Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      Matthijs de Ligt claims sacked Erik ten Hag ‘was ‘unlucky’ and says Man Utd ‘played well in many matches’

      by

      MATTHIJS DE LIGT claims Erik ten Hag was “unlucky” to be sacked by Manchester United and reckons his side “played well in many matches.”De Ligt, 25, joined United from Bayern Munich in July and quickly established himself as a first-team regular in defence.Matthijs de Ligt reckons Erik ten Hag was ‘unlucky’ to be sacked by Man UtdCredit: GettyDe Ligt also had his say on the fateful West Ham penalty which sealed Ten Hag’s fateCredit: RexThe Dutch centre-back has already clocked up 15 appearances in all competitions.And fans have been impressed with his solid performances at the back.However, De Ligt was unable to prevent his former Ajax manager Ten Hag from slumping to United’s worst-ever Premier League start.The gaffer won just three of his opening nine matches in the new season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile United also drew their first three matches of the Europa League campaign.The turning point for Ten Hag came when United lost 2-1 at West Ham last month.The Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner was quickly given his marching orders, with Ruud van Nistelrooy becoming interim boss ahead of Ruben Amorim’s appointment from Sporting Lisbon.But De Ligt feels Ten Hag was unfortunate to be axed, claiming United actually played quite well in games where results went against them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told De Telegraaf: “Ten Hag bought me to Manchester, the goal was to achieve success together with him.“He has not been very lucky. We played well in many matches but we did not use the chances we got.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)“It’s a shame it has to end like this. A dismissal can always be quite hard, we discussed some things.”De Ligt also insisted that West Ham’s fateful winning penalty, which he gave away, should not have stood. He continued: “Normally I am always self-critical and I can get annoyed about things that I do not do well.“But here I could not do anything about it, I could not blame myself for it. The referee committee also called us to say that it was not a penalty.”United are now looking forward to a new era under former Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim.He played a 3-4-3 system in Portugal, and De Ligt could get a starring role in the heart of defence.He added: “Amorim did well at Sporting, hopefully he can also take us to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Amorim is not my first coach and he will not be my last. I did not only move to Untied for Ten Hag. It is still one of the biggest clubs in the world, I think.“I just have to do my own thing and play well myself. I feel really fit now and things are going well. Hopefully I can continue that.” More

    • 225 Shares64 Views

      in Soccer

      Steve McClaren reveals sneaky plan to raid Premier League as Jamaica boss prepares for showdown with Mauricio Pochettino

      by

      STEVE McCLAREN may not have cracked a Jamaican accent — but reckons he can take the Reggae Boyz to their first World Cup since 1998.Clips of the former England boss speaking with a Dutch inflection while manager of Twente in Holland still cause much laughter.Steve McClaren is hoping to take Jamaica to the World CupCredit: Instagram / jff_footballJamaica face Mauricio Pochettino’s USA this weekCredit: GettyAnd as the gift that keeps on giving, more hilarious videos have emerged of the Yorkshireman trying to learn Patwa — the Jamaican language — as well as some local expressions.But when it comes to football, 63-year-old McClaren knows exactly what he is talking about.The former Newcastle and Middlesbrough chief believes Jamaica’s best chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup lies here in ENGLAND.McClaren — branded the “Wally with the Brolly” while Three Lions boss — said: “I don’t want to reveal names but I’ve got a list at home of around 60 players aged 17 upwards who can represent Jamaica.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They’re either playing top level in English academies or in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.“The talent is definitely there but instead of going into a sweet shop and saying, ‘We want this and this’, we must be patient and, for now, try to utilise that and win games.“We then must highlight what specialists we need in certain positions and identify who we can recruit.“We’re looking to bring in those extra talents, warriors and leaders to make this squad better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcClaren leads the Reggae Boyz in the early hours of Friday morning in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Mauricio Pochettino’s USA.The former Manchester United No 2 has brought in forgotten Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden, 29.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowHe has not played a competitive game since May during his loan spell at QPR and is currently training with the Geordies’ Under-23s.And McClaren is also eyeing up former Old Trafford striker Mason Greenwood, 23, who is rebuilding his career at Marseille.His current squad consists of THIRTEEN players who ply their trade over here.The Prem big-hitters are West Ham’s Michail Antonio, 34, and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, 27.Wolves’ 21-year-old rookie Dexter Lembikisa, who is on loan at Swiss side Yverdon Sport, is also in there. Championship stars Amari’i Bell (Luton), Di’shon Bernard (Sheffield Wednesday), Mason Holgate (West Brom), Greg Leigh (Oxford), Ethan Pinnock (Luton), Joel Latibeaudiere (Coventry) and Kasey Palmer (Hull) swell the numbers.Charlton duo Karoy Anderson and Kaheim Dixon, along with ex-Birmingham star Demarai Gray, make up the contingent.Jamaica are second in their World Cup qualifying group with two wins and the next phase of matches is due to start in the summer.For now he faces ex-Spurs, Chelsea and Southampton boss Poch, who he has only faced once in the dugout — guiding Newcastle to a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane in December 2015.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine will also be relying on British-based talent with the pressure of managing a USA team that qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts with Mexico and Canada.Fulham left-back Antonee  Robinson, 27, who was raised in Liverpool and is a product of Everton’s academy, is expected to be one of the Yanks’ key players. More

