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    ‘It’s pointless to continue’ – Andre Onana sensationally told to QUIT Man Utd by ex-star after nightmare errors

    ANDRE ONANA should leave Manchester United if he fails to arrest his nightmare run of form.That is the verdict of former Old Trafford misfit Massimo Taibi, who went down in Red Devils folklore for a massive howler against Southampton’s Matt Le Tissier in 1999.Andre Onana should leave Man Utd according to one former Red DevilCredit: GettyOnana has made a number of errors in recent weeks including allowing a goal straight in from a cornerCredit: GettyThe verdict comes from ex-United goalie Massimo TaibiCredit: PA:Press AssociationTaibi was famous for allowing a Matt Le Tissier shot to squirm under him in 1999Cameroonian keeper Onana, 28, has had plenty of flak following a string of errors since his arrival from Inter Milan in July 2023. The bloopers culminated in a Boxing Day shocker when he was beaten direct from a Matheus Cunha corner in the defeat at Wolves.And ex-keeper Taibi, 54, reckons Onana might be better off resurrecting his career away from United.He said: “I’d be straight to the point and tell him, ‘Andre, you are one of the best keepers in Europe but in the Premier League, you are under- performing. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Block out criticism, do some soul-searching, press the reset and go again. And if things don’t change by June, move on’.“I think subconsciously the United environment isn’t ideal for him and when a marriage is showing cracks, it’s pointless to continue.“Sometimes things don’t work out at a team and it’s best to go separate ways, which would not be a failure. “For me he’s a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he can’t show his skills because he is not cut out for the English game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“He’s only suited to the Prem when it comes to his ball-playing ability and structure.”Taibi — who allowed Le Tissier’s long-range shot to go through his legs, into the net — believes Onana would excel in Italy or France.Francis Ngannou tackles Andre Onana to floor moments after Man Utd’s win over Bodo-GlimtAhead of tomorrow’s visit from Newcastle, he added: “Andre’s a better fit for an Italian or French team. For English football you need a goalkeeper who is more imposing, regularly comes off his line using his fists and with a different saving technique.“In his place I’d not have left Inter, where he was a big-shot. He made a calculated risk thinking he would slot in seamlessly at Manchester United but it backfired.“But even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations he remains a top keeper, one of the best in Europe.”MASSIMO TAIBI: Onana faces a tough task to win over fans now EXCLUSIVE by ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONEMASSIMO TAIBI has warned error-prone Manchester United keeper Andre Onana it is “one hell of task” to come back from the dead once people have written you off.Ex-Red Devils keeper Taibi, 54, even joked the under-fire Cameroon ace should pop up with a GOAL every now and then to bury the memory of his howlers.In two defeats this month, Onana was at fault for a Morgan Gibbs-White goal from long range for Nottingham Forest and for conceding directly from a corner kick from Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.Taibi, infamous for letting a harmless shot from Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier squirm under his body and in at Old Trafford in 1999, said: “He can only erase a mistake from collective consciousness with ten to 15 top performances.“If his howlers are still be a major talking point it’s because he has done nothing to wipe them away.“A keeper sets himself apart as mentally he is normally the strongest. If a striker misses five chances he still gets acclaimed but a goalkeeper who drops a clanger will be crucified for months.