of the best midfields. Could easily go up against the Barcelona midfield we all loved (with) [Sergio] Busquets, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. Most read in Football”He needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”@Carra23 believes Casemiro should be going to the MLS or Saudi after this season. pic.twitter.com/kHCGe8sUHq— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 6, 2024

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s been an absolute great. I am nowhere near on a level of what that man has achieved. Champions Leagues, playing for Brazil, playing for Real Madrid. “But I always remember something when I retired myself, there was a saying I always  remember as a footballer, “leave the football before the football leaves you”. Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson “The football has left him at this top level he needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”Casemiro was one of Erik ten Hag’s first statement signing and joined from Real Madrid for £70million in 2022.He is one of United’s top earners and believed to be on around £350,000-a-week.The midfielder brought a wealth of experience with him to United, having won five Champions League titles with Madrid and three Spanish leagues.But he will now no doubt be in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s crosshairs as the British businessman continues his overhaul of Manchester United this summer.Getting rid of him could prove to be tricky, given the fact he is on massive wages and still has two years left on his deal, with United still having the option to extend his contract by another year.Carragher suggested the club should look at tearing up Casmiro’s contract when he said: “He will have earned a right few quid, good luck to him. They pay him off and they do some sort of deal but the level of that player he should not be putting himself through this. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s too good of a player to put in a performance like that and be laughed at by Crystal Palace. He’s not playing Manchester City, he’s not playing Real Madrid, all due to Crystal Palace. “A man of that level should not be going through what he’s going through. He needs to call it a day.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Michael Owen – Has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Former Man Utd star reveals there were only TWO players who didn’t get Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous ‘hairdryer treatment’

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      ASHLEY YOUNG has revealed there were only two players at Manchester United who did not feel Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment.Young played under Ferguson in his final two seasons at Old Trafford, including the Premier League winning campaign in 2012/13.Ashley Young won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd he revealed he was one of two stars who did not receive the hairdryer treatmentCredit: AFPYoung was appearing on Sky Sports as Man Utd lost 4-0 to Crystal PalaceCredit: Sky SportsThe winger turned full-back who now plays for Everton was appearing on Sky Sports Monday Night Football when he made the revelation.Asked about Ferguson’s man-management skills, he said: “He knew his teams, he knew how to deal with every player. “Whether it was that they need the hairdryer or an arm round their shoulder.”Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher asked: “What one did you need?”READ MORE ON MAN UTDYoung, 38, replied: “Just an arm around my shoulder. “I think there was two players that didn’t get the hairdryer. “And that was me and Darren Fletcher, I think.”There might have been other players previous to my time but at them times I knew I didn’t need telling what to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I just needed an arm around the shoulder to go ‘right son this is what you need to do,’ and that was it.”Fletcher emerged from the club’s academy before going on to make 342 appearances for the Red Devils until 2015, when he left to join West Brom.Crystal Palace 4 Man Utd 0: Ten Hag one step closer to axe after ’embarrassing’ total capitulation against EaglesThe now 40-year-old won five league titles under Ferguson, along with the Champions League, the FA Cup and three League Cups.After retiring from the sport in 2020, Fletcher returned to Old Trafford and currently works as a technical director.Although reports in March suggested he would soon be handed a new title by the club’s new Ineos shareholders, with his role being more of a first-team liaison rather than a director.Meanwhile, Young stayed at Old Trafford until 2020 where he won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League before winning the Serie A title with Inter Milan in his first season in Italy.He returned to England with former club Aston Villa in 2021 before joining Everton in summer 2023.He has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Sean Dyche’s side this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESHis appearance on Sky Sports came as Man Utd were embarrassed 4-0 by Crystal Palace, with Young labelling the performance as “shambolic”.He said: “It’s shambolic. The way they’re set up is crazy. Players were not at the right level. Palace made it look like men against boys.”Darren Fletcher was another star Ferguson did not dish out the hairdryer toCredit: Getty Images – GettyKlopp copied Fergie’s ‘biggest mistake’ and it’s derailed his final season, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      JURGEN KLOPP was genuinely surprised to hear it, on the January day when he announced his intention to quit Liverpool at the end of the season.
