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      Ten Hag’s worst XI of Man Utd signings cost £300MILLION as manager is finally sacked with flops in 14th

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been sacked with Manchester United 14th in the Premier League and £300MILLION out of pocket. The Dutchman was shown the exit door following 2-1 defeat at West Ham with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge in the interim. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge after Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyTen Hag leaves with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but in the league and Europe results were underwhelming. And so too was his transfer business. In his two seasons, Ten Hag signed 21 players costing over £545m. Perhaps the biggest disaster of them all was the £86m forked out to sign winger Antony, who previously played for Ten Hag at Ajax.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe has struggled to thrive since moving to Manchester – with just 12 goals over 87 games.Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna for £36.5m this season and got off to the perfect start by scoring on his debut. But it is his only goal in United red. Rasmus Hojlund is in his second season having been brought in for £72m from Atalanta but the Dane is showing signs of settling in. Most read in FootballAntony is still struggling for formCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee has just one goal for Man UtdCredit: GettySergio Reguilon had his loan cut shortCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat does not compare to loanee Wout Weghorst, who left United after six months and just two goals.Hojlund arrived alongside Mason Mount, who joined in his own controversial £60m transfer from Chelsea, but has so far flopped. Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back’Mount has just a single goal for United since his move and missed chunks of both seasons out injured.Casemiro came in for £60m from Real Madrid and had an excellent first season under Ten Hag. But his form has taken a dip since and got so bad United were linked with selling him. Marcel Sabitzer and Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived with a hefty loan fee of £7.7m, have both failed to make an impact under Ten Hag. A big decision made under Ten Hag was to sign Andre Onana for £47m opposed to giving David de Gea a new deal. The stopper has performed both excellently and poorly at times – but it has been enough to keep £4.3m back-up Altay Bayindir out of the side.Bayindir starts in our flop XI after managing just two appearances – at Newport County and Barnsley in cup competition. Mason Mount has spent much of his Man Utd career injuredCredit: AlamyCasemiro has failed to follow up on his stellar first seasonCredit: PAJonny Evans featured far more than anticipatedCredit: GettyJonny Evans was signed on a free transfer, eight years after leaving United, raising eyebrows.The Northern Irishman initially penned a short-term deal but stayed all season and has seven appearances this campaign. Sergio Reguilon features after signing on loan from Tottenham, only to be sent back halfway through the season despite a lack of fit left-backs.Luke Shaw has struggled for fitness while his back-up Tyrell Malacia – another Ten Hag signing –  missed last season followingfollowing knee surgery.That’s enough to start at right-back in this XI, despite some positive performances for the Red Devils after signing for £13m.Matthijs de Ligt will go down as one of Ten Hag’s last big signings but the £42m paid to Bayern Munich has so far looked like money poorly spent. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe now-former Old Trafford boss was even forced to bench De Ligt amid a run of shaky starts. Ten Hag’s XI of underperformers cost over a staggering £300m and will be just one of several reasons for his sacking. More

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      Why NOBODY is right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd with Tuchel already gone and best bosses certain to snub them