“To get out of that is possible — but it is one hell of a task. It’s normal some things stay inside Onana as he’s human. It can affect him but shouldn’t knock him down completely.“A keeper can’t play at the top level if he doesn’t have the ability to let things wash over him — composure is crucial.”Onana, signed in a £47.2million deal last year from Inter Milan, made a number of high-profile blunders last season.He let a weak Leroy Sane shot beat him in a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich, made a dreadful pass that led to a red card for team-mate Casemiro against Galatasaray, and allowed a weak Mathias Jensen shot to go under his body against Brentford.Taibi said: “Last year he had a poor season but it looked as if he’d recovered.“But sometimes when you get off to a bad start at a new club, even if then you play many blinders, the first mistake you make again they rub it in your face.“At every cock-up, people will point the finger at him due to the amount of errors he made last year. The roots of this season’s problems go all the way back to last term when his stock fell.”Taibi reckons a goal he scored with a header for Reggina in 2001 has helped fans forget his 1999 shocker.He said: “I get remembered for the goal I scored for Reggina otherwise I’d only be remembered for my United howler. A keeper who scores is out of the ordinary, especially in the 2000s.“Higuita is remembered for his scorpion kick and nobody remembers Chilavert for his saves but only for scoring free-kicks.“While Zenga, the best goalkeeper in the world for many years, is often remembered for that Caniggia error at Italia 90. It’s the tough law of a goalkeeper that you cannot change.”Onana has copped lots of flak but Taibi says he is messing up in a particular way.The Italian explained: “We can only talk about a ‘clanger’ if you get off your line and miss the ball or when you let a long-ranger squeeze through your hands and when you drop an easy shot.“But his are positional mistakes. For the corner, he should have stood a bit further forward.“He may have underestimated the trajectory of the ball because it’s unlikely to put the ball where Cunha has from that position.“And for Gibbs-White, he saw that he was getting his shot away and therefore anticipated the movement and when he saw the ball it was too late.“This normally would not have been picked on if he had played ten to 15 great games. But given he’s under heavy scrutiny, mistakes like this are magnified.”Onana, 28, often alternates worldie saves with his bloopers.Taibi warned: “Pulling off a miraculous save is easier than making a routine one as it’s you who makes it look easy when you collect the ball. “But for miraculous ones, if you succeed you’re a genius and if you don’t it’s not your fault anyway.“Keepers sometimes underestimate the so-called ‘easy’ ones. Slipping is avoidable if you’re more careful and maybe he’d have saved it had he made a backwards step.“It’s easier to keep out an impossible shot than being focused for 95 minutes! A split-second distraction can be fatal.”And Taibi joked United fans would “hit” him if they were to meet.He added: “I should never concede through my legs but I slipped while I was diving. If I hadn’t it would never have nestled through the way it has.“I’ve never been back to Old Trafford since I left and never met Le Tissier again.“I’d like to return one day but I don’t think the fans would recognise me. Well let’s hope so as if they do they will hit me!“My only regret is they made me look like someone who left because he failed. I had a four-year contract and nobody pushed me out. “I had private problems, my wife walked out on me, returning to Italy with my two kids on Christmas Eve.“I made a rushed decision based on how lonely I was. If I had my time again I’d have faced my problems in England.“Being branded a ‘flop’ and the worst keeper in Premier League history irks me even today as it’s a wrong assessment.“You cannot judge a keeper on four games, of which two were good performances! I played for Manchester United, you only do so if you were a great player.” More

