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      Erik ten Hag goes full Jurgen Klopp as he whinges at Man Utd playing 12.30pm Saturday game in congested schedule

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      ERIK TEN HAG turned to the Jurgen Klopp book of excuses after bomoaning Manchester United’s 12:30pm kick-off against Southampton.Despite taking a swipe at Prem chiefs, United earned a professional 3-0 victory at St Mary’s at lunchtime on Saturday.Erik ten Hag hit out at his sides 12:30pm kick offCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was well known for ranting about the time slotTen Hag told TNT: “First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night.”The 12.30pm, it’s not right, but they are always there. I’m so proud of our fans that they are always there.”Whatever happens on the pitch they always supportive of the team and there is a really good connection.”They bring a very good ambience at Old Trafford and also at away games. I think the Premier League should pay some attention to this.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFormer Liverpool boss Klopp was notorious for hating 12:30pm kick offs, which he referred to as the “breakfast” slot. It is surely one thing the German manager will not miss about the Prem as he repeatedly hit out at organisers whenever Liverpool played at 12:30pm.In May, long-term critic Klopp said: “They dare to give us Thursday-Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime! I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them.”Asked if the scheduling of United’s matches represents a major disadvantage compared to rivals, Ten Hag is convinced it works against his players despite a 3-0 win this weekend.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Dutchman added: “It’s a big disadvantage, but we have to deal with it as they did today.”The team are mature, it doesn’t matter, we always have to win, we can’t bring any excuse.”Ex-Man Utd man Anderson faces prison timeThe Red Devils have already had to navigate two lunchtime kick-offs on the south coast, at Brighton and St Mary’s, in their first four games of the season.And United travel to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace at 5:30pm next Saturday.Ten Hag’s complaints would have made slightly more sense if there had been no international break.Before Southampton, United’s last Prem game saw them fall to a humiliating defeat to rivals Liverpool at 4pm on a Sunday.But that was the final Prem match before the two week Uefa Nations League interval.Meanwhile, critics would argue that Ten Hag needed this must-win away triumph to keep his job safe for another week. READ MORE SUN STORIESAndre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s first half penalty, before United scored twice before half-time through Matthjis de Ligt and Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho rounded things off with a stoppage time hammer through a Casemiro assist.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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      Marcus Rashford has been putting in some much-needed graft behind the scenes at Man Utd… maybe this can be turning point

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      MARCUS RASHFORD trained alone during the international break to focus on his finishing technique.Anyone who has seen Rashford over the last year, particularly Manchester United’s increasingly-frustrated fans, would agree that an extra stint of shooting practice could not come quick enough for a forward who has completely lost his way.Marcus Rashford’s extra work paid off as he scored in Man Utd’s win over SouthamptonCredit: GettyOn a decent day for Erik ten Hag down here on the south coast, it felt as though the extra sessions had clearly paid off for United’s beleaguered no 10.And for the first time in his career, Rashford found himself being compared to a bottle of ketchup with ten Hag hoping that the goals will now start to flow.Rashford made it 2-0 just before half-time for his first strike since the 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool in March. It settled the nerves and put Ten Hag’s team in complete command in a straightforward 3-0 win over Southampton.At times this season, particularly against Brighton last month, Rashford’s all-round play but also his body language has been poor. Yet this was much better and had it not been for Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale, he could have scored a couple more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRashford’s problem is that he is a confidence player. When he is good, he is very good and when he is bad, he really is bloody awful. You would like to think with experience, he would be able to remain more consistent.United midfielder Casemiro was axed following his Liverpool shocker and Rashford was lucky to keep his place as he was not much better in the 3-0 loss at Old Trafford 13 days earlier.Even the home supporters lost patience with him and let their feelings known to ten Hag when Alejandro Garnacho was taken off against Liverpool instead of Rashford.Maybe that was the tap on the shoulder that Rashford needed for him to realise it was time to do something about his wretched form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaybe he had also listened to the stinging criticism sent his way from former United players Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.Or maybe Rashford had remembered that he only scored seven times last season and appeared to be on course for a similar total this season unless there was a drastic change.Watch as Marcus Rashford has medicine ball whacked off his abs as Man Utd star takes up