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      MANCHESTER UNITED sacking Erik ten Hag, at last, was the easy part.Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham – leaving the Red Devils FOURTEENTH in the Premier League, with just 11 points from nine games – proved to be the final straw.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is facing the axe after another miserable lossCredit: GettyTen Hag risks turning Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous Tottenham team talk on its headCredit: GettyTen Hag’s United didn’t just lose consistently, they were thrashed consistently.Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford are among the teams to have demolished his outfit.Sir Alex Ferguson’s most famous three-word team talk — “Lads, it’s Tottenham” — could now be turned on its head by Ange Postecoglou or several other Premier League bosses.“Lads, it’s Man United.”Read More on Man UtdFacing United hasn’t held a fear factor for many years.Now, it is a fixture openly relished by many — a big-name scalp which is relatively easy to come by.There has been a regular cycle of doom around Old Trafford for the last 11 years, under six different managers.United are trounced on a Sunday afternoon, Gary Neville and Roy Keane rant on the telly, everyone speculates on the manager’s future on a Monday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManagers come and go, many players linger for too long, and United continue to be largely terrible.Yet under Ten Hag — who offered little as a coach or man-manager — the bad days got even worse.Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’ It was the wrong decision for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos crew to keep faith with the former Ajax boss after last season’s FA Cup win.And then to have signed another tranche of overpriced Dutch players.At last, Ratcliffe and his fellow Old Trafford chiefs have seen sense.So now for the hard part. Who, realistically, takes over?And, more pertinently, who would want to?This is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.Emery wouldn’t take United job – he’s not stark raving madAnd Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running.Not many optionsEmery would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Gareth Southgate concernYet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the  equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel was talked about at United’s top target, and would have been a popular and gettable option, but the FA have already beaten United to the German.Despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Replacement needs to succeed Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a “figurehead” manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer, will take the reins at interim boss, but surely lacks the experience to take the job full-time.And United would be wise to avoid another Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag was the easy part.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Ratcliffe, Ashworth and the rest of United’s new management structure, the hard part is what happens next.And it is a decision they desperately need to nail.Thomas Tuchel would have been a popular replacement for Ten Hag but the FA got him for EnglandCredit: GettyMan Utd assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim bossCredit: GettySouthgate is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by Man Utd last springCredit: Getty More

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      West Ham 2 Man Utd 1: Jarrod Bowen’s late penalty after hugely controversial penalty inflicts more pressure on ten Hag

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      JARROD BOWEN piled the pressure on to Erik ten Hag as his late penalty condemned Manchester United to defeat against West Ham.Man Utd were looking to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season, but were made to rue missed chances once again before VAR intervened to condemn them to defeat.Jarrod Bowen’s late penalty won the game for West Ham against Man UtdCredit: GettyThe 2-1 defeat piles the pressure on to Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyCrysencio Summerville’s first goal for the Hammers since joining the club in the summer looked like set to ruin the Red Devils’ day.But moments later Casemiro finally headed a goal into the West Ham net to level the score.However, the result was decided in injury time as Bowen slotted home a penalty after Matthijs de Ligt was controversially deemed to have fouled Danny Ings in the area.Ten Hag’s side had miraculously managed to not go into half-time ahead. They had struck the woodwork twice and wasted four big chances, with Diogo Dalot’s missed chance to score into open goal the pick of the bunch in terms of showing how poor they had been.Julen Lopetegui rang the changes for the home side at half-time with three changes.It managed to spark them into a much-improved display, with the flow of the game no longer one-way traffic in Man Utd’s favour. More

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      Man Utd transfer target Alphonso Davies, valued at £42m, speaks out on becoming free agent this summer

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      ALPHONSO DAVIES has broken his silence over a transfer to Manchester United.The Bayern Munich star, 23, has been widely reported to be considering his future in Germany.Alphonso Davies has broken his silence over a possible transfer away from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe Canada international’s contract expires next summer, and after joining the Bavarians in January 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps it seems he may want to pursue a new challenge.Reports suggest that Man Utd transfer chiefs have started gathering information on Davies ahead of a potential offer.However, Real Madrid are known to be long-term admirers and are one of the main teams to be linked with his signature.Despite this, he has continued to play regularly under Vincent Kompany this season with six Bundesliga appearances under his belt ahead of the club’s trip to VfL Bochum on Sunday afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, in early October Davies made his feelings clear about his future.He told ESPN: “As of now, my full focus is to stay healthy and to play the game with the club I’m with right now.”I’m not focused on what’s going on in the future.”I’m just focusing on staying healthy and helping my team win. My team make me feel valued. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The whole Bayern community make me feel valued. I see that each and every day.”Davies has an estimated transfer value of £42million ($50m) as per Transfermarkt, but will able to speak to clubs from January over a FREE transfer due to his contract expiring in the summer. Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdDavies is seen as one of the world’s best left-backs.It is a position Man Utd has struggled with over the last two seasons with the long-term injury of Tyrell Malacia and the ongoing fitness troubles of Luke Shaw.Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Toby Collyer have all lined up there at various points this season.Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was sold to West Ham in the summer, lined up there at times last season.Davies was also one name on a three-star transfer list of players from Bayern Munich, including Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sane.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Man Utd 2025-26 home kit ‘to pay tribute to Old Trafford’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots demolition of iconic stadium