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    Amorim always knew Man Utd was a huge mess… but Ratcliffe’s ‘football committee’ could be the biggest of the lot

    CARDS maxed to the limit, a fortune spent on stuff that seemed a bright idea but will just lie around cluttering up the place.Unwanted tat you’re stuck with as no one else wants it either. Ruben Amorim is giving Man Utd an identity but must rebuildCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen and Co slumped 2-0 at Wolves on Boxing DayCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe’s football committee at Man Utd looks like a bigger joke than anything that came out of a Christmas crackerCredit: PAWondering whatever possessed you to think it was good value in the first place.The story of the festive season for households across the nation. The story of the past ten seasons for Manchester United.One which means even though they seem to have found a suitable successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at last, he is having to do the job with both hands tied behind his back.So much for all those boasts of how cock-ups were a thing of the past now Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s much-vaunted football committee was running the show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeriously, Sir Jim? That already looks a bigger joke than anything which tumbled out of a cracker.This is a regime which arrived 12 months  ago with chest-beating promises that United would be title contenders in three years.But right now is more likely to be remembered for their role in one of  the most unforgivable chapters in the history of England’s biggest club.Reckon that is overplaying the  seriousness of the situation at Old Trafford? Well, scratch beneath the surface a little and see what you think.Most read in FootballUnited keeper Andre Onana let in a goal direct from a corner at WolvesCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe biggest and most obvious clanger of all was fudging Erik ten Hag’s future last summer. And then managing to trump themselves by compounding it even further.First co-owner Sir Jim, right-hand man Dave Brailsford and the rest of the brains trust decided Erik wasn’t so bad after all — having spent months wildly thrashing around in vain for a better option. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconNot many truly believed it with any serious conviction — maybe not even the committee themselves — but the FA Cup final win in May gave them a platform to argue so.For all it was great to beat Manchester City, there’s a case to suggest it was the worst thing that could’ve happened. Crystal clear waters became muddied.Defeat at Wembley would certainly have seen off the manager. Instead Sir Jim’s boys not only stuck with Ten Hag, but then let him spend more than £170million on new recruits.Until late October, when reality could be ignored no longer and they swung the axe. At last a unanimous verdict . . . no disputing this decision.Most fans agreed the next one was spot on, too. In Ruben Amorim, United, after 11 error-riddled years, finally had the manager they craved.One whose personality, character, presence and belief is as big as the sporting institution paying his wages. Results alone wouldn’t scream as much, for sure. They are no better than Ten Hag’s early days at Old Trafford.But already Amorim is giving United an identity again. Already there is a system in mind. His predecessor couldn’t manage either in over two years.The problem, though, is the manager needs the tools to do the job . . . and there aren’t many — of the right kind at least — to work with.There is an urgent demand for new faces. But that demands departures which, in turn, demands finding buyers. And there is no queue for Old Trafford cast-offs.Of the players Amorim inherited, you could say with any certainty only Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and, probably, Bruno Fernandes are out  of bounds.This is a rebuild of knock-it-down, start-from-scratch proportions… demanding ultimate stick-with-it patience.Plus possibly £42m summer signing Leny Yoro — if only for the reason his injury-delayed start means he hasn’t played enough to pass judgment.Yet so many of the rest simply aren’t up to it —  Amorim has swiftly  realised it, too. He knew United had problems, but probably not what a mess they were in.One logic-defying win at City won’t pull the wool over his eyes. Not with red-faced losses to Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Wolves in the mix, too.Amorim knew full well this was a mission with no quick fix . . . but not, you sense, the reality that it will take years longer than he first believed.This is a rebuild of knock-it-down, start-from-scratch proportions. A job demanding ultimate stick-with-it patience.Which, ironically, has been the mantra of the post-Fergie era. That plea urging the owners to keep faith in the manager.So far none have had more than two full seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo surprise, then, that patience is the watchword once again. Yet now with a huge sense  of irony.For this time the call isn’t begging United’s owners to be patient, but for the manager to have enough in those who brought him in.Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are the two players whose Old Trafford future should be most secureCredit: Getty More

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    Every out-of-contract Premier League star revealed including crucial Arsenal duo and Real Madrid-linked Alexander-Arnold

