Premier League

CRISTIANO RONALDO failed to meet Erik ten Hag’s standards before his acrimonious Manchester United exit.That is according to former Red Devils assistant Steve McClaren. Steve McClaren was Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United assistant for two yearsCredit: RexHe got a front-row seat to watch the drama unfold between Ten Hag and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersMcClaren, 63, was reunited with Ten Hag in 2022 when the Dutchman took over as Old Trafford boss.Fourteen years earlier, they first met as McClaren was appointed FC Twente manager and had Ten Hag as an assistant.So when the former Ajax chief arrived in Manchester, he brought Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 McClaren back to the club.And that meant the Yorkshireman got a first-hand view of Ten Hag’s managerial approach – and saw exactly what happened with Ronaldo.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner infamously had his contract ripped up and he quit United midway through Ten Hag’s first season as the pair fell out.Ronaldo refused to come on, sulked on the sidelines, left matches early and then publicly slated the manager in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.Ronaldo, 39, explosively revealed he cannot respect Ten Hag because “he doesn’t show me respect” and said he felt “betrayed” by United, who had made “zero” progress since Ferguson’s exit. McClaren, though, believes his boss was in the right as he took a swipe at Ronaldo’s behaviour.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking to The Telegraph, McClaren said: “I couldn’t fault his [Ten Hag’s] approach. “He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in.Man United manager Erik Ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo Refused to come on against Tottenham and says he has been punishedCristiano Ronaldo vs Erik ten Hag rowMay 2022 – Ten Hag leaves Ajax to become Man Utd managerJuly 2022 – Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before end of pre-season draw with Rayo VallecanoAugust 2022 – Ronaldo tries to force through a transfer exit from Old Trafford after club failed to qualify for Champions LeagueOctober 2022 – Ten Hag not convinced by Ronaldo and regularly benches him, including as an unused sub in 6-3 Manchester derby defeat October 2022 – Ronaldo refuses to come on as a sub against Tottenham and left Old Trafford early, Ten Hag then suspends star and makes him train aloneNovember 2022 – Ronaldo does explosive interview with Piers Morgan, saying he cannot “respect” Ten Hag, United “betrayed” him and made “zero progress” since Fergie leftNovember 2022 – Man Utd terminate Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract with immediate effectFebruary 2023 – Ten Hag wins Carabao CupMay 2024 – Ten Hag finishes eighth in Premier League but wins FA Cup to cling on to job September 2024 – Ronaldo slams Ten Hag for saying United are not ready to challenge for Premier League or Champions LeagueSeptember 2024 – Ten Hag hits back at Ronaldo for his own views on the state of the club, then indirectly quotes the Portuguese forward’s ketchup bottle analogy “That was shown in the way he handled [the departure of Cristiano] Ronaldo.”He [Ten Hag] came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. “He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are. He knew that was what was needed. “There could be no flexibility, no way the players could manoeuvre [out of that responsibility].“This is what you had to do – or you didn’t play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly. “Other managers have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t feel it was necessary to do that. “Ralf Rangnick had tried and it hadn’t quite worked out and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the same. So he [Ten Hag] stuck to his guns and developed other players.”Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in December 2022.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.Two months later, Ten Hag led United to the Carabao Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought for the Red Devils, before qualifying for the Champions League.Last season, a disappointing campaign blighted by injuries led to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.However, a stunning performance in the FA Cup final saw Ten Hag’s men beat Manchester City.That capped off what McClaren described as a “turbulent” first two seasons for him and Ten Hag at Old Trafford.The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner last season also prompted speculation and uncertainty over Ten Hag’s future.McClaren decided to step away, taking on the role as Jamaica national team boss.But Ten Hag, 54, signed a new contract to extend his stay.However, it has been another difficult start to the season with painful defeats against Brighton and Liverpool before a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.And the simmering feud with Ronaldo reared its head again in recent weeks. Ronaldo slammed Ten Hag for suggesting United are not ready to compete for the Premier League or Champions League – then told his former manager to take advice from his new assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.The Portuguese forward told Rio Ferdinand: “Manchester United, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself]. I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen [to] the guys who were there.”But Ten Hag hit back – insisting it was Ronaldo’s own assessment that United could not challenge for the biggest titles.Then the Dutchman borrowed a famous quote from his nemesis to discuss Marcus Rashford ending his goal drought.Ten Hag said: “It’s very important. For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list.”Once the first is in, more is coming. Once, a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat unusual ketchup reference is an analogy Ronaldo has used to describe a forward finding goal-scoring form.Ronaldo previously offered the condiment-themed advice to Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota, while he has used the quip multiple other times throughout his career – first referencing it back in 2010.McClaren has taken over as Jamaica managerCredit: Instagram / jff_footballHe worked alongside Ronaldo before the Portuguese star had his contract ripped upCredit: EPARonaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan was explosiveCredit: TalkTVTen Hag has won two trophies since Ronaldo left Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER CITY have released a statement providing an injury update on Rodri after the star travelled to Spain to see a specialist.Rodri was left in agony when he collapsed during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.Man City have released an update on Rodri’s injury against ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Spanish ace went down after a light tussle with Thomas ParteyCredit: APHe was forced off the field as reporters suggested he’d suffered an ACL setbackCredit: ReutersThe midfielder clutched his leg after a light tussle with Thomas Partey.And he was forced to leave the field with the help of several medics.Pep Guardiola left nobody in doubt over the severity of Rodri’s injury by hailing him as a “strong” player who would never come off willingly.While reports suggested the Euros winner had torn his ACL, potentially ending his campaign.Rodri immediately flew to Barcelona to see a knee specialist.And following initial exams, City confirmed that Rodri has indeed suffered ligament damage to the joint.But they refused to say whether it was an ACL injury, which would deal a major blow to their title hopes.A statement from the champions, which did not put a time scale on Rodri’s absence, read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. “The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear'”Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. “Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”Responding to the latest news, manager Guardiola said: “One doctor said it’s a big, big injury, the other said not as much so we’ll see. “Now it’s important to support him. Safe recovery, I would say not even a speedy recovery. Safe recovery for his future, for his career…”It now remains to be seen whether Rodri’s injury is a serious one, with ACL suffers out for anywhere up to a whole year.Guardiola has no natural replacement in his squad, with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan the only real options.But if he is out for the season, boffins reckon City will LOSE their title after four wins on the bounce.According to Opta, City have only lost 11 per cent of their games with Rodri in the team since his 2018 arrival.That builds up to an impressive return of 2.36 points per game.Mateo Kovacic is likely to replace Rodri in City’s XICredit: AlamyIlkay Gundogan can also drop deep if neededCredit: AlamyBut when Rodri hasn’t been involved, City’s loss rate climbs to 24 per cent.Their points per game ratio also falls to 2.04.And based on the above, it’s been calculated that City will finish on 80 points this season.The last time a team won the title with that number was Manchester United in the 2010/11 term.And while in another campaign that could potentially be enough for five titles in a row, Arsenal’s recent finishes make that unlikely.Two seasons ago the Gunners finished on 84 points.While last term they picked up an impressive 89 points.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if Mikel Arteta emulates that number, he is likely to see Arsenal clinch their first title since the InvinciblesBut should Rodri recover quickly, City may yet end on 91 points that secured them their fourth league trophy last term. More

