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    Man Utd takeover LIVE: Jim Ratcliffe deal latest, Erik ten Hag made his flops sit in silence after drubbing EXCLUSIVE

    FUMING Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag made his flops suffer in silence after their derby-day battering.On the takeover front, United chief Richard Arnold is set to exit the club after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his takeover according to reports.
    And we have the very latest on Jadon Sancho and his future at the club.
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    Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
    Man Utd star Ballon d’Or rankings
    Man United goalkeepers Andre Onana and Mary Earps both received Ballon d’Or nominations at this years awards ceremony.
    Onana finished 23rd in the men’s category, much to the malign of fuming Arsenal fans as he came above Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
    Meanwhile, Earps finished 5th in the women’s category, the highest a goalie has ever finished.
    Credit: Getty
    Man Utd team news ahead of Newcastle clash
    Man United face Newcastle in Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening in a repeat of last years final.
    However, United are facing dire straits while Newcastle have continued to impress from last season.
    Their 3-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby means the fans will demand a reaction.
    Ten Hag will continue to be without Luke Shaw (muscular) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) while Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could return to selection.
    Amad Diallo is back on grass after picking up an injury that kept him out of the first part of the season, but the clash against the Magpies is too soon for him to feature.

    Exclusive: Man Utd stars baffled by Ten Hag defensive selections and Fernandes decision
    Erik ten Hag is having his tactics questioned by Manchester United’s players for the first time.
    The Dutch boss faces mounting pressure after Sunday’s 3-0 Old Trafford hammering by neighbours Manchester City — the Red Devils’ fifth defeat in ten league games.
    United chief Ten Hag tore into his stars for their ­second-half performance.
    But the players themselves were left dumbfounded by some of the manager’s tactics.
    A few players made their feelings known in the dressing-room inquest.
    They could not understand why centre-back Victor Lindelof was played at left-back — the benched Sergio Reguilon’s specialist position.

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    Exclusive: Ten Hag ordered flops to sit in silence and listen to City celebrations
    Furious Erik ten Hag made his flops suffer in silence after their derby-day mauling.
    The Manchester United boss was raging over the way his team fell apart in the second half as they crashed to a 3-0 home defeat.
    And when the players got back to their Old Trafford dressing room on Sunday, he ordered them to sit and listen to Manchester City’s stars across the other side of the tunnel celebrating.
    He also wanted them to hear away fans still hailing their heroes after totally outclassing United.
    Ten Hag then tore into his troops for their second-half performance.
    The Dutchman had planned to give his players a bonus day off yesterday if they had beaten the Premier League champions.
    Credit: Rex

    Richards blast Fernandes tactic
    Micah Richards has blasted a “staggering” Bruno Fernandes tactic when Manchester United are losing.
    The Portuguese star was on the losing side in the Manchester derby as Man City ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford on Sunday.
    The former Man City star claimed Fernandes will run out of position to try and endear himself to the fans when it might not be the most effective use of himself.
    Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast: “Have you noticed what Fernandes does though?
    “When Man United go behind, and he is not having a good game, what he does is he starts running around trying to get the crowd on side.
    “He is running out of position trying to get everyone to believe that he is working really hard for the team, but really he is just playing for himself. It was staggering to see.
    “Then, every decision that goes against United, his arms are up in the air.
    “As a captain, I don’t know if the pressure is too much, but it is not quite working out.”
    It comes after Roy Keane called on Erik ten Hag to strip him of the captaincy.

    Earps achievement laid bare

    Women’s Ballon d’Or top five
    Aitana Bonmati tops a list that sees Sam Kerr come second, Salma Parallulo rank third, Fridolina Rolfo come fourth and Earps fifth.

    Mary Earps Ballon d’Or ranking revealed
    Mary Earps has been ranked number 5 for this years Women’s Ballon d’Or.
    She could not attend due to being in action with England against Belgium tomorrow.
    Hojlund makes top ten of Kopa trophy
    Rasmus Hojlund made it into the top ten of the Kopa trophy award.
    Jude Bellingham picked up the prize.