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are facing a nightmare January transfer window if they cannot tie major stars down to a new contract.A number of the best and biggest clubs in the land face losing their top stars to foreign clubs due to their contracts expiring in the summer.Mo Salah is one of the biggest stars under threat of being lost to a pre-contract dealCredit: RexArsenal are also set to lose a crucial duo including JorginhoCredit: GettyStars with just six months remaining on their contracts are free to negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. And the Premier League could be one of the hardest hit by this rule.Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been making the headlines over this fear, while reserve goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros is also in a similar boat contractually.Salah has openly admitted this season could be his last for the Reds, while Alexander-Arnold has been extensively linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.Manchester City are similarly under threat of losing key playmaker’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, along with back-up goalkeeper Scott Carson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal are also on course to lose two crucial midfielders from their ranks in the form of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, while Kieran Tierney also looks set to be on his way out.Chelsea have no major stars on the list, but do have reserve goalkeeper Lucas Bergström with just six months left on his deal as of Janaury.Across town, Tottenham could be set to lose talisman Son Heung-min, while Ben Davies, Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Whiteman are also on this list. Further down the table, Manchester United could end moving for some stars in this market during the window due to their new penny-pinching motivations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the Red Devils have six stars who could be poached by rivals; Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton.Likewise, Newcastle have eight stars on the pre-contract countdown with Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Everton are the most heavily hit by this threat, with eight stars out of contract next summer.Many other clubs also face this threat with their stars, which are listed below:Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood, Ola Aina, Harry Tofolo, Willy BolyFulham – Kenny Tete, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius, Tom CairneyAston Villa – Kourtney Hause, Robin OlsenBrighton – Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Joel Veltman, James Milner, Imari SamuelsBrentford – Christian Norgaard, Josh Dasilva, Ben MeeWest Ham – Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings, Michail Antonio, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron CresswellEverton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Young, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia, Asmir BegovicWolves – Nelson Semedo, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia, Craig DawsonCrystal Palace – Tyrick Mitchell, Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp, Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Remi MatthewsLeicester – Jamie Vardy, Daniel Iversen, Danny WardIpswich -Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess, Massimo LuongoSouthampton – Kyle Walker-Peters, Adam Lallana, Jack Steptens, Joe LumleyOn the other hand there is some top talent overseas who could in turn be poached by English clubs.In the Bundesliga this includes Bayern Munich quartet Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer and Leroy Sane and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.La Liga sees Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy up for grabs, as well as Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke.Ligue 1 side Lille have top stars Jonathan David and Angel Gomes both under threat of sealing moves elsewhere, while Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could also leave his club at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Serie A has Napoli’s Frank Anguissa and Alex Meret, AS Roma’s Nicolo Zalewski and Paulo Dybala and Atalanta’s Mario Palasic and Sead Kolasinac and Fiorentina’s David de Gea all with contracts expiring in the summer.Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Hilal’s Neymar all also have expiring deals in the summer. More

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    ‘You never know what is going to happen’ – Cristiano Ronaldo opens door to shock Man City transfer with cryptic reply

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has sensationally teased a stunning move to Manchester City.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was on the verge of joining the Premier League champions before he sealed an emotional return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021.Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Manchester City in the summer of 2021Credit: PABut the Portuguese star opted instead to seal an emotional return to Manchester CityCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old has once again opened the door to an Etihad switchCredit: GETTYAnd the Al-Nassr hitman has appeared to once again open the door to a shock Etihad switch.During an appearance at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, the 39-year-old revealed he’s open to giving the struggling Citizens a “helping hand”.The Portugal star said: “You never know what is going to happen.”Ronaldo was then asked to elaborate after the presenter responded to his bombshell by saying: “That’s not a no!”READ MORE IN SPORTBut the Real Madrid man refused, briefly laughing before going silent.City’s hopes of winning an unprecedented FIFTH-STRAIGHT Prem title are well and truly up in smoke.Pep Guardiola’s troops have lost NINE of their last 13 matches in all competitions and are a whopping 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool.City are currently SEVENTH in the table, six points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Ronaldo said of the Citizens’ current woes: “Teams have moments. Difficult times, good times.”City are passing through a difficult moment but I’m 100% sure they will be back.” ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconHe added: “I think the big teams, the big players they are smart enough to understand what is the problem [and] where is the problem.”I’m sure 100% they will be back. Guardiola is a very smart coach.”He knows where the problem is coming from. They will be there like always.”City will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to the King Power Stadium to take on Leciester City. More

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    Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd fans are ‘tired’ and expects ‘nervous’ Old Trafford for Newcastle clash