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S home kit for next season will pay tribute to Old Trafford ahead of potential plans to demolish the stadium, according to reports.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos team released plans to build a stunning 100,000-seat “Wembley of the North” stadium at an adjacent site to where Old Trafford sits.Man Utd’s home kit next season will pay homage to Old TraffordCredit: APThe plans involved the scaling back of the original 114-year old ground to 30,000 seats to preserve its tradition.However, reports emerged last month claiming club chiefs were considering the idea of demolishing the original ground.This was because the plan to let the women’s team use the scaled-back stadium was not seen as viable.Regardless, according to leaked information about Man Utd’s home kit for next season, manufacturer Adidas will use it to pay homage to the iconic stadium.READ MORE IN MAN UTDFooty Headlines report the kit will have a unique print on the sleeve.However, while the main colour will remain red, the accent of the colour is unknown.United have not used sleeve prints on their home shirts for many years.They have usually been left plain or have a pattern that flows from the front of the shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat 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. The new kit will also be a callback to United’s home jersey from 1996-98, which had a bespoke sleeve print.Other leaks about United’s kits next season have suggested they will wear a purple away strip.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedPurple is a colour the club has never used before, while the inspiration behind it will be a throwback to the 1990-92 kit.The kit will be a throwback to the one they wore between 1996-98Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Ex-Arsenal star who quit to join Man Utd needs just 11 SECONDS to score first goal as he bags 14-minute hat-trick