    David Beckham on the red carpet
    Man Utd icon Beckham has turned up to the red carpet event.
    Credit: PA
    Haaland will feel ‘hard done by’ if Messi wins Ballon d’Or says Yorke
    Man Utd icon Dwight Yorke has claimed Erling Haaland will not be best pleased if he fails to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
    Speaking to Genting Casino, he said: “The World Cup may only be seven games, but it’s seen as the biggest prize in our sport.
    “Winning the treble obviously requires a lot more consistency, but those trophies will always be overshadowed by the World Cup.
    “Erling Haaland will have a great argument, but you can’t argue with what Lionel Messi’s done.
    “Look at what he’s done with Inter Miami – he’s made the sport such a huge deal in America, and nobody has been able to make that kind of impact over there.
    “It’s hard to look beyond Messi for the Ballon d’Or. People said he couldn’t be the greatest ever without a World Cup, and he went and did it.
    “I think he’ll edge it, but Haaland has a right to feel hard done by.”
    Yorke reveals Beckham wedding antics
    Dwight Yorke has lifted the lid on some of the wedding antics at David Beckham’s wedding.
    Speaking to AltIndex.com, the Man United legend said: “I was on such a high at the time and I can’t really explain how I felt during my first season and Beckham’s wedding in Dublin. I was having so much fun that it was a blur.
    “I felt like I was having the best time of my life being at all of these major occasions! Beckham’s wedding was a great time – I remember dancing into the early hours! I was the last one on the dancefloor, I’ll tell you that.
    “David was on the dancefloor for a period of time, but there came a time when the groom has to get whizzed off with his wife. Not that I know, but I assume that’s what happens at the end of the night.
    “David left at some point, but when the dancing started and what I’d consider the more boring parts were over, that’s when I really start to come alive.
    “You have to do your due diligence and get the formalities out of the way, and once it did, I came into play a bit more and it was all going down.”
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    Ballon d’Or blog
    For live Ballon d’Or updates, be sure to check out SunSport’s Ballon d’Or live blog.

    Andre Onana ranks #23
    Andre Onana has come in at number 23 for the Men’s Ballon d’Or

    ‘United will never be like Ajax’ says Ten Hag
    Erik ten Hag has delivered a damning assessment on his Man United squad, declaring they will never be able to play like Ajax.
    His Ajax side were lauded for their easy-on-the-eye style, but despite fan hopes it seems this style will not be directly implemented into the United team due to the players having different qualities.
    Ten Hag said: “Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players. This is also not why I came here.
    “We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.
    “The players decide how you play. Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football, I did so last year as well.
    “We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here.”

    Who could replace Fernandes as captain?
    Following Roy Keane’s assertion that Bruno Fernandes should be stripped of the Man United captaincy, SunSport have taken a look at five potential candidates to replace him.
    Casemiro
    Marcus Rashford
    Lisandro Martinez
    Luke Shaw
    Harry Maguire

    Man United Ballon d’Or nominees
    We’re now hours away from the 67th annual Ballon d’Or ceremony, due to start at 8pm GMT.
    Stars from across the world have been nominated.
    But who are Man United’s representatives?
    Men’s award:
    Andre Onana
    Women’s award:
    Mary Earps
    Credit: Alamy
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    Neville slams Fernandes
    Gary Neville said Bruno Fernandes tried to “con” Manchester United fans in the closing stages of their defeat against Manchester City yesterday.
    After seeing him attempt a tough tackle on John Stones, the former Red Devil said: “He’s trying to do someone there, Fernandes.
    “He’s trying to do John Stones but he’s seen him coming and he’s ended up hurting himself.”
    Neville added: “He’s conning no one with what he’s been trying to do over the past few minutes.”
    Fernandes has come in for particular criticism after the game, with Roy Keane going so far as suggesting he should be stripped of the captaincy.

    United set home loss record
    Yesterday’s home loss to Manchster City means United have now lost as many home games since Sir Alex Ferguson left as he did in his whole United career.
    From 1986 to 2013, Fergie only lost 34 home Premier League games.
    That’s now been equalled in just the ten years since he left.
    Five players that could replace Fernandes as captain
    Roy Keane slammed Bruno Fernandes last night and advocated stripping him of the captaincy.
    Keane said after the game: “The one thing I would do, after today having watched him again, I would definitely take the captaincy off him, 100 per cent.
    “I know it was a big decision to change the captaincy with (Harry) Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material.”
    Here are five candidates that could replace him…

