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      Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd manager job links as he gives update on future after England exit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 months.Former England boss Southgate has been a front runner to be the next United choice if the Old Trafford side sack under-pressure Erik ten Hag.Gareth Southgate ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 monthsCredit: AFPBut speaking publicly about his future for the first time since leaving the England job after Euro 2024, Southgate said he has NO intention of taking another coaching job until the back end of 2025 at the earliest.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate made clear he is unlikely to consider another international job – and even that he may look for a role in football OUTSIDE of management.He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsSouthgate went on: “I’m at an age where I want to work with good people.“When you’re younger you probably strive and are a bit more compliant. When you are older you realise the importance of collaboration.“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.“I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable then you think when you are there.“As a coach you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”Coming just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his new role at the Red Bull sporting group, Southgate hinted that he might be persuaded by a similar offer.He said: “If you are asking about club football, that’s depending on what that is, what role that is, what that might be.“I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic players and some of the biggest nights in world football.“You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.“That’s unlikely, for me, to be another national federation. Because, again, England was for the heart. I went there originally to help English football, not to become the first team coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, the business of football, the experiences I’ve had working right across the board.“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10-15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.” More

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      Man Utd should have conceded MORE this season but there are signs Erik ten Hag’s side can climb the Premier League table

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      MANCHESTER UNITED should count themselves lucky to not have conceded MORE goals this season.The Red Devils have endured their worst ever start to a Prem season – but the stats show that United can climb the table if players put their shooting boots on.Man Utd are fortunate to not have conceded more goals this season, according to the statsBut there are signs the Red Devils can turn around their misfortunesNew data from Soccerment has revealed a mixed bag for United – but Erik ten Hag can draw improvements from their chances created.United have conceded 1.14 goals per game, which is relatively solid, ranking them 7th in the league. But their expected goals against (xGA) per game is 1.81, meaning that they have been somewhat fortunate to not have conceded more.United currently rank 13th in expected goals against.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Red Devils tally of five goals in 2024-25 is their lowest in any Premier League season after seven games.And bear in mind three of those goals came away to Southampton – who have conceded 15 goals in seven games.But United’s misfortune can possibly turn on its head if the Old Trafford forwards start converting more chances.This is because United’s underperformance of expected goals (xG) is the highest of all Prem clubs so far this season.Most read in FootballThe graph shows United’s expected goals for (xG) and against (xGA) per game this seasonCredit: soccermentFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey’ve scored five of their 89 shots this season, with an expected goals figure of 11.1 in those attempts.This means that their chance conversion rate is poor, as they are creating chances but failing to put the ball in the back of the net.’I was unaware,’ says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon gives Phil Jones heartfelt public apology on camera after criticism United’s season has been marked by a notable gap between their potential and actual performance, particularly in offensive efficiency.The Red Devils have managed to score only 0.71 goals per game, placing them 19th in the league.This is significantly lower than their expected goals (xG) per game of 1.53. United had 15 shots in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.But Ten Hag’s side have only scored ONE goal at Old Trafford this term – Joshua Zirkzee’s 87th minute winner over Fulham on the opening night.The data has been compiled by leading AI football data analytics company Soccerment, who’s revolutionary xvalue.ai platform provides the most in-depth stats, data and analysis for leagues from 20 countries from around the world including the Premier League. More

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      Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal

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      PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.Paul Pogba has been linked with a shock move to MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe transfer would see him play with ex-Man Utd team-mate Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi is the Marseille gafferCredit: AFPPogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘demanded Man Utd build £200k wall at Carrington as under-fire boss aims to keep training sessions secret’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has had a giant £200,000 wall built at Carrington to keep his team’s training sessions a secret.Ten Hag’s United future has plunged into uncertainty amid the club’s worst ever Premier League start that has seen them notch up just eight points in their first seven matches.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag demanded a giant wall at CarringtonCredit: GettyThe white wall was erected two weeks ago to keep training sessions a secretCredit: GettyHowever, the Dutch tactician, 54, continues to work rigorously and even keeps an eye on the smallest details regarding his team’s wellbeing on and off the pitch.According to The Mail, the ex-Ajax boss demanded that a wall was bult to hide his training sessions from prying eyes and shield his squad from the elements.The white wall was installed two weeks ago at the request of the under-fire manager.This comes after fellow Dutch boss Louis van Gaal ordered diggers and earth movers to be brought in to put up wind breakers at Carrington when he was in charge of United in 2015.Read More on Man UtdVan Gaal famously said at the time: “Wind is not always the friend of the players.”Nevertheless, the cost of the wall has raised eyebrows among club staff after severe cost-cutting measures were brought in by Ineos.They included 250 club employees being laid off.United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Ten Hag’s future, which lasted seven hours.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIneos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth also attended the showdown talks in London.However, Ratcliffe offered no insight into the manager’s position as he left via a rear exit.Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Player Ratings BreakdownThis leaves fans no closer to learning whether Ten Hag will still be in charge come their next game against Brentford at Old Trafford after the international break on October 19.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford following the board meeting at Ineos HQCredit: pa More

