Premier League

ERIK TEN HAG’S former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed the Dutchman lacks “passion”, “wasted Cristiano Ronaldo”, and admits “it’s not easy” under his leadership.The Red Devils boss, 54, is under huge pressure following Manchester United’s humilating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure and has received criticism from his old assistantCredit: AlamyBenni McCarthy has taken aim at Ten Hag and also defended Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyThe result leaves the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League and without a win in three matches in all competitions.Ex-Blackburn and West Ham striker McCarthy, 46, spent two years as Ten Hag’s assistant before he left in the summer.However, he has pulled no punches in his assessment of the former Ajax head coach’s personality.Speaking to Zero Zero, he said: “He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”While he added: “Before I joined the team, I always had to communicate my thoughts to the head coach, which is normal.”For someone like me, with strong convictions, it’s not easy. Erik always had the final say.”McCarthy also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s broken relationship with Ten Hag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portugal legend re-joined Man Utd in 2021 but left less than 18 months later following a fall-out with Ten Hag.There is no love lost between the pair as Ronaldo recently took aim at Ten Hag’s lack of ambition.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliationThe Red Devils head coach hit back by saying Ronaldo is “far away in Saudi”.Yet McCarthy feels the situation could have been handled better by Ten Hag.He said: “If we work as a team and then let Cristiano do what he needs to do in his position, because he is the best in the world at it, that is ideal.”I think Manchester United wasted a great opportunity to use Cristiano in the right way. But I was not the head coach and I could not be the one to make those decisions.”McCarthy also took the time to reveal the standout players he worked with in the Man Utd squad.He had already named Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, before he went on to list four more stars – Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.He said: “Lisandro Martinez. He has the passion, the fighting spirit, the personality. He can play for any team in the world because he has the right mentality.”Besides Lisandro… Marcus Rashford. He’s getting back to his best and could hurt FC Porto with some moves.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Finally, Alejandro Garnacho. I really like Garnacho, but he needs to play more regularly. I don’t know if there’s a problem between him and Erik, but he hasn’t been a regular starter.”Oh, and just one more: Amad Diallo. An incredible, incredible player, still little known. He defends and attacks well, always makes the best decisions and knows how to score goals.” More

BRUNO FERNANDES is available for Manchester United’s next three matches after the club won their appeal against his red card against Tottenham.United’s captain was sent off in the first half of the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford after a challenge on James Maddison.Bruno Fernandes has won his appeal against his red card at the weekendCredit: ReutersThe Man Utd star was sent off in the 3-0 defeat to TottenhamCredit: GettyFernandes got the red for a clumsy challenge on James MaddisonReplays suggested Fernandes slipped and made contact accidentallyFernandes appeared to slip as he aimed to win the ball.And he ended up making contact with Maddison’s leg, with ref Chris Kavanagh almost immediately showing Fernandes red before being backed up by VAR.It was a huge blow to United’s morale as they were just about to head into the tunnel for half-time only 1-0 down.While pundits were adamant the clumsy challenge only deserved a yellow card at best.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also meant Fernandes was due to miss the next three league games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham.But United immediately launched an appeal for wrongful dismissal.And the FA confirmed Fernandes’ straight red – the first of his career – had been cancelled.A statement read: “Bruno Fernandes will be available for Man Utd’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham.”The news is sure to come as a relief for Fernandes, who raged against the decision at full-time on Sunday.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against TottenhamIN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.Explaining that Maddison admitted it wasn’t a red, he said: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn’t possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that.”Fernandes was also backed up by Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp, Ashley Young and Darren Bent.Redknapp said: “He slips, his feet go under him. I think it is a yellow card.”Young added: “I don’t think it’s serious foul play or it’s reckless.”Yes, he is out of control, but he slips, I don’t think he goes to take out Maddison.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Bent reacted: “First time I saw it I thought that it was naughty. But he slips and it is more petulant than anything.”It is a poor decision, a bad one, a poor one.”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

NEW footage of Manchester United’s humbling defeat to Tottenham appears to show a number of Red Devils players arguing among themselves in stoppage time.Erik ten Hag’s side were humiliated by Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday as they lost 3-0 to slip to 13th in the Premier League table.Manchester United’s players argued during stoppage time against TottenhamCredit: GettyAndre Onana, Casemiro and Matthijs de Ligt were among those remonstratingCredit: GettyWith seconds to play in the match, substitute Mason Mount went down and received treatment.And as they waited for the game to restart, several Man Utd stars seemed to be furiously rowing with each other.A clip shared on social media shows Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot remonstrating in a heated exchange.They all look crestfallen about the performance as they pointed to various parts of the pitch where mistakes were made.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe video led to many people reacting with criticism of their own.One fan said: “We need someone new to take charge. This is getting silly.”Another added: “This shows the state of this club, disjointed from top to bottom.”While a third replied: “The exact atmosphere that gets a manager sacked.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth responded: “They should be ashamed of themselves.”And a fifth said: “This is what happens when the manager has no idea what the team should do on the pitch.”‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMan Utd’s fury continued after the match as captain Bruno Fernandes raged at being sent off for a challenge on James Maddison – a decision which has since been rescinded.He said: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn’t possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that.”Man Utd are expected to stick with Ten Hag for their upcoming away games against Porto and Aston Villa.But failure to to win either of those would extend their run to five matches without a victory and heap even more pressure on the under-fire Dutchman.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

NETHERLANDS legend Marco van Basten has slammed new Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte.The Uruguayan was signed this summer in an attempt to solve United’s midfield problems.Marco van Basten slammed Manuel Ugarte’s performance against TottenhamCredit: GettyUgarte, 23, started his first Premier League match in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.He was criticised for his performance as Spurs overran United’s midfield and produced 24 shots on goal, including an xG of 5.33.Van Basten slammed Ugarte and suggested he was walking around, and highlighted his poor display as yet another example of poor investment by Erik ten Hag.He told Ziggo Sport: “I saw a new player walking around at Manchester United, (Manuel) Ugarte, for £42.3m. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”How is this guy walking around there? It’s idiotic how much (Ten Hag) has decided to invest in players who are not even good.”Ugarte struggled up against James Maddison and his poor positioning was constantly exposed by Ange Postecoglou’s side.He also failed to get United going in possession before being taken off for Christian Eriksen in the 72nd minute.Ten Hag’s transfer business has been called into question following the latest defeat with six starters against Spurs being signed by the Dutchman.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan 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.He also brought through Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho from the academy but United have struggled in the league, winning just five of their previous 16 Prem games dating back to last season.In their last 15 league games Ten Hag’s side have picked up just 19 points – less than strugglers Everton who have managed 21 points.Manchester United vs Tottenham Player Ratings More