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      Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

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      I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. 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      Jadon Sancho already has more assists in 170 minutes than SEVEN Man Utd stars combined after Chelsea transfer

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      JADON SANCHO already has more assists than seven Manchester United attackers combined this season.The winger joined Chelsea on transfer deadline day, having been left out of Erik ten Hag’s matchday squad for the Red Devils’ first two Premier League games of the season.Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running at ChelseaCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side will possess an obligation to buy Sancho for between £20-25million at the end of the season, provided that they finish in the top 14.Despite not being in favour with Ten Hag, Sancho has hit the ground running in West London.The England international, 24, has laid on an assist in each of his three Premier League appearances for the Blues thus far.On his debut he set up Christopher Nkunku’s winner in the 1-0 win at Bournemouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then assisted Nicolas Jackson’s opener as Chelsea triumphed 3-0 at West Ham.This afternoon he made it three assists in 170 minutes of action for his new team by setting up Cole Palmer in the 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge.As pointed out by Squawka, Sancho has been more productive than several of Man Utd’s creative players.In fact, his tally of three assists is more than Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo have managed combined so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNo Man Utd player has notched more than one Premier League assist this term.Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui each have one apiece.Chelsea confirm the signing of Jadon Sancho on loan from Man UtdThe Red Devils will be hoping to add more assists as they take on Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.Following last Saturday’s 0-0 bore-fest at Crystal Palace, United produced a disappointing performance to draw 1-1 with FC Twente in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday.Earlier this month, Chelsea boss Maresca was asked about the importance of Sancho building a connection with his new fans and feeling at home straight away.The Italian, 44, said: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.”This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us.”Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This is the reason why they play.”They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”Man Utd’s creative players have struggled to find a spark so far this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Wolves 1 Liverpool 2: Mo Salah sends Reds top of Premier League table despite disastrous defensive error

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      ARNE SLOT knows there will be a few wobbles to come. Probably next month when Liverpool’s fixtures will finally start getting a bit tougher.Yet Slot can only win what is put in front of him. Equally, while Liverpool’s fans were all dreading life after Jurgen Klopp, few of them would have expected their team to be top after six games.Mo Salah scored a penalty to send Liverpool top of the tableCredit: PAAlthough the Dutchman’s team were not exactly convincing here in the West Midlands, Liverpool – with the exception of that odd result at home to Nottingham Forest – have still been decent this season.In a scrappy battle littered with mistakes, Ibrahima Konate scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool. Less than 60 seconds after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s leveller was confirmed by VAR, Wolves gave away a penalty and Mo Salah struck what proved to be the winner.Incredibly, Wolves have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League games with the last one coming in a 1-0 win at Sheffield United in February. Life certainly is not getting any easier for Gary O’Neil.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter just one win in ten at the end of last season, Wolves are stuck with just one point but their fixtures have included matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa.They definitely need something against Brentford next weekend because after the international break, they play Manchester City and could be in danger of being completely marooned.In contrast, Liverpool, who beat Milan 3-1 in the Champions League and crushed West Ham 5-1, definitely got a favour from the Premier League fixture computer.Slot has faced just one side who finished in the top half of the table last term – Manchester United – while the other games were against newly-promoted Ipswich, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Wolves.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo it will be better to judge Liverpool’s progress under the Dutchman at the end of October after they have played Arsenal and Chelsea.But without a doubt, so far, so good.Jamie Carragher names all-time Liverpool XI with Match of the Day legend, Steven Gerrard and no room for Luis SuarezSurprisingly, though, Liverpool looked lethargic at times and it was only at the end of the first half that they caused Wolves any problems.Home keeper Sam Johnstone received an ovation from the home fans for keeping out a close-range strike from Dominik Szoboszlai.It was a mixture of both a good save and a poor miss, yet in the second minute of stoppage time, Johnstone should have done better when he failed to keep out the header from Konate.It was a powerful effort but it was helped into the net by Johnstone.Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen should have stopped Diogo Jota from delivering a cross which was then completely misjudged by Santiago Bueno with Konate then overpowering defender Toti.Unbelievably, Wolves continued to make silly mistakes and Mario Lemina played a ludicrous, suicidal pass across his area straight to Salah. With Johnstone out of his position, Salah failed to stick the ball into an empty net and shot wide.Liverpool decided to copy Wolves with some shambolic defending of their own. Strand Larsen capitalised on a huge mix-up between Alisson and Konate who left the ball for each other and Wolves sub Carlos Forbs’ attempt fell perfectly for Ait-Nouri to score from close range.Alisson and Konate argued with each other while there was a VAR check for a Forbs handball.Yet incredibly, Wolves failed to maintain their composure and they conceded the penalty when Nelson Semedo had his arms all around Jota.Jota was looking for the penalty but Semedo was stupid to make the contact and Salah sent Johnstone the wrong way.In what proved to be a topsy-turvy day for Konate, he delivered an absolutely terrific last-minute block to deny Forbs.At the end, Wolves captain Lemina left the pitch in tears and quite clearly, things are not looking too clever for manager O’Neil, particularly as some of the locals are starting to turn.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut hopefully, the Wolves board will see sense and realise that O’Neil – whose squad had also been hit with a sickness bug – deserves time to sort this out.But when did football clubs actually have any sense? Ibrahima Konate headed the Reds in front just before the breakCredit: RexThe Reds defender went from hero to zero, thoughCredit: GettyRayan Ait-Nouri capitalised on Konate’s mistake to tap in the equaliserCredit: GettyNelson Semedo hauled Diogo Jota to the floorCredit: ReutersSalah made no mistake from the spot, sending Sam Johnstone the wrong wayCredit: GettyIt is so far so good for Arne Slot who has picked up 15 points from a possible 18Credit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans demand Erik ten Hag promotes wonderkid into first-team after scoring FOUR in 9-0 win on his 18th birthday

