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

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      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

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      Arsenal star Jorginho eyed by Galatasaray after Turkish giants were turned down by Man Utd’s under-fire ace Casemiro

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      ARSENAL’S Jorginho is a target for Galatasaray — but the Gunners are set to resist any bid before the Turkish transfer window closes on Friday.Gala are looking at other options after Manchester United midfielder Casemiro signalled his preference to stay at Old Trafford.Galatasaray are targeting a move for Arsenal star JorginhoCredit: ReutersThe Turks wanted Casemiro but he has decided to stay at Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd they are prepared to test Arsenal’s resolve to hold on to a player who has less than a year left on his current contract.The Italy midfielder, 32, is yet to play for the club this season but is seen as crucial to the strength in depth Arsenal need to compete on all fronts.Boss Mikel Arteta loves what the ex-Chelsea star brings on and off the field.New signing Mikel Merino suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session and will be out for several weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Declan Rice misses next Sunday’s North London derby after his red card against Brighton — making it even more unlikely Jorginho would be allowed to leave this week.Galatasaray had initially hoped to sign Casemiro, with an exit seeming more likely in the wake of his disasterclass in United’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool.But Erik ten Hag defended the veteran midfielder and insisted he remains a key part of his plans.Meanwhile, Arsenal could be without another player when they take on Tottenham after the international break.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNew signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off in Italy’s 3-1 win over France after appearing to tackle himself in a freak accident.The £42million left-back appeared to be in agony as he hurt his ankle.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedAnd that could see Jurrien Timber keep his spot at the back against Spurs.Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is pushing for a starting spot.He is the third ex-Blue signed by Arteta after Jorginho and Kai Havertz.Sterling arrived as a deadline day loan signing after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.But Arteta is likely to keep the faith with Leandro Trossard after rejected a £29million offer for the Belgian from Saudi side Al-Ittihad this week.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      ‘If you can’t, the job is not for you,’ says ex-Man Utd keeper as he gives Andre Onana advice on handling pressure

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      ANDRE ONANA has been offered some words of wisdom on dealing with the pressures of being a goalkeeper at Manchester United.Former Red Devils shot-stopper Anders Lindegaard bluntly explained the demands of the job after Man Utd’s Legends lost to former Celtic stars on Saturday.Anders Lindegaard has offered some stern advice to Andre OnanaOnana is currently under pressure at Man UtdLindegaard was overjoyed to be back at Old Trafford as he shared goalkeeping duties with Kevin Pilkington and Raimond van der Gouw in the Legends’ match.After Wayne Rooney’s sublime 25-yard free-kick, Celtic equalised through Gary Hooper and would go onto win 4-3 on penalties.After the charity game, Lindegaard said: “Onana has come back from a difficult start and now he is doing a lot better. “But there’s no magic formula to overcome that pressure. That is the job. The job is to handle that pressure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you can’t do it, or you won’t do it, the job is not for you.”The 40-year-old former Denmark international officially joined the Red Devils in January 2011 before leaving in the summer of 2015.Meanwhile, all eyes are on Onana as he has already conceded five goals this season after Man Utd’s dismal 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool last Sunday.The Cameroonian stopper, who has a reputation for the odd howler, again got his footing all wrong for Mo Salah’s goal on the weekend.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGary Neville once said: “Being the Man Utd keeper was the most difficult job in English football.”The Sky Sports pundit was referencing the magnifying glass placed on every single United goalkeeper since the Premier League began.Wayne Rooney reveals club he would have loved to have played for as Man Utd legend says ‘it didn’t work out’After arriving for £47m last summer, Onana has been subject to a mixed reaction from fans, after several embarrassing blunders in the Champions League group stage saw United drop out early last season.He let the ball slip through his gloves against Bayern Munich, often passed the ball to opponents near is own box, and let Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick in against Galatasaray to concede 15 goals in six European games.Onana improved somewhat throughout the season, but still seems slow to react to low shots, after saying he is prepared to take more “risks” .And the spot-light is growing after Man Utd finished a record low eighth last term, and had a minus one goal difference.Erik ten Hag brought Onana in to replace David de Gea, who was out of his £375,000-per-week contract.The Spaniard said goodbye to Old Trafford after 12 years behind the sticks and has since joined Serie A side Fiorentina on a one-year-deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Gea was adorned by United fans for the majority of his time there, picking up the club’s Player of the Year on four occasions.But the 33-year-old fell victim to the same pressure Onana’s now facing, after a few clangers of his own in his later years. More

