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      Party-loving Royston Drenthe was WARNED OFF joining Everton by Holland pal thanks to Liverpool’s ‘temptations’

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      PARTY-LOVING Royston Drenthe was reportedly warned off joining Everton due to the “temptations” on Merseyside.Drenthe, 37, was once one of world football’s top youngsters after impressing at Feyenoord.Royston Drenthe was warned off a move to Everton by a Dutch palCredit: Getty Images – GettyDrenthe had gained a party boy reputation by that stage of his careerIt earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2007, who at that time boasted a squad featuring Galacticos including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Raul.But after winning LaLiga in his first season, Drenthe struggled with injuries and inconsistent form.After three years he was shipped out to Hercules on loan.And in 2011 Drenthe, who had gained a reputation as a party boy at Real, then completed a short-term move to Everton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to score four goals in 27 games for the Toffees before joining Russian side Alania on a permanent deal.But ahead of his Goodison Park move, Drenthe was told to reject Everton’s advances by a Dutch pal who also played for the Merseyside club.Andy van der Meyde, 45, was at Everton for four season between 2005 and 2009.He only ended up making 24 appearances in total due to injuries and off-field issues.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after hearing Drenthe was on the verge of following in his footsteps, Van der Meyde rang his friend before delivering a passionate voicemail message urging him to snub the switch.Dutch outlet HP De Tijd claims Van der Meyde said: “Royston, I hear that you are on your way to Everton.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAndy van der Meyde was eager for Drenthe to snub a Merseyside moveCredit: GettyDrenthe never rediscovered the form that earned him a switch to Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor“Don’t do it, boy, I beg you, don’t do it.“Liverpool has too many temptations for guys like us. Before you know it you will dragged into the nightclubs.“There Bacardi flows and you can ski on cocaine; and the women, Royston. Oh man, oh man, oh man.“Those British women with their short skirts…”Drenthe clearly ignored his mate’s warning but Everton were not keen on making his loan permanent.After a short spell in Russia, Drenthe returned to English football with Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later had spells in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.And Drenthe retired in 2022 after playing for Real Murcia. More

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      Man Utd star admits ‘we have to suffer’ as he blames horror run of form on ‘restructure’ following Spurs battering

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      MANCHESTER UNITED full-back Diogo Dalot has admitted he and his team-mates “have to suffer” amid the club’s restructuring process.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordered a complete overhaul behind the scenes at Old Trafford after acquiring 25 per cent of United earlier this year.Diogo Dalot claims Man Utd ‘have to suffer’ amid restructuringCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has kick started a huge shake-up behind the scenes at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyThe British billionaire has already appointed a new chief executive, technical director and sporting director since taking charge of football operations.And he is planning to build a new state-of-the-art stadium to replace the Theatre of Dreams.Amid the huge shake-up at Man Utd, manager Erik ten Hag is struggling to get the best out of his players on the pitch.The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with just seven points from six games.Read More on Man UtdAnd right-back Dalot admits he and his team-mates have been affected by the ongoing changes behind the scenes. The Portugal international said: “I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process we have to suffer.”It’s a daily job, we have to train well and recover well. There are ups and downs that football brings us, but the more balanced we are as a club and as athletes, the more successful we will be. “It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyse what was done, good and bad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd’s next two results could be crucial”There is always a 24-hour period to switch off and start thinking about the next match.”There are different matches and different opponents and we have to change the chip to be better physically and mentally.”Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Man Utd’s season went from bad to worse on Sunday when they suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham.Many fans and pundits are now calling for Ten Hag to be sacked.And SunSport understands the Dutchman has two games to save his job – tricky trips to Porto and Aston Villa.Despite the ongoing speculation about his future, Ten Hag insists he is not worried about facing the axe.He told Sky Sports: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag also said: “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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

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

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      ‘This is the year’ declares Bukayo Saka as Arsenal star declares Gunners will finally end wait for Premier League title

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      BUKAYO SAKA last night vowed “this is the year” after being asked about Arsenal’s Premier League title chances.The winger, 23, was in action as the Gunners beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in the Champions League.Bukayo Saka spoke to the CBS Sports crew after last night’s gameSaka, 23, was on the scoresheet as the Gunners beat PSGCredit: PAAfter the game, the England star joined the CBS Sports crew for an interview.Gunners legend Thierry Henry was a member of the CBS panel, alongside Kate Abdo, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.Henry, who was a star man in Arsenal’s last title-winning team in 2003-04, asked Saka: “Do you think it is important this year to win the title?”Refusing to duck the question, Saka nodded before answering: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on us but I do think that this is the year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think we’ve been close the last two years and we’re getting closer, but this hopefully will be the year.”Henry, 47, excitedly responded: “I like the way you’ve been speaking tonight.”Saka had just played an integral role in the Gunners’ victory over French champions PSG.After Kai Havertz put Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 up after 20 minutes, Saka doubled their lead on 35.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.In a separate interview with Amazon Prime Video, the winger spoke of his belief that his side can go one step further this season, having finished as runners-up in each of the last two campaigns.He said: “Previous years, I’ve come runners-up a lot.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG “It’s just that spirit in me that I want to win this season and of course, I believe in myself a lot.”With those two things, it helps. We believe in ourselves, we believe we’re a top team. We showed that tonight.”I did tell the boys we have to make a statement when big teams are coming to the Emirates.”The Gunners have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season in all competitions, and sit third in the Premier League with four wins and two draws from six games.This weekend they host Southampton looking to go into the international break with another three points in the bag.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A More