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      CHIDO OBI-MARTIN has been described as “a cheat code” after scoring a 14-minute hat-trick for Manchester United Under-18s.The 16-year-old had a long-running transfer saga after quitting Arsenal before he was allowed to finally join Man Utd in late September.Chido Obi-Martin scored after just 11 seconds for Man Utd U18sCredit: TwitterIt set him on the road to score a 14-minute hat-trickCredit: TwitterObi-Martin failed to score on his U18 Prem debut for United off the bench against Sunderland last week.However, he more than made up for it in his second appearance against Nottingham Forest.Named in the starting XI by manager Adam Lawrence, Obi-Martin then took just 11 seconds to get on the scoresheet.It came as he chased down the ball following an underhit back pass to the goalkeeper, before going around the goalie and passing the ball into the back of the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLObi-Martin was then on hand again in the fifth minute, when a defender managed to get their foot to a low cross to the edge of the area.But the touch kindly fell to Obi-Martin, who then took a touch before burying a shot across goal and into the bottom left corner.He then sensationally bagged his hat-trick in the 14th minute to put the young Red Devils 3-0 ahead.Reacting to the stunning display, one fan said: “What a talent.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Bring him to the first team.”A third said: “Get him in the first team right now.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamAnother said: “Promote him to the first team and watch him cook.”Obi-Martin had scored 32 goals in 18 matches in the U18 Premier League last season, including netting TEN in one game against Liverpool.He was replaced by Victor Musa at half-time against Forest, denying him the chance to add to his goal tally.James Scanlon – another highly-rated prospect who fans have called to be promoted to the first team – added United’s fourth in the 39th minute.Amir Ibragimov then scored a fifth on the stroke of half-time as the teams went in with a five-goal difference.Jim Thwaites added the final and sixth goal of the game.United’s biggest win of the season so far saw them batter Blackburn 9-0 in September. They have a 100 per cent win rate so far this season, having lost just twice last season on route to the Treble.Man Utd’s senior team have struggled for goals this season, having only netted seven times in eight league matches. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey face West Ham on Sunday hoping to ditch their profligate shooting and build on the win over Brentford last weekend, when Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet.The much improved performance against the Bees came as manager Erik ten Hag made a tactical switch that saw Marcus Rashford take up a surprise role.The teen joined United after a long running transfer saga after quitting ArsenalCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Penny-pinching Man Utd ‘ask Man City to give players lift in private plane to Ballon d’Or’ but get REJECTED by rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs took an embarrassing hit in their efforts to save money after Manchester City rejected their request for a lift to the Ballon d’Or ceremony, according to reports.New United part owners Ineos have embarked on a cost-cutting crusade since taking control of the football operation at Old Trafford.Man Utd chiefs asked Man City if two players could go in their private jet to the Ballon d’OrCredit: PABut City chiefs rejected the proposal because the flight was fullCredit: RexKobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are up for the Kopa TrophyCredit: GettyThe 2024 awards ceremony commences on Monday nightCredit: APThis saw 250 members of staff let go in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson chopped from his £2million-a-year role.The latest efforts to cut costs saw United ask bitter rivals Man City if they could give a lift to Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go to the Ballon d’Or ceremony.According to the Daily Mail, City have chartered a private jet to take their players over to Paris for the awards show on Monday.However, City rejected the request from United because the flight was full with their eight nominees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that alternative arrangements have now been arranged.United had placed the request because the idea of sending two players on a private jet was not seen as a good look.The club’s carbon-footprint was also said to be a factor.Sharing flights is a common theme for clubs when players are traveling for international duty from places such as South America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League champions City have the most players at the awards of any English club. They have four players in the men’s section of the awards – Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Rodri – and a further three in the women’s award – Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Savinho is also up for the Kopa Trophy award, which recognises the best young player, going up against Garnacho and Mainoo.However, they are set to be left disappointed, with Vinicius Jr the reported favorite to win the men’s award, though Rodri is said to be his closest challenger ahead of 2023 Kopa Trophy winner Jude Bellingham.Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmatí is the favorite to retain her crown in the women’s award.Lamine Yamal is the favorite to win the Kopa Trophy.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Manchester United ‘hold secret talks’ with ‘a number of managers’ leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in huge uncertainty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have held “secret talks” with “a number of managers” according to reports, leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in serious doubt.The Dutchman held onto his job this summer after the Old Trafford hierarchy, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decided to hand him a new deal. Erik ten Hag’s job as Manchester United boss remains in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe could already be looking at replacementsCredit: PABut that was only after interviewing potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, who has since taken over as England boss. According to the Daily Mail, United are back in the market scoping out a possible successor to Ten Hag. It is claimed chief executive Omar Berrada already travelled to Spain for talks with former Barcelona manager Xavi. Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also said to be on a four-man shortlist. READ MORE IN football Gareth Southgate – who stepped down as Three Lions manager after Euro 2024 – and out-of-work Graham Potter are also linked. United are 12th in the Premier League table going into their trip to West Ham this Sunday. And Ten Hag’s side have failed to win any of their first three Europa League ties following a draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.The ex-Ajax boss has consistently insisted that he is on the same page as United’s leadership team of Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballPaul Scholes: No improvements under Ten HagMan Utd legend Paul Scholes insisted he is yet to see any improvements under Erik ten Hag’s side this season. He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it…”READ MORE ON SCHOLES DAMNING VERDICT HERE CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut billionaire Ineos owner Ratcliffe refuses to give Ten Hag his public backing.And United’s co-owners are weighing up their options again amid concern over the lack of progress after another £200million was spent on transfers. Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory Ten Hag brought in Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraou this summer. But United legend Paul Scholes claimed he is yet to see any improvements following a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce this week.He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.”Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”Barcelona legend Xavi is a potential candidate to replace Ten HagCredit: PABrentford manager Thomas Frank is also linked to Man UtdCredit: ReutersSporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is another potential replacementCredit: Reuters More