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    I called Sir Alex Ferguson for advice when we won promotion to the Premier League… I’ll never forget what he said

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson issued some life-altering advice to former Premier League manager Tony Pulis after he led Stoke to promotion.Pulis, 67, took the Potters to the top flight in 2008 and called his Man Utd counterpart Ferguson, 83, to have a conversation that changed the Prem for the following five years.Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson shared life-altering advice for Tony PulisCredit: GettyPulis had a chat with Ferguson after leading Stoke to Premier League promotionCredit: GettyPulis turned Stoke into a mainstay in the Prem thanks to Ferguson’s adviceCredit: GettyThe Welshman sought Fergie’s advice and the legendary Scot simply told him to turn the bet365 Stadium – then Britannia Stadium – into a fortress for Stoke and a nightmare for the opposition.Pulis did just that as he added some muscle within his squad and set up the pitch in a way that would make even the biggest Premier League clubs fret a cold rainy night in Stoke.That saw the Potters turning into a mainstay in the Prem with the ex-Crystal Palace boss building a reputation as a manager who never gets relegated until his departure in 2013.Pulis said back in March: “When we got promoted at Stoke, I called Sir Alex Ferguson up. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He told me: ‘Your best chance is making the Britannia a place no one wants to go.”‘If any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right.”‘The bottom line is football is about winning and if you don’t win football matches you aren’t going to be in the job very long’.“I never forgot what he said, and as a result we narrowed the pitch in, grew the grass and brought Rory Delap into play. Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”We found a way to win and it worked.”I don’t think I’ve ever been at a football stadium where the crowd and team were so together.”We used to play the top teams and the place used to light up.” More

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    ‘Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transfer

    RUBEN AMORIM has offered a blunt explanation for why Marcus Rashford continues to sit on the sidelines.Rashford, 27, has not featured in Manchester United’s last nine matches in all competitions.Ruben Amorim was asked about Marcus Rashford in his post-match press conferenceRashford, 27, has not featured in more than a monthCredit: ReutersFollowing today’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton, Amorim was asked if he felt “disappointed or let down” that Rashford was not there to “help the team”.After the Portuguese initially said “no” he was further pressed, given that he has previously stated that Rashford was being left out for training reasons.Amorim, 39, clapped and took a breath, before answering: “Guys. It is his choice [not to play].”I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford.”Rashford is out of this moment because he is not playing.”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”Rashford has not featured since Man Utd’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHe has since made the bench just once, and was left as an unused sub during the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.The forward scored twice in Amorim’s first Premier League game in charge at Old Trafford, during a 4-0 win over Everton.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?After being left out of the Manchester derby, Rashford revealed in an interview that he is ready for a “new challenge”.The forward has drawn interest from the likes of AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund this month.But it will be difficult for Man Utd to agree a deal, given that Rashford’s weekly salary exceeds £300,000.Closer to home, Tottenham are believed to be considering a loan swoop.Amorim meanwhile hinted that he needs to bring some players in himself – branding his side the “worst Man United team in history”. More

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    Ruben Amorim admits ‘we are the worst team in the HISTORY of Man Utd’ and tells fans they ‘have to suffer’

    RUBEN AMORIM believes he is in charge of the “worst Manchester United team in history”.The 39-year-old warned fans to expect more suffering after United endured a fourth defeat in five Premier League home games.Ruben Amorim believes he is currently in charge of the worst Manchester United team in historyCredit: GettyUnited hit a new low after losing 3-1 to BrightonCredit: ReutersUnited had one shot on targetCredit: GettyAnd some fans believe Andre Onana is the “worst Man Utd keeper in history” after his shocking blunder sealed Brighton’s comfortable 3-1 win on a day that United paid tribute to legend Denis Law.Amorim was given another gut-punch on Sunday after goals from Yankuba Minteh, Kauro Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.The new Old Trafford boss said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.“You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”United’s record at home this season is the club’s worst in the league in 131 years.They have not lost six games at Old Trafford in 12 opening league appearances since the 1893-94 season, when they lost seven.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAmorim’s side are 13th in the table after 22 matches and sit closer to the relegation zone (10 points) than they do the top four (12).The Portuguese manager has tried to implement the 3-4-3 formation which worked so well for him at Sporting.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordAnd he insisted he will not change his approach after United registered one shot on target during Brighton’s easy win.Amorim added: “With me, it is clear I’m not going to change the way I see the game. I’m very clear on that. “The players are going to suffer, I’m sorry, the fans are going to suffer. “I have one way of doing things, I know it’s going to bring results. But we have to suffer these moments. I think it’s very clear for everybody what we are going to do.”United have picked up 11 points from his first 11 games in charge, but Amorim believes the club has to “stick together”.It’s a hard moment, we are really underperformingAmorimHe added: “It is hard to explain, we have to acknowledge the moment and not go around the problem.“Everybody here is underperforming, no matter what the circumstances. “It is unacceptable to lose so many games for any club in the Premier League, never mind Manchester United. It is a really hard moment but we have to continue.“The opponents are better than us in many details. That we cannot be consistent. That I am not helping my players in the moment.“It is a hard moment. We have to acknowledge we are in a very difficult situation. All the bad records, losing games at home, losing in the Premier League, we are really underperforming.”Brighton had won five of their last six Premier League meetings with United prior to Sunday’s clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey have now extended that record to six wins from seven dating back to May 2022.Amorim’s comments come just weeks after Gary Neville called his former club the “worst team in the country.”Man Utd ratings vs BrightonBy Ken LawrenceANDRE ONANA 4 – No chance with either of the Seagulls’ first two goals. But an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT 5 – Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself throughout.HARRY MAGUIRE 6 – The one member of United’s three-man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.LENY YORO 5 – The £52M youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI 4 – Has been one of the few consistent successes of Ruben Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.MANUEL UGARTE 5 – Supposedly “tired” in the 3 – 1 win over Southampton the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched-onKOBBIE MAINOO 4 – Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst on the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT 5 – Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO 7 – Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team-mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES 6 – Ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE 5 – “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64) 5 – Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64) 5 – Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.ANTONY (for Mazraoui 84) 4 – Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim???RASMUS HOIJLUND (for Zirkzee 84) 4: Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display. More

