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      ‘We’re still in the last century’ admits Jim Ratcliffe as Man Utd chief hints at major change to rescue ‘mediocre’ club

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has labelled Manchester United “mediocre” and warned that “difficult and unpopular decisions” would be needed to get the club back to the top.Ratcliffe came under scrutiny earlier this week after the controversial decision to raise prices for unsold Premier League tickets to a minimum of £66 regardless of age.Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Man Utd had become ‘mediocre’ and that ‘difficult’ decisions would need to be made to get the club back to the topCredit: PAThe decision to raise unsold ticket prices to a minimum of £66 regardless of age sparked fan protestsCredit: PAThe Man Utd co-owner insisted he did not want to price out local fansCredit: GettySpeaking to United We Stand editor Andy Mitten in a bombshell interview, Ratcliffe was asked about the decision to scrap concession ticket prices.The Ineos billionaire, who now controls a 27.7 per cent share in Man Utd, said: “The club has drifted for a long period of time, a decade or so. Manchester United has become mediocre. “It’s not elite and it is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. That’s what it used to be under Alex [Ferguson]. “There is major change to come to achieve elite status. There has already been huge change.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Ineos’ takeover of football activity at the club, a number of key appointments have been made to improve the club’s structure including the arrivals of Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada as director of football and CEO.Ruben Amorim was appointed as the team’s new manager after Ineos sacked Erik ten Hag despite initially keeping the Dutchman in the summer – decisions costing the club £21.4million.On those calls, Ratcliffe said: “I know we get criticism in the press but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure.”We can’t run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If you are losing money you have to borrow from the bank to pay for the losses. Eventually that becomes unsustainable…”We’re on the way, but this won’t happen overnight. There are financial issues which we need to address because we’ve inherited a financial situation that only time will solve.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionAsked specifically about the rise in ticket prices which sparked furious fan protest at Old Trafford earlier this week, he said: “It’s an emotive one, ticketing, but we have to have some benchmarks with ticketing.”We must make sure that we look after the community because at the end of the day it’s their football club. “We need to make sure that people who are genuine supporters can afford to go. Maybe their circumstances don’t allow them to spend a fortune on tickets.“I 100 per cent get that. But we have to balance that and optimise our ticket income because it feeds back into how do we win the Champions League or Premier League.“I’m very cognisant that we have to look after the community because it’s the community’s team, but equally I want to optimise the revenue from people who can afford it.”Ratcliffe argued the decision only looked at three per cent of the tickets and insisted he did not want to price out locals.He added: “I understand that. I was brought up on a council estate in Manchester, I absolutely get that. “I don’t want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can’t afford to come, but I do want to optimise the ticketing. We need to find a balance. And you can’t be popular all the time either.“Here, we’re talking about three per cent of the tickets. That’s not the issue. “The issue, as you say, is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge. I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham.”Ratcliffe also slammed the team’s recruitment in recent years, describing the club as in the “last century” in terms of data analysis.He said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data Analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here. “These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”The other big one is we need to run the club efficiently and well. We need to sweat every pound so that we have more capacity for the investment in players. “Those are the big-ticket items which take up time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The other point here is how you grow the amount of money that you can spend on players. You can run the business more efficiently. And you can grow the top line.”Ratcliffe added that he wants staff morale to be driven by results on the pitch and that he saw much-maligned majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer as nice people “who are “genuine fans of the club”. More

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      Erik ten Hag could KO Ruben Amorim’s first Man Utd signing with axed boss tipped for immediate management return

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      RUBEN Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.Ruben Amorim has identified Leipzig left-back David Raum as a key Man Utd targetBut Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag could potentially block the move IF he replaces Marco Rose, who’s job is on the brinkBut Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.The Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.There are mounting rumours that Ten Hag has already been sounded out to take over, which would see him linking up with Jurgen Klopp, now adviser to Red Bull-owned clubs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIf the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Defeat to Aston Villa in Tuesday’s Champions League clash could spell the end for Rose, and open the door to Ten Hag’s return to management.That would be bad news for Amorim, who is desperate for a left-sided defender after Luke Shaw’s latest injury blow.Tyrell Malacia is only just back from his own long-term absence, and Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been forced to switch flanks and fill in.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRaum, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, would be the ideal solution, even though United would prefer a loan with an option to buy in the summer.Ten Hag was close to taking the Leipzig job before he moved to Old Trafford, and agent Kees Vos had even agreed a pay deal when he left Ajax.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsUnited’s offer trumped that, but now the Dutchman – who worked under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich – could be on his way back to the Bundesliga.It would see him working with Klopp, the Liverpool boss when they thrashed United 7-0 in March 2023, who has just taken up a new role with Red Bull. More

