Premier League

WELL Ruben Amorim wasn’t far wrong when he described his team as ‘probably the worst Manchester United team in history’.They are certainly the worst of the Premier League era, after defeat in ‘Hell Clasico’ plunged them into the bottom six of the table for the first time at any advanced stage of a season.James Maddison celebrated his goal with a ‘shush’Credit: PAMaddison also performed his trademark darts celebrationCredit: PAThe Spurs star fired in a rebound after Lucas Bergvall’s shot was savedCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho was guilty of missing chancesCredit: GettyThis was the first time this competition has seen two of its biggest clubs meeting with both in the bottom half during the second half of a campaign.And it lived down to expectations – with James Maddison’s early tap-in settling a terrible match between two sides who did little to disguise their harrowing lack of confidence.For Spurs, it was a second straight league win – although they have been dumped out of both domestic cups since they beat Brentford last time out.Ange Postecoglou’s prospects are looking a little brighter thanks to the return of Maddison and keeper Guglielmo Vicario, who made several decent saves.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut United, in an injury crisis of their own, continue to flounder – now plummeting to new depths in the modern era.With Vicario and Maddison back in the starting line-up, while Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie were fit enough for places on the bench, Spurs were in the novel position of facing a side more depleted than themselves.While Postecoglou was without six senior players, Amorim was missing a dozen – Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo the latest casualties.It meant that eight of United’s nine subs were teenagers who had never previously played for the first team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth Vicario and Maddison were straight at it.Tottenham’s keeper pulled off two decent stops in quick succession to deny Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho before Diogo Dalot had a follow-up effort hacked clear by Ben Davies.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis Then Maddison, who’d already lost possession with two back-heels, opened the scoring.A Son Heung-Min shot was blocked as far as Lucas Bergvall, whose drive was pushed out by Andre Onana for the Spurs playmaker to tap in.United’s keeper will feel he should have held Bergvall’s effort but Maddison didn’t care, throwing darts and telling people to shush. Don’t mention the league table, kind of thing.While United were doing much of the attacking, they kept embarrassing themselves.At one point, Casemiro simply fell over in the centre circle and started pleading to the referee, like an upturned pensioner in the street.Then Garnacho, fed by Bruno Fernandes, without a Spurs defender in the same postcode, inexplicably propelled his shot into Row Z.Mathys Tel, who looks very promising, had a shot smartly saved by Onana.For a while, it descended into the funereal sort of occasion we’d imagined. Casemiro was booked for lacking pace maiming Son. Perhaps the Brazilian could tootle around midfield in a mobility buggy.“We are the pride of Europe,” sang United’s fans – their exact levels of irony difficult to gauge from the press box.After the break, Djed Spence darted down the left and centred low but Tel made a hash of his shot.But United were still on top, Garnacho twice forcing fine saves from Vicario.Maddison was withdrawn on 63 minutes, having improved Spurs significantly, and was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr as Johnson arrived for his return from injury.Then, from a Noussair Mazraoui centre, Zirkzee missed a sitter of a header.Amorim was picked out by TV cameras staring lengthily at the ground, pondering his life choices.Casemiro had another fall, this time in the Spurs box, but again ref Peter Bankes refused to play the good Samaritan.Kulusevski shot too close to Onana when he ought to have put the game to bed.READ MORE SUN STORIESBentancur was withdrawn and spotted on the bench with an ice pack on his knee – the latest in a long running sick joke being played out against Postecoglou this season.An unmarked Zirkzee completely missed an attempt at a volley – the Dutchman left looking as if he was playing in clown shoes. More