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      Anthony Martial ‘chooses next club’ after Man Utd release as he snubs ‘biggest contract in team’s history’

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL is “expected to join” Flamengo after leaving Manchester United.Martial, 28, ended his nine-year stint at United after his contract ran out in June and has been a free agent since.Anthony Martial is expected to join Flamengo after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial also received a record contract offer from AEK AthensCredit: GettyThe centre-forward had offers from clubs in Brazil, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the US during the summer transfer window.But according to journalist Luca Bendoni, who is part of transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio’s team, the ex-France international has opted for Brazilian outfit Flamengo.Martial is now expected to finalise his move to the Maracana and put pen to paper with Tite’s side.The Frenchman also received a massive offer from Greek outfit AEK Athens.Read More on FootballAEK offered the versatile forward the biggest contract in the club’s 100-year history.That means he would have earned more than ex-Tottenham ace Erik Lamela, who also joined Matias Almeyda’s side as a free agent after leaving Sevilla this summer.While the details of Martial’s exact figures have not yet been released, Lamela nets £2.1million per year in Athens.However, the ex-United ace didn’t seem too keen to move to the Greek Superleague at this stage in his career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAEK, though, continue to keep tabs on the Premier League as they are pushing to sign Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana.Fofana has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and manager Enzo Maresca is looking to reduce his massive squad.Anthony Martial works hard in Sevilla training AEK’s sporting director Panagiotis Kone flew to England to get the deal over the line for the striker.Martial left United with 90 goals and 47 assists in 317 appearances under his belt.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. More

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      Danny Simpson reunites with Wayne Rooney in charity game as Prem winner eyes boxing fight with Man Utd legend

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      DANNY SIMPSON reunited with Wayne Rooney on the football pitch – after previously eyeing a fight with his team-mate.Simpson – who won the Premier League title in 2016 with Leicester – crossed over to boxing after retiring from football. Wayne Rooney and Danny Simpson during their Man Utd daysCredit: GettyHe drew with YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds in a Misfits Boxing main event in Dublin. In the build up to the bout Simpson was probed on facing other potential footballers including Manchester United legend Rooney.Simpson, 37, told iFL TV: “I’m seeing him next Saturday because we’ve got a charity game at Old Trafford against Celtic. “Listen, I’d have a go with Wazza. He’s a boxer, I know he is. He’s been around it, everyone’s gotta back themselves, so why not?”READ MORE IN BOXINGSimpson – who came up the United ranks during Rooney’s Old Trafford prime – lined up with the ex-England captain against ex-Celtic stars.He posed for a picture with Rooney and Phil Bardsley and said: “Getting some boxing tips off these 2 legends before our game.”Rooney, 38, himself was in shock talks to fight in a Misfits bout 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 at tempted to do the same. He 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 SunRooney with Simpson and BardsleyCredit: @dannysimpsonDanny Simpson fought to SPLIT DRAW by YouTuber Danny Aarons with rematch AGREED More

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      ‘Oh my God’ snaps Gary Neville as Man Utd legend locked in another heated row with Jamie Carragher after Sky Sports spat