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      Man Utd issue statement on Nottingham Forest clash as Storm Darragh forces Merseyside Derby and EFL games to be axed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have issued an update about their match against Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils are due to host Forest at Old Trafford in today’s 5:30pm game.Man Utd have issued a statement about their match against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyThe statement said the match would go ahead as plannedCredit: EPABut as Storm Darragh batters the UK there have been fears it could be called off.This morning the decision was made to postpone the Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool.EFL clashes have become casualties of the storm this morning, with League One and Two seeing games called off after Championship matches at Cardiff and Plymouth were both postponed last night.Notts County’s League Two match with Colchester was axed after high winds caused damage to the scoreboard, while Blackpool’s League One fixture against Rotherham was also abandoned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Man Utd have declared that the game against Forest WILL go ahead as planned. A club statement released on social media said: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”The club also announced a small boost for season ticket holders, a week after the controversial call to raise all ticket prices to £66 regardless of age, which sparked fan protest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt continued: “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”Crystal Palace also announced that their own 3pm game against Manchester City would go ahead as planned, but asked fans to take care travelling to and from Selhurst Park.Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford and Newcastle all issued statements confirming their games would be going ahead as planned too.Storm Darragh has caused severe delays to a number of services, including transport, with winds of up to 90mph.An Everton statement on their postponed match with Liverpool said: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.”Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. “Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Full list of postponed fixturesPremier LeagueEverton vs LiverpoolChampionshipPlymouth Argyle vs Oxford UnitedCardiff City vs WatfordLeague OneBristol Rovers vs Bolton WanderersCrawley Town vs StevenagePortsmouth vs RotherhamLeague TwoNewport County vs Carlise UnitedBarrow AFC vs MK DonsNotts County vs Colchester UnitedFA TrophyTorquay United vs HorshamSouthport vs Peterborough SportsHanwell vs EastleighFA VaseSouth Liverpool vs Albion SportsNational League NorthWarrington Town vs Curzon AshtonNorthern Premier LeagueMatlock Town vs Ashton UnitedBlyth Spartans vs Workington.Prescot Cables vs Bamber BridgeNorthern Premier League WestBootle vs Witton AlbionVauxhall Motors vs Stafford RangersKidsgrove Athletic vs AvroHanley Town vs ClitheroeHednesford Town vs Stalybridge CelticNewcastle Town vs City of LiverpoolNorth West Counties LeagueCharnock Richard vs BurscoughAFC Liverpool vs Cheadle TownStafford Town vs Foley MeirAshton Athletic vs Holker Old BoysWinsford United vs Sutton UnitedRamsbottom United vs PadihamMarket Drayton vs EccleshallCheadle Heath Nomads vs Allscott HeathBarnton vs Ashville More

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      Incredible stats show how player who Man Utd let go for FREE and made unemployed is now best in his position in Europe

