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    Laura Woods names her all-time Premier League XI with Man Utd and Arsenal legends dominating

    LAURA WOODS has named her all-time Premier League XI and boss – with a shock midfield three and NO Sir Alex Ferguson.The footie presenter’s best starting line-up is also dominated by four Arsenal and Manchester United legends.Laura Woods was asked to pick her Premier League all-time XIArsenal hero Patrick Vieira made the cutWoods, 37, mocked up her ultimate Prem XI for BETMGM, with only ONE current player making the cut.In goal, Woods went for Peter Schmeichel, pointing to the impressive accolades achieved by the former Man United keeper.The Denmark international won 15 major honours under Ferguson, including the Treble in 1999 and five Prem titles.Arsenal fan Woods only included one of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard – solely opting for the ex- Liverpool captain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “In the team that Gerrard was in, I think he just dragged everybody up to his level, and I don’t think Liverpool would have had the success of that generation without him.”The rest of the midfield trio was made up by former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira and Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne.Woods said: “Vieira is an incredible player. Again, another leader, so strong. I loved him and Roy Keane going at it in the tunnel.”Vieira won three Premier League titles, while former Man United captain Keane lifted seven.Most read in FootballGary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Tony Adams and Ashley Cole made up Woods’ back-four.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it’s hard to argue with her front-three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.But in a true to shock to everybody – or maybe no one – Woods finished her dream matchday squad with Invincibles manager Arsene Wenger.How Euro 2024 host Laura Woods finally tamed Love Island’s biggest bad boy Adam Collard who made Joey Essex look like a puppyShe said: “Wenger changed the Premier League. No one’s done it unbeaten since. “Everything about the way he treated those players and the way he dragged them from the pubs to the most professional era football in England had ever seen. I think he changed the game in this country.”Meanwhile, Woods hosts Prem football every Saturday on TNT and is a lead presenter on the channel’s Uefa Champions League coverage, after stepping down from her role at talkSPORT.The award-winning broadcaster is expecting her first child with former Love Islander boyfriend Adam Collard, 28.The loved-up couple recently enjoyed a romantic getaway to Ibiza at the end of August.Arsenal manager Arsene Wengergot the nod ahead of Fergie More

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    Man Utd ‘want Eberechi Eze’ as they look to make four key transfers next summer to overhaul team

    MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs are already drawing up transfer plans for next summer and want to sign four players, according to reports.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team are now in charge of the club’s business and they are working on a list of targets to keep an eye on this season.Eberechi Eze is a top target for Man UtdCredit: GettyFree agent Adrien Rabiot remains on the club’s radarCredit: GettyUnited also remain keen on Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyThe club want a left-back to cover Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia amid injuriesCredit: GettyThe Red Devils want to sign a centre-back, left-back, midfielder and a winger next year.Manchester Evening News claim Eberechi Eze has been identified as a top target for the club.The player is under contract at Crystal Palace until 2027 and there is a £68million release clause in his deal.England star Eze can play as a No10 and out wide, with him set to be “monitored” by Man Utd this campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir could be space for him in Erik ten Hag’s squad next season as Antony and Christian Eriksen could leave.SunSport understands the £85m flop is wanted by Fenerbahce on loan, with the club open to offloading him.Meanwhile, Eriksen sees his contract expire at the end of the season.Casemiro also sees his deal end in June and he faces an uncertain future amid poor form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd were keen on free agent Adrien Rabiot and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in the summer.Talks about the two players could resume, especially if the Frenchman remains unemployed.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordDespite the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, they could enter the market for a centre-back again in 12 months.Both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans see their contracts run out next summer.Reports suggest United remain interested in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.The Toffees declined bids from worth £43m and £50m from Old Trafford as they are holding out for £80m. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia continuing to struggle with injuries, a left-back is also wanted by the club.Shaw has not played for Man Utd since February and Malacia last featured in May 2023.Left-back has become a problem area, with Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot filling in there. More

