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      Erik ten Hag sack: Old Trafford legend rants ‘these are not Man Utd players’ and demands entire squad is dismantled

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED hero Tim Howard has called for a complete DISMANTLING of the squad.The Red Devils’ season went from bad to worse last Sunday when they were thumped 3-0 by Tottenham at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s season is already on the brink of collapse after last weekend’s thumping by SpursCredit: REXPressure is mounting on under-fire manager Erik ten HagCredit: GETTYEx-United stopped Tim Howard insists this current crop of Red Devils aren’t fit to wear the shirtCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe defeat has put even more pressure on the shoulders of manager Erik ten Hag, who has vehemently defended his position with his trophy haul since being at the club.But the team’s inconsistency since the Dutchman took charge has prompted intense scrutiny of the £550million he’s spent on his squad, which former Red Devil Howard insists aren’t fit to wear the shirt.In an explosive rant, the retired goalkeeper and NBC Sports pundit said: “They doubled down on Ten Hag and backed him by bringing in more of his players.”When you look at the squad it’s not a brilliant squad, they spent a lot of money on some average players, certainly not Manchester United players.READ MORE ON TEN HAG’If you get rid of him then you have to dismantle this team he has created.”Ten Hag was expected to be given the chop at the end of last season but seemingly saved his bacon by winning the FA Cup.But Howard has another theory for why the United brass didn’t hand the 54-year-old his P45.The American, who made 77 appearances for the Red Devils, continued: “I’m not sure why they didn’t, maybe financial reasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Or they didn’t have the right person in place to replace him or maybe they truly believed he was the right person.”I’m not sure that it looks that way.”‘He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagOctober will be a pivotal month in the Red Devils’ domestic and European campaigns and could potentially make or break their season, which Ten Hag is adamant WILL be a “success.”He told Sky Sports: “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about.”We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”When asked if he fears he may be sacked if the next two games don’t go his troops’ way, he added: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”United will be back in action this evening, travelling to Lisbon to take on Porto in their second Europa League outing of the campaign. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo admits ‘I haven’t got much time left’ as Man Utd legend drops biggest retirement hint yet

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has hinted that retirement might be on the horizon after admitting “I haven’t got much time left”.The Manchester United icon claimed he has changed his focus away from individual accolades after scoring the winner for Al-Nassr on Monday.Cristiano Ronaldo has implied that he’s edging closer to retirementCredit: ReutersAfter scoring for Al-Nassr against Al-Rayyan on MondayCredit: GettySpeaking after their 2-1 win, Ronaldo said: “I’m just enjoying playing football now as I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch. “It is not important to me now to be the best player or to win awards. “What is important to me now is to enjoy and help my team.”The Portugal star dedicated his goal to his late father Jose Dinis Aveiro after scoring on what would have been his 71st birthday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe five-time Ballon d’Or scored his 904th career goal – the first to achieve such a feat – and continues to play for Portugal.Ronaldo’s retirement hint comes just a month after he admitted that he realised his career was entering its final phase.Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ronaldo said: “I’m going to miss the adrenaline of scoring a goal, and the feeling of being nervous.”I think I’m going to miss that other part of me, but I can control that. I have good people around me, good business, I have good things.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I give everything, to 40, 41, it doesn’t matter. I give my body for 25 years of football and I cannot give more because age doesn’t allow it to go further.”Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract expires next summer and it is unclear if the striker will pen a new deal or seek a move elsewhere. Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Ronaldo is yet to win a Saudi Pro League title, having to settle for second best to Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, since his 2022 move from Man Utd.The 39-year-old remains in outstanding shape and shows no signs of relenting as a player.Monday’s notch, means he has now officially scored more goals in his 30s (441) than he did during his 20s (440).His deadly left foot finish was his seventh in eight appearances this term.Since leaving European football he has scored 65 times in 72 outings for Al-Nassr.The Euro 2016 winner has represented the likes of Man Utd, Real Madrid and Juventus, amassing 33 major trophies in that time. More

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      Erik ten Hag facing Man Utd D-Day as club legend Paul Scholes claims ‘control freak’ coach didn’t want £36.5m transfer