    • 225 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Greece hero Nikos Dabizas reveals banter he had with David Beckham after Man Utd legend’s iconic England free-kick

      by

      GREECE hero Nikos Dabizas revealed a funny conversation he had with England legend David Beckham after his iconic free-kick in 2001.Beckham led the Three Lions to the 2002 World Cup with a stunning last-gasp strike which sealed a 2-2 draw against the Greeks in the 93rd minute.Nikos Dabizas had a funny chat with David Beckham after his iconic free-kick for EnglandCredit: Allsport – GettyDabizas issued a tongue-in-cheek statement to BeckhamCredit: GettyDabizas tackles Emile Heskey in the 2001 qualifierBeckham led England to the 2002 World Cup with his legendary strikeCredit: Bongarts – GettyGreece were 2-1 up at Old Trafford thanks to goals by Angelos Charisteas and Demis Nikolaidis, either side of a Teddy Sheringham equaliser, which were set to condemn Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side to a tricky play-off with Ukraine.But up stepped Becks for a final set-piece, 25 yards out of Antonis Nikopolidis’ goal.He curled an impossible effort that caught the goalkeeper by surprise and sent England straight to the finals in Japan and South Korea.Dabizas, 51, started that match and never forgot the Manchester United legend’s stunner that denied his team their first ever win over the English.Read More on FootballThe Newcastle hero caught up with Beckham soon after in the Premier League for some belated post-match banter.Dabizas told SunSport: “Yes, after the game – if I remember correctly – possibly later in a match against Manchester United. Relatively very soon. I messed with him, [I told him] ‘You got yourselves out of jail’.”And he smiled. “[He laughed] It wasn’t a specific answer. [He’s] An absolutely normal guy.”But Dabizas always knew how special that “unimaginably good” free-kick was for both England and Beckham’s career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the ex-Leicester ace has fond memories of that match in Manchester as it marked the beginning of Greece’s journey to their historic Euro 2004 triumph under Otto Rehhagel.Dabizas added: “I think he had an excellent performance in the game against us in 2001. It was a landmark match for his career and it was the first strong sign we gave as a team with Mr Rehhagel for what was to follow as we were very competitive in the qualifiers.Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece”We convinced ourselves that we can stand in front of very high-level teams because that England national team had a lot of talent. And the team that went to Portugal in 2004 had a lot of talent despite having some issues then in English football.”Especially when they couldn’t capitalise on the characteristics they had as a team. They didn’t do that. They didn’t have the success they were capable of.”Beckham was certainly a footballer who had tremendous appeal in set-pieces. His hits were unimaginably good. One of the best in the world [in terms of] the way he hit the ball and the trajectory the ball took.”I believe it was a very special motion process. If anyone looks how he hit the ball will be able to understand that specialty that we mentioned.”It was the last stages of the match, there was a lot of pressure, we were ahead, we were playing if I remember correctly with three central defenders. That’s when that whole story started with Mr Rehhagel trusting the system of three central defenders more.”But I believe it was unavoidable with that part the game was on, when you have such an elite level footballer being able to get the ball either over the wall or the goalkeeper’s tight corner then I believe the difficulty level is very big.”And it had that result that it had in the last stages of the match. And England qualified with that draw to the World Cup.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGreece finally got their first ever win over England last month at their tenth time of asking after seven losses.Dabizas watched Ivan Jovanovic’s men win 2-1 as a pundit at Wembley and will hope for a repeat tonight in Athens. More

