Premier League

RASMUS HOJLUND lost his cool with Amad Diallo during Manchester United’s defeat to Wolves.The Red Devils suffered another frustrating defeat – Ruben Amorim’s fourth in 10 games.Amad Diallo annoyed Rasmus Hojlund by shooting instead of passingCredit: Amazon SportHis shot was blocked and the move collapsedCredit: Amazon SportHojlund jumped up and down in frustrationCredit: Amazon SportUnited conceded a direct corner from Mateus Cunha and had captain Bruno Fernandes sent off for picking up two yellow cards, but most concerning was their failure to create a clear-cut opportunity on goal.Hojlund has lacked service in recent weeks and he made his frustration clear after a failed attack in the first half.He and Amad were bearing down on goal together up against three Wolves defenders, two of which were closing down Amad.But instead of passing the ball to Hojlund, Amad decided to cut in and go for goal from a difficult angle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis resulting shot was blocked and Wolves regained possession, causing Hojlund to react.The striker slammed his arms down and jumped up and down while appearing to shout in frustration.It is the second time Hojlund has vented his frustration with Amad publicly, as the pair were involved in a row at the end of United’s Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen.Fans picked up on Hojlund throwing his toys out of the pram and are noticing a recurring theme.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne reacted saying: “He always puts his anger on Amad.”Another added: “He should stop getting frustrated. A Wolves defender was already closing him there and Amad noticed that but he didn’t see it.”Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must find way to end struggles after Wolves loss And a third wrote: “He is mad, that’s a rubbish position, he won’t trap the ball comfortably before the defence gets it from him.”I really hate players that throw tantrums at their team-mates on field like this.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED are tipped for their worst-ever Premier League finish this season, according to a supercomputer.The Red Devils ended the 2023-24 campaign in eighth under Erik ten Hag, their lowest final position since the league’s formation in 1992-93.Manchester United’s prediction makes for grim readingCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has struggled to get things going for the Red DevilsCredit: ReutersBut they spent Christmas Day in the bottom half of the table for the first time in the Premier League this year.And their Boxing Day defeat at Wolves only heaped more misery on everyone connected with the club.Now, Opta’s number-crunching machine has given its predictions for the rest of the season.And it does not make pretty reading for United.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is because Opta believe the Red Devils are most likely to finish all the way down in 12th.According to the figures, their chances of ending up in 12th are 13.7 per cent.Then it is 13.3 per cent for 13th, 13.1 per cent for 11th and 11.2 per cent to sneak into the top half in tenth. Ruben Amorim’s side are just about as likely to be ninth (9.6 per cent) or 14th (9.7 per cent) after 38 matches. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd most worryingly, the fallen giants have a greater chance of getting relegated – 0.1 per cent to finish 18th – than winning the title or finishing second, 0.0 per cent.United currently sit 14th in the table with just 22 points from their 18 Premier League matches – with six wins, four draws, eight defeats and a goal difference of -3. Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump Their nightmare week was compounded at Wolves as they lost their third match in a row. The club were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham before a 3-0 thumping at home to Bournemouth and then the shock 2-0 defeat to the struggling Molineux side.Their chances of beating Wolves were not helped by Bruno Fernandes being sent off for the third time this season but nevertheless the woeful performance sparked boos from the travelling supporters and further fan fury online. Amorim’s men now sit just eight points clear of Leicester in the relegation zone – and a whopping 20 off leaders Liverpool before reaching the midway point of the season. The Opta numbers unsurprisingly have Liverpool as the heavy favourites to hold on to their commanding lead. The Reds are 88.0 per cent to finish top of the table at the end of the season – with Arsenal (10.3 per cent), Chelsea (1.5 per cent) and Manchester City (0.3 per cent) making up the remainder.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are most likely to finish second with Chelsea tipped for third and City squeezing into the top four. At the other end of the table, the promoted trio of Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester seem set to go straight back down.Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