PUNDITS have been left raving about Ethan Nwaneri after his masterclass for Arsenal against Leicester.The 17-year-old bagged an assist as his side won 2-0 thanks to a brace from sub Mikel Merino.Pundits have lined up to praise Arsenal starlet Ethan NwaneriCredit: APOne has even compared him to the legendary Lionel MessiCredit: AFPNwaneri has now scored or assisted four Premier League goals before the age of 18.That puts him in an esteemed group alongside legends Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cesc Fabregas.While during the game itself, Nwaneri controlled proceedings with four shots, six dribbles and 32 passes.He even put in a strong defensive contribution with three successful tackles and 12 duels won.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, pundits are lining up to sing Nwaneri’s praises.Perhaps the boldest comment came from Joe Cole, who compared the teenager to Lionel Messi.Cole said on TNT Sport: “These touches he produces, in and around the box, tiny little touches.“I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi. I’ve said it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I don’t want to put any more pressure on his shoulders. I’m sure he’d deal with it.”Meanwhile, Alan Shearer lauded Nwaneri’s masterclass on Match of the Day.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfJoe Cole reckons Nwaneri can handle the pressureCredit: AlamyAlan Shearer feels Nwaneri played his heart out against LeicesterCredit: GettyThe Newcastle icon said: “17 years of age… a potential superstar. He was, without doubt, the bright spark for Arsenal.“Even when things weren’t going for them, which were large parts of the game, he was the one that was probing, he was the one putting crosses in and having pops at goal.“He [Nwaneri] just shifts the ball on to the left foot and he whips it in but Declan Rice can’t quite get on the end of it. “Again, he gets the ball and works it onto his left foot. This time he cuts inside and has a pop at goal but hits the crossbar.“But he can and does also like to down that right-hand side. “If you show him too much room, if you invite him to go down there then that’s fine, he will do that as well. “He was the best player on the pitch today, so lively.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED are set for “18 months of pain”, according to Jamie Redknapp.And he believes there needs to be a serious overhaul of the culture at Old Trafford to turn the mess around.Jamie Redknapp had his say on the current state at Manchester UnitedCredit: Sky SportsRuben Amorim has struggled to have the positive impact he would have wantedCredit: RexRuben Amorim has struggled since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, losing eight of his first 20 matches in charge as United sit 15th in the table going into the trip to Tottenham.He has also binned Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia out on loan while the club’s woes run far deeper than just on-field issues. Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to sort out the financial chaos – but his methods of increasing ticket prices, job redundancies and staff perk cuts are proving unpopular. However, Redknapp gave his backing that Amorim can be the manager in the dugout to help lead the transformation with the right people above him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he warned it will not be a comfortable ride for anyone connected to United – with plenty of players needing to be pushed out of the exit door along the way.The Sky Sports pundit said ahead of the Spurs game, in which United were forced to put eight untried teenagers on the bench: “For what it’s worth on Amorim, I like him. I think he’s got something about him. And I totally get the performances haven’t been good enough. “But I actually like what he’s doing more off the field than actually what he’s doing on the pitch. Because that club needs a change of culture. “We’ve spoken about how it works. Get people like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho that have left and one or two others who have had a mention about leaving. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now, if they’re not going to buy into having a good way of living and coming in and training correctly and being involved and helping the group and create a winning mentality, they’ve got to be surplus to requirements.”I see Manchester United as having still much more pain, even 18 months more pain, because they need to get rid. Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “Whoever’s been in charge or even managers have gone so far and then they’re panicked and then they’ve gone and bought 30-year-old players that aren’t going to maybe take the club any further forward. I think now they have to take their time. “They’re trying to get… Jermain [Defoe] mentioned getting the best in class. People like Jason Wilcox, they’ve got the guy from Manchester City, the CEO there [Omar Berrada]. They’re trying to do things slowly and I think that’s how they have to do it.”Amorim has not been afraid to show his ruthless attitude during his time in charge – in more ways than one.He exiled £325,000-a-week academy graduate Rashford – even publicly slamming him by saying he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach – and declared this is the “worst United team in history”. But despite his difficult start in terms of results and becoming the quickest United manager in history to reach five home Premier League defeats, Amorim refuses to budge from his 3-4-3 system.And Redknapp feels like that lack of adaptability could be costly.He added: “I like what he’s trying to achieve but it might take a bit more time than what you’d like. “You know, I think he’s got to be more flexible in the system. “When I hear a manager having one system, that worries me because you’ve got to adapt in game each time you’re playing against another team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I think Manchester United will get there. It’s just going to take a bit of time but they have to go all in on it. “They can’t just go, ‘We’re going to panic now and go buy more average players’, because the players right now aren’t good enough to produce the performances that Manchester United want, hence why they’re in this position.”United’s bench was packed with kidsUnited are 15th in the Premier League table before facing TottenhamCredit: Getty More