A FORMER Premier League star was almost run off the road by a fan months after winning the title.Former Leicester stalwart Marc Albrighton played every game as the Foxes won the Prem in 2016.Marc Albrighton said a fan tried to run him off the roadThe former winger won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorHe was accused of orchestrating Claudio Ranieri’s sacking a few months laterCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut a few months later manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked, much to the dismay of the fans who adored him.Albrighton, 34, was alleged to have plotted his downfall along with his team-mates Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan.That resulted in a fan almost running Albrighton off the road as he called him a disgrace.Albrighton recalled the incident on The Under The Cosh podcast, saying: “The day that story broke I was driving back, I had just jumped on the M69.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I’m driving, I’ve literally just come on and I’m getting up to speed and this car has raced in front of me and braked, I’ve had to slam my brakes on and he’s tried to force me off the road.”At this point I’m probably going about 30mph and he’s trying to force me into the central reservation.”He’s got his window down and he’s going ‘you’re a f***ing disgrace you’re a f***ing disgrace’.”I’m thinking ‘what?! Why am I doing this? But the story had just broken that morning that apparently me, Vards, Wes and Kasper had held a meeting to get Ranieri sacked. I knew nothing about it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlbrighton shared his adoration for Ranieri as a person and a manager, hinting that it was just one or two individuals at the club who were responsible for his sacking.The Aston Villa academy graduate spent ten years at the King Power and helped Leicester win the Premier League and FA Cup before retiring in the summer.Emotional moment Claudio Ranieri breaks down in tears as ex-Chelsea manager leads Cagliari to Serie A for third time More