    RUBEN AMORIM is certainly not stupid and he can read the room at Old Trafford.Although, in his previous appearance at the Theatre of Dreams, this also saw him witness a leaking roof in his post-match press conference… which sums up the state of Manchester United right now.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim expects a ‘nervous’ Old Trafford against NewcastleCredit: ReutersAmorim also admitted Man Utd fans are ‘tired’ amid a woeful seasonCredit: PAYet the Portuguese coach knows all about the importance of having a connection with supporters and he can clearly see Red Devils’ fans are all “tired” with the situation at their shambolic club.Amorim has only been at United just over a month but the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Wolves was his fifth in seven games since taking charge in the wake of Erik ten Hag’s sacking.And now he must prepare for Monday’s visit of in-form Newcastle.The former Sporting Lisbon chief, 39, has a contract until 2027 and maintains that is enough time for him to be judged.Read More on Man UtdHe is not being helped by arriving in such a toxic situation with fans disillusioned at the way United have been run on and off the pitch.Yet Amorim’s problem is that, over the last few weeks, the team has gone BACKWARDS.United’s last home game was Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth — which is when the roof started leaking on him.Incredibly, it was the club’s fourth Prem defeat at Old Trafford this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEddie Howe’s team will arrive on a run of four successive wins, so a game against Newcastle is the last thing United need.Yet Amorim insisted: “We have to fight against everything because our supporters are always there, but they are tired of this moment.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must find way to end struggles after Wolves loss “It’s part of football to have these difficult moments. I already knew that it was going to be tough.“You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and improve things.“At this moment it’s really hard. We have to survive to have time and then to improve the team.”Amorim cannot be faulted for his honesty. He also conceded that the mood at Old Trafford could be tense whenever Newcastle attack.He added: “We have to expect that any play from Newcastle near our box is going to make the stadium nervous and our players have to cope with that.“It’s a very strong team with a lot of pace, with a lot of time working with the same coach. We want to be competitive and try to win the game, that’s all.”’Worst Man Utd in half a century’This is currently the worst United team in half a century — which is incredible when you consider how much money has been spent in recent seasons.It is not just the absence of quality, either. There is a lack of belief and energy and the team is so predictable.There is no reason why United cannot beat Newcastle. But equally, it would not be a surprise if they were crushed 4-0.After the loss against Wolves, Amorim admitted that the side had to “survive” in the Premier League as they sit 14th in the table, eight points off the relegation zone.Another worry is that United are struggling at corners and free-kicks. They have conceded ten goals from set-pieces this term — five of them coming under Amorim’s command.Goalkeeper Andre Onana was beaten by Matheus Cunha’s corner at Molineux seven days after Tottenham’s Son Heung-min did the same to Altay Bayindir in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.Set-piece problemThe fact that Wolves had practised trying to score direct from corners during the week showed there is an issue as Onana is not being protected by his defenders.Amorim admitted: “Set-pieces are becoming so important. We have to learn, even with the small guys.”United’s new coach was also asked whether Red Devils’ fans can play a part against Newcastle by ramping up the atmosphere on Monday.But he said: “I would not dare to ask anything of our fans. They give us everything: a full stadium, they’re always supporting, clapping loss after loss.“I just want to give something to the fans, not ask something of them.”Fernandes walking disciplinary tightrope United will be without captain Bruno Fernandes after his red card at Wolves.Although the Portuguese playmaker’s dismissal at Spurs in September was overturned, he continues to walk a disciplinary tightrope and cannot be trusted.Asked if former skipper Harry Maguire could be reinstated, Amorim said: “He will have to wait until the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He works really well. He’s focused on the job, not what people say. He does not make excuses, even if he had some tough moments.“I think in that department he is an example, so he is there to play to help the team. He’s trying to do that.”Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

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    Man Utd ‘launch transfer bid for left-back Nuno Mendes who is ready to QUIT PSG’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have launched a transfer bid for Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, according to reports.And their pursuit could be boosted by suggestions that the left-back is ready to quit the French giants.Manchester United want to sign Nuno Mendes in JanuaryCredit: GettyAccording to RMC Sport in France, negotiations over Mendes’ contract extension have hit a standstill with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.And that has opened the door for an exit – with United ready to pounce. It is understood the Red Devils launched an initial offer for the 22-year-old defender.The Old Trafford giants, though, will face competition from other clubs also keen to take advantage of Mendes’ desire for a new challenge. READ MORE ON MAN UTDPSG, however, retain hope of extending his contract and are desperate not to lose the star in January. But Mendes is said to be keen on an exit.And United may well be his next destination where he would be reunited with Ruben Amorim.Amorim handed Mendes his first-team Sporting debut in June 2020, just days before his 18th birthday. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter one full season in the Sporting XI, the defender headed to PSG on loan for the 2021-22 campaign before making the switch permanent for £34million.He has racked up three Ligue 1 titles and has established himself as Portugal’s No1 left-back.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS Now the attacking full-back could be the long-term solution for United.The club have struggled in recent years with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia plagued by injuries – forcing Erik ten Hag and now Amorim to use others to fill in.The left-back earned his Sporting break under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