JAMES MADDISON hit back at Roy Keane with a clever celebration after he was criticised by the pundit.The Spurs midfielder reacted quickest to fire home against Manchester United after Lucas Bergvall’s shot was saved by Andre Onana.James Maddison performed his trademark darts celebrationCredit: Sky SportsHe then made a shushing gesture with his fingerCredit: Sky SportsHe celebrated with his trademark dart throw before placing his finger over his lips to shush the camera.The shush appeared to be directed at Keane over comments he made this week claiming Maddison would not be a difference-maker when he returned from injury.Keane said: “We saw Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off. Tamworth are non-league.”People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Maddison isn’t bad, when he’s not at the darts, but let me tell you…”If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.”He’s good, he’s a talented player. But if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going ‘oh Jesus – he’s back today. We’re going to be fine’.”England have a squad of 300 and he can’t even get in that. You kid yourselves everybody.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIan Wright hit back at Keane and showed support for Maddison, telling him he had to silence the Irishman.Maddison took just 13 minutes to make an impact on his return from injury and made sure to send a message to Keane.’Just lost it’ – Prem icon reveals Roy Keane’s two and a half hour dressing room rant about yoga and LUCOZADE after lossAsked about the celebration, Maddison said: “There’s been a little bit of outside noise this week. People have their opinion, so I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. “The gaffer always blocks out outside news, but it’s in your face. You can use it but the gaffer prefers when we’re in our little bubble and listening to him. “Sometimes it’s difficult because it’s constantly in your face on social media and Whatsapp, people sending stuff, you do see it and it is there. “Especially when it’s a big profile name, but it’s about responding in the right way and I’m the matchwinner, so I’m delighted.”Fans loved Maddison’s gesture with one describing it as a “little dig”.Another added: “Roy Keane threw shade. Maddison kept receipts. And he answered the call today. That celebration was personal .”And a third wrote: “He done that celebration aimed at Keane😭😂😭😂😭 Maddison that is naughty.” More

NAPOLI fans have produced a hilarious banner paying tribute to Scott McTominay.The Scot has become a firm fan favourite since his summer move from Manchester United.Scott McTominay has made a big impact at NapoliCredit: GettyA fan paid tribute to the midfielder with a hilarious bannerCredit: instagram @sancirosedinHe has chipped in with big goals and helped Napoli to the Serie A summit, earning him adoration from fans.One supporter showed the love for McTominay with a hilarious banner.It features a Scotland flag with the Napoli badge emblazoned across the front.It also bears the words: “Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe flag, similar to Gareth Bale’s infamous “Wales, Golf, Madrid” banner, has been hung up in a pizza restaurant in Naples.McTominay, 28, has become an important player in Italy and is understood to be loved by his team-mates and manager Antonio Conte too.The Italian press have described the midfielder as “the new leader of Napoli” and “the next Maradona” due to the impact he’s had.Napoli fans have fallen for McTominay and have nicknamed him “McTotally”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has scored seven goals this season and produced four assists, featuring in all but one Serie A game.McTominay has proved to be a bargain at £25million with football agent Christian Bosco describing him as “potentially one of the best midfielders in Napoli’s history”.Welsh fans fans display the Gareth Bale flag in 2019Credit: ReutersInside Scott McTominay and Cam Reading’s glam life in Naples More

MANCHESTER UNITED have been left reeling after Ruben Amorim revealed Kobbie Mainoo is out for the next six weeks.The England midfielder suffered a knock in training this week and was immediately ruled out of today’s match against Tottenham.Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out for the next six weeksCredit: AlamyMainoo was expected to return after two weeks on the sideline.But the Mail claims Mainoo will play no further role in United’s campaign for at least six weeks.The blow comes after winger Amad Diallo was ruled out possibly for the remainder of the season alongside crocked Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez.Manuel Ugarte, Toby Collyer and Leny Yoro have also joined the injury list this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Amorim opened up over his injury crisis before United’s game against Spurs.He said: “Amad’s [injury] was alone, Ugarte’s was a kick. Toby [Collyer] and Kobbie [Mainoo] felt something.”It is what it is, but we have the kids, and they have the opportunity to be on the bench. “It is a really hard season and we have to deal with that.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited’s injury crisis means that EIGHT kids have been named on today’s bench.Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Sekou Kone, Elyh Samuel Harrison, Tyler Fredricson, Chido Obi-Martin, Jack Fletcher and Jack Lee Moorhouse are all hoping to play some role today.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis Victor Lindelof is the only senior substitute available.United have been forced to start both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee in attack, with Bruno Fernandes lining up in a deeper role alongside veteran Casemiro. More

FUMING Tottenham supporters took to the streets chanting “we want Levy out” in a protest against the club’s ownership.Fed-up fans launched the biggest backlash of Levy’s reign just hours ahead of Spurs’ crunch clash against Manchester United this afternoon.Thousands of Spurs fans took to the streets chanting ‘we want Levy out’Credit: The SunThe supporters descended on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium todayCredit: ReutersThe group made their feelings clear about Levy and ENICCredit: Reuters More