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    Man Utd looking to offload Antony with £86m flop keen on exit after losing place in team

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony is pushing for a loan move away from Old Trafford and may have played his last game for the club.SunSport can reveal that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce remain in pole position to land the Brazilian winger.Antony could leave Man Utd this weekCredit: GettyBut Antony’s former club Ajax are also monitoring the situation – as well as teams in Spain, France and Saudi Arabia.The player has told Man Utd he wants out and the club are believed to be keen to push through a loan deal.The Turkish transfer window is open until Friday.But any permanent departure is not likely to happen until next summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntony joined the Red Devils for £85.5million two years ago on a five-year deal worth a reported £200,000 per week.But he has failed to settle at Old Trafford and has played just one minute so far in the Premier League this season.The 24-year-old has found himself behind the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo in the pecking order – though Jadon Sancho has now left the club.In total, Antony has played 83 times for the Man Utd, scoring 11 goals.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErik ten Hag pushed to sign the star after working with him at Ajax.But a loan switch is now seen as a pathway to revitalising his career and Mourinho’s Fenerbahce could be the perfect place for that.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordHe will team-up with fellow ex-United star Fred should he join the Turkish Super Lig giants.They are set to face United in the Europa League on October 24. More

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    Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove he’s right man for Man Utd or he will be sacked, says Red Devils legend

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nicky Butt believes Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove himself at Old Trafford.Butt admits United’s start to the season has been a shocker — losing to Brighton and Liverpool to kick off the Prem with two defeats in three.Man Utd legend Nicky Butt reckons Erik ten Hag has until Christmas to prove he is the right person for the jobCredit: GettyButt believes the backing showed to the Dutchman means he will have at few months at leastCredit: AlamyThe ex-midfielder, a six-time Red Devils title winner, feels Ten Hag should get until the end of 2024 to prove he is making progress.And Butt is convinced he WILL get that time after chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted not to axe him in the wake of beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, then backed him in the summer transfer market.Butt, 49, said: “It’s not been great. I’m a big Man United fan but I can’t lie to people and say it’s been amazing — because it hasn’t.“Hopefully it will turn and change. At United you’re always under pressure and Ten Hag knows that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Nobody is going to say that they are going to win the title this year — anyone who claims that are jokers — so they will have to bide their time and stick with the manager.“If they’re not going to do that, then they’d have got rid in the summer.“There’s no point sacking somebody if there is just nobody to come in. Clubs all over the world do it — and it’s crazy.“They sack a manager because it’s not going well and they don’t have any reasonable targets coming in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Then, they bring another wrong one in and it’s a knock-on effect.“They’ve got to give him a few months now. You can’t just start a season, get three of four games in and get rid of the manager.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s question“If United were going to do this then they should have done that in the close season.“So you have to now stand by him and get to Christmas — then see where we’re at.“To me, it’s right down the spine of the team, it’s wide open and people are just coming right through the middle of us.”Butt’s ex-United team-mate Teddy Sheringham has also slammed Ten Hag’s two-year reign  — claiming the Dutchman is “not good enough” and will be gone by Christmas.But former Ajax chief Ten Hag has tried to add much-needed bite to United’s midfield with the £42.3million signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.And Butt, part of that iconic 1999 Treble-winning Red Devils side, added: “The new lad Ugarte has come in and can fill a gap.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.“We have some very talented players, so hopefully the manager can get them playing the way he wants and get some results.“You have to get the players and new signings into the spirit of what Man United is all about.“That’s a big thing. Years ago you were able to watch United and know what you were going to get.“You see it at City and Liverpool but with United, you still struggle to see what style of football it is.”It must have stung Butt and his fellow Class of 92 graduates to watch Pep Guardiola’s City rack up a record four consecutive titles.The ex-England star added: “City are way ahead. What we need to do is get a squad together who can challenge next season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This season, it’s about getting back into Champions League football and having a run in the cups. If people think it is about winning the league title this year, they are dreaming.“The international break came at a good time as the boss can get players back fit, hopefully, and go again.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Ex-Man Utd striker Weghorst and Arsenal ace Timber in furious training ground bust-up with boss Koeman forced to step in