FORMER Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has retired from professional football.The 31-year-old left Old Trafford to become a free agent in July and subsequently joined Serie A side Como.Former Man Utd star Raphael Varane has retiredCredit: GettyThe defender made just one appearance for new club ComoCredit: GettyBut having made just one appearance for his new team, he is now hanging up his boots.In a statement on social media, he wrote: “They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime.”Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDVarane recently suffered a severe knee injury and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad as a result.The injury prompted his decision to retire.However, the World Cup winner has confirmed that he will remain at the club in some capacity.Varane spent three years at Man Utd after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVarane’s retirement statement in full”They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.”I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”Thank you, football.”With love, Rapha.”During that time he made 95 first team appearances and scored two goals.The most successful period of his career came with Los Blancos in Spain.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedVarane made 360 appearances for Real Madrid during his 10-year spell with the club.He also won three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.The centre-back retired from international duty back in February 2023 having been capped 93 times by the French national team.He said: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride. “The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field.”I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.”Raphael Varane won four Champions League titles with Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyRaphael Varane career statsRC LensAppearances – 24Goals – 2Real MadridAppearances – 360Goals – 17Man UtdAppearances – 95Goals – 2ComoAppearances – 1France national teamCaps – 93Goals – 5Club Honours:4x Champions League3x La Liga4x Club World Cup3x Spanish Super Cup3x UEFA Super Cup1x Spanish Cup1x FA Cup1x Carabao CupInternational Honours:1x World Cup1x Nations League More

MICAH RICHARDS labelled a fan a “b***end” after being left stunned by a shock question.The former Man City and England star lined up for the Rest is Football podcast with pals Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer this week.Micah Richards labelled a fan a ‘b***end’ for a cheeky questionCredit: GettyAlan Shearer and Gary Lineker were also on the Rest is Football podcastCredit: PAThe team got stuck into several weighty issues including Rodri’s injury blow for City.And they also pondered whether it made Arsenal the favourites for the title after consecutive 2nd place finishes.But the final question from a fan left Richards fuming.The supporter cheekily asked whether any of them had ever backed off towards the end of the season to prevent an injury ahead of a major tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the question was only directed towards Lineker and Shearer, leaving Richards perplexed.Lineker first said: “I don’t know why just Gary and Alan, this should apply to all three of us. I think it’s a slight subtle dig at Micah’s career.“He says ‘have you ever stopped giving your 100 per cent by the end of a season being afraid of getting an injury and not getting called up for a Euros or World Cup?’”Richards responded: “Wow, he’s just excluded me from the conversation! Basically he’s called me lazy and not good enough to play for England!Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“What a b***end! I’m joking, I’m joking.”Lineker added: “I think the answer to his question is a conclusive no!”Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s careerThe trio also discussed Rodri’s injury blow and Arsenal’s title hopesCredit: ReutersEarly in the podcast, the trio discussed Rodri’s potential ACL injury blow and Arsenal’s fresh title hopes.Lineker said: “It’s a huge blow to Man City. He’s arguably the most important footballer City could lose, along with Haaland.“You can see the difference. All competitions since 2019/20 without Rodri, 45 games and win rate is 64 per cent.“With Rodri, 270 games and win rate is 73 per cent.“That’s quite a big difference, plus 48 league games on the run with Rodri City have not lost.”Richards noted: “He’s the best holding midfielder in world football. It’s been a bit of a masterstroke getting Gundogan back.“But it’s a huge miss. He controls the tempo of matches and not a lot of players can do that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Yes it makes it more balanced in terms of Arsenal winning the league. “I don’t think it makes them favourites but it’s 50/50 now.”Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

FANS declared Erik ten Hag has “a better touch than Rasmus Hojlund” after the Manchester United boss was filmed showing off his skills on the training ground.Ten Hag has been preparing his side for tonight’s Europa League opener against FC Twente, a team he made 234 appearances for as a player.Erik ten Hag showed off some audacious ball skills in trainingMan Utd fans were left seriously impress by his techniqueAnd after Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, the Red Devils are hoping to bounce back with an emphatic win.United’s players were put through their paces at Carrington yesterday as they got ready for tonight’s home game at Old Trafford.But at one point during the session, Ten Hag broke with tradition.Instead of keeping an eye on his stars, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner decided to have a go himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag grabbed a football and proceeded to juggle it around, showing off his fancy footwork to onlookers.He did a number of keepy-ups before floating the ball high in the air and resting it on his foot.And United fans were left blown away with Ten Hag’s secret techniques.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Better first touch than Hojlund.”Most read in FootballAnother declared: “Better control than Lukaku.”Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?One noted: “Finally Ten Hag ball.”Another added: “Maybe he’s a better player than manager.”Ten Hag is expected to make several changes to tonight’s team, with Hojlund pushing for a place after returning from injury and Marcus Rashford hoping to start after being left out against Palace.Pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed “something must have happened” for Ten Hag to make the huge decision.But United’s manager hit back at Redknapp after the game, saying: “I heard already speculation from some pundits. That is crazy.“I would almost say that, as a person, you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don’t know. This has nothing to do with it.“I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything. With his defending part, offensive, he scores in this moment, he performs very good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there is nothing to do with it that he was on the bench, just rotation.“We have many games to cover. We have more than a starting 11 of players. If the players perform, we will give them their chances.” More