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      ‘We wish him well’ – Man Utd issue brutal 41-word statement after Dan Ashworth leaves club after just five months

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have released a brutal statement to confirm the departure of Dan Ashworth.The sporting director has surprisingly left the club after just five months.Dan Ashworth has left the club by mutual consentCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe was a driving force behind his exit, with Ashworth’s time over following a meeting with Omar Berrada, seen here between Sir Dave Brailsford and AshworthCredit: GettyUnited confirmed the news in a short statement, which read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”Ashworth held showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and decided to end his time at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in pushing for a shock boardroom shake-up.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAshworth’s move from Newcastle has “not worked out” and SunSport exclusively revealed last month the United hierarchy were involved in a blame game over the transfer business in the summer.It comes after the Red Devils had difficulty getting him out of a gardening leave period he took after he departed St James’ Park.The two sides agreed on a £3million compensation deal.Ashworth then went on to spend £183m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui in the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the chief was involved in the decision to eventually keep then manager Erik ten Hag and offer him a new contract.But just 14 matches later, they made a U-turn and sacked him. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Before his arrival in Manchester, Ratcliffe hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But the owner claimed yesterday that United are still far behind where they need to be in terms of a recruitment structure.Ratcliffe said: “We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. “It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. “It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE: More

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      ‘You don’t deserve anything if you’re being outrun every single week’ – Neville slams Man Utd after ‘shambles’ defeat

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      GARY NEVILLE has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United following their embarrassing defeat to Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils suffered a 3-2 defeat to Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, their second straight loss under new gaffer Ruben Amorim.Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: REUTERSThe defeat was the second of Ruben Amorim’s short spell in charge of the Red DevilsCredit: REXFormer Red Devil Neville launched a scathing attack on his former side after the matchCredit: PAIt came before United announced sporting director Dan Ashworth has left after just five months.Amorim made several changes to the side who lost 2-0 to Arsenal on Wednesday night, much to the annoyance of former United star Gary Neville.He told NBC Sports: “When you keep changing players and you keep changing your back three and you take five players off, you’re basically saying to all of them, because they’ve obviously been taken off at the start of the game, that you don’t trust them.”Ten Hag kept doing that a few weeks ago when he kept changing the back players, changing the midfield.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”All of a sudden you’ve got a completely different system, a completely different set of players on the pitch at the end of the game. You can never get consistency.”It looked really scruffy. They looked a mess at the end United with no real shape. “In the first half they weren’t brilliant but at least they had a shape to them.”Pick an XI that you think are the best. Almost give that XI the faith and trust. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[Enzo] Maresca’s doing it now at Chelsea – he’s playing an XI on a Sunday or a Saturday and then he’s playing a different XI in midweek.”He’s sending some messages to the players that there’s stability here and this is what we’re going to do.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85″When you change players all the time you’re just spinning plates and there’s no consistency.”You need to build patterns together. You need to build that idea of what you are doing together.”Neville was equally as annoyed by United stars not putting the hard yards in on the pitch.The Sky Sports pundit continued: “No good team is ever a good team without hard work.”Manchester United are 13th in the league. Their running stats, their distance covered is 16th in the league.”You don’t deserve anything if you’re being outrun every single week.”Neville’s former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand offered a brutal one-word assessment of the result, writing on X: “Shambles.”Ruben Amorim lamented Manchester United’s starts to the each halfCredit: REXAmorim, 39, didn’t mince his words after the final whistle, telling Sky Sports: “It was a tough game. We started the two halves really bad.”It was hard to pass on some calm to the players and continue the game as we should do.”We had not a lot of quality but a lot of heart. Suffering two goals after half time in this context is really hard.”We need more time to put positionings in.”If you see the first goal it was good combination between the players and after the first goal we had good moments, creating chances but then we went forward without thinking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a tough context but we have to understand this is a long journey and that’s what our jobs are.”United will be back in action on Thursday, taking on Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. More

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      Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up