      It was put to him that Sir Alex Ferguson had told his Manchester United players in the summer of 2001 that the coming season would be his last.
      Ferguson later performed a U-turn and stayed at Old Trafford for another 11 years.
      But the great Scot admitted that revealing his intentions had been the ‘biggest mistake I made’.
      “I think a lot of them put their tools away,” said Ferguson, “They thought, ‘Oh, the manager’s leaving’.”
      It was a part of English footballing history which Klopp knew nothing about and he raised his eyebrows when he was told about it.
      Liverpool were top of the Premier League, having lost only a single domestic match all season – and that a controversial VAR-infested affair at Tottenham.
      But their form has nosedived since, with dreams of a farewell quadruple long gone.
      And Klopp may well now be reflecting on the wisdom of his announcement.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full.
      Or check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Raging Erik ten Hag blasts Man Utd flops and says they ‘gave up’ in ‘worst defeat’ to Crystal Palace

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      ANGRY Erik ten Hag accused his Manchester United flops of “giving up” as he hit rock bottom at Crystal Palace.United target Michael Olise netted twice, sparking the humiliating rout with a solo stunner.Man Utd were embarrassed against Crystal Palace last nightCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag blasted his players for giving upCredit: AlamyJean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell added to boss Ten Hag’s misery.Asked if it was a new low in his United reign, Ten Hag replied: “Yes. Our worst defeat.“We should have kept fighting like the fans did.“It’s clear, this is underperforming. It’s by far not good enough. We are very disappointed.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“It’s a deserved defeat.“I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was by far not good enough and I have to take responsibility for that.”Former United star Ashley Young, who saw Palace complete their first-ever league double over the Red Devils, slammed his old team’s defending.He said: “It’s shambolic. The way they’re set up is crazy. Players were not at the right level. Palace made it look like men against boys.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport revealed last month that Ten Hag is set for the Old Trafford exit this summer.United have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions.Jamie Redknapp calls out Man Utd star for ‘looking like he’s playing in Soccer Aid’ in scathing assessmentAnd defeat at Selhurst Park leaves United eighth in the table — and on course for their worst-ever Prem finish.Asked if he was the right man to take the club forward, Ten Hag replied: “Absolutely.“If the right players are available then we have a good squad. But when we miss almost our entire backline then we have problems.“We have many problems. The only focus I have is to perform better with my team.“We have to put it right on Sunday against Arsenal.“All season, we have huge problems and by now, this is the fourth defeat in this calendar year, so that’s not a lot and every time, we had huge problems and many times, we sort it out.”It’s shambolic. The way they’re set up is crazy. Players were not at the right level. Palace made it look like men against boys.Ashley YoungSky SportsUnited fans stayed to applaud their players despite the shocking display.Young, now at Everton, said: “Those players do not deserve that, it is unbelievable support.”And Ten Hag added: “I was really grateful to the fans. They back us. They see also we have our problems. You have to stick together.”Under boss Oliver Glasner, Palace are unbeaten in five games the first time in two years — winning their last three.“The first-half performance wasn’t our top level. We gave them too many passes. It was an open game in the first half but we were efficient.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a great performance and a fantastic result.”Asked if he feared £60million-rated stars Olise and Eberechi Eze could leave this summer, team-mate Joachim Andersen said: “I’ll be praying the whole summer for them to stay, maybe send them a few messages.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      I’ve been banned by Man Utd seven times – latest media block reminds me of hotel spat I had with Sir Alex Ferguson