    Amad Diallo back on grass
    Amad Diallo is back on the grass as he steps up his return from injury.
    The winger impressed on loan at Sunderland last season where he scored 14 and assisted four times in 42 games.
    He suffered a knee injury against Borussia Dortmund in August which has kept him out of training until now.
    Manchester United will never play Ajax’s style of football – Ten Hag
    Erik Ten Hag has made the shock admission that he has no intention of ever implementing his Ajax style of possession football at Manchester United.
    He was asked yesterday what many fans had been wondering – “When will you be able to play the same football with Manchester United that you showed with Ajax?”
    In response, Ten Hag said: “Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players. This is also not why I came here.
    “We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.
    “The players decide how you play. Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football, I did so last year as well. We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here.” More

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    Man Utd will ‘NEVER play like Ajax’ says Ten Hag in shock admission as devastated fans fume ‘he needs the sack’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left perplexed by Erik ten Hag’s admission that his side will never play like Ajax.The manager was speaking to Viaplay following Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to cross-city rivals Manchester City.
    Erik ten Hag has committed to playing on the transition rather than adopting a more possession style of playCredit: Getty
    In the interview, he confirmed he has no intention of implementing his Ajax style at United.
    He was asked directly what many fans had been wondering – “When will you be able to play the same football with Manchester United that you showed with Ajax?”
    In response, Ten Hag said: “Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players. This is also not why I came here.
    “We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.
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    “The players decide how you play. Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football, I did so last year as well.
    “We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here.”
    Ten Hag was known at Ajax for playing a possession and attacking brand of football and it was long assumed that his intention was to transition United towards that model.
    But in July, he outlined that he wanted United to become “the best transition team in world football” – a counter-attacking style of play much more associated with his permanent predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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    And it’s safe to say that fans on Twitter were not best pleased with Ten Hag’s latest admission.
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    One fan wrote: “Really disappointing to hear this to be honest, he needs the sack. He first came saying he wasn’t going to sacrifice his style of play and he’s already given up.”
    Another added: “Brother, I wanted you because of that Ajax football. if your intention is to do something different then what are we doing here man?”
    While a third wrote: “What is Ten Hag’s style of play? I still can’t figure it out.”
    Ten Hag’s first two Premier League games last season saw the manager try and implement a style of play closer to what he played at Ajax and it did not go well.
    They opened the 2022-23 season with back to back losses against Brighton and Brentford, losing 4-0 to the latter.
    Since then, the manager has moved closer and closer to a more purely counter-attacking style of play which is leaving fans increasingly frustrated. More

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    Hilarious moment Man Utd legend Schmeichel flees live TV interview with cameraman forced to take cover

    PETER SCHMEICHEL was forced to take over during his punditry duties at the weekend after nearly being soaked by a sprinkler.The goalkeeping icon was part of Malaysian TV channel Stadium Astro’s coverage of the Manchester derby on Sunday.

    Peter Schmeichel was part of Stadium Astro’s coverage of the Manchester derbyCredit: STADIUM ASTRO
    The former United keeper almost got soaked by one of the Old Trafford sprinklersCredit: STADIUM ASTRO

    Former Manchester United and City stopper Schmeichel took the time to pay tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton before the match, although he was forced to cut it short after one of the pitch’s sprinklers began to shoot out water.
    The Dane said of Charlton: “He took part in the whole rebuild of Manchester United, with Jimmy Murphy and of course Sir Matt [Busby] who survived as well.
    “And then only eight years later he won the World Cup, he was the best player in the world at the time.
    As the sprinklers rotated to the punditry team’s position, he said: “They win the championship here in England the next year.
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    “And now we’re getting wet.”
    Presenter Michelle Lee quickly chimed in: “Ooo we are getting rained on a little bit.”
    Schmeichel and Lee managed to avoid most of the water, although that wasn’t the case for former Leeds man Danny Mills.
    Former Red Devil Tom Cleverley showed great agility to avoid serious spraying that would have almost certainly resulted in an emergency wardrobe change.
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    Manchester United suffered a 3-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester CityCredit: GETTY
    Ex-United stars Schmeichel and Cleverly would have no doubt been disappointed with their old side’s display against their local rivals.
    Prem kings City ran riot at Old Trafford, running out 3-0 winners thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and a tap-in from Phil Foden.
    Defeat to Pep Guardiola’s troops was United’s FIFTH league loss of the season, which has heaped even more pressure on a defiant Erik ten Hag.
    He said: “The three games before we won, and the spirit is very good, so I think we are on the way up.
    “The start was difficult but we are on the way up.
    “I am sure when we have some injured players coming back then our side will be stronger.
    “We have to be patient.” More

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    Man Utd takeover LIVE: Jim Ratcliffe deal latest, Jadon Sancho update, Roy Keane launches attack on Bruno Fernandes

    ROY KEANE launched a stinging attack on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after his performance in 3-0 Manchester derby loss.On the takeover front, United chief Richard Arnold is set to exit the club after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his takeover according to reports.
    Meanwhile, United are planning an embarrassing U-turn plan for David de Gea SunSport can exclusively reveal.
    And we have the very latest on Jadon Sancho and his future at the club.