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      DAVID DE GEA is the best goalkeeper in Europe despite being let go by Manchester United, according to the stats.Their decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top leagues, according to the statsDe Gea enjoyed 14 years with the Red DevilsDe Gea has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitchAnd now the 33-year-old’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks about former manager Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.He was often considered the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, and is now getting similar recognition in Serie A.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe stats show that De Gea is making more saves and from a higher quality of shots than any other keeper in Europe.He has saved a staggering 76 per cent of on-target attempts that have come his way so far this term, according to Opta via Fbref.In fact, no other shot-stopper performs better in that metric.And his rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.The ex-Old Trafford star sits top of the save per cent table, while he is also second in the saves per 90 minutes rankings and sixth in the goals prevented table.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford De Gea has put in multiple man of the match performances this seasonThe Spaniard is adored by those in Florence as Fiorentina sit inside the Champions League spotsHe has five clean sheets so far to his name this term with Fiorentina sitting fourth in Serie A.Replacement Onana comes in close with 70 per cent of on-target shots saved in all competitions.And returning Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has a higher save per cent than Onana, but has faced less shots than the Man Utd No.1At other end – West Ham’s Alphonse Areola has been enduring a nightmare run of form and is low in both save quality and save quantity.Alphonse Areola lost his place in West Ham’s starting XI more than two months agoThis has seen the Hammers DROP the Frenchman and bring in veteran Lukasz Fabianski as they look to fend off a relegation battle going into Christmas.Elsewhere, the freshly-crowned world’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fell into the same bracket as Areola, as Aston Villa dropped to eighth in the Prem.Martinez has saved just 50 per cent of his opponent’s shots on-target.The Argentine World Cup winner’s recent display in Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea saw him hauled off injured at half-time.Meanwhile, during his time at United, De Gea won the player of the season award four times.He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year on five separate occasions, including for four consecutive years.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago

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      RUBEN AMORIM has added his own tribute to long-term employee Kath Phipps who passed away this week.Messages flooded in from Manchester United greats following the news of Kath’s death on Thursday at the age of 85 after 56 years working for the club in a variety of roles.Ruben Amorim has paid tribute to former Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerNew United boss Amorim had met the former receptionist when he came to Carrington seven years ago on a coaching internship under Jose Mourinho.Amorim said: “Yeah, you feel it today, it’s a sad day.“Everybody talks about lady Kathy. I met her seven years ago during the internship, she was the lady behind the reception.“And you feel it, the love. The way Darren Fletcher speaks about her.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“She was a really important person here that represents everything about this club, friendly, professional, taking care of everybody, it’s a sad day.”David Beckham added his own heartfelt message late last night for the lady who looked after him after he arrived as a 15-year-old lad from London.Beckham posted a message on Instagram saying: “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game, she was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.”I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry.’ Most read in Football”And from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did ❤.”Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you ❤.”Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary United’s club statement partially read: “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”The Red Devils paid tribute to Kath in 2023 with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.She featured throughout last year’s Netflix documentary on Beckham.In it she discusses his rise to fame – and all the letters he received from adoring supporters.Asked if she remembered when Becks got his first fanmail, Kathy revealed: “I can’t honestly remember. It just built up and built up. All these young ladies writing to him.”Asked what they said, as Beckham revealed he was sent underwear, she added, with a slight smile: “It’s not nice is it, sending underwear to a boy. I put them to one side and didn’t reply.”When she was then asked “did it get to his head”, she firmly replied: “No.”Kath also spoke about how it felt when the nation turned on Beckham after he was sent off in England’s last-16 defeat to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.Kath said: “I didn’t like it at all but I had no say in the matter. I’d loved to have said something but you just can’t. You just keep your (mouth shut) like I’ve always done.”The treasured employee later opened up about watching the historic 1999 2-1 Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich from home.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe said on watching the stunning climax to the Treble-winning season, when United equalised in the dying seconds with a goal following a Beckham corner: “I said to my husband at the time, before he passed away, ‘Oh dear, I’m going to make a cup of coffee’.”They scored, and he said, ‘They’re going to do extra time’. Then I said, ‘Oh, I’m going then’. I went out again.”David Beckham has paid tribute to Phipps on Instagram More