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      MUCH consternation recently at the news that three football writers were denied the chance to ask Erik ten Hag a question over three consecutive press conferences.The dismay did not stretch to myself despite being one of those placed briefly on the naughty step.Erik ten Hag recently banned three journalists from asking questions at his pre-match press conferenceCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson also used to place journos on the naughty stepCredit: GETTYI don’t agree with such ‘punishments’ for stories or opinions but Ten Hag has had to take a bucketload this season and has never been anything but polite and helpful.So if he wanted to do something to have a go back for once, no problem.It’s all sorted now and everyone is friends again.Having been brought up on Sir Alex Ferguson press conferences and downright unfair bans of varying lengths, SEVEN in my case, you become immune to middle-aged men having a hissy fit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecent events reminded me of a lovely warm day at the Haydock Thistle Hotel some years back, where North-West based managers and writers were all invited to lunch.Sir Alex was there on the main table laughing, singing and generally holding court when simultaneously all the writers’ phones bleeped with a message from United’s “no communication department”.He had no doubt arranged for it to be sent bang in the middle of the lunch informing us all that relations would be suspended forthwith.Our crime was to use his words from a local radio interview he had done that week and the controversial comments he made within it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWe were all fuming so, when he got up to leave I followed him out of the luncheon suite.As I ranted about how unfair his actions were, he ignored me and walked on ahead, entering another room.Erik ten Hag called out for ‘embarrassing’ Man Utd selection and admits ‘nothing could be worse’ than bold pickI followed, still ranting, but he kept his back to me and looked down silently.Was he having a rethink as his gaze remained concentrated, his head stooped?No, he was having a wee! We had entered the gents but, in my own hissy fit, I hadn’t quite realised.I’m not sure what the hotel guest two urinals down made of it but how absurd the whole scene must have appeared.Defeated and deflated, I returned to the luncheon where the free red wine got a hammering and I sulked.There would be more such incidents, told and retold to this day with laughter.I always say covering United when Sir Alex was boss was like a stay at Fawlty Towers — not particularly comfortable but certainly unforgettable.Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t afraid to ban journalistsCredit: GettyThirty years without SennaTHE anniversary never loses its sense of sadness.It was 30 years ago last week that three-time F1 champ Ayrton Senna lost his life at Imola, aged 34.The steering column on his Williams breaking is the most likely explanation as to what went wrong, as he entered the Tamburello corner and went straight into the wall.A piece of metal in the car pierced his helmet and skull above his eye. An inch either side and he walks away.There was a 2010 documentary called simply Senna, put together from footage you may never have seen. It’s like being there and bearing witness to his short life.It is the greatest thing I have seen in a cinema.Find it, watch it, and if you fail to shed a tear in the final ten minutes, you are not human.Ayrton Senna passed away 30 years agoCredit: AFPWorld Cup manager passes awaySAD to hear of the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, manager of the Argentina side that won the World Cup on home turf in 1978.It was the first World Cup I properly remember.The vagaries of a strange group system up to the final meant Argentina had to beat Peru in their last game by four goals to reach the final and deny Brazil their place against Holland. They won 6-0.Even at the age of ten, I found this strange, until I later learned representatives of Argentina’s military junta had been in the tunnel ahead of kick-off and unproven rumours of bribes followed.It was the first time I realised sport is not all that it should be.Former Argentina manager Cesar Luis Menotti recently passed awayCredit: PA:Empics SportCrucible memoriesTHESE past two weeks watching events unfold at the Crucible brought back great memories of when I covered the tournament in the mid-90s.Nothing to do with what happened on the perfectly ironed green baize but instead the sport’s own version of off-piste, or totally on the piste as it turned out.Sponsored by Embassy at the time, I have never covered an event with so much free ‘tabs and booze’, as we say in the North East.Each day would end in the early hours in a place called ‘The Woopsie room’ upstairs in The Crucible, which was really supposed to be where the WPBSA entertained guests.The best night was ‘judgment night’ when media representatives were brought before the association’s chairman and former world champion John Spencer and tournament director Ann Yates.Spencer would be dressed in swimwear, a towelling robe, snorkel and paddles and the accused would be placed on a high chair in a paddling pool.All would be found guilty of trumped-up charges and then, despite being dressed in a smart suit, would be blasted with a high-velocity water pistol to the delight of the assailant Spencer.One colleague, after a long day at the coal face, had a late-night altercation with a fellow scribe and awoke with no memory of what had happened that previous evening.Word got to Yates, who arranged for the make-up department to paint a black eye on the person he had argued with.Returning the next day he was aghast at the injury he had inflicted on a friend who was sat there waiting for him.READ MORE SUN STORIESThings got worse when Spencer called him in to a meeting to say he would be banned forthwith from covering the tournament.He was nearly crying, as was everyone else, when the gag was revealed as Yates wiped the makeup off his giggling mate.John Spencer was quite the characterCredit: GETTY More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Casemiro has worst night in a Red Devils shirt as Jonny Evans embarrassed by ruthless Palace