    • 213 Shares80 Views

      in Soccer

      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim instantly handed ‘significant’ injury blow with Lisandro Martinez ‘unable to function’

      by

      LISANDRO MARTINEZ has handed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorin an immediate injury blow.Amorim started work this week and met some of his players at the club’s Carrington training ground.Lisandro Martinez sustained a hip injury against LeicesterCredit: ReutersThe defender is coming back to Manchester for treatmentCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s first game is against IpswichCredit: AFPMartinez, 26, was not among them as he had travelled to South America to represent Argentina against Paraguay and Peru.However, the defender has now been sent straight back to Manchester after national team medics discovered a “significant hip injury”.It is believed he picked up the issue in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday but flew to join the Argentina squad before it was evaluated.Reports in Argentina claim he felt “discomfort” after a coming together with an opponent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALDespite completing 90 minutes, the pain has left him unable to “function normally”.Martinez will now be assessed by United’s doctors.The issue provides a headache for new Red Devils coach Amorim as he prepares for his first against Ipswich on November 24.Amorim is already without injured centre-half Harry Maguire until the end of the month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Luke Shaw remains out having missed the whole season so far.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThe centre-back has not played since his £52million move from Lille in the summer.And forgotten man Tyrell Malacia also played in first minutes in SEVENTEEN months for the under-21s on Tuesday night.Amorim was seen pictured at Carrington yesterday, greeting the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

    • 238 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal handed another major injury blow as Ben White undergoes knee surgery and ‘could be ruled out until 2025’

      by

      ARSENAL have suffered another major injury blow after Ben White underwent knee surgery.The right-back has gone under the knife for minor surgery to fix a joint problem in his knee.Ben White could be miss the rest of this year, having undergone surgeryCredit: GettyThe Press Association reports White, 27, will be ruled out for EIGHT weeks, meaning he will not play again until the New Year.But SunSport understands Arsenal remain hopeful he could still play a part in the festive schedule.White has been playing through the pain barrier this season, but has been limited to 12 appearances.He did play the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ past two matches against Inter Milan and Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the decision has been made to have an operation during the international break.Mikel Arteta previously said that White has a “little issue” and “we have to protect him”.But the boss now has a defensive crisis to deal with as Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are already out, with Jurrien Timber only just back from a muscle strain.Further up the pitch, both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both withdrawn from the England squad due to injury concerns.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta revealed he has been “praying” for an end to Arsenal’s fitness problems after a “nightmare eight weeks”.White will miss several huge games if he remains sidelined until next year.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The Gunners face Nottingham Forest, Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and West Ham in the week after the international break.Clashes against Fulham and Manchester United then follow ahead of a busy period around Christmas. Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

    • 175 Shares55 Views

      in Soccer

      Alexander Isak breaks silence on Arsenal transfer speculation after ‘breakdown in Newcastle contract talks’

      by

      ALEXANDER ISAK has broke his silence on rumours he might leave Newcastle.The striker scored 25 goals in 40 games last season, with his form catching the eye of some other of Europe’s top clubs like Arsenal.Alexander Isak has lifted the lid on his Newcastle futureCredit: RexThere were preliminary contract talks in the summer, but they went no further and there are no plans to reopen discussions. This led to reports of a “breakdown” between Isak and Newcastle.But SunSport understands neither the player or the club see a new contract as a top priority as his deal does not expire until 2028.Isak has now had his say, telling The Chronicle: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It does not affect me.“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle and I have never had any problem there. “I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. “There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out but much of what I read is not true.”That is about all I can say about the whole thing.”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelIsak has scored five goals in 11 games this season and is believed to still be wanted by Arsenal.Newcastle could demand more than £100million for the 25-year-old Swede, who they signed for £63m from Real Sociedad in 2022. More

    • 225 Shares91 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Chaos’ as Premier League stars forced to abandon Marbella training camp amid red weather warnings and flooding fears

