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    Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammering

    ERIK TEN HAG said he needs time to build his new-look Manchester United and claimed: I’m not Harry Potter.The Red Devils’ disappointing start to the new campaign continued as they were thumped 3-0 at home by rivals Liverpool.Manuel Ugarte was presented to Man Utd fans todayCredit: AlamyHowever, Erik ten Hag suggested it could take months for him to get up to full fitnessCredit: AlamyUgarte said the £51m midfielder had to build up his fitnessCredit: GettyAnd the Dutch boss moaned there is no magic wand he can wave and he should be judged at the end of the campaign.He said: “It’s just the third game in the season, we have to build a new team. We have young players, we had three players making their first start of the season, they didn’t play 90 minutes.”New £50.8million midfielder Manuel Ugarte was introduced to fans before the game, while summer signings Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee started.Ten Hag said: “With Ugarte, we have to build him into the team.It will take time, so it’s not like I’m Harry Potter. That is what you have to acknowledge.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play so far in the season. Not one match minute. “So he needs to build his fitness rate and then we have to build him in the team and I am sure he will contribute to our level and he will be an important player but that will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months.”And it counts for more players. Joshua Zirkzee, he made big steps the last three or four weeks, I am very pleased with his performance today but I didn’t expect this four weeks ago.“It was the first start of De Ligt, first start of Zirkzee, also for Alejandaro Garnacho this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We still have some players not available.“We will be fine but it is clear we have to improve.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool“In two years, we took two prizes and in the end of the season I am quite confident we will have a big chance to lift another.“The opponent is probably a little bit further in certain areas but we will catch up and come back.“I don’t want to talk about good things. We lost 3-0. We have to stand up and bounce back.“We made two big mistakes and Liverpool took them really well.”United will be in a rush to get 23-year-old Ugarte fit after Casemiro had another day to forget.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?Amadou 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.SubsTom 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.He gave the ball away in the build-up to Liverpool’s first two goals.Ten Hag hooked the veteran Brazilian at half-time and replaced him with 20-year-old rookie Toby Collyer.And the Dutchman was forced to deny reports Casemiro, 32, went HOME during the second half.Ten Hag said: “I met him after the game, so he didn’t leave.“The reason I subbed him was because we are 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool. It is what the team needed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked if there were positives from the defeat, Ten Hag added: “There are some but I don’t want to talk about this.“It hurts — especially for our fans. We have to be humble and move on.” More

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    Man Utd fans fume Erik ten Hag is ‘sacking himself’ with two ‘nonsense’ decisions in disastrous Liverpool clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left believing Erik ten Hag is “sacking himself”.The criticism comes after two decisions made by the manager during their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.Man Utd fans did not agree with two major decisions from Erik ten Hag against LiverpoolCredit: PAOne of the decisions fans took issue with was the decision to hook Alejandro Garnacho for Amad DialloCredit: GettyA brace from Luis Diaz and a second half strike from Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool capitalise on on two errors from Casemiro and one from Kobbie Mainoo.Ten Hag had rolled the dice at the break by hooking Casemiro from the middle of the pitch and replacing him with 20-year-old Toby Collyer.However, with the score 3-0 in the 69th minute, the Dutchman rolled the dice again to try and find a way back into the game.Matthijs de Ligt and Alejandro Garnacho were both taken off for Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, fans online believed the decisions were not the correct ones.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Maguire for De Ligt…..incredible. “Garnacho for Amad… Ten Hag is sacking himself with this nonsense favouritism.”A second said: “Absolutely shocking substitutions.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “How do u do a CB substitute when u looking for goals.”The home crowd also made their view of the subs known when they booed Garnacho’s substitution.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against LiverpoolDe Ligt was on a yellow card at the time of the substitution, while Garnacho had had a particularly poor game as outlined by SunSport’s Man Utd player ratings.And Garnacho’s stats showed that the Red Devils boss may well have made the right decision in an attacking sense.The Argentine made just four forward passes during the game at Old Trafford.Speaking after the match, Ten Hag fumed that player errors had cost the team, before bizarrely declaring he was “not Harry Potter” as he spoke about the fitness of some players going into the game.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?Amadou 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.SubsTom 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.He said: “It is not like I am Harry Potter. You have to acknowledge that. For three players it was their first start of the season.”Manuel Ugarte did not play one minute – he needs to build his fitness. “Then we have to build him into the team. I am sure he will contribute to our team. “It will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months. That is the same for a lot of players.”Frontman Joshua Zirkzee was one of the trio making their first starts of the season.The former Bologna ace had two huge chances to score from close range provided by delightful Marcus Rashford in-swinging crosses, but was unable to convert either.Meanwhile, another new signing, Manuel Ugarte, was presented to the fans before allegedly leaving for Uruguay duty.Ten Hag added: “I don’t want to talk about positives today. This defeat hurts for us and our fans.”It is the third game of the season. I have had to explain this so many times. We have to build a new team. We will be fine but it is clear we have to improve.”At the end of the season I am quite confident we will have a big chance to lift another trophy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match left Sir Jim Ratcliffe with his head in his hands.United next play against newly-promoted Southampton away from home after the international break. More