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were ripped apart by Michael Olise as their European hopes took a huge dent at Selhurst Park.Erik Ten Hag had a makeshift back four in South London and his side were suffering the consequences almost instantly.Man Utd were hammered 4-0 at Crystal PalaceCredit: AlamyOlise sliced through an absent midfield, shrugging off Christian Eriksen, before embarrassing stand-in centre back Casemiro.The Frenchman charged down the remaining defenders before finishing calmly into the bottom corner.Jean-Philippe Mateta made it two before the break thanks to more chaotic defending, the striker leaving Jonny Evans in a spin before blasting past Andre Onana at the near post.There was nothing in terms of a response from United after the break.READ MORE ON man utdTyrick Mitchell chipped in with his second of the season to make it three before Olise grabbed his second with an absolute stunner, set up by Daniel Munoz after he had robbed Casemiro of the ball.Here is how SunSport rated the United players…Andre Onana – 5Will have been disappointed to concede at his near post for each of Mateta’s strike and Olise’s second, though they were both fantastic hits.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMade some good stops in the second half, especially in denying Eberchi Eze and Will Hughes.Most read in FootballDiogo Dalot – 5Pinned back by Eberechi Eze for most of the evening and offered next to nothing going forwards.Erik ten Hag called out for ‘embarrassing’ Man Utd selection and admits ‘nothing could be worse’ than bold pickDalot also struggled when having to move across and fill in for the chaotic central defensive pairing, who were all over the show.Diogo Dalot offered next to nothing going forwardCredit: GettyCasemiro – 3His worst night in a Manchester United shirt.The Brazilian was dropped into central defence once more but early on left a huge hole as Olise opened the scoring.Casemiro charged out to stop the Frenchman but was left on his backside by the former Reading man, leaving the back four exposed.It got worse in the second half when he conceded possession far too easily in the build up to Olise’s stunning second.Casemiro had his worst night in a United shirtCredit: PAJonny Evans – 4Another to be embarrassed by a Palace forward. Mateta is hardly the most mobile of Premier League strikers but moved past Evans with complete ease.Never looked comfortable alongside Casemiro.Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5Not a very happy return to SE25 for Palace academy graduate Wan-Bissaka.The full-back was deployed on the left to keep Olise quiet – which didn’t quite go to plan while he was harried by his energetic opposite number Daniel Munoz throughout.Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not have a very happy return to SE25Credit: ReutersKobbie Mainoo – 5With Gareth Southgate watching on from the stands the Mainoo hype-train hit the buffers.Mainoo struggled to get a grip in midfield and was sloppy on the ball at times.Christian Eriksen – 4The former Tottenham man lacked any sort of presence in midfield.Brushed off by Olise for the opener, Eriksen offered very little when it came to trying to stop Palace and even less in terms of going forwards.Antony – 4Not a lot for his personal snapper to get excited about this evening…Rarely took on his full-back, Mitchell, and offered little help defensively as Palace ran riot at times.Antony offered little help defensively as Palace ran riot at timesCredit: PAMason Mount – 5A first start in any competition for the former Chelsea man since November, and boy did it look like it.Mount as always put the effort in but was ineffective on the ball and, playing as a No10, offered little in terms of cover for the two midfielders behind him.Alejandro Garnacho – 5A shadow of the player everyone knows he can be at Selhurst Park.Took the easy option on the ball far too often, never coming close to causing problems for Munoz at right-back.Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were vacant up frontCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund – 5Limited supply from those behind him but offered very little in terms of hold up play, especially compared to the marvellous Mateta at the other endSubstitutesSofyan Amrabat (on for Antony, 60’) – 5Brought on to shore things up a 3-0, with Palace going on to grab a fourth not long after.Amrabat’s only contribution of note was for a challenge on Olise.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmad Diallo (on for Mount, 80’) – n/aEthan Wheatley (on for Hojlund, 80’)- n/aPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More