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans want Erik ten Hag to hand whizkid James Scanlon the ultimate birthday gift – even better than the four goals he hit.The winger, who already has six full Gibraltar caps, celebrated turning 18 by leading a 9-0 rout of Blackburn juniors.Wonderkid James Scanlon has continued where he left off last seasonScanlon, 18, and Jack Fletcher, 17, have shone for the Man Utd academyOld Trafford supporters responded by urging first-team boss Ten Hag to immediately call up the English-born ace.Scanlon sprung to attention last season as part of United’s all-conquering academy side.The young Red Devils won the Premier League North, Premier League Cup and national title. And they already look capable of repeating such glories this term.READ MORE TOP STORIESUnited’s kids have maximum points from five league games, scoring 22 goals.And Scanlon is a Devils’ apprentice who once more is a sorcerer.Gabriele Biancheri struck twice, with Zach Baumann, Scanlon and Dante Plunkett also netting as United led 5-0 at the interval on Saturday.The birthday boy then really came of age after the break, notching three more goals in 21 minutes, while sub Godwill Kukonki scored too.Most read in FootballScanlon, left, has already won six full caps for GibraltarFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlackburn saw Jackson Shorrocks sent off in stoppage time for his second booking.But fans reckon it’s Ten Hag who should now be on red alert.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedSome supporters urged the Dutch boss to pick Scanlon in Sunday’s home Premier League clash against Tottenham.One even reckons a wider sprinkling of starlets should also get the nod.”Play them against Spurs,” he pleaded.However, most of the focus was on Scanlon, with messages like: “Bring him to the first team.”Mid-table United have netted just five times in five Prem matches this campaign.And Ten Hag’s men were also held 1-1 by visitors Twente in the Europa League last Wednesday.One fan noted the academy’s spree and added: ” The first team hasn’t scored 9 goals so far this season.” READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother posted: “Scanlon shouldn’t be playing u18s football – too good.”His sharpshooting was labelled an “incredible performance” while more than one supporter raved: “The future is bright.”Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Arsenal fans furious as Leicester star avoids red card for exactly the same offence that saw Leandro Trossard sent off

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      ARSENAL fans moaned on social media after a Leicester star escaped a yellow card for kicking the ball away.The Gunners have twice had players shown second yellow cards for the same offence this season.Wilfred Ndidi prodded the ball following a foul on Bukayo SakaNo action was taken against the midfielderDeclan Rice was sent off against Brighton, before Leandro Trossard was handed his marching orders for time-wasting vs Manchester City last weekend.During the first-half of today’s clash with the Foxes, several Gooners online felt that Wilfred Ndidi should have been red carded.In the 31st minute, the Nigerian was shown a yellow for an alleged foul on Riccardo Calafiori, despite seeming to get the ball.Just a few minutes later, Ndidi was in the thick of the action again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis team-mate Stephy Mavididi was penalised for fouling Bukayo Saka by the touchline.With the ball lying stationary and Saka down in a heap, Ndidi prodded it a few yards over the touchline.Arsenal fans in the stadium appeared to notice, with boos ringing down from the stands.Plenty of others also took to social media to vent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne cried: “Consistency please.”While a second moaned: “How dare we ask for consistency.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA third claimed: “Double standard.”Although another countered: “That’s not delaying the play as the lad is down injured. Why does this need explaining again.”The Gunners led 1-0 at the time, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli’s 20th minute opener.Trossard, having served his one-match ban in mid-week, then doubled his side’s advantage on the stroke of half-time.Leicester came roaring back in the second-half, with James Justin’s brilliant double restoring parity.But having been on the end of a stoppage-time heartbreaker last weekend, Arsenal produced one of their own this time around.READ MORE SUN STORIESNdidi unfortunately deflected Trossard’s effort into his own net in the 94th minute, with Kai Havertz then adding a fourth to seal a 4-2 win.Their victory saw Mikel Arteta’s side take advantage of Manchester City’s slip up earlier in the day, after the reigning champions drew 1-1 at Newcastle.Declan Rice was sent off against BrightonCredit: ReutersMichael Oliver sent Leandro Trossard off against Man City last weekCredit: Getty More