    ARSENAL ace Jurrien Timber and ex-Manchester United player Wout Weghorst locked horns during training with the Netherlands.The Dutch duo were called up for international duty by manager Ronald Koeman for the Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany.Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber and Wout Weghorst had a heated bust-up in trainingCredit: EPANetherlands boss Ronald Koeman intervened to put an end to the altercationCredit: AFPTimber went hard on a challenge with Weghorst, who was left upsetCredit: EPATimber, 23, went hard for the ball and appeared to inadvertently step on the foot of Weghorst, 32, who was left visibly upset after the clash.The two players exchanged heated words soon after the duel and the Ajax star complained to Koeman about the tackle.The ex-Everton boss intervened immediately and told Weghorst: “I said something to you, I said something to them.”But the ex-Burnley ace continued to voice his frustration and Koeman was then heard shouting: “And now it’s over!”Read More on FootballThe camera then caught Weghorst walking out of the training ground once training was over and his Netherlands team-mates were still on the pitch.The striker got on his bike and was seen riding away while checking his phone.After leaving the pitch, Koeman said of Weghorst: “He has no injury.”Timber and the centre-forward are set for action on Tuesday when the Oranje host Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe two men helped Holland destroy Bosnia 5-2 in Eindhoven on Saturday with Weghorst scoring after he and the Arsenal defender came off the bench.That was a match that saw United ace Matthijs de Ligt committing two critical errors that led to both of the visitors’ goals.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionDe Ligt admitted his frustration at his display with an X-rated response after the game.Ex-Manchester United ace Weghorst walked out alone after trainingCredit: AFPAjax star Weghorst rode away on his bicycle while his team-mates were still on the pitchCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd fans tell ‘Agent Zirkzee’ to ‘bring him home’ as amazing tweet reveals bromance with top transfer target Musiala

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S friendship with Manchester United transfer target Jamal Musiala was on show on social media following the Dutchman’s goal on Saturday night.Zirkzee, 23, bagged the Netherlands’ opening goal in a 5-2 win over Bosnia in Eindhoven.Jamal Musiala, centre, and Joshua Zirkzee, right, were team-mates at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyMusiala joked with Zirkzee about his goal on Instagram on Saturday nightAnd he did so in the most creative of ways.When Xavi Simons’ shot looped up off a defender, Zirkzee produced a backwards header into the bottom corner.The goal caught the attention of Musiala – who also netted for Germany in their 5-0 win over Hungary.Reacting on Instagram, he said: “2 way shot creator,” referencing a style of player who is a good all-rounder in the basketball game NBA 2K25.READ MORE ON MAN UTDZirkzee, who was team-mates with Musiala at Bayern Munich before he left for Bologna in 2022, responded with two crying laughing emojis.And Man Utd fans are convinced the bromance is one way they can convince Musiala to come to Old Trafford.One said: “Agent Joshua we are seeing you come next summer 👀❤️.”While another added: “Bring him home.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZirkzee scored 11 goals in Serie A for Bologna last seasonJamal Musiala racked up 16 goal contributions in his 2023/24 Bundesliga campaignAnd a third replied: “Musiala to United in 2027. I will be there.”The winger, 21, who represented England up to U21 level, has a contract with Bayern until 2026.Man Utd new-boy Joshua Zirkzee branded ‘class act’ after incredible gesture to fans after last-minute debut heroics But comments earlier this week have raised speculation over his future in the Bundesliga.The remarks came during a conversation about him and Zirkzee jokingly trying to convince one another to join their respective clubs.He told Welt am Sonntag: “You always joke around with friends and dream of playing together in a team one day.”The jokes go both ways: I also told Josh that he should come back to Bayern but you shouldn’t take that too seriously.”I am very happy at FC Bayern and fully focused on our goals with the club and the national team. I don’t think too much about where I will be playing in five years.”Things can always change quickly in the world of football.”Zirkzee, who now has three caps for the Netherlands, revealed to fans following his arrival at Man Utd in July that he had “tried” to convince Musiala to come to Old Trafford.Musiala has contributed 44 goals and 31 assists in 166 games for Bayern since joining from Chelsea in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Zirkzee scored on his Man Utd debut, coming off the bench to bag the winner against Fulham.He was used as a substitute again in the 2-1 loss to Brighton, before he started the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Danny Simpson teases 3v3 boxing fight with Wayne Rooney and Phil Bardsley after Old Trafford reunion

