Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED hit another embarrassing milestone after their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.Tuesday night marked Man Utd’s 114th defeat in the Premier League since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson left the club on a high in 2013.Man Utd hit another embarrassing milestone after their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham ForestFerguson lost 114 of his 810 Premier League games as Man Utd managerThat’s the SAME amount of defeats that Ferguson suffered across his entire 21-year career in the competition. Fergie lost 114 of his 810 Premier League games as Man Utd manager.While the ten coaches (including caretakers) since have totalled 114 losses in just 448 matches – which is nearly half the time!Those defeats have mostly come across the reigns of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick Erik ten Hag and current boss Ruben Amorim.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile the interim coaches including, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been included in that stat.Ferguson won 528 league games and drew 168 on his way to 13 titles.And Man Utd – who sit 13th in the table – have collected 786 points from their 448 Prem games under the gaffers since the great Scot retired.That’s 209 fewer than rivals Manchester City (995) and also behind Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAnthony Elanga’s stunning solo goal condemned his former club to their 13th league defeat of the season.That total is already their second highest in a single Prem campaign.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben AmorimAnd with eight games still to play, there’s a strong chance United will break their current record of 14, which was only set under Ten Hag last term.Amorim has won just 22 points from 19 top-flight matches and has suffered more defeats (nine) than wins (six).Those results mean that the 40-year-old currently has the worst record of any Man Utd manager in the Premier League era.The Portuguese gaffer currently has both the lowest win rate at 31.6 per cent and points-per-game average (1.16) of any previous manager.Unless United win all of their remaining Prem games – which looks a stretch considering they’re yet to win back-to-back fixtures since May 2024 – this will be their worst ever points tally, outdoing the mere 60 won under Ten Hag last season.They still need to win 11 points from now until the final day to equal 1989-90’s 48-point tally, which was the last season they won fewer than 50 points. That term was also the last that they finished outside the top half in the division in 13th.But 1989-90 was also Ferguson’s FOURTH season in charge in the old First Division. So the iconic manager was given time – something not so readily bestowed for those at the helm in the current game.Read More on The SunFergie did end the club’s 26-year wait for a top-flight title just two years later in the inaugural Prem season of 1992/93.But never mind since Ferguson, United are marching towards their worst league finish since they were relegated from the First Division 31 seasons ago.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

TOTTENHAM legend Graham Roberts has hit out at Cristian Romero for appearing more committed to his country than his club.Spurs’ vice-captain Romero has not played 90 minutes in the Premier League since November 10, having struggled with toe and quad injuries.Cristian Romero has been criticised for appearing to prioritise country over clubCredit: GettyFormer Tottenham star Graham Roberts claims he is ‘disappointed’ in RomeroCredit: RexThe Argentina star, 26, was taken off with the score goalless in the 68th minute at Fulham in the final fixture ahead of the international break – before Spurs went on to lose 2-0.Yet Romero completed both games for his nation against Uruguay and Brazil in the following ten days, leaving some Spurs fans, and fellow hardman Roberts, irked.The 65-year-old, who won back-to-back FA Cups in the early 80s with Tottenham, said: “I just can’t get that we played him 60 minutes and then he goes and plays two sets of 90 minutes. I just can’t understand that. “I’m not happy because the club have looked after him and Ange (Postecoglou) has looked after him. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“If you’re fit and you start the game, then play the whole game (against Fulham).“I know we’ve been taking care of Micky van de Ven as well,  but he didn’t go away (on international duty). He was on the bench against Fulham, he didn’t play. “I’m disappointed in him. If he had gone away and played 60 minutes in each game, that’s different. But to play 90 minutes…“The club pays his wages and looks after him. It was a big disappointment.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRomero has faced accusations of prioritising his country over his club for much of his time at Spurs.But when challenged on it by SunSport during pre-season in Australia two years ago, the centre-back refuted the claims as robustly as one of his full-blooded tackles.Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham Romero said back then: “I think the people that say this clearly don’t know me because I’m contracted to the club for many (more) years. I always try to give my best. “If I didn’t feel the same passion (for Spurs as I do for Argentina), I would look to leave the club.”A Romero exit from Spurs looks a possibility this summer with compatriot Diego Simeone keen to take him to Atletico Madrid.Roberts would be gutted to see the all-action defender leave as he rates him as one of the Prem’s best – and warned any potential suitors the £42.5million capture would cost a pretty penny.The former Chelsea and Rangers star told SunSport via Mr Vegas Online Casino: “I would say he and Virgil van Dijk are the two best defenders in the country at this time.“But he’s injured too much. Micky van de Ven is injured too much. I don’t know if it’s we play a high game and their muscles aren’t up to it.“But the bottom line is he is up there with Van Dijk. He’s proved it, he’s a World Cup winner.“I’ve always said the badge on the front of the shirt is worth more than anybody’s name on the back of the shirt.“If he doesn’t want to be there then that’s his prerogative, but you can’t just walk out. Somebody has to buy you and he won’t be cheap.“There are players out there (who could replace him). I’m sure the recruitment department are well aware of that situation. Read More on The Sun“Simeone likes him because he’s Argentinian. When your head gets turned, then you’re going to leave.“(But) we’ll see. If we win the Europa League and we’re in the Champions League, then things change.” More