FULHAM’S in-house commentary team loved their side’s late comeback at Chelsea on Boxing Day.Marco Silva’s men had trailed for most of the game following Cole Palmer’s 16th minute opener.Pedro Neto rolled around after being breezed past by Alex IwobiCredit: X @FulhamFCNeto, 24, endured a disappointing day at the officeCredit: RexHarry Wilson celebrates his equaliserCredit: RexFulham piled the pressure on their hosts, however, and got their rewards late on.Harry Wilson nodded his side level on 82 minutes.And the equaliser tasted all the sweeter for those of a Fulham persuasion following an incident in the build-up.As Alex Iwobi skipped past Pedro Neto on the left wing, the Chelsea winger rolled around clutching his face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite no fewer than SIX rolls from the Portuguese, play was allowed to continue.Fulham’s club commentator Jim McGullion was unimpressed with Neto.He bellowed: “Oh get up, you…”A brief pause followed as he abruptly ended his sentence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlay continued with Iwobi swinging in a cross, and just moments later Fulham had levelled the game.As Wilson wheeled away celebrating, the commentary continued: “Yes! Come on! Come on Fulham!Enzo Maresca’s brutal warning to Chelsea stars after Madueke dropped for Fulham defeat and summer signing axed entirely “It’s Harry Wilson again! Harry the hero! Neto can… clear off. Rolling on the ground holding your face, the cheat!”Fulham fans watching the clip on their social media channels loved the commentary.One wrote: “Get up ya …… love it.”While a second gushed: “Commentary is brilliant.”A third claimed: “Dangerously close to calling Neto a very bad word before the first.”And another added: “Wasn’t ready for the commentator.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFulham then entered dream land shortly after, when Rodrigo Muniz prodded them into a 95th minute lead, sparking pandemonium.The West Londoners’ win saw them rise to eighth in the table – level on points with Manchester City, five above Tottenham and six above Manchester United.Fulham celebrate their incredible late winnerCredit: Rex More

RUBEN AMORIM knows that Manchester United’s fans are “tired” of the current state of their club.And the new manager accepts he will be in danger of losing his job, like any other manager, if results do not improve.Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd need to start winning games if his job is to remain safeCredit: ReutersUnited are losing more games and scoring less goals than they did under Erik ten HagCredit: GettyAmorim has only been at Old Trafford a month but the 2-0 Boxing Day loss at Wolves was his fifth defeat in seven games, and he is now preparing for Monday’s tricky visit of in-form Newcastle.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already shown his ruthless side, with sporting director Dan Ashworth being shown the door after just 159 days at Old Trafford.United have already lost half of Amorim’s first 10 games – with predecessor Erik ten Hag losing just two of his final 10 at the helm.The Dutchman did win just three of those matches compared to Amorim’s four.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Red Devils have scored less with their new boss too, netting just 17 goals in that time compared to 18 strikes under Ten Hag.United have also shipped 17 goals under Amorim, with Ten Hag keeping a meaner defence with just 11 conceded.Amorim, whose former Sporting Lisbon side netted 19 times in his final five games there, is contracted until the summer of 2027 and has maintained that is long enough time for him to be judged.But Amorim knows he might not get that long if he is unable to dig the club out of this terrible mess, with the 39-year-old realising that the huge turnaround which is needed has to start soon.Most read in FootballUnited paid Amorim’s £8.3million buy-out clause to get him out of Sporting Lisbon although in recent weeks, the team has got worse.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim said: “The manager of Manchester United can never, no matter what, be comfortable.“They paid the buy-out clause to get me. I know that if you don’t win, every manager is in danger and I like that because that is the job.Manchester United Player Ratings vs WolvesRuben Amorim vs Erik ten HagAmorim’s first 10 Man Utd results:Ipswich 1 Man Utd 1Man Utd 3 Bodo/Glimt 2Man Utd 4 Everton 0Arsenal 2 Man Utd 0Man Utd 2 Nottingham Forest 3Viktoria Plzen 1 Man Utd 2Man City 1 Man Utd 2Tottenham 4 Man Utd 3Man Utd 0 Bournemouth 3Wolves 2 Man Utd 0W4 D1 L5 GF17 GA17 GD0Ten Hag’s final 10 Man Utd results:Southampton 0 Man Utd 3Man Utd 7 Barnsley 0Crystal Palace 0 Man Utd 0Man Utd 1 Twente 1Man Utd 0 Tottenham 3Porto 3 Man Utd 3Aston Villa 0 Man Utd 0Man Utd 2 Brentford 1Fenerbahce 1 Man Utd 1West Ham 2 Man Utd 1W3 D5 L2 GF18 G11 GD7“You can argue that I have been here one month and I’ve had only a few training sessions but we are not winning. That is the reality and I’m quite comfortable with that.“We have to fight against everything because our supporters are always there, but they are tired of this moment. It’s part of football to have these difficult moments. I already knew that it was going to be tough.“You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and improve things. At this moment it’s really hard.  We have to survive to have time and then to improve the team.”This is currently the worst United team in a lifetime. After the loss against Wolves, Amorim admitted that the side had to “survive” in the Premier League as they are now 14th, eight points off the relegation zone.Another worry is that United are struggling to defend corners and free-kicks. They have conceded 10 goals from set-pieces this term with five of them coming under Amorim.United keeper Andre Onana conceded a goal from Matheus Cunha’s corner at Wolves with Amorim’s team making the same mistake at Spurs seven days earlier.The fact Wolves had practised trying to score directly from corners during the week shows there is an issue. Against Wolves, Onana was not protected by any defenders.Amorim said: “Set pieces are becoming so important. We have to learn, even with the small guys.”I just want to give something to the fans, not ask something of themRuben AmorimUnited’s new coach was also asked whether United’s fans can play a part against Newcastle by ramping up the atmosphere.He said: “I would not dare to ask anything of our fans. They give us everything: a full stadium, they’re always supporting, clapping loss after loss. I just want to give something to the fans, not ask something of them.”But Amorim also conceded that the mood at Old Trafford could be tense when Newcastle attack.He said: “We have to expect that any play from Newcastle near our box is going to make the stadium nervous and our players have to cope with that.“So, it’s a very strong team, very fast with a lot of pace, with a lot of time working with the same coach, and we want to be competitive and try to win the game, that’s all.”United will be without skipper Bruno Fernandes after his sending off against Wolves due to a ban.Asked if former skipper Harry Maguire could be reinstated, Amorim said: “He will have to wait until the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He works really well. He’s focused on the job, not what people say. Harry does not make excuses, even if he had some tough moments.“I think in that department he is an example, so he is there to play to help the team. He’s trying to do that.”Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5 More