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      DAN ASHWORTH has left Manchester United following showdown talks last night.The sporting director’s shock exit comes after just five months at Old Trafford. Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd after just five monthsCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upCredit: AlamyAshworth was involved in the club’s summer transfer business and the decision to keep – and then sack – Erik ten HagCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed three weeks ago how United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.Ashworth joined the club in July following a lengthy gardening leave period after he quit Newcastle.The 53-year-old was appointed by Man Utd to oversee “performance, recruitment and operations”, with the Red Devils agreeing to pay £3million in compensation to the Toon.But following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by mutual consent.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”The Athletic claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in the call to part ways.Ashworth played a huge role in United’s £183million summer spending spree during the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe club signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui. Ashworth was also involved in the decision to initially keep Erik ten Hag and hand him a new contract, only to for him to be sacked just 14 games later.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’The former FA chief, who was credited with creating the “England DNA”, was quoted in the statements confirming every signing.But we did not hear from him on Ten Hag’s axing or on the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Ashworth’s departure comes as a huge shock to many, with one fan saying: “Man Utd waited longer to get Ashworth out of Newcastle than he has lasted in the job. Mad.”Another added: “Utterly embarrassing and the amount of time and money to secure him. The direction of the club is meant to be based on the structure and at this moment that feels insecure. Shambles.”But others defended the decision, commenting: “If someone isn’t working, then get rid. No point keeping someone if its not working.”Ratcliffe previously hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But he was apparently not a good “fit”, according to the Mail. But yesterday he suggested United are still miles behind where they need to be when it comes to transfers.United chiefs have been at war over their summer spending spreeCredit: GettyRatcliffe said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE:As for Amorim, he said in his first press conference after joining last month that he wants the final say on transfers.He explained: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want.”But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it’s all together but the final word should be the manager.”Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it’s all together to improve the process of recruitment.”I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”When Ashworth’s Newcastle exit and United arrival was finally secured, he said: “This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. “It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.“Although I grew up in Norfolk, I’ve always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston.“I can’t claim to have been a partisan United fan – my dad enjoyed watching all the local teams – but I remember the special buzz that always seemed to surround games at Old Trafford, and it’s something I have experienced many times since during my career in football.”United’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1m More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes involved in everything positive but Andre Onana has absolute shocker

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      MANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat with goalkeeper Andre Onana coming under fire again. The United stopper was at fault for Morgan Gibbs-White’s riffler that wrong-footed Onana.Nottingham Forest beat Man Utd 3-2Credit: AFPChris Wood got the deciding third goal for Forest despite Bruno Fernandes pulling one back. Here is how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated United’s players from Old Trafford. ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area. LENY YORO – 6 The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’. He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour. Most read in FootballMATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5 Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going. Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide. Lisandro Martinez lack of height was on show at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersLISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4 It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7 Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role. Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second. MANUEL UGARTE – 7 Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably. Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others. Ugarte constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandablyCredit: ReutersKOBBIE MAINOO – 6 Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat. DIOGO DALOT – 6 Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7 Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team. Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for UtdCredit: GettyRASMUS HOJLUND – 6 That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5 Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho looked far from happy when he was hauled offCredit: RexSUBSTITUTIONS:MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6 These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case. MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6 One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6 When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5 Not surprisingly failed to have an impact. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6 Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85 More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

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      MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.Most read in Football”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More

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      ‘We’re still in the last century’ admits Jim Ratcliffe as Man Utd chief hints at major change to rescue ‘mediocre’ club

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has labelled Manchester United “mediocre” and warned that “difficult and unpopular decisions” would be needed to get the club back to the top.Ratcliffe came under scrutiny earlier this week after the controversial decision to raise prices for unsold Premier League tickets to a minimum of £66 regardless of age.Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Man Utd had become ‘mediocre’ and that ‘difficult’ decisions would need to be made to get the club back to the topCredit: PAThe decision to raise unsold ticket prices to a minimum of £66 regardless of age sparked fan protestsCredit: PAThe Man Utd co-owner insisted he did not want to price out local fansCredit: GettySpeaking to United We Stand editor Andy Mitten in a bombshell interview, Ratcliffe was asked about the decision to scrap concession ticket prices.The Ineos billionaire, who now controls a 27.7 per cent share in Man Utd, said: “The club has drifted for a long period of time, a decade or so. Manchester United has become mediocre. “It’s not elite and it is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. That’s what it used to be under Alex [Ferguson]. “There is major change to come to achieve elite status. There has already been huge change.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Ineos’ takeover of football activity at the club, a number of key appointments have been made to improve the club’s structure including the arrivals of Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada as director of football and CEO.Ruben Amorim was appointed as the team’s new manager after Ineos sacked Erik ten Hag despite initially keeping the Dutchman in the summer – decisions costing the club £21.4million.On those calls, Ratcliffe said: “I know we get criticism in the press but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure.”We can’t run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If you are losing money you have to borrow from the bank to pay for the losses. Eventually that becomes unsustainable…”We’re on the way, but this won’t happen overnight. There are financial issues which we need to address because we’ve inherited a financial situation that only time will solve.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionAsked specifically about the rise in ticket prices which sparked furious fan protest at Old Trafford earlier this week, he said: “It’s an emotive one, ticketing, but we have to have some benchmarks with ticketing.”We must make sure that we look after the community because at the end of the day it’s their football club. “We need to make sure that people who are genuine supporters can afford to go. Maybe their circumstances don’t allow them to spend a fortune on tickets.“I 100 per cent get that. But we have to balance that and optimise our ticket income because it feeds back into how do we win the Champions League or Premier League.“I’m very cognisant that we have to look after the community because it’s the community’s team, but equally I want to optimise the revenue from people who can afford it.”Ratcliffe argued the decision only looked at three per cent of the tickets and insisted he did not want to price out locals.He added: “I understand that. I was brought up on a council estate in Manchester, I absolutely get that. “I don’t want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can’t afford to come, but I do want to optimise the ticketing. We need to find a balance. And you can’t be popular all the time either.“Here, we’re talking about three per cent of the tickets. That’s not the issue. “The issue, as you say, is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge. I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham.”Ratcliffe also slammed the team’s recruitment in recent years, describing the club as in the “last century” in terms of data analysis.He said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data Analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here. “These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”The other big one is we need to run the club efficiently and well. We need to sweat every pound so that we have more capacity for the investment in players. “Those are the big-ticket items which take up time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The other point here is how you grow the amount of money that you can spend on players. You can run the business more efficiently. And you can grow the top line.”Ratcliffe added that he wants staff morale to be driven by results on the pitch and that he saw much-maligned majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer as nice people “who are “genuine fans of the club”. More