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      Rio Ferdinand rang Wayne Rooney and asked ‘how are you allowing this?’ about two Man Utd stars’ behaviour

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      RIO FERDINAND once rang up Wayne Rooney to demand answers about the behaviour in the Manchester United dressing room.Ferdinand and Rooney won five Premier League titles together and a Champions League trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in 2014Credit: GettyThe England defender left in 2014 but Rooney remained at Old Trafford as captain. Reminiscing on Ferdinand’s podcast, former team-mate Phil Jones said: “Back then, when you look at the dressing room we had…”We had so many incredible, powerful leaders that wouldn’t let anything get in the way of the team’s performance and the team winning.”That winning mentality was so strong and powerful that no one that came in could disrupt that.READ MORE IN football “I think now players maybe don’t have the ability to call people out anymore and the power to tell them, ‘That’s not what we do at this football club… don’t come in here and start acting like that, that doesn’t work here’.”I’m not saying that happens every single day at the club but if we lost a game, we’d have a meeting the next day, not even with the coaches. “The leaders would be saying, ‘this is not good enough’ after one loss.”Ferdinand pointed to a time he furiously phoned Rooney after seeing Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard dancing on social media as the club sat sixth. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I’ll tell you when it changed, from the outside at least.”I rang Wazza and said, ‘What’s going on here? How are you allowing this?’ And he said, ‘You can’t say nothing man, it’s not the same anymore’.Phil Jones reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to sign for Man Utd “He said, ‘It’s not just those two, there would be a big group looking at me like I’m mad if I said anything’.”Lingard and Pogba are both no longer at United. Pogba has had an initial four-year doping ban changed to 18-months, allowing him to continue his football career in March. Meanwhile Lingard – who left United in 2022 – is now playing his football in South Korea with FC Seoul. Jones ended 12 years at Old Trafford in 2023 and announced his retirement a year later – with his eyes now set on coaching. Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba dancing in the Man Utd dressing roomPhil Jones on Rio Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: @philjones_4 More

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      How Man Utd used Sky Sports pundits to get their own way in Bruno Fernandes red card case

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      MANCHESTER UNITED presented clips from Sky Sports pundits in their successful appeal against a Bruno Fernandes sending-off.The commission ruled referee Chris Kavanagh made an “obvious” error in giving the United skipper a straight red card for a foul on Tottenham’s James Maddison.Bruno Fernandes was stunned by his red card at home to Spurs on September 29 and Man Utd won their appeal against itCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils put forward a clip from Sky Sports’ Ref Watch as evidenceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskFernandes’ three-game ban was lifted , so he played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.The Mail say the Red Devils put forward two videos to support their case against the midfielder’s dismissal at Old Trafford on September 29.One was from Sky’s “Ref Watch” show, where one-time Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher discussed the incident with former Lionesses’ winger Sue Smith and ex-England striker Dean Ashton.Gallagher suggested Kavanagh saw an “optical illusion” of the exchange between Fernandes and Maddison because of his viewing angle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 67-year-old also described the Portuguese star’s contact on the England playmaker as a “glancing blow”.Gallagher concluded that a yellow card would have been fairer.United’s second video clip showed the two players tangling in real time, as well as via a slow-motion replay.However, the Mail say the independent commission chose NOT to consider opinions from “Ref Watch” when coming to a 2:1 split decision in favour of Fernandes.Most read in FootballFernandes said even Spurs’ James Maddison disagreed with the sending-offCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe majority verdict was he “didn’t lead or make contact with studs” and “there was obviously no malice, brutality or excessive force”.United had appealed immediately after Fernandes was dismissed 42 minutes into a calamitous 3-0 loss against Spurs, with the Red Devils trailing 1-0.Man Utd compared to ‘overcooked scrambled eggs’ in bizarre analogy by celeb chef Ainsley HarriottThe 30-year-old was furious with his first-ever straight red, claiming: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card.”If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”Fernandes was promptly dismissed again in United’s next match, four days, picking up two bookings for a high boot in a 3-3 draw at Porto.The ex-Sporting Lisbon ace will be out suspended for the Red Devils’ next Europa League clash, at ex-manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on October 24. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 8 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exit