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      Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Man Utd future as he’s given two games to save his job after disastrous Tottenham defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag insists “there is nothing to panic about” despite the club’s poor start to the season.The Red Devils dropped to 12th in the Premier League table on Sunday following a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag has revealed he is ‘not anxious’ about losing his jobCredit: GettyClub legend Gary Neville branded the performance “disgusting” while Ashley Young criticised players for not putting in any effort.Many fans are now calling for Ten Hag to be sacked by United chiefs.SunSport understands the Dutchman has two games to save his job – against Porto and Aston Villa.But Ten Hag insists he is not worried about facing the axe.Read More on Man Utd”I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious,” he revealed while speaking to Sky Sports.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited face a tough run of fixturesTen Hag even suggested “there is nothing to panic about” at Old Trafford.”We are going to make a success from the season,” he continued.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”Securing Champions League football will be imperative for Man Utd’s financial status next season.If they fail to finish this Premier League campaign in the top four, United will trigger a £10million penalty clause with partner Adidas.When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino reveals ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and ended Anfield career on the spot

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO has revealed the moment he realised he had to leave Liverpool.The Brazilian, 33, played for the Reds for eight years between 2015 and 2023.Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunDuring his Anfield stint he played a key role within Jurgen Klopp’s front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving for Saudi Arabia.During his last few seasons on Merseyside, the forward became less of a regular feature within Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.In his book, entitled Si Senor: My Liverpool Years, Firmino detailed exactly when he decided that he had to leave his beloved Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was a match against Wolves, in which I came on as a substitute in the last minute. That was it. Right there, I understood.”As we say in Brazil, the penny dropped. I knew now. I called my agents. Roger Wittmann and Christian Rapp met with me for a face-to-face talk.”We left the living room and went to my room: just me, Christian, Roger and Larissa, no distractions.”Christian and Roger were perfectly transparent about everything that was happening and the club’s view of my future.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFirmino replaced Darwin Nunez late on during a clash with WolvesCredit: Rex”It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool. I reflected a lot and realised that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else.”The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it any more. It was time to accept.”I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end.”The match Firmino referenced was a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield in March 2023.Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock with a header on 73 minutes, before Mo Salah quickly made it two.That night, with Mane having left the previous summer, Klopp started a front three featuring Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Klopp decided against bringing Firmino on as his side chased the opening goal, and even after going 1-0 up opted to bring on Cody Gakpo first.Firmino finally came on in the 89th minute, replacing Nunez for the closing stages.He would then come on for an 11-minute cameo the following week, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 7-0 rout of Manchester United.The Anfield icon went on to start just two more games for the Reds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat summer he departed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after 111 goals in 362 games for Liverpool.Since moving to the Middle East he has netted 12 times in 43 games, with his team finishing third last term.Firmino, 33, now plies his trade in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.Erik ten Hag has come under increasing pressureCredit: PAReports in Italy claim that Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended a new bossCredit: AlamyMan Utd’s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMassimiliano Allegri left Juventus at the end of last seasonCredit: RexAllegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.’I’M NOT ANXIOUS’Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.Ten Hag, 54, defended his position at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Former Man Utd star Ashley Young attends EFL clash to watch son, 18, in action

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      FORMER Manchester United star Ashley Young was in the stands for an EFL clash to watch his 18-year-old son in action.Young, 39, is currently at Everton after an incredible top-flight career sides including United and Aston Villa.Ashley Young was in the stands to watch his son in actionCredit: RexTyler Young, 18, joined Peterborough from QPR this summerBut his talents appear to run in the family.Son Tyler Young is still a teenager.And he is now at League One side Peterborough after a summer switch from QPR.Tyler is a central midfielder who is hoping to make it big like his old man.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teen is yet to make an appearance for Posh.But he was named on the bench for Tuesday’s league clash at Wigan.And dad Ashley made sure he was not going to miss the occasion.Young was spotted in the stands for the clash, which Wigan won 3-0.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSon Tyler unfortunately did not come off Peterborough’s bench for his debut.But his father was sure to be proud seeing him among the subs nonetheless.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Young enjoyed the game but son Tyler did not come off the benchCredit: RexYoung Snr has been in the wars himself this season.The ace has struggled for form alongside Everton teammates, who have blown several leads in the Premier League this term.However, things could be about to turn around after the Toffees secured their first win of the season against Crystal Palace at the weekend. More