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      Erik ten Hag could KO Ruben Amorim’s first Man Utd signing with axed boss tipped for immediate management return

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      RUBEN Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.Ruben Amorim has identified Leipzig left-back David Raum as a key Man Utd targetBut Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag could potentially block the move IF he replaces Marco Rose, who’s job is on the brinkBut Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.The Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.There are mounting rumours that Ten Hag has already been sounded out to take over, which would see him linking up with Jurgen Klopp, now adviser to Red Bull-owned clubs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIf the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Defeat to Aston Villa in Tuesday’s Champions League clash could spell the end for Rose, and open the door to Ten Hag’s return to management.That would be bad news for Amorim, who is desperate for a left-sided defender after Luke Shaw’s latest injury blow.Tyrell Malacia is only just back from his own long-term absence, and Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been forced to switch flanks and fill in.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRaum, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, would be the ideal solution, even though United would prefer a loan with an option to buy in the summer.Ten Hag was close to taking the Leipzig job before he moved to Old Trafford, and agent Kees Vos had even agreed a pay deal when he left Ajax.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsUnited’s offer trumped that, but now the Dutchman – who worked under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich – could be on his way back to the Bundesliga.It would see him working with Klopp, the Liverpool boss when they thrashed United 7-0 in March 2023, who has just taken up a new role with Red Bull. More

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      Man Utd issue statement on Nottingham Forest clash as Storm Darragh forces Merseyside Derby and EFL games to be axed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have issued an update about their match against Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils are due to host Forest at Old Trafford in today’s 5:30pm game.Man Utd have issued a statement about their match against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyThe statement said the match would go ahead as plannedCredit: EPABut as Storm Darragh batters the UK there have been fears it could be called off.This morning the decision was made to postpone the Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool.EFL clashes have become casualties of the storm this morning, with League One and Two seeing games called off after Championship matches at Cardiff and Plymouth were both postponed last night.Notts County’s League Two match with Colchester was axed after high winds caused damage to the scoreboard, while Blackpool’s League One fixture against Rotherham was also abandoned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Man Utd have declared that the game against Forest WILL go ahead as planned. A club statement released on social media said: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”The club also announced a small boost for season ticket holders, a week after the controversial call to raise all ticket prices to £66 regardless of age, which sparked fan protest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt continued: “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”Crystal Palace also announced that their own 3pm game against Manchester City would go ahead as planned, but asked fans to take care travelling to and from Selhurst Park.Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford and Newcastle all issued statements confirming their games would be going ahead as planned too.Storm Darragh has caused severe delays to a number of services, including transport, with winds of up to 90mph.An Everton statement on their postponed match with Liverpool said: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.”Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. “Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Full list of postponed fixturesPremier LeagueEverton vs LiverpoolChampionshipPlymouth Argyle vs Oxford UnitedCardiff City vs WatfordLeague OneBristol Rovers vs Bolton WanderersCrawley Town vs StevenagePortsmouth vs RotherhamLeague TwoNewport County vs Carlise UnitedBarrow AFC vs MK DonsNotts County vs Colchester UnitedFA TrophyTorquay United vs HorshamSouthport vs Peterborough SportsHanwell vs EastleighFA VaseSouth Liverpool vs Albion SportsNational League NorthWarrington Town vs Curzon AshtonNorthern Premier LeagueMatlock Town vs Ashton UnitedBlyth Spartans vs Workington.Prescot Cables vs Bamber BridgeNorthern Premier League WestBootle vs Witton AlbionVauxhall Motors vs Stafford RangersKidsgrove Athletic vs AvroHanley Town vs ClitheroeHednesford Town vs Stalybridge CelticNewcastle Town vs City of LiverpoolNorth West Counties LeagueCharnock Richard vs BurscoughAFC Liverpool vs Cheadle TownStafford Town vs Foley MeirAshton Athletic vs Holker Old BoysWinsford United vs Sutton UnitedRamsbottom United vs PadihamMarket Drayton vs EccleshallCheadle Heath Nomads vs Allscott HeathBarnton vs Ashville More