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      Man Utd forced to make change to ticket sales that is ‘unheard of’ as hated price hike ‘backfires massively’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have prompted further backlash after tickets for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest were spotted on OPEN SALE.The move comes amid growing resentment among fans after the Red Devils raised the price of tickets for members to £66.Tickets for United’s match against Forest at Old Trafford were put up on open saleIt followed fans protests against the decision to increase ticket prices to £66Supporters held up banners with the phrase: ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’But perhaps United’s plan to scrap concessions for children and pensioners has been hit with the most controversy.Tickets returned by season-ticket holders are typically sold to members via the club’s website.But the site had availability for the general public on all four sides of Old Trafford on Wednesday.United have since confirmed that the Forest match has been sold out.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut the fact that they had to resort to an open sale is seen as significant.A spokesman for the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust told The Mail: “Tickets for league home games have been gold dust for decades.”But fans have a limit and the fact Forest tickets are on open sale should make the club see that £66 tickets are a step too far. “It’s time to reverse the decision and make sure Old Trafford remains as full as ever.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans vented their anger at the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during Sunday’s 4-0 win against Everton.There are now fears among United’s 55,000 season-ticket holders that a hefty price hike is likely for them next season too.Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues There were even protests before the Everton game, with a banner raised reading “Stop Exploiting Loyalty”.And a survey of 4,000 supporters by MUST revealed that 68 per cent will attend fewer games.A spokesman for protest group The 1958 said: “It’s unheard of for a Premier League game to go on open sale through the club.”It just doesn’t happen – this has backfired massively.”SunSport have contact United for comment.Despite the backlash, United chiefs have defended their decision in a statement, despite already saving fortunes by making a host of staff redundant. It read: “As a club, we have been focused on cost saving to put us on a stronger financial footing.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. “This means having to make very hard decisions, including a significant reduction in our staff numbers. “It also means looking for opportunities to increase our revenues so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure. “We have now sold over 97 per cent of tickets this season, many of which were at a discounted rate. “We are implementing some policy changes for matches that have already sold out, where only small numbers of tickets will be released.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFans affected have been emailed by club chiefs, with several expressing their dissatisfaction on social media.One post read: “Absolute waffle from United in that email about the ticket price rises, they can butter it up anyway they want, but there is and never will be any excuse for charging children £66 to watch a football game at Old Trafford.”Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. 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      Man Utd send scouts to watch Tyler Dibling as two Premier League giants consider transfer swoop for Southampton star

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      SOUTHAMPTON’S Tyler Dibling is being watched by TWO Premier League giants, SunSport can reveal.The midfielder has been one of the only bright sparks in a season which has seen the Saints left rooted to the bottom of the table.Tyler Dibling has impressed since breaking into the Southampton teamCredit: GettyManager Russell Martin has given Dibling a huge amount of game time and he’s responded by putting in a string of eye-catching performances.He particularly impressed during the Saints’ fiery 1-1 draw with Brighton, a performance which drew praise from a number of pundits.DIbling, 18, has now caught the eye of two Prem giants.Manchester United and Aston Villa have both sent scouts to watch his last three games and he’s believed to be on the radar of clubs in Germany and Italy as well.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt’s likely any deal for the player would be in the summer as Southampton are not ready to sell with relegation a looming threat.But if the Saints do finish in the bottom three they could struggle to keep hold of the player.Dibling has scored one goal this season and has won praise from Danny Murphy, who labelled him “instrumental” to Southampton.He said on Match of the Day: “It is the quality he has got – the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good.Most read in Football”It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special.”It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game.Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues “He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team.” More

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      Van Nistelrooy set to raid Man Utd for wonderkid with ‘freakish’ training stats as he targets Leicester loan transfer

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to raid his former club Manchester United to improve his Leicester City squad.The Dutchman made a dream start to life at the King Power by leading the Foxes to a 3-1 win over West Ham on Tuesday night.Toby Collyer is on Leicester’s radarCredit: AlamyRuud van Nistelrooy is a huge fan of the youngsterCredit: GettyAfter a whirlwind first few days at the relegation-threatened club, Van Nistelrooy is identifying areas of the team he wants to improve in the January transfer window.SunSport has learned the ex-Man Utd interim is planning to use his contacts at Old Trafford to sign starlet Toby Collyer.Van Nistelrooy is set to make a loan bid for the 20-year-old midfielder.The new Leicester boss believes he could be a key asset in their battle to avoid the drop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe worked closely with Collyer during his time as assistant to Erik ten Hag.The highly-rated youngster has produced “freakish” running stats in training that can only be bettered by Bruno Fernandes. United have no interest in selling Collyer, who joined the club’s academy two years ago from Brighton.But they could be open-minded to a loan move, especially to a manager who they know will give him opportunities in the first-team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCollyer made his senior debut in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City in August.He has since featured twice, including as half-time sub for Casemiro as United were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool in the Premier League.Pundit Steve Sidwell has tipped Collyer to be a “shining star just like Kobbie Mainoo”.Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’ More