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      PAUL SCHOLES has questioned Manchester United’s summer transfer business.The Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to the season under Erik ten Hag.Erik ten Hag is facing intense scrutiny as Man Utd bossCredit: GettyPaul Scholes has had his say on United’s summer businessCredit: PALast Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham has put Ten Hag under increasing pressure.United return to action tonight in the Europa League, as they face Porto away from home.They will then take on Aston Villa on Sunday off the back of Unai Emery’s side’s huge 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.While Ten Hag has remained defiant over his future, reports claim that two defeats prior to the international break could see the 54-year-old lose his job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiscussing his former side, Scholes questioned the wisdom of bringing in Joshua Zirkzee over the summer.Zirkzee, 23, arrived in a £36.5million deal having scored 12 goals for Bologna last season.He netted on his United debut, but is scoreless in seven appearances since.Scholes, 49, has questioned whether his former goal-machine team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is now part of Ten Hag’s staff, would have chosen to bring Zirkzee in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua Zirkzee is on a run of seven games without a goalCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy is part of Ten Hag’s coaching staffCredit: GettySpeaking on SuperSport, he said: “Coaches are control freaks, they want to do everything. If you were Ruud watching that, he is maybe thinking, ‘I will take a back seat, I don’t want to get involved in that’.”He also has to be involved in the recruitment side of it, signing a centre forward or two centre forwards. ‘Ruud, who do you think?’Paul Scholes says ‘that is a massive concern for me’ as Man Utd legend opens up on ‘second-rate’ De Ligt transfer “I am not sure he would have picked Zirkzee. I am not sure he would have picked (Rasmus) Hojlund.”Look, there is probably not a plethora of centre forwards out there but you would go consult him, wouldn’t you?”Scholes also recently questioned whether £38.5m summer signing Matthijs de Ligt, who worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, is really much of an upgrade over Harry Maguire.Appearing on the latest Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes said of the United boss: “He couldn’t wait to get De Ligt straight in ahead of Maguire, he was just waiting for the opportunity.”He then added: “And look, in all honestly, I’m not sure it is that much of an upgrade.”He might be slightly better but he is not a massive improvement where you think, ‘Wow.'”Despite the speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has bullishly defended his position.Ahead of tonight’s game in Portugal, he told Sky Sports of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Man Utd injury boost as Kobbie Mainoo travels for Porto clash… and takes Call of Duty gaming case with him

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      KOBBIE MAINOO gave Manchester United the massive fitness boost they most wanted for Thursday’s Europa League clash at Porto.The midfielder ranted at team-mates after being taken off in Sunday’s 3-0 home loss against Spurs with a suspected hamstring injury.Fit-again Kobbie Mainoo made no secret of how he’ll take his mind off the pressure on Man Utd as they head out to take on PortoCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMainoo went off on Sunday but has got the all-clearCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBut scans revealed the England star’s problem was less severe than feared.Mainoo, 19, is now shooting off to Portugal with the rest of United’s squad – carrying a sizeable and personalised Call of Duty gaming case with him.The anchorman’s unusual luggage stood out amongst the travel bags and light suitcases of his team-mates.Mainoo’s love for video games echoes that of Red Devils’ super-supporter Luke Littler.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Nuke, 17, is often seen playing the latest versions, with fans even joking he dropped out of last month’s Hungarian Darts trophy to focus on EA FC 25.United fans will hope Mainoo is on the case as much as Littler has been in recent weeks.That’s because boss Erik Ten Hag’s job is on the line with two testing trips in three days.After Thursday’s tie, mid-table United visit fifth-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.Most read in Europa LeagueAssistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping Man Utd have packed a surprise or two for Portuguese giants Porto on ThursdayFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMainoo’s all-clear comes after he had to be taken off just before half-time last weekend.The 10-cap ace trudged off, and was seen remonstrating with United subs Casemiro and Antony.Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man UtdMason Mount shrugged off the cut he suffered vs SpursCredit: InstagramUnited even messed up Mainoo’s substitution, with play resuming before Mason Mount could come on for him.Mount was then himself replaced by Amad Diallo after a nasty cut to his head that needed stitches.The former Chelsea playmaker sat out training early this week as a precaution.But Mount too has now been declared fit to play as tests confirmed he had not suffered a concussion.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Man Utd flop dubbed ‘champion in losing the ball’ as Premier League’s ‘worst ever manager’ fires scathing warning