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      Nottingham Forest 0 Fulham 1: Raul Jimenez returns to haunt former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and KO unbeaten run

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      RAUL JIMENEZ came back to haunt his former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo – as Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten start to the season ended in controversial fashion.Jimenez scored 17 goals for Nuno when he was part of a Wolves side that qualified for Europe.Raul Jimenez celebrates his contentious penalty winnerCredit: RexJimenez kept his cool from the spot on 51 minutesCredit: GettyReferee Josh Smith gave the spot-kick after looking at replaysCredit: AFPBut the Mexico striker frustrated the Forest boss as he netted from the penalty spot as Fulham built on their victory over Newcastle United last week.Forest fans were furious with ref Josh Smith though as he gave a 50th minute penalty after going to the touchline TV screen to look at a VAR replay which ruled Murillo had shoved Fulham’s Andreas Pereira.But even then, the drama was not over, as Pereira and Jimenez appeared to argue with each other over who was going to take the spot-kick.Eventually, Jimenez despatched the penalty for his third goal in successive Premier League games.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLForest were without the suspended Morgan Gibbs-White after his dismissal at Brighton last week.But they began strongly with the recalled Taiwo Awomiyi looking strong.The Nigeria striker tried an overhead kick from close range which flew over the barForest looked to be getting closer to a goal and Chris Wood forced the ball over the line from close range, but a VAR check showed he was clearly offside.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSForest striker Chris Wood had this goal ruled out by VARCredit: ReutersAlex Moreno’s shot was deflected wide from 20 yards, but it was a frustrating half for Nuno’s men.But the game swung Fulham’s way after the break when they won their penalty.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsOnce the fuss had died down, Jimenez took the ball and, after a staggered run-up, put it firmly to Forest keeper Matz Sels’ left.Furious Forest supporters chanted: “1-0 to the referee.”And their mood did not improve after 64 minutes when sub Anthony Elanga went down under a Calvin Bassey challenge – this time, VAR said no penalty.Another Forest sub, Callum Hudson-Odi, who scored the winning goal at Liverpool two weeks ago, went close with a dipping effort from the edge of the area.But the game was becoming bad-tempered as Forest became increasingly anxious to make a breakthrough.Nuno, still waiting to hear if he would be getting a touchline ban after being sent off at Brighton last Sunday, managed to keep his emotions under control this time, but he will not be happy with the way the game panned out for his side.Marco Silva saw his side’s fine start to the season continueCredit: GettyCity Ground chief Nuno Espirito Santo looked dejected afterwardsCredit: Reuters More

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      Wolves vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Arne Slot’s Reds face a tricky trip to Molineux

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      LIVERPOOL are facing Wolves RIGHT NOW hoping to make it back-to-back Premier League wins.Arne Slot’s side thrashed Bournemouth last weekend to keep the pressure on champions Manchester City.And they’ll be tipped to pick up another victory against a Wolves side who start the day bottom of the table.Kick-off time: 5.30pmTV/Stream: Sky Sports Main Event/NOWFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Molineux with our live blog below… More

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      Arsenal 4 Leicester 2: Trossard and Havertz score stunning last-gasp goals to capitalise on Man City’s draw at Newcastle

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD snatched a dramatic injury-time winner over Leicester to capitalise on Manchester City’s slip-up at Newcastle. Arsenal looked in total control as Gabriel Martinelli turned home on 20 minutes.Leandro Trossard snatched the win in injury timeCredit: GettyThe Belgian put the ball back across goal and it bounced in off Wilfred NdidiCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard then found the net in first-half injury time as the Gunners led 2-0 at the break.But within two minutes of the restart, Justin’s header deflected past David Raya to half the deficit. And on 63 minutes, the right-back got Leicester level in style.He latched on to a deep cross and leathered an emphatic volley in off the post to salvage a point – as Arsenal were pegged back to 2-2 for the second game running. However, Trossard got on the end of a corner to the back post and fired across goal.And the ball bounced off Ndidi’s leg and past a helpless Mads Hermansen, who had played brilliantly throughout with a string of saves. Then there was still time for Kai Havertz to pounce and grab a fourth to seal the points. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Gabriel Martinelli put the Gunners in front after 20 minutesCredit: GettyThe Brazilian found the bottom corner from 12 yardsCredit: GettyThey were in cruise control when Trossard scored on the stroke of half-timeCredit: GettyJames Justin headed in to start the comeback for LeicesterCredit: ReutersHe then produced a stunning volley to make it 2-2Credit: GettyMads Hermansen went down to try and see out the gameCredit: Reuters More