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    Incredible stats show Mo Salah is king of Old Trafford as Liverpool star puts yet more misery in to Man Utd

    NO-ONE loves a trip to the Theatre more than Mo Salah.But sadly for Manchester United he’s a bigger haunter of Dreams than Freddie Krueger.Mo Salah had a ball at Man Utd again, netting in Liverpool’s 3-0 winCredit: ReutersThe Liverpool striker added to his astonishing stats at Old Trafford by rounding off Sunday’s 3-0 rampage with a swaggering sidefoot.The 32-year-old has now scored in each of his last seven visits to the Theatre of Dreams.And just like evil Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street horror movies, he keeps coming back for more when you might expect he is finished.But Salah’s seven ‘hell for United is rivalled by his other jaw-dropping facts ‘n figures at Old Trafford.The Egyptian even sits joint fifth in a list of ALL scorers in all competitions at the famous ground since January 24 2021.United academy product Marcus Rashford, on 31, and 29-goal Bruno Fernandes are way out in front over that period.But the only other men Salah trails are legend-of-legends Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 17, and Scott McTominay, with 13.Salah sits on 10 alongside Anthony Martial – a feat that highlights his ruthless record at Liverpool’s biggest rivals but also United’s problems in attack.Most read in FootballSalah swept home Liverpool’s third goal at Old Trafford on SundayCredit: AlamyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans are crowning the former Roma star the king of Old Trafford.And even one United supporter posted: “He owns us.”‘Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionSalah shines when facing the Red Devils at Anfield too – meaning he’s been involved in more goals against United in the Prem than any other player, with 11 strikes and six assists in all.So he makes as well as takes goals – including supplying both for Luis Diaz in the first half of his weekend wonder show.That leaves another intriguing record on the horizon for Salah this season, having already notched 160 goals and 72 assists in 266 top-flight games since arriving at Anfield in 2017.He’s risen to second in the all-time Prem table for the number of times he’s scored and assisted in the same match.United icon Wayne Rooney did it 36 times, with Salah on 33, one clear of Thierry Henry.If he does pass Rooney, what a fitting way to bow out of Liverpool next summer – something he admitted on Sunday he might do.Taking goals, making history, staking a claim for GOAT status – all the world’s a stage for such a masterly performer, even one who is never more at home than when he’s away at the Theatre of Dreams.He’s now netted in seven successive games at the Theatre of DreamsCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Absolute poet’ Peter Drury leaves fans divided with ‘unnecessary’ pun live on Sky Sports after Man Utd vs Liverpool

    SKY SPORTS commentator Peter Drury took social media by storm with a comical pun after the Premier League derby between Liverpool and Manchester United.Drury, 56, covered the Reds’ 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford.Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury went viral with a comical punCredit: AlamyDrury made a pun about Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s successful startThe Merseysiders’ winning streak under new manager Arne Slot was extended to three games, while goalkeeper Alisson kept a third clean sheet in a row.Drury appeared to get a little carried away amid Liverpool’s stunning start to the campaign as he went on to praise Slot.And the journalist decided to have a little fun with the use of an innocent pun.Drury said: “The Slot machine has paid out its first big jackpot.”Read More on FootballThat pun left fans divided as they stormed social media immediately after.One fan tweeted: “Peter Drury man. That’s unnecessary.”Another commented: “Even by Peter Drury’s own standards he needs locking up for that pun.”A third wrote: “Peter Drury you beauty.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis fan said: “Where does Peter Drury drag these out from. Unreal.”And that one posted: “Peter Drury is an absolute poet.”Sky Sports News interrupt Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s spa day live on TV to get Man Utd vs Liverpool predictionsLiverpool are second in the Premier League table with the exact same points as leaders Manchester City who are ahead on goals scored. More

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    Man Utd 0 Liverpool 3: Erik ten Hag humiliated by Dutch counterpart Arne Slot as Reds give finishing masterclass