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Joshua Zirkzee has been dubbed a “champion of losing the ball” after his performance against Tottenham.Dutchman Frank de Boer, who Jose Mourinho once labelled “the Prem’s worst ever manager” fired a scathing attack on new boy Zirkzee.Joshua Zirkzee was on the receiving end of fierce criticism for his Tottenham showingFrank de Boer has laid into ‘absolutely shocking’ ZirkzeeZirkzee’s poor United displays have swiftly come under-fire, despite netting a late winner from the bench on his debut against Fulham.He frequently gave up possession in United’s 3-0 hammering by Spurs, even kicking the ball out of play on two occasions without any pressure.Zirkzee was removed at half-time after Bruno Fernandes’ red card – which has since been overturned – saw Casemiro enter the fray.And De Boer was less than impressed with the 23-year-old’s display against Ange Postecoglou’s men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDe Boer told Viaplay: “Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking.”How many times does he make the wrong choices on the pitch? “Okay, he did have one shot at goal and the keeper saved it. But all in all he was champion in losing the ball.”During the warm-up before the game, I was watching him and he was shooting on goal but he was blasting it anywhere but on target.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Honestly, he did not hit the target once in the warm-up. That was terrible. “When you are a good striker, you don’t have to blast every ball, you have to make sure your shots are in the corner. New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against Tottenham”During the game Marcus Rashford tried to shoot like that. Zirkzee never did.”The former Bologna striker joined United for 36.5m this summer, but looks way off the pace for Prem football.Erik ten Hag’s compatriot De Boer was also heavily critical of the United boss after the game.He added: “United look like a team that are wobbling everywhere.”They have been totally outclassed, and I am talking about being outclassed tactically, in quality, in effort and energy. Where weren’t they outclassed?”Mourinho once lambasted De Boer’s own managerial credentials in 2018, after his criticism of Rashford during the Special One’s time at United.Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking.Frank de BoerHitting back at De Boer, Mourinho said: “I read something, some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier League, Frank De Boer.”If Rashford was coached by Frank he would lose because he lost every game.”De Boer was sacked by Crystal Palace after just five games and 77 days in charge.A stint that encompassed four league games, all of which ended in defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to manage Atalanta from 2018-20 and spent a year with the Netherlands before being sacked after Euro 2021.De Boer was also let go by Abu Dhabi side Al Jazira in December 2023 – after six months in charge.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘recommends six-time league-winning manager’ to succeed under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.Erik ten Hag has come under increasing pressureCredit: PAReports in Italy claim that Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended a new bossCredit: AlamyMan Utd’s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMassimiliano Allegri left Juventus at the end of last seasonCredit: RexAllegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And 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.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard 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.Yet, 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 would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.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.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 is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.’I’M NOT ANXIOUS’Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.Ten Hag, 54, defended his position at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd Women’s boss says WSL game postponement is ‘right decision’ whilst sympathising with fans