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    Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
    Neville’s seal of approval
    Gary Neville reckons Declan Rice could get Arsenal over the Premier League finish line this season.
    He said: “Probably. I think he is a big influence, Declan Rice. That power, that drive.
    “They’ve got brilliant players City anyway.
    “But taking him out of Arsenal makes a huge difference, they wouldn’t be good enough.
    “With him in it, he can be a difference player and he gives them a real chance.
    “I’m predicting City might have a bit of a stumble this season and I suspect Arsenal get it right this season.”
    Sancho update
    Manchester United’s coaching staff are “not happy at all” with Jadon Sancho after his public falling out with head coach Erik ten Hag, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    He told Give Me Sport: “I think with days passing, it’s obvious that he had the chance to apologise in September and October.
    “Now we are moving into the second half of the first half of the season, and it looks like a challenging situation because if he had the chance to apologise in September, then this story could already have been resolved, and Sancho would be with the squad.
    “But that is not the case. Sancho is not apologising, and people in the coaching staff are not happy at all with that.”
    United fans trolled
    Dominoes Pizza got in on the act of trolling Manchester United fans after their 3-0 defeat to City.
    They tweeted: “Sorry if your pizza is delayed tonight – our drivers are struggling to get through all the tears of Man Utd fans.”

    Ten Hag backs Rashford
    Marcus Rashford’s poor run of form will come to an end, Erik ten Hag believes.
    The Dutchman said: “It will come. The moment will come.
    “Every game, he will have his chances and it is up to him but it will come.”
    Ten Hag explains Hojland substitution
    Erik ten Hag has revealed his reasons for subbing Rasmus Hojland during the Manchester derby.
    He said: “Rasmus is playing every game and is not used to it.
    “We had to work very hard to get the press on and you have to protect those players.
    “As well, for the team, protect them to bring new energy in.
    ‘You see the effort Hojlund put in was massive. You have to take one off and Rasmus is coming in and is not used to three games a week.”
    Fernandes slammed
    Gary Neville reckons Bruno Fernandes tried to “con” Manchester United fans in the closing stages of their defeat to Manchester City.
    After seeing him attempt to stick a hard challenge on John Stones, the former Red Devil said: “He’s trying to do someone there, Fernandes.
    “He’s trying to do John Stones but he’s seen him coming and he’s ended up hurting himself.”
    Neville added: “He’s conning no one with what he’s been trying to do over the past few minutes.”
    Guardiola explains United’s problems
    Pep Guardiola reckons the root of Manchester United’s problems is a lack of unity from the top down to the bottom of the club.
    He said: “I have said many times we go in the same direction.
    “The chairman, the manager, the CEO… first season unconditional support.”
    Ten Hag laments Haaland penalty
    Erik ten Hag reckons his troops were giving Manchester City a right run for their money before they gave a way a penalty in the 26th minute.
    He said: “When you see the first half it is toe-to-toe and just the penalty changes the game, but even then we could have returned in the game with the shot of Scott McTominay just before half-time.
    “For chances, it was very toe-to-toe and also in the previous games against them in the FA Cup final and January it was very close.
    “So the probability that we could win was there in all the games.”
    Credit: ALAMY
    Ten Hag upbeat
    Erik ten Hag insists the Red Devils are on the way up, despite suffering their fifth league defeat of the season to Manchester City on Sunday.
    The Dutchman said: “The three games before we won, and the spirit is very good, so I think we are on the way up.
    “The start was difficult but we are on the way up.
    “I am sure when we have some injured players coming back then our side will be stronger. We have to be patient.”
    On-air row
    Gary Neville blamed Manchester United’s current woes on the long-standing turmoil under the Glazer family in a furious row with Jamie Carragher.
    The Sky Sports pundit said: ” To be honest with you, I can’t disagree with you. Those managers that you’re talking about [have] come into stable environments.
    “They’ve currently got over their heads a guy all over the news [who is] gonna own 25 per cent.”
    He continued: “Basically, you imagine you’re in a business, you’re in a football club and the news is that there is a guy that’s gonna come in and basically wipe out the whole football department.
    “Can you imagine what’s going on inside that football department at this moment in time? In and around Erik ten Hag?
    “It is toxic and embedded negativity. They all think they’re all going to lose their jobs. And you can say, ‘Carry on with it, they’re professional.’
    “But can you imagine what’s happening? Sir Jim Ratcliffe is going to come in with Dave Brailsford, they’re going to sweep out the football department and they’re all going to get moved away.