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE gave no update on Erik ten Hag’s future following a meeting with Manchester United bosses in London on Tuesday.The Red Devils’ co-owner held over seven hours of talks with club chiefs in the capital following a dismal start to the season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held crunch talks with Manchester United bossesCredit: AlamyHe was seen arriving at the London meeting on TuesdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsBut Ratcliffe gave no update on Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsTen Hag has overseen Man Utd’s worst ever start to a Premier League seasonCredit: GettyHe was seen arriving for the meeting, while Sir Dave Brailsford and sporting director Dan Ashworth were also spotted heading into the building.Man Utd have their worst ever return from the opening seven Premier League games, picking up just eight points and languishing in 14th place.Without a win in five matches in all competitions, Ten Hag heads into the international break with his future uncertain.However, Ratcliffe offered no insight into the manager’s position after the meeting.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Ineos chief, 71, left the venue via a rear exit.He then whizzed off in a car with blacked out windows, refusing to stop and answer questions.This leaves fans no closer to learning whether Ten Hag will still be in charge come their next game against Brentford at Old Trafford on October 19.If he is dismissed, he is set for a huge pay-off having penned a one-year extension in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, right, was also in attendance at the meetingCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsSporting director Dan Ashworth was also at the showdown talksCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsHe will be entitled to a £17.5million pay-off, one of the biggest in Man Utd’s history.Ten Hag’s assistant and club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is favourite to become the next Man Utd boss on an interim basis.‘I broke his glasses’, says Rooney as Man Utd icon lifts lid on tunnel celebrations after winner minutes after red card Former England boss Gareth Southgate, ex-Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and former Liverpool target Ruben Amorim are among the other contenders.Man Utd considered replacing Ten Hag in the summer after the club finished eighth – their lowest-ever position in Premier League history.But a shock 2-1 FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City, adding to his 2023 Carabao Cup, temporarily saved Ten Hag from the axe.Club officials held talks with Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank over replacing the 54-year-old while he travelled to the FA Cup final.Club chiefs also looked for alternatives during an end-of-season review in the summer, with Tuchel allegedly interviewed.But ultimately, United performed a dramatic U-turn in June as Brailsford flew to Ibiza to hold a four-hour meeting at Ten Hag’s home.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow, though, after a nightmare start to the season, the Dutchman’s time could finally be up.And Tuchel has again been mooted as his replacement as the out of work coach seeks a route back into football.Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More

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      Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham

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      WAYNE ROONEY has snubbed Jude Bellingham when naming who he believes is England’s best player.The Manchester United legend was the Three Lions top scorer with 53 goals until Harry Kane broke his record in March 2023.Wayne Rooney has named who he thinks is England’s best playerCredit: TalksportRooney has picked a Prem star over the likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole PalmerCredit: GettyRooney, 38, has kept a keen eye on the national team since retiring and was confident when picking the squad’s best player.The former Red Devil insisted that Manchester City star Phil Foden is the most talented player.He told talkSPORT: “Foden for me.”I know he has not played that much this season for City, but I think Foden, when he is at his best England’s got.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRooney also suggested that Chelsea star Cole Palmer and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham are close but are still behind Foden.He added: “I think Cole Palmer has been sensational last season and the start of this season.”Jude Bellingham is doing amazing at Real Madrid.”But Foden, for me, is the one I really enjoy watching.”Most read in FootballRooney believes Phil Foden is the most talented Three LionCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFoden excelled in the Premier League last season as he helped Man City to yet another league title.He was rewarded for his performances as he was named the PFA Player of the Year in the summer.Manchester City and England star Phil Foden wins PFA Player of the Year award While Foden has proved to be a world-class talent at club level, his efforts for England have left a bit to be desired.In 41 caps for the Three Lions, the attacking midfielder has only scored four goals and provided eight assists.He has yet to really cement a spot for himself in the starting XI, having been used in multiple positions by former manager Gareth Southgate.This season, Foden has only featured in seven games in all competitions, scoring one and assisting one.He will have the chance to show off his abilities for England on Thursday in the Nations League fixture against Greece.The Three Lions then take on Finland in their second match of the international break next week. More