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      MARC SKINNER insists postponing Chelsea’s WSL clash with Manchester United was the right move in terms of player welfare.However, the Red Devils chief also sympathised with fans who planned to attend the match with United thought to have sold all their away tickets.Chelsea’s next WSL game will be against Arsenal on October 12 with their game against Man United postponedCredit: AlamyMan United take on Liverpool in a Women’s League Cup fixture on October 2 before hosting Tottenham in the WSL 11 days laterCredit: GettySkinner, whose team host Liverpool tomorrow in a Women’s League Cup group stage game, was reflecting on his side’s top-flight away clash with the Blues being temporarily shelved.The highly anticipated fixture was due to take place on Sunday October 6, but was postponed by the Women’s Professional League Limited last Sunday.The decision was motivated by Chelsea’s opening Women’s Champions League group game being pencilled in two nights later, with the team having 48 hours between the duels.And the WPLL (previously known as NewCo), which runs the top two tiers of the women’s domestic game, stated they were putting “player welfare first”.Read More Football Stories This follows concern across the sport, particularly from elite footballers themselves, around match congestion, its effect on player loads and the potential for increased risk of injury.Man United boss Skinner said: “For me most importantly it’s affected the fans, which is something we clearly don’t want to happen.”But I think from a playing perspective, for both Chelsea welfare and our welfare players-wise, it’s the right decision, because the game is not going to be moved from the Champions League.”We don’t want any more injuries. We’ve seen Everton potentially take an injury again at the weekend.Most read in Football”We don’t want that. So I think from a player welfare (perspective), it’s the right thing.”According to BBC Sport, the WPLL had asked that no English sides had their Women’s Champions Leagues arranged for Tuesday 8 October.However, the organisation’s request was unsuccessful.And Uefa are said to have made their schedule for tournament fixtures available to clubs over a year ago.Following the WSL game postponement ahead of their side’s first European match this term, a Blues fan association said the club had to protect its players.The Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group also sympathised with fans who had forked out on travel and hotel bookings ahead of the Kingsmeadow clash.In a post shared via its X account, the Group wrote: “We feel for all the supporters who have lost money on transport and hotels. “It shouldn’t have got to this situation.”The Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club says it is currently “in dialogue in regard to next course of action” with Red Devils officials in regard to costs incurred by away fans.Skinner said: “Wherever we fit the game in, let’s make sure it’s accessible to the fans and that they are well looked-after. That’s the most important thing.”I think it was sold out, our end, the away end. So we just need to make sure it favours them as well, I think that’s really key.“But the reality is, for the quick turnaround, which would have been for us or for Chelsea.”It would have put the players at risk and I don’t think we need to do that this early in the season.”United’s League Cup duel with Liverpool tomorrow will see them begin their quest to win the contest a season on from lifting the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.And Skinner says the competition is a top priority for the Red Devils who missed out on a knockout spot last season.This was due to their group stage rival Aston Villa being docked points which were awarded to Sunderland.The Man United boss added: “I felt last year, we were very, very unfortunate to not progress to the knockout stages. Liverpool have drawn their first two WSL games this season ahead of their League Cup group stage duel with Man UnitedCredit: Getty”Not only did we have a very difficult group, we were then unfortunate that a decision is made elsewhere that affects us and we can’t go through. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a priority for us, it’s an opportunity to win a cup, but it’s also an opportunity for players to show and claim their stake for starting.”We need a competitive game, a competitive team, a competitive environment.” More

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      Man Utd set to be hijacked by Liverpool in £70million transfer for top target – but move would be full of controversy

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      LIVERPOOL are reportedly ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Jarrad Branthwaite – by swooping in January. The Red Devils saw a £50million approach for the Everton defender rejected over the summer.Jarrad Branthwaite is a target for both Man Utd and LiverpoolCredit: AlamyArne Slot’s Reds are reportedly planning to hijack the move with a January bidCredit: GettyUnited brought in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £100million after missing out on the Three Lions star.De Ligt has struggled for form since making the switch from Bayern Munich, while £52m teenager Yoro remains sidelined until 2025 through injury. According to The Daily Mail, United are likely to focus on bolstering their attacking options in January.That leaves the door open for Liverpool – long-time admirers of Branthwaite – to offer closer to Everton’s £70m valuation. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe report adds that Branthwaite “is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract,” which expires in June 2027. Branthwaite, 22, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024, but didn’t make the cut. Branthwaite made his first appearance of the new season last Saturday against Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReturning from a hernia operation, the youngster helped Sean Dyche’s side to their first win of the campaign. Down the M62, De Ligt has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford in a £43m deal.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher slammed the Dutchman following Sunday’s calamitous 3-0 loss to Tottenham.Carragher said: “The rest of the defence is awful, it always has been when they lose possession.”But where’s De Ligt? The right-back has come out here but look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over.Matthijs de Ligt has endured a torrid start to life at Old TraffordCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.”Two massive chances and the goal, De Ligt, a player they brought in for huge money, is completely out of position all the time.”So he ends up having to go flying into challenge and then you leave yourself in a situation where you can get yellow cards and red cards.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited boss Erik ten Hag is now the bookies’ favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked.He faces two huge games this week – first against Porto in the Champions League, before Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa. More