ANGE POSTECOGLOU reckons Tottenham will secure an “outstanding” manager if he is sacked at the end of the season.And the under-pressure Aussie also believes he will not have any problems landing another job if Daniel Levy gives him the bullet.Ange Postecoglou’s side are languishing in the bottom halfCredit: AlamySpurs face Chelsea tomorrow in the Premier League but the club’s only hope of a trophy is the Europa League and they face Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Asked about his future at the club, Postecoglou said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.“And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”Postecoglou also hopes that Mauricio Pochettino will eventually return to Spurs.The former Celtic manager claims he was not bothered about Pochettino’s comments that he had unfinished business at Tottenham after being sacked in 2019.Postecoglou said: “If Mauricio wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations, if that’s what he wants.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMauricio Pochettino has made no secret of his desire to return to SpursCredit: Getty“I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you’d get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was.”Again, nothing from me to sort of be consumed with. I’m more focused on trying to make sure we win tomorrow night.”Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham More

FORMER Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has slammed the club for “closing the door” on Nottingham Forest matchwinner Anthony Elanga.And Meulensteen claims Elanga is much more of a United winger than Alejandro Garnacho, who struggled again in Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at the City Ground.Former Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen has slammed his former club for ‘closing the door’ on Nottingham Forest match-winner Anthony ElangaElanga’s stunning solo goal earned Forest a 1-0 win over United on TuesdayGarnacho lacked goal-killing instinct against ForestMeulensteen worked with junior United teams before becoming a first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson.The Dutchman told Poker Firma: “I’ve never been sold on Alejandro Garnacho to be fairly honest.“I think there’s a personality and character issue at times.“Anthony Elanga on the other hand, his performance the other night was exactly what you want to expect from a Manchester United winger – strong, direct, powerful, full of confidence and taking players on.READ MORE ON MAN UTD “I always thought Elanga showed those glimpses when he was playing for Man United, but the club closed the door on him and his career has restarted at a different club.“You really have to question the decision-making process to let players like him go, because there’s been a few who have slipped through the fingers.”Elanga showed United what they were missing with the sensational fifth-minute goal that earned Forest a precious victory.The Sweden international broke from a United corner and ran more than 80 yards, with power and pace, before confidently stroking a calm finish past Andre Onana.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIn that magical ten seconds, Elanga highlighted his own qualities and showed up the deficiencies of goal-shy United.Ruben Amorim’s side created a number of openings but did not have enough quality in the final third to make them count as Forest defended the lead with their lives.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueMeulensteen worked with junior United teams before becoming a first-team coach under Sir Alex FergusonMeulensteen worked closely with Cristiano Ronaldo during the superstar’s first stint at UnitedAmorim rightly points out that Elanga, and other forward players who have left the club and thrived elsewhere, were all given chances at Old Trafford.Elanga joined United at the age of 12 and contributed just four goals and four assists in 55 appearances for the first team, 25 of them starts.Amorim said: “We are not talking about players who did not play for Manchester United.“Here the pressure is too big, sometimes. Sometimes you don’t have time and you should have time for these kids to develop.“But for that you need a strong base to support all these kids. If you don’t have that strong base, we are not going to help our kids.”Elanga, who is still only 22, joined Forest for £15m in the summer of 2023 after being frozen out by former United manager Erik ten Hag.He managed six goals and nine assists in 36 Premier League games last season and is on course to beat that, with six goals and eight assists in 30 appearances in this campaign.I’ve never been sold on Alejandro Garnacho.Former United coach Rene MeulensteenGarnacho’s contribution at United pales in comparison.The Argentinian has contributed only four Prem goals this season – and just one of them since Amorim took charge in November.The winger, 20, appears unsuited to his manager’s 3-4-2-1 system and seemed to be trying too hard to make an impact against Forest as the team yet again struggled for cutting edge.Amorim said: “He’s trying. You have one day where you are doing the right things, but in the final third we were not that good. That can happen.“The most important thing for me is when he needs to run back, he is running back.“Sometimes he is trying too much. He wants to help the team by doing his best. Sometimes he doesn’t make the best choice but you can point to any player today.”Read More on The SunBut Elanga’s devastating, match-winning contribution only underlined what Garnacho and United lack.For further information, go to Poker Firma.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More