    ERIK TEN HAG is convinced he will get his message across eventually, but is it all double Dutch.There are enough of them from Holland in the coaching staff and on the pitch.Luis Diaz netted a first half brace against Man UtdCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah put United to the sword to make it 3-0 after bagging two assistsCredit: EPACasemiro had a game to forget and was hooked at half-timeCredit: RexErik ten Hag’s side were second best throughout the clashCredit: GettyBut the only man orchestrating a beautiful game from the Netherlands here at Old Trafford was his opposite number Arne Slot.This was a humiliation for Manchester United, a masterclass in ruthless efficiency from Liverpool.Ten Hag said before the game that Slot had inherited a team already up and running, and his task had, therefore, been much easier than his own.Yet in three games you can already see how he has stamped his character on the team.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile Jurgen Klopp’s heavy metal football was all thrills and spills this is a much more controlled style that has now brought three wins from three with seven goals scored and non conceded.Luis Diaz got two of them in the first half assisted both times by Mohammed Salah.What a game Salah had. The Egyptian would get on the scoresheet himself with a second-half strike taking his record tally in this fixture to 15.It could have been more, United were woeful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan 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?Amadou 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.SubsTom 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.This was as bad as anything we saw in the league last season as the team stumbled to a record low Premier League position of eighth.There are new players, new coaches, a new management structure and, it was thought, a new hope but it is the same United that has stumbled from season to season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face MourinhoThe odd piece of silverware offers brief glimpses of what can be, and Ten Hag has two of them, but there are too many humbling days like these.It was an absolutely shocking first period for United as Liverpool played the ball through them at will.The Red Devils by contrast were relying on hopeful breaks in which the last pass always fell short.Only one shot on goal in that whole period.Liverpool thought they were ahead after only six minutes with a slick move that warned of what was to come.Ryan Gravenberch stormed diagonally across the Old Trafford surface unchallenged before feeding the ball out wide to Diaz.His cross shot through the six yard box getting a flick from Salah on the way and Trent Alexander-Arnold was there at the far post to fire goalwards.It looked for a moment that Diogo Dalot had blocked it but his clearance was from behind the line and Liverpool celebrated.While Alex-Arnold was onside, Salah had not been when he made the flick and the goal was cancelled out for offside.The cheer that greeted the decision was the high spot for United fans.That and a crunching tackle from Lisandro Martinez on Dominik Szoboszlai which earned him a booking.That told you everything about what United were offering.Liverpool meanwhile had their fans chanting in delight throughout a thoroughly one-sided opening period.It was personal disaster for Casemiro who was at fault for both Liverpool goals before the break.He looks leaner and fitter than this time last season but he just gives the ball away too much, or has it taken of him. He did both here and it was no surprise when he was hooked at the break to allow Toby Collyer to make his Premier League debut at the age of 20.The home fans were more than delighted about that change after what they had witnessed from the five-time Champions League winner. Really? Five times, him?First in the 35th minute the Brazilian’s loose pass was picked up by Gravenberch who fed Salah and his chipped cross was met by a thumping header from Diaz at the far post.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.The same combination brought about the second as this time Casemiro was too easily dispossessed 30 yards out by Diaz.The ball ran loose, Alexis Mac Allister picked it up and gave it back to Diaz to spread wide for Salah to return with the outside of his boot.What a cross it was and what a first time finish from the Colombian international fizzing a curling shot into the bottom right hand corner.When not long before half time new signing Matthijs de Ligt just smashed the ball aimlessly forward the boss began to ring out from the Red Devils faithful.The frustration continued in the second-half which began with at least a shot from new striker Joshua Zikrzee which was well saved by Alison.United’s heads would drop when Liverpool extended their lead in the 56th minute.Again the home side contributed to their own downfall when this time Kobbie Mainoo was too easily nudged off the ball just over half way by Mac Allister.Give them a slight opening and this Liverpool just pounce.Mac Allister fed Szoboszlai who helped it into the path of Salah for an exquisite first time finish.He nearly had another moments later with a shot to the far corner which was deflected just wide.‘Liverpool, Liverpool taking the p***’ was the chant from the away end and it was hard to argue.The crowd were starting to get on Rashford’s back before he produced a cross that Zirkzee headed goalwards, Alisson again denying him.When Ten Hag subbed Alejandro Garnacho for Amad Diallo on 69 minutes it would then be the boss getting it in the neck.READ MORE SUN STORIESBy the final whistle the ground was half-empty.In one corner the Liverpool fans just kept on singing.Sir Jim Ratcliffe had his head in his hands as United fell to defeatCredit: AFPJoshua Zirkzee had two great chances to score but could not find his finishing bootsCredit: Getty More

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    Manuel Ugarte unveiled at Old Trafford but then ‘leaves immediately without staying to watch Man Utd loss to Liverpool’