    “That’s what’s happening and I honestly believe this toxicity that exists at this club, and has done for years by the way, it just eats alive every manager that comes and every player that comes.
    “Harry Maguire was going to go to Manchester City. Mason Mount was going to go to Liverpool.
    “They come here and it’s a graveyard for them. Are we going to keep blaming the kids in the class or are we going to blame the head teacher?”
    Gary Neville repeatedly blamed United’s woes on the ownership of the clubCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Keane calls for Fernandes demotion
    Roy Keane reckons Erik ten Hag should take the captain’s armband away from Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
    The Irishman said: “After today, watching him again today, I would definitely take the captaincy off him. 100 per cent.
    “I know it’s a big decision, they changed it with Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material.
    “He’s a talented player, no doubt about it, but I think what I saw today with him again, he’s whinging, he’s moaning, he’s throwing his arms up in the air constantly, it really isn’t acceptable.
    “What we saw today, I would take that off him.
    “You have to start somewhere, we talk about board-level, managers, I would start at that because the manager is capable of doing that and holding his hands up and saying: “Look, I got it wrong.”
    “Fernandes is a brilliant footballer, but, in terms of captain material, he’s the opposite of what I’d want in a captain.”
    Credit: Getty
    Roy Keane’s fear
    Manchester United Roy Keane admits he has serious concerns for the future of the club following their defeat to Manchester City.
    He said: “They’re just toying with United now, they’re a different level.
    “It’s almost – I wouldn’t say embarrassing. But I do feel for the United players.
    “But listen, they’re short in every aspect.
    “Technically, tactically and worringly for me, physically, United look so off it.
    “Credit to City, they’re an outstanding team.
    “United… where do you start and where do you finish, long way back. A long way back.”
    Derby day woe
    Manchester United have slumped to yet another derby defeat to local rivals Manchester City.
    The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
    A brace from Erling Haaland and an 80th-minute strike from Phil Foden did the damage.
    Credit: GETTY
    Fergie pays tribute
    Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his late wife Cathy and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
    He wrote: “Unfortunately, I have also suffered the painful loss of my beloved wife, Cathy, this month, and I want to thank the club, the fans, and everyone who has sent me their condolences.
    “The black armbands worn by the team against Brentford, and the flags at half-mast around Old Trafford were a wonderful tribute.
    “Cathy supported me every step of the way through my career, and she was the backbone of our family.
    “At such a sad time, there is tremendous comfort to be found in being part of the Manchester United community and we’ve all felt that spirit this week.
    “We’re continuing to mourn for Bobby’s loss, but as we look forward to the derby this afternoon, let’s also celebrate the many wonderful memories he has blessed us with and be inspired by the example he set.”
    Ten Hag hits back at Carragher criticism
    Erik ten Hag has dismissed Jamie Carragher’s claim that Manchester United have “regressed” during his reign.
    He said: “In possession, we have to do better, but there are reasons that I don’t go into, but everyone is seeing,
    “There are also facts that I disagree with, [in which] we are much better.
    “We are in the top three in the Premier League for high-ball regains. We in the top [teams] in the Premier League for middle-ball regains.
    “So when we are pressing, we are very good. So that is not the truth what he is saying.
    “I said we are in the right direction, and we have a way to go. I see positives, I see also negatives, which is probably what Christian [Eriksen] is referring to.
    “We are not consistently, in possession, on the level where we can be, where we show in games we can be.
    “Like for instance, Arsenal away. Also, the first 30 minutes in Bayern Munich away. But we should do this on a consistent basis. But pressing, we are quite good.
    “We have the most ball regains from the whole Premier League, we have the most middle regains from the whole Premier League.
    “So, there you see, our defensive organisation, our pressing organisation. I said before the season how we wanted to play, that is us.
    “But then, we don’t take the benefit in the attacking transition moments, and we should be because we have the abilities in our team, the players there who can take benefit from it.
    “We paid some attention to it, and this has to grow, this has to progress. Then games will become easier.”
    Key derby day players
    Goal machine Erling Haaland will be tightly marked by the in-form Harry Maguire.
    The centre-back was stripped of the captaincy over the summer, a move to West Ham then fell through and he was jeered following an own-goal for England versus Scotland.