    DANNY SIMPSON has teased a 3v3 boxing fight with Wayne Rooney and Phil Bardsley after reuniting at Old Trafford.Simpson – who won the Premier League title in 2016 with Leicester – crossed over to boxing after retiring from football.Wayne Rooney with Danny Simpson and Phil BardsleyCredit: @dannysimpsonIn his debut bout, he drew with YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds in a Misfits Boxing main event in Dublin.But Simpson was back on the pitch a week later for a charity game between ex-Manchester United and Celtic stars. He played alongside Rooney as well as Bardsley and laid down the gauntlet for a group boxing match.Posing with the pair, Simpson wrote: “Getting some boxing tips off these 2 legends before our game @manchesterunitedfoundation. 3 vs 3 who wants it lol???” READ MORE IN football Simpson – who came up the United ranks during Rooney’s Old Trafford prime – lined up with the ex-England captain against ex-Celtic stars.Rooney, 38, scored a wonder free-kick only for the game to end 1-1 with Celtic winning the deciding penalty shootout. The United legend was also in shock talks to fight in a Misfits fight but instead focused on management after taking the Plymouth job.He used to box as a youngster and was infamously knocked out by Bardsley in a drunken kitchen spar – which he later mocked himself in a celebration.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMisfits – co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcomes celebrity-style crossover bouts.And Simpson was the first former footballer to make the move – but he revealed others are tempted to do the same.Danny Simpson set for reunion with Wayne Rooney in charity game as Prem winner eyes boxing fight with Man Utd legendHe said: “I’m not going to say the names now, I’ve had a few people messaging me last few days. Hopefully they’ll be more now after seeing that.”I had a lot of lads from Leicester in the WhatsApp group so hopefully everyone’s seen it and hopefully they fancy it and they can all come along.”Danny Aarons and Simpson drewCredit: SportsfileRooney was once knocked out in a drunken spar with Phil BardsleyRooney mocked his KO in an infamous celebrationCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

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    Man Utd were STUPID to back Erik ten Hag before Liverpool shambles… it was another masterclass in mayhem