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has continued to get under Gary Neville’s skin as they ramped up their row over the difficulty of recruiting top managers.It comes just days after the two pundits got into multiple heated discussions live on Sky Sports, ranging from Erik ten Hag’s job status to the quality of Manchester United’s midfield.Gary Neville was left visibly distressed as he argued with Jamie Carragher on Stick to FootballThe two Sky pundits disagreed over Erik ten Hag and Liverpool’s bid for Arne SlotOf course, Liverpool’s 3-0 demolition of United in their own back yard dominated discussion in this week’s episode of Stick to Football.Neville and Carragher’s latest spat arose as the pair continued to butt heads over the Red Devils’ attempts to replace Ten Hag this summer.The incident started out with Neville speaking about why United ultimately did not start this season with a new boss, unlike their big rivals.Neville, 49, said: “Liverpool had six months to replace Jurgen Klopp and still found it quite challenging to get their top two targets.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher then interjected: “Who was Liverpool’s number one target? You said this on Sunday and I never pulled you up on it. Where are you getting this from that Arne Slot wasn’t the top target?”A fuming Neville burst in: “Oh my god. Fortunately we do record Stick to Football and fortunately I have a good memory.”Whereby you said Liverpool will definitely be going for Xabi Alonso.”Carragher came back with: “That’s my opinion.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNeville again said: “Oh my God. You’re now all of a sudden so disconnected with Liverpool that you don’t think they wanted Alonso.”The two then disagreed over the time it took Alonso to reject Liverpool to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed a German Invincible season.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionCo-host Ian Wright was forced to intervene to get the conversation back on track.Carragher, 46, then quizzed: “Why did United not go for Slot then?”To which Neville responded: “They probably looked at Slot, I haven’t got a clue, but they probably thought ‘Can we get a rid of a guy who has won two trophies in two years?'”Who has not been backed by a proper structure to bring in another Dutch manager.”Carragher criticised this with: “What do you mean without a proper structure? He’s gone out and brought in everyone he wanted.”Roy Keane meanwhile couldn’t help but find their ongoing feud comical as the United legend couldn’t hide his smirk throughout the encounter. Wright had the final say, asserting: “But with all due respect, we should see a style of play and improvement from Ten Hag by now”.The Dutchman was handed a new contract and a show of faith by the new Ineos decision-makers over the summer, but familiar problems have continued regarding performance.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite the the Carabao Cup and FA Cup won in his first two campaigns, the quality of football at United has been underwhelming – at best.It’s now two defeats from three for the Red Devils this season, while they regroup during the international break and head to Southampton on Saturday 14.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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      Premier League fans just accept their team rolling over for Man City – but everyone tried to beat Man Utd under Fergie

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      ERLING HAALAND sauntered out of Stratford on Saturday night clutching a match ball under his arm, leaving behind 60,000 comatosed Cockneys.West Ham had duly fulfilled their role in the annual turn-up-and-take-three-points parade for Manchester City.Erling Haaland with the matchball after his hat-trick at West HamCredit: RexThe Hammers at least used to give Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United a gameCredit: RexIn itself, this is fine. There’s no doubt that having a planet-sized Viking battering ram spearheading a team of magicians gives City a certain edge over their rivals.But in conversation with some Hammers-supporting friends in the aftermath, one of them shrugged off the latest surrender by admitting ‘our season won’t be defined by Man City at home’.And that is the state of the Premier League in a nutshell.A declaration of defeat being totally acceptable — indeed, expected and irrelevant — long before kick-off. By the fans, not the players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a time when a visit to West Ham for teams at the top of the table was a football minefield.When Manchester United were the dominant force here in the Nineties and Noughties, wherever they went they mostly got a game on the field.Even if they didn’t, the home team’s supporters would whip it up so that whichever of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13 title-winning squads came to visit, they played in fevered stadiums.Everyone just wanted to give the champions  a bloody nose. And back in 1995,  United were defending the  title right up to the last day, when they rocked up at West Ham’s old Upton Park ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe atmosphere was so hostile that the very air became a performance-enhancing drug for the mid-table Hammers, who built a wall around their goal to deny a very red-faced Fergie his win and the title went to Blackburn — by a point.That season, the Red Devils lost at Everton, Leeds, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday in the league.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsLesser teams who were up for landing a punch on the best team in the country for the sake of it — or because they simply couldn’t stand United.Ferguson toughened up his team to wrestle back the crown 12 months later but even then they lost at Leeds again, Aston Villa and Southampton.In the past two seasons, Brentford and Wolves are the only teams from outside the traditional Big Six to  have found enough gumption to beat Pep Guardiola’s City at home in the Premier League.West Ham have moved grounds since 1995 but the apathy among what was once  a ferocious fanbase is not entirely down to the vast oval-shaped ground they now play at.It’s become the mindset of the  fans that, come what may, City will stroll up, pass their way around  the West Ham players and help  themselves to a few goals.If this is the feeling on the terraces in the East End of London, be sure it’s the same at Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth,  Nottingham Forest, Leicester. The list goes on.West Ham have not beaten City  at home in the Premier League  since 2014.Top-flight grounds are now more like must-see stop-offs on the tourist trail than hotbeds of pumped-up locals lying in wait to ambush title ambitions of the elite.No wonder Guardiola’s team have been able to plunder four titles on the spin with diehard home support diluted to a point of disappearing and those that remain resigned to defeat.It’s not games against closest rivals that should count. Clashes between the top teams have always guaranteed uncertainty because of the smaller skills gap between the players.It should be the less glamorous surroundings of the relative minnows or the also-rans where English leagues are ultimately won and lost.Top-flight grounds are now more like must-see stop-offs on the tourist trail than hotbeds of pumped-up locals lying in wait to ambush title ambitions of the elite.ANDREW DILLONAt grounds where world-class footballers like Haaland tremble, even if just momentarily.The players of those teams need their supporters to believe — foolishly  or not — that everything depends on beating City.That even if they go down, they go down fighting.Not knowing that the vast majority of the home crowd are checking their watches to see if there’s time for a crafty pint if they leave early enough and that losing to City at home is ticked off for another year.GREEN WITH ENVYOF course, the Irish have a point about Declan Rice, Jack Grealish and, to an extent, Lee Carsley.With Rice in particular, three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before jumping ship to England in 2019, means he should rightfully expect a coating from the fans in Dublin on Saturday. Grealish is the same, having represented the Boys in Green at Under-21 level.Lee Carsley won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland but will manage England against them on SaturdayCredit: GettyEngland’s interim boss, former midfielder Carsley, played 40 times for the Republic, so is Irish in football parlance.Yep, pretty dodgy, isn’t it? The Irish must be fed up as hell to have lost those three to their colours — and it’s England’s gain.For those old enough to remember Sunday afternoons watching quiz show Bullseye on the telly, the words of compere Jim Bowen spring to mind, ‘Look at what you could have won’.THE D’OR IS WIDE OPENTHE Ballon d’Or has been pretty much a two-horse race for 15 years.With the odd exception, it has been either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo winning the poll of the planet’s best player.So it’s refreshing that neither Messi nor Ronaldo has even been nominated for the 2024 award.Can’t see past Erling Haaland as the winner but seeing Jude Bellingham’s name on the list suggests there could be more competition from now on.However, we need the likes of fellow nominees Kylian Mbappe and Phil Foden to make sure the competition doesn’t just slip back into its old ways.Otherwise, it will be no more interesting than Scottish football.MAKING A BEELINE FOR ITI DO rather bang on about climate change and annoy the hell out of my editor by doom-mongering about the environment.Yet it’s always better to see something good happening and reading this week’s ‘Sport Positive’ bulletin, a little initiative by Brentford lifted my mood.The Bees travel to Manchester City for their next match a week on Saturday.And they have teamed up with Trainline so that anyone in possession of an away ticket can save 20 per cent on the rail fares to Manchester.It’s part of the ‘I Came By Train’ campaign to curb car journeys and it’s wonderfully simple.Though it does make me think why nobody has thought of it before?LIFE GOES JONNORTHERN IRELAND began life without Jonny Evans in their squad last night.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter 107 caps, one of the best defenders and nicest blokes in the game has retired from international football.Just hope the Irish FA don’t let him slip away and give him a role shaping the next generation in their tiny but productive football outpost. 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      Man Utd manager Ten Hag to take charge of new team during international break with chance to get back to winning ways