    MANUEL UGARTE was unveiled at Old Trafford in front of the Manchester United fans but reportedly did not stay to watch their defeat to Liverpool.The 23-year-old completed a £51million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.Manuel Ugarte was unveiled at Old TraffordCredit: GettyUgarte said it was a ‘dream’ to be at UnitedCredit: GettyBut he then allegedly left before watching the match against Liverpool to link up with UruguayCredit: PAFollow the latest news from Man Utd vs Liverpool with our LIVE BLOGIt came after he was not registered in time to face United’s arch enemy Liverpool, so was simply presented in front of the home crowd.Taking to social media following the announcement, Ugarte shared photos of him holding a Red Devils shirt on the pitch.He said: “It’s a dream to be here. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Incredible atmosphere at our house. “Let’s make it a great season together.”However, according to beIN SPORTS commentators, Ugarte did not stick around to watch his new team-mates get battered 3-0 by Liverpool.Instead, the midfielder allegedly left to link up with Uruguay for international duty.Most read in FootballThe South American nation have a friendly against Guatemala at midnight tonight.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then have two World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Venezuela on September 7 and 10.The decision to leave seemed somewhat strange, particularly with international team-mate Darwin Nunez featuring in the game at Old Trafford before departing for international duty.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against LiverpoolAfter the game got underway, fans were begging for Ugarte to make an appearance in place of Casemiro after the Brazilian had a first-half horror show with two mistakes leading directly to goals for the visitors.Writing on social media, one fan said: “Our board have massively dropped the ball on his signing in terms of timing, should have been completed weeks ago.”A second said: “This is what happens when you leave Ugarte to the end of the window and ignore 3 tough opening fixtures.”A third added: “Why did we f*** around so much with registering Ugarte for this game? Small details like this make a MASSIVE difference.”Casemiro was replaced at half-time by 20-year-old United academy product Toby Collyer. More

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    Former Man Utd star slams Erik ten Hag transfer decision and fumes ‘it’s difficult to replace him’

    NEMANJA MATIC has criticised Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay.The Scotland international, 27, joined Napoli at the end of the summer transfer window in a £25million deal.Nemanja Matic, left, has criticised Manchester United selling Scott McTominayCredit: GettyErik ten Hag has admitted he did not want to get rid of McTominayCredit: RexIt came as midfielder Manuel Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain for £50m.But Matic, who played 189 games for Man Utd across a five-year spell, feels Red Devils chiefs have made an error selling his former team-mate McTominay to Antonio Conte’s Napoli.Speaking on X, he said: “My opinion is that #manutd made a mistake by selling Scott McTominay, today it is difficult to replace a player like him.”Conte is smart man 👍.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatic’s comments come after manager Erik ten Hag admitted he did not want to sell McTominay and end the midfielder’s 22-year affiliation with the club.However, the way Profit and Sustainability Rules are set up means academy players are more valuable assets as they are classed as “pure profit”.Following McTominay’s departure, Ten Hag said: “It is a little bit mixed, I am very happy for him but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him.”He is Manchester United in everything, he was so important for Manchester United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcTominay scored seven Premier League goals last season”He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately it is the rules.”Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it is a good deal.Chelsea confirm the signing of Jadon Sancho on loan from Man Utd”Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us.”McTominay was promoted into the first team in April 2017 and went on to play 255 times for the club, scoring 39 goals.He had been associated with Man Utd since the age of five, but now joins ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte at 2022/23 Serie A champions Napoli. More

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    Chris Smalling to make shock Roma exit with former Man Utd star to have medical before ending five-year spell in Italy

    CHRIS SMALLING is on the brink of ending his Italian love affair, it’s been claimed.The former England defender joined Serie A big boys Roma from Manchester United in October 2019 for a fee of £18million.Chris Smalling joined Roma in October 2019 from Manchester UnitedCredit: REXThe defender is reportedly on the verge of moving to the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GETTYSmalling breathed new life into his career in the Italian capital, making 155 appearances for the Giallorossi.But he’s set to move on to new pastures in the coming days as a move to the Saudi Pro League on the brink of coming to fruition.Smalling, who has one year left on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico – is reportedly on course to join Al-Fayha.The centre-back is set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of the move.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSSmalling was restricted to a mere 12 appearances for Daniele De Rossi’s side last season due to injury.His lack of football last season sparked speculation he could leave Rome this summer.But the veteran defender revealed to fans he was eager to extend his stay at the club.When pressed about his future, he said: “I would like to stay at Roma.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInjury restricted Chris Smalling to just 12 appearances in all competitions last seasonCredit: GettyJust a few weeks earlier, he said: “I’m feeling good.”It’s no secret I’ve missed a lot of games this season, which is unusual for me. Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injury”I am feeling fit, ready to contribute.””The ultras saw off the team with fireworks, flares, flags and chants at the Trigoria training ground this afternoon.“There are very few clubs in the world who have a fanbase that can do things like that.” More