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    Ruben Amorim increasingly concerned at Andre Onana with Man Utd boss plotting January transfer for new goalkeeper

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to sign a new keeper, with young Belgian star Senne Lammens a target.New United boss Ruben Amorim has become increasingly concerned with the performances of Andre Onana, who conceded directly from a corner in the 2-0 Boxing Day loss at Wolves.Ruben Amorim is keen on signing a new goalkeeperCredit: RexAndre Onana has been error-prone this seasonCredit: AlamySenne Lammens could cost Man Utd up to £20millionCredit: AFPTurkish international Altay Bayindir, who also conceded from a corner away to Spurs in the Carabao Cup, could leave Old Trafford in the summer for more first-team football.So, although a new keeper next month is not a priority, Man Utd are considering their options, knowing they might have to strengthen in that area at the end of the season.And they are looking at a potential move for Royal Antwerp star Lammens, 22, although he could cost up to £20million.The Belgian Under-21 international arrived from Club Brugge in 2023 and has already attracted interest from Leeds.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut although he remains incredibly inexperienced, Man Utd believe he could be worth making a move for.Onana’s displays continue to be mixed.He cost £47m from Inter Milan 18 months ago but he cannot always be relied upon, as he proved at Molineux on Thursday.His recent errors add to a catalogue of gaffes he has made since moving to Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast season, his errors cost Man Utd in the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.He also made mistakes in the Premier League that cost the Red Devils valuable points on the board.Francis Ngannou tackles Andre Onana to floor moments after Man Utd’s win over Bodo-GlimtUnited have also been linked with a move to bolster their attacking options in January.Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is one reported target as he has impressed with 10 goals in the league this season.However, the Brazilian has insisted he is “happy” to be at the West Midlands side.Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

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    ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd icon

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in front of the rest of the Manchester United squad.A new documentary about the legendary Scottish manager released on BBC iPlayer Boxing Day, titled “Sir Alex”, saw details of the exchange come to light.Sir Alex Ferguson once made Cristiano Ronaldo cry in front of his team-matesCredit: Getty – ContributorRio Ferdinand recalled the story on the new documentary about Ferguson’s life titled ‘Sir Alex’Credit: GettyMany of the stars who played under Ferguson were asked for interviews about their time under the 13-time Premier League-winning manager.One of these was Rio Ferdinand, who starred under Ferguson from 2002 until the 82-year-old’s retirement in 2013.On the incident between Ferguson and Ronaldo, Ferdinand recalled: “He hadn’t played well, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. “‘Who do you think you are? You’re coming here trying to prove to everybody who you think you are, you think you’re a superstar’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember Cristiano in tears and I was like, ‘This manager don’t care, man. He doesn’t care who you are’.”Ronaldo would go on to win the Ballon d’Or and be named as the world’s best player in 2008 at United. Ferguson did not experience unprecedented success only at Man Utd.He had also managed to do so at Aberdeen, winning the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup glory against Real Madrid – still the last time the Spanish giants lost a major European final – and breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly of the Scottish Premiership with titles in 1980, 1984 and 1985.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer right-back Stuart Kennedy recalled Ferguson’s hairdryer as a “blast furnace”, while Mark McGhee compared it to a “volcano”.However, speaking about Ferguson in the past, Ronaldo admitted they had many “beautiful moments” together and praised his old manager’s compassion after his father fell ill.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand Speaking to United club media in 2021, Ronaldo said: “It’s hard to mention just one [moment].”There were so many beautiful moments that we had together. Not just winning things. But in my heart I keep the most difficult things.“Probably he doesn’t remember, but I will say it because it’s a beautiful story. “One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’“We had difficult games [coming up],” he continued, “and I was a key player in that moment. “He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. “So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More