ENZO MARESCA has warned the entire Chelsea squad they must up their game after Noni Madueke was dropped.Madueke, as well as summer signing Renato Veiga, was axed from the squad for the Boxing Day defeat to Fulham.Enzo Maresca explained his decision makingCredit: GettyNoni Madueke was dropped from yesterday’s matchday squadCredit: GettyMaresca revealed neither were injured with both being left out due to a “technical decision”. The Blues boss has criticised Madueke’s training level twice already this season.While the former Leicester manager considers both Madueke and Veiga available to face Ipswich on Monday, he warned that everyone must raise their level.Maresca said: “Sometimes we just take a decision and it’s no more than that.”Is he in contention for Ipswich? Yeah, for sure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The competition has to be higher but not only for Noni Madueke but also Renato Veiga was not in the squad and the reason is exactly the same for both of them.“There is not any different reason, it’s just a technical decision.”Former manager Mauricio Pochettino took aim at Madueke for his professionalism last season. The Argentine criticised the 22-year-old for going out partying while injured and also for his late season spat over who would take a penalty against Everton.Maresca has made it clear he has to improve too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn August, after a Europa Conference League goal against Servette, the England winger was reminded he must be more consistent in training.And following a goal and an assist at Southampton this month Maresca suggested the former PSV Eindhoven man becomes too complacent.Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’ Maresca has made it clear he will call out stars when their level is not high enough, adding that Madueke has responded well in the past.He said: “Very good, fantastic and he responded very good at that time so there is no more than that.”I expect the same this time, yeah absolutely.”Madueke has featured in 16 of the previous 17 Premier League games, with five goals and three assists – though he has not scored since that win over Southampton.His short term future at Stamford Bridge looks secure given Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping suspension.However, a sale has been considered in the past – with Newcastle interested in the summer.Should Maresca remain frustrated with his attitude, a move away cannot be ruled out at the end of the season. More

REAL MADRID have quietly decided to the change the name of their iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium without telling fans.Los Blancos have been playing at the incredible arena in the heart of the Spanish capital since 1947.Real Madrid have quietly changed the official name of the Santiago BernabeuCredit: GettyThe stadium has recently undergone a £1billion revampCredit: GettyHolding 78,297 supporters, the Santiago Bernabeu has seen some amazing moments in football down the years.It was the first stadium in Europe to host a Euros and a World Cup final.And in 2019 the Santiago Bernabeu underwent a major renovation costing £1billion.An amazing retractable roof was added, as well as a hotel and shopping centre outside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now, Real’s home stadium is going by a brand new name.And it’s been kept so secret that not even fans realised it had changed.According to Spanish news outlet Marca, the Santiago Bernabeu is now officially called just the Bernabeu.Chiefs reportedly ditched the first part of its full title for commercial purposes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOriginally named after former player and president Santiago Bernabeu, the stadium allowed fans to pay tribute to the club’s glorious past.But now, those in charge are said to have decided for a sleeker look.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game It’s reckoned that ditching ‘Santiago’ and simply calling the stadium ‘Bernabeu’ will modernise Real’s vision for the future.The change also opens up the possibility of allowing a sponsorship name to be added on.Currently, there are no plans to follow in the footsteps of rivals Barcelona, who currently play at the Spotify Camp Nou.But should Real need some dosh later on, a vote over new naming rights could go to shareholders.Who was Santiago Bernabeu?SANTIAGO Bernabeu is one of the most important figures in the history of Real Madrid.He played for the club as a striker between 1921 and 1926, and then when he retired he became manager, and then a director.In 1943 he was elected president of Real Madrid and stayed in the job until his death in 1978.Under Bernabeu’s presidency, they won 16 league titles, and the European Cup – now the Champions League – a record six times, including five in a row.He also rebuilt the stadium which bore his name, which was opened in 1947 and at the time was the biggest in Europe at 75,000 capacity. More