    But a resurgent Maguire is suddenly back to his best, putting in two outstanding performances against Sheffield United and then heading home the winner against Copenhagen.
    United also have a fantastic record when he starts, winning 16 of 17 games since October 2022.
    As usual for City, Haaland will be the man to watch.
    He has missed several big chances this season and even went on a three game goal drought, but he has still found the back of the net 11 times this term.
    Team news
    Erik ten Hag will be hoping Casemiro is back fit for the derby after suffering from an ankle injury.
    The boss still has a defensive injury crisis to deal with as Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all set be unavailable for the visit of City.
    Pep Guardiola will be without Manuel Akanji as he serves his one-match ban for receiving two yellow cards during last weekend’s victory over Brighton.
    Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden will all be fresh after being rested versus Young Boys.
    Prem sides have Kroos chance
    Premier League sides could have the opportunity to sign Toni Kroos in January.
    The Real Madrid star’s contract expires at the end of the season and he could leave the club in the next transfer window.
    The German has always admitted that he would fancy playing in the Premier League.

    City backed to win
    Former Manchester City star Richard Dunne is expecting his old club to do the business against Manchester United.
    Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds, Dunne said: “I think there’s a difference between City and United over a league campaign and you’d bet that City will finish above them.
    “The derbies, however, teach you that anything can happen. Teams can have one-off performances. 
    “United were the best team in the world in my day, and City used to beat them occasionally.
    “I would say City are the favorites on a normal day and I think they’ll win 2-0. You never know, though.” More

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    Piers Morgan calls out ‘total fraud’ Erik ten Hag and issues damning reminder of Man Utd transfer decision

    PIERS MORGAN labelled Erik ten Hag a “total fraud” after reminding Manchester United of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sizzling form.Morgan pointed out old boy Ronaldo has netted 43 times this year – whereas Ten Hag’s Red Devils are struggling for form and goals.
    Erik ten Hag faced more criticism from Piers Morgan over Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit after Man Utd’s 3-0 home defeat against neighbours CityCredit: Getty
    Ex-United striker Ronaldo has been in hot scoring form for Al-NassrCredit: Getty
    Sunday’s 3-0 home humbling by Manchester City was United’s fifth defeat in ten Premier League games this season.
    The Red Devils are only eighth after scoring just 11 Prem goals.
    And Ronaldo’s latest successor Rasmus Hojlund has so far drawn a total blank in the league – just like Wout Weghorst did.
    Hojlund is goalless from seven Prem matches despite United paying Atalanta £72million for the 20-year-old in the summer.
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    Last season’s surprise loanee Weghorst ended up with no goals in 17 league games.
    Sun columnist Morgan posted: “As Manchester United get humiliated by City at home, a reminder that Erik Ten Hag drove @Cristiano out of the club and said he’d lose no sleep over it… and that the same @Cristiano has since scored 43 goals for club & country this year.
    “The guy’s a total fraud.”
    Many fans agreed with the talkSPORT presenter and Arsenal fan, whose interview with Ronaldo last November eventually led to the superstar’s departure over New Year.
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    But others reckon a bigger factor is the long-term issue of the club’s owners, the Glazers.
    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ron, 38, is on fire for his Saudi club Al-Nassr as well as reaching 127 goals from 203 games for Portugal.
    One supporter posted: “Thank you for your reminder Piers” and another added: “Ronaldo deserves an apology from Eric Ten Hag”.
    “Total fraud, I agree,” said a third.
    A fourth fan compared Ron’s falling out with Ten Hag to that of an England winger currently frozen out by the same manager.
    That supporter wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho were right.”
    One observer said of Ten Hag: “He has this overhyped ego…he is still waiting for apologies from Sancho.”
    But some fans took a deeper look at United’s problems.
    Such views included: “As long as the owners are the same and Ten Hag is the coach, the dream theatre team will never wake up.”
    But a few fans questioned whether Ron should ever have come back in August 2021 for his 16-month second spell at Old Trafford.
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    One said: “Ronaldo’s return was the worst thing to happen.”
    And another argued: “Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) agreed. It destabilized the team Ole had built. I stand on this.”
    Morgan feels Ten Hag should rue Ron leaving more than everCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Man Utd’s huge decline laid bare as Red Devils have lost same number of home games since Fergie retired as under him