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have been given the backing of Manchester United bosses – but he will be back managing in Holland THIS WEEKEND.Manchester United have a blank few days over the international break as they recover from back to back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.Erik ten Hag takes charge of testimonial game at his old club FC UtrechtCredit: GettyBut the Red Devils boss has agreed to take charge of one of the teams for a testimonial game at his old club FC Utrecht on Sunday.And it provides the perfect chance for ETH to get back to winning ways before he clocks back on to the day job at Carrington early next week.The game between the club’s current side and some of their former players has been organised to honour club icon Mark van der Maarel.The 35-year-old full-back has recently retired after spending his whole professional career at the Galgenwaard Stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDPerhaps the most memorable spell was spent playing under ETH – so he approached the United boss to see if he would be willing to be part of the special occasion.Ten Hag had a clear diary and was happy to say yes – after being given permission by United.While the jury is out among many fans over his long-term future at Old Trafford, he is assured of a warm welcome back by the Utrecht faithful.He played for them for one season but it was his achievements during his two and a half year spell in charge that mean he is fondly remembered.Most read in FootballMan 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn his first campaign in the hot-seat, he led them to the KNVB Cup final – where they lost to Feyenoord – and also to a fifth place finish in 2015/6.The following year, they finished fourth – which was enough to earn a European spot and it caught the eye of Ajax, who approached him about taking over as their manager just after Christmas in 2017.The Galgenwaard is expected to be a sell out for the fixture and van der Maarel said: “I’m looking forward to sharing memories all together.”Ten Hag is due to take charge of one of the teams along with Rick Kruys – while Jan Wouters, Ton du Chatinier and Robby Alflen will be in the other dug-out.Watch Manuel Ugarte in awkward moment with Erik ten Hag after Man Utd manager tries to hype up new transfer More