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    Man Utd ‘looking at Wolves star Ait-Nouri to fill problem left wing-back spot’ if they miss out on top transfer target

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking at Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri as an alternative left-back option, according to reports.Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes his United’s No1 target, but a move to Old Trafford is growing more and more unlikely.Man Utd are eyeing up a move for Wolves star Rayan Ait-NouriCredit: GettyParis Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes his United’s No1 target, thoughCredit: RexBut United are currently way off from matching his £50m asking price and vast wages, reports The Independent.United need to sell players in order to meet those demands and PSG aren’t keen on letting the Portugal international.As a result, United’s attention has shifted elsewhere in case Mendes stays in Paris.Ait-Nouri has impressed at Wolves despite a hugely difficult season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has excelled as both a traditional left-back and a forward-thinking wing-back.The Algerian international has scored four goals and provided five assists across 22 appearances in all competitions this season.He has three goals and five assists in the Premier League.Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia have struggled for consistency, forcing Amorim to demand reinforcements.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuke Shaw is on the verge of returning from another muscular injury, his recurring fitness issues have left United looking elsewhere.United’s pursuit of Ait-Nouri depends on the future of Malacia, who has attracted interest from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordMalacia’s exit could create the financial space needed to bring in Ait-Nouri.Ait-Nouri’s contract with Wolves is set to expire next summer, but the club hold an option to extend it by one more year.United also have an interest in his teammate Matheus Cunha, but Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the striker. More

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    Man Utd ratings: Andre Onana drops clanger to gift Brighton three points as Amad is Red Devils’ only real bright spot

    ANDRE ONANA was back to his worst as Manchester United fell to another Old Trafford defeat.It appeared Ruben Amorim’s side had turned a corner in recent weeks with a draw at Anfield and an FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Arsenal.Andre Onana made a horrendous mistake for Brighton’s third goalCredit: RexKaoru Mitoma bundled in at the back post as Onana watchedCredit: GettyYankuba Minteh opened the scoring at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spoCredit: AlamyBut dreadful individual mistakes cost them yet again with Onana the chief culprit.The keeper was at fault for two of Brighton’s three goals – dropping a huge clanger as he palmed a simple cross straight to Georginio Rutter under no pressure whatsoever.Minutes earlier he watched as Yankuba Minteh floated a cross over the six-yard box which he should have come to collect – his failure to do so meant Kaoru Mitoma had a simple tap in at the back post.There were few positive notes for the Red Devils as Amad once again provided a spark.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHere is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the United display.ANDRE ONANA – 2 No chance with the Seagulls’ first goal. But allowed a cross to float over him for Mitoma to add the second before an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself all the way through.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6The one member of United three–man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLENY YORO – 5The £52M youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 4 Has been one of the few consistent successes of Ruben Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.Luke Littler parades World Darts Championship trophy at Old Trafford weeks after Man Utd superfan won £500,000 prizeMANUEL UGARTE – 5Supposedly “tired” in the 3-1 win over Southampton, the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched-on.KOBBIE MAINOO – 4Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst onto the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT – 5 Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO – 7 Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6 He was ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5 “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64) – 5 Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64) – 5 Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.READ MORE SUN STORIESANTONY (for Mazraoui 84) – 4 Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim???RASMUS HOJLUND (for Zirkzee 84) – 4Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display. More

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    Man Utd 1 Brighton 3: Onana howler and defensive disasterclass bring Red Devils’ mini-revival to screeching halt

    MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to one of their all-time greats Denis Law before kick-off.But on the pitch, the current crop could not give the ‘King of the Stretford End’ – who died on Friday aged 84 – the send off he deserved.Yankuba Minteh’s fifth minute goal silenced the crowd after Denis Law’s tributeCredit: APBruno Fernandes’ penalty levelled thingsCredit: GettyKaoru Mitoma put the Seagulls back in front in the 61st minuteCredit: GettyAndre Onana’s howler spilled out to Georginio Rutter, who made it 3-1Credit: GettyLaw was the third highest scorer in United’s history and was part of a golden era at Old Trafford.Things are very different these days though – and Brighton once again found playing at the Theatre of Dreams very much to their liking.Goals from Yankubah Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma put the Seagulls in charge before Andre Onana gifted sub Georginio Rutter a third.And that was more than enough to see them win at United for a third time in a row – and end the mini-revival Ruben Amorim’s men have enjoyed in the last couple of weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Law tributes were brilliantly done by United but there was little sympathy from the visitors when the game kicked off.Onana had saved smartly from Joao Pedro at his near post but it wasn’t long before his defence was opened up again in the fifth minute.Carlos Baleba’s ball over the top sent Mitoma clear down the left hand side and he unselfishly squared for Minteh to tap home.United at least showed some fight to force their way back into it and Bart Verbruggen played his defenders into trouble with his wayward pass.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoshua Zirkzee was held back by Baleba as he went to shoot and ref Peter Bankes had no choice but to point to the spot.Bruno Fernandes sent Verbruggen the wrong way from the spot and the Red Devils seemed to be back in it.Luke Littler parades World Darts Championship trophy at Old Trafford weeks after Man Utd superfan won £500,000 prizeBut the skipper got away with one just before half-time as his backpass landed his team in trouble but Diogo Dalot blocked former United man Danny Welbeck’s goalbound effort.There was another reprieve just after the re-start as United failed to deal with a low free-kick into the box and Pedro spun sharply before slotting past Onana.Luckily for the home team, the VAR had spotted a kick from Jan Paul van Hecke on Dalot before the ball dropped for the Seagulls striker.The ref had a long look before eventually he agreed – but it’s fair to say the Portuguese defender had made the most of it.This time the let off was short-lived as the visitors did take the lead a little over five minutes later. Mitoma had teed up Minteh for the opening goal – and this time the roles were reversed.Gambian ace Minteh hung up a lovely cross to the back post and Mitoma stretched out a leg to get ahead of Noussair Mazrouai – who also collided with the post.It was no more than the visitors deserved and shortly afterwards it was game over thanks to another clanger from Onana.Yasin Ayari’s low cross into the box should have been simple as he was under no pressure – but somehow he failed to hold onto it.READ MORE SUN STORIESRutter picked it up and had the simplest job to pick up the loose ball and roll it into the empty net.Back to square one for Amorim and United then after a 10th league defeat of this difficult season.  More

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    Andre Onana branded ‘worst Man Utd keeper in history’ after shocking blunder a week after Bayindir made himself a hero

    ANDRE ONANA faced the wrath of Manchester United fans following a howler against Brighton. United were trailing 2-1 at hom when disaster struck inside Onana’s box. Andre Onana faced the wrath of Manchester United fans following a howler against BrightonCredit: GettyGeorginio Rutter converted after Onana’s mistakeCredit: GettyYasin Ayari whipped in a cross which United’s keeper initially gathered – before dropping it at substitute Georginio Rutter’s feet. Rutter did not think twice in capitalising on the horror mistake and put the game beyond United’s reach. Fans were quick to hit out online as one said: “Nah Onana is the worst keeper in the league. Bruv he cost £50m.”Another fumed: “Surely that’s the end of Onana as United’s number 1. Shocking.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne raged: “Awful mistake from Andre Onana.”Another added: “That’s terrible from Onana.”The game at Old Trafford ended 3-1 to leave United 13th in the league. United signed Onana from Inter Milan for £47million in July 2023 after David de Gea left the club. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he has suffered inconsistent from in Manchester – leading to questions over his future. And United’s No2 Altay Bayindir is knocking on the door after his penalty heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup. He saved Martin Odegaard’s spot-kick to take the game into extra-time before denying Kai Havertz to guide United to victory. More

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    Man Utd get lucky escape as Joao Pedro goal controversially ruled out by VAR for foul on Diogo Dalot

    MANCHESTER UNITED got a lucky escape as VAR ruled out Brighton from taking the lead at Old Trafford. The Seagulls were leading United thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s opener on five minutes.VAR deemed this a foul on Diogo DalotBut a mistake at the back cost the visitor’s and Joshua Zirkzee was through on goal.That was until Carlos Baleba dragged him to the ground – allowing Bruno Fernandes to level from the spot on 23 minutes.The game was level when Brighton got a free-kick ten minutes after the break. And in a calamitous display of defending at the back, Joao Pedro pounced in the box to score. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut after a VAR check, Jan Paul van Hecke was adjudged to have fouled Diogo Dalot in the build up. Dalot just got his foot to the ball first, with Van Hecke following through and nicking his boot – enough for it to be deemed a foul. Premier League’s Match Centre service clarified: “The referee’s call of goal was checked by VAR, who deemed there was a foul by van Hecke on Dalot in the build-up and recommended an on-field review. “The referee overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed.”Most read in FootballBut United’s blushes were spared only momentarily as minutes later Kaoru Mitoma converted from a back post cross to make it 2-1.And a calamitous mistake from keeper Andre Onana gifted Georginio Rutter the chance to make it 3-1 and seal the victory.It leaves United 13th in the league. More