    NOTHING confirms Manchester United’s astounding decline since Alex Ferguson departed than one horrific home-groan statistic.Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against neighbours City means the Red Devils have lost the same number of Premier League games since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as during his whole reign.
    Erik ten Hag saw United slump to their fifth defeat in ten Prem matches as a humiliating loss to Man City earned the Red Devils a shock home statCredit: Getty
    Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out in 2013 with United’s last top-flight titleCredit: PA
    United’s all-time great manager suffered 34 home Prem defeats from 1986 to 2013 – a total now matched in just ten years by his eight successors.
    The Athletic’s Will Jeanes noted the staggering stat, adding that Fergie oversaw 405 home league games, compared to 196 from those who have followed in a dire decade.
    Some fans described the ‘ 34 fact’ as “mad and “crazy” – while others claim it sums up the club’s problems in finding the right manager.
    One argued: “This isn’t that crazy. They’re much worse and as a result have lost on average twice as many home games a season.
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    “Why is that shocking? They’ve never come close to challenging for a title since SAF left. More interestingly I think in recent seasons their away form is better than home.”
    In contrast, Pep Guardiola has guided United’s biggest rivals City to six Prem titles in his seven years in charge – peaking with Champions League glory in last season’s Treble triumph.
    One fan posted: “I think Man Utd are as far behind Man City that they have ever been since Guardiola arrived at City , and considering what Ten Hag has spent since he arrived , that is embarrassing on his part.”
    The Red Devils ended the weekend in eighth spot after their fifth loss in ten Prem matches this term.
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    But many supporters on social media believe Erik ten Hag is still in credit after guiding them to third place last season and a return to the Champions League.
    However, this note of caution was typical: “Backing him and want him to succeed, but got to say that some of Erik ten Hag’s decisions are questionable. He has to take his fair share of blame.”
    HOW UNITED BOSSES HAVE FARED SINCE FERGIEHERE’S the record of the five permanent managers, two caretaker-bosses and one interim chief who have followed Sir Alex Ferguson since his 27-year golden reign ended in 2013.
    Their win ratios are for ALL games in charge.
    David Moyes, July 2013 to April 2014 – 52.94% win ratioRyan Giggs, caretaker, April 2014 to May 2014 – 50% Louis van Gaal, July 2014 to May 2016 – 52.43%Jose Mourinho, May 2016 to December 2018 – 58.33%Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, December 2018 to November 2021 – 54.17%Michael Carrick, caretaker, November 2021 – December 2021 – 66.67%Ralf Rangnick, interim, December 2021 to May 2022 – 37.93%Erik ten Hag, May 2022 to present – 64%
    And this is Fergie’s legacy:November 1986 to May 2013 – 59.67%.The Scot bowed out with United’s last Prem title triumph. More

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    Gary Neville slams ‘absolutely ridiculous’ Antony as Man Utd flops completely lose their heads at end of City thumping

    ANTONY and Bruno Fernandes lost their heads in the closing stages of the Manchester derby.United slumped to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to the defending Premier League champions at Old Trafford on Sunday.
    Antony tried to deliberately foul Jeremy Doku in the closing stages of the Manchester derbyCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Doku didn’t take kindly to the premeditated foul and wagged his finger in Antony’s faceCredit: EPA
    Hothead Antony angrily slapped the Belgian’s finger out of his faceCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Neville was far from impressed with Antony’s actionsCredit: Sky Sports
    The Red Devils were clearly ticked off in the closing stages of the match, but none more so than Anthony and Fernandes.
    Hot-tempered winger Antony tried to deliberately KICK Jeremy Doku in second-half stoppage after being skinned by the Belgian.
    Doku saw the attempted hack coming and hurdled over the poor attempt of a challenge.
    The 21-year-old didn’t take kindly to Antony’s antics, wagging his finger in his face.
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    A petulant Antony reacted angrily to being confronted, twice slapping Doku’s hand out of his face.
    Amazingly, he managed to escape a red card, with referee Paul Tierney decided it only warranted a yellow.
    Former Manchester United defender turned Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was left completely baffled, saying: “That’s absolutely ridiculous, that’s a sending off.
    “Absolutely ridiculous from Antony. It’s embarrassing.”
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    Bruno Fernandes showed his petulance after fouling Phil FodenCredit: GETTY
    Fernandes was reprimanded by the refereeCredit: Getty