    IT is the club once dubbed the benchmark for brilliance — yet now mocked as a masterclass in mayhem.Maybe not in the stubborn, self-assured world of Erik ten Hag, but most definitely in the wider one of just about everybody else.Erik ten Hag saw Man Utd flounder against Arne Slot’s LiverpoolCredit: AlamyLisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Co were humbledCredit: AFPFor two decades, Manchester United was a byword for sparkle and style. Now, it has become a guarantee of clangers and cock-ups.No shortage in the opener against Fulham, for all it was a win. Even more in the defeat at Brighton — and an absolute hatful when Liverpool spanked their backsides a week ago.How ironic, then, that for all the on-field howlers, the most baffling blunder of all came from the club’s boardroom.If timing is indeed everything, this was the finest example of getting it wrong. One that brought another adage to mind 24 hours later — about hindsight being 20-20 vision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough sometimes it doesn’t need a crystal ball. Not when common sense is staring you in the face from the off.A summer that began with United hunting high and low for a new manager ended with Ten Hag still in the  hotseat when the search proved fruitless.Just hours before bitter rivals Liverpool were in town, chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth wanted to hammer home their belief in the Dutchman.He is, insisted Berrada, “absolutely the right coach for us”. Of course he is — definitely there through faith, not default.Most read in FootballSir Jim Ratcliffe looked gutted by Utd’s display vs LiverpoolCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOf course they back Erik because they are convinced he will lead United back to the top, not because saying anything else would be a confession of failure on their part. That was never going to happen, was it? Admitting mistakes clearly isn’t on the agenda at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringWhich is why none of the suits would accept that the timing of their public show of confidence in Ten Hag was so woeful either.Before they faced their fiercest rival? One hell-bent on avenging the two Old Trafford slips of last season? What were they thinking?Given United’s tendency to turn mountains into molehills, it would have been risky against Southampton or Ipswich. But Liverpool?While some will argue one result was never going to change anything, the only thing unjust about Liverpool’s 3-0 win was that it should have been by more. So an intended vow of conviction in the manager instead became a vote of confidence three games in.Not that confidence is something Ten Hag has ever lacked. To him, those who criticise and question do  so through ignorance.He railed when asked if there was now no margin for error. Bragged there had been more trophies at Old Trafford than Anfield in his two years as boss.There was more at Wigan Athletic than Merseyside in Brendan Rodgers’ first two at Liverpool as well.Ten Hag can shout as loud and long as he likes about progress and embarrassingly claim that he feels sorry for those who point fingers at United mistakes.When so many are doing so, perhaps it’s time to stop being arrogant and admit that they have a point.It’s too early to judge his five summer signings. But the previous 16, costing more than £600m, have not exactly been a roaring success.Phil ThomasWhile Ten Hag barely hides his  contempt for media opinions, are  ex-United players such as Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes naive know-nothings, too?Do you feel sorry for them, too, Erik? Do you feel sorry for the  thousands and thousands of fans who cannot see or share your belief?Obviously he has to stay upbeat. After all, if the manager doesn’t keep his head up, there’s no chance the players will.And it is still too early to judge his five summer signings. But the previous 16 — costing more than £600million — have not exactly been a roaring success.Ten Hag, though, remains defiant, insisting: “There are many games to play and I know where we will be at the end of the season.”But as someone who has followed the club for over half a century, that’s the fear — once again United will be as far from the top as the  day he arrived.The question is, will Ten Hag still be around to see it?Not many would put their  house on it — whatever Berrada and Ashworth are saying right now.Mitch’s blame shamePAUL MITCHELL says the transfer strategy he walked into at Newcastle was a mess, pointing out he only had a supporting role this summer.Whether he would have been so quick to say the same if the Toon had pulled a rabbit out of the hat, instead of the shocking window they endured, only he knows.Paul Mitchell might have been better off not speaking outCredit: PAThat aside, whatever grievances he had with the previous regime, did he really have to air them in public?Almost like the kid at school who, when the teacher wants to know the one responsible for the dirty picture on the blackboard, points the finger and says: “It’s him, not me miss.”Was having a pop at Dan Ashworth and those who’d gone before him really the wisest move?I’d suggest not. Any more than his dig at manager Eddie Howe for not having alternatives to top target Marc Guehi.Sometimes you can see a head-on collision coming long before it happens. And this has all the makings . . . Lee gets bookedFRANCIS LEE was a player where the middle ground was never an option.To fans of Manchester City and Derby, he was a hero. To most others, he was a horror.Francis Lee was a legendary Man City player and ownerCredit: Times Newspapers LtdYet whatever your camp, he was a character. As a player, as a racehorse trainer and then the owner of his beloved City.He’s also the man who got me a job on the Racing Post 40 years ago after a word to the wise on one of his nags when I had to do a tipping piece as part of the interview.READ MORE SUN STORIESFranny passed away last year but tomorrow sees the publication of his autobiography. It’s a great read, believe me. Whoever you support…Triumphs, Treachery and Toilet Rolls: The Francis Lee Autobiography, by Pitch Publishing. More