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE stars have been forced to abandon a training camp in Marbella following bad weather.Sweden flew to the Spanish coast in the hope of some warmer weather training ahead of their Nations League fixtures.Alexander Isak admitted he was ‘worried’ by the bad weatherCredit: RexBut they have been forced to return to Stockholm after weather warnings were issued in Marbella.Rain and thunder hit the popular tourist destination, weeks after Valencia was hit with tragic floods.Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was caught up in the storms and he shared his thoughts in a press conference along with Tottenham youngster Lucas Bergvall.Isak said: “I got a little worried. You’ve seen in other cities in Spain how it’s been, so it wasn’t very fun. Hopefully it won’t be too crazy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“There was a lot of rain. It was not optimal. We had to modify the training a little. It was a little shorter, but we at least managed to get a little run in us.”Bergvall echoed his sentiments, adding: “It was chaos. Rain chaos. With thunder and all that. We had to stop early.”Sweden were preparing for matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan.They are top of their group after four matches, level on points with Slovakia so would have to avoid defeat and likely need to beat Azerbaijan to win promotion to League A.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile England’s Nations League preparation has also been far from ideal with eight players withdrawing from the squad.England visit Greece on Thursday and host the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in two Nations League clashes, with promotion back to the competition’s top tier at stake.Taylor Harwood-Bellis discusses being called up for the England squad for the first time Rice, Saka, Palmer and Colwill all started the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal on Sunday but all have cried off international duty – Rice and Palmer after passing late fitness tests to play for their clubs.Midfield man Rice played with a broken toe on Sunday but will not be risked for England.Alexander-Arnold could face a lengthy lay-off with a hamstring problem after being substituted in the first half Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa on Saturday.Play VideoGrealish has not trained for two weeks and Carsley’s decision to include him in his squad sparked a sarcastic response from City boss Pep Guardiola.City right-back Kyle Walker has remained in the squad but is also believed to be a fitness doubt. More

    • 163 Shares101 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Darren Fletcher restrained by colleague after ‘extremely aggressive’ referee confrontation

      by

      DARREN FLETCHER had to be restrained by a Manchester United colleague during his “extremely aggressive” confrontation with referees.Fletcher, 40, is now a coach with the Red Devils having spent three years as technical director until April. Darren Fletcher let rip at the referees following Brentford’s goal at Old TraffordCredit: GettyHowever, his anger boiled over during the club’s 2-1 win over Brentford on October 19 – sparking a three-match ban from the FA and a £7,500 fine. Fletcher was furious over Ethan Pinnock’s opener just before half-time which went in while bleeding Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off the pitch to receive treatment for the gash on his head. And now the details of the referee’s report have been revealed by the Independent Regulatory Commission – including fourth official Gavin Ward’s version of events.As reported by the Daily Mail, Ward told the Commission: “Following the half-time whistle and as I made my way up the tunnel, I was approached by Darren Fletcher of Manchester United in an extremely aggressive manner pointing and shouting at me, ‘You are all f***ing s***, that is a f***ing joke, every f***ing week.’READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I asked him to calm down and highlighted that his behaviour was completely unacceptable at this point. “He then needed to be held back by another member of staff, as he tried to get closer to me. “With this, I turned away and continued to make my way to the match officials changing room. “Once in the changing room and when the other match officials arrived, I made them aware of the conduct of Mr Fletcher.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVideo footage without audio from inside the Old Trafford tunnel showed Fletcher’s behaviour.The Commission commented: “[Fletcher had become] agitated and started to remonstrate with the Fourth Official, gesturing with his hands, shouting, and attempting to get closer to the Fourth Official in a confrontational manner. Man Utd director Darren Fletcher in X-rated row with furious fan during heated Leicester draw”He is then held back and pushed away by a Manchester United colleague.”The video showed Fletcher acting in a manner that we consider to be aggressive.”Fletcher admitted his misconduct charge from The FA but denied he was abusive – but the investigation “found this to be proven”. The ex-midfielder apologised for his reaction and claimed it was triggered by United conceding right before half-time.He also claimed his words were “criticism towards the process for managing medical treatment of the particular football player in this matter and in reference to an incident in a previous home game where at a similar stage of the game a red card was incorrectly issued to a Manchester United player”. The Commission took into consideration Fletcher’s exemplary disciplinary record as a player and as a coach – however, further mitigation requests were ignored. Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?They added the three-match touchline ban was “a fair and reasonable sanction given the confrontational behaviour displayed on the video evidence and the fact that there was an opportunity to leave the remonstration with the Fourth Official, but Mr Fletcher decided to carry on”.Fletcher served the first game of his suspension during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester.He will then be in the stands for Ruben Amorim’s opening two fixtures as the new United manager – against Ipswich on November 24 and then Everton on December 1. Ironically, Fletcher was sat in the stands for his club’s next Premier League match following the comeback win over Brentford when United travelled to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd his fury exploded into another expletive-laden rant when VAR awarded the Hammers a controversial last-gasp penalty – with De Ligt again at the centre of the drama. Fletcher was sat among the United analysts at the London Stadium and reportedly fumed: “One week it’s a high threshold, next week it’s not, f***ing joke.”United were angry Ethan Pinnock scored while Matthijs de Ligt was off the field getting treatmentCredit: Getty More