    Just minutes later, skipper Fernandes tried to take his frustrations out on Doku after being skinned as United lost their heads.
    Fernandes showed his own petulance moments before swiping at Doku after complaining to the ref following a clear foul on Phil Foden.
    A brace from Erling Haaland and an 80th-minute goal from Foden condemned United to their FIFTH league defeat of the season.
    And club legend Roy Keane is worried about the future of his old side under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.
    He said: “They’re just toying with United now, they’re a different level.
    “It’s almost – I wouldn’t say embarrassing. But I do feel for the United players.
    “But listen, they’re short in every aspect.
    “Technically, tactically and worringly for me, physically, United look so off it.
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    “Credit to City, they’re an outstanding team.
    “United… where do you start and where do you finish, long way back. A long way back.” More

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    Man Utd fans taunt Erling Haaland with ‘most embarrassing thing ever heard’ before chant immediately backfires

    ERLING HAALAND was inspired to a derby double by Manchester United fans mocking his father.  The Norwegian had chants of “Keano, Keano” directed at him and “Haaland, Haaland, how’s your dad?”
    Manchester City star Erling Haaland silenced some Manchester United fansCredit: Getty
    Some Man Utd fans taunted Haaland’s father before he opened the scoring
    It was in reference to former Red Devils captain Roy Keane’s shocking derby challenge on Alfie Haaland in April 2001.
    And Haaland Jr responded by scoring a penalty for the  opener then  heading a second after  the break in a 3-0 win.
    The City striker said: “There was so many people singing ‘Keano’ —  I don’t know why! I used it as motivation.
    “I had the pressure but I scored, so it was a fantastic feeling. I gave them a good celebration.”
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    Haaland saluted his  penalty in front of the home fans not far from the spot Keane had taken out his dad with that  infamous challenge.
    Former United skipper and midfielder Keane, 52, was watching the game as a Sky Sports pundit.
    He joked the fans may have been chanting about his old Republic of Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane.
    But there was nothing for United to laugh about after this Old Trafford rout, with Phil Foden grabbing the third.
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    Asked if it was City’s best performance of the season so far, Haaland said: “I think so — in terms of controlling the game and playing the football we wanted to play.
    “It was a fantastic  performance, a controlled 90-minute game and every single City player had a fantastic performance.
    “It was not easy but the way we kept going in the game was incredible.”
    Haaland took his tally to 11 Premier League goals this season — as many as United’s whole squad put together.
    Asked if beating City’s Manchester rivals makes this victory extra special, he added: “Of course. In the big picture it is three points.
    “You need consistency throughout the season in the competition.
    “There are still 84 points so it’s just about getting three points week in, week out.”
    Bernardo Silva earned the man-of-the-match award and City boss Pep Guardiola hailed him as one of the best players he has ever worked with.
    Guardiola said: “He doesn’t wear earrings or have tattoos and has a normal car.
    “He is an incredible player for us. He loves to play at Old Trafford. He has played here as a false nine for us in the past.
    “He is so intelligent. Everybody loves him and he played another exceptional performance.
    Roy Keane was sent off after a horror challenge on Haaland’s dad Alfie in 2001Credit: The Times
    “He is one of the best players I’ve seen in my life for how intelligent he is.”
    Guardiola felt his side did everything right but for the opening minutes.
    He said: “The players always give their best for our fans and we know what it means for them.
    “The first ten minutes we lost easy balls but after that we took control.”
    On Haaland, who rattled in 52 goals in all  competitions last season, Pep added: “He could have scored four, he moves incredibly well in the box, we are lucky to have him.
    “I know he scored 50 goals and people expect him to score 70. He’s a top, top player.”
    City fans swarmed onto social media to also hail the way Haaland got his own back on home supporters.
    One tweeted: “‘Haaland how’s your dad’. That is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever heard.”
    Another commented: “Chants of ‘Keano’ & ‘Haaland, hows your dad?’ from the Man United fans.”
    A third said: “Haaland how’s your dad.. He’s ok thanks just sat watching the worlds [sic] most prolific goal scorer currently playing for Europes [sic] best football club.”
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    This one posted: “Haaland will always love scoring at Old Trafford..”
    And that one wrote: “Was they singing ‘Haaland how’s your dad?’ Well he was smiling and happy yesterday and I bet he’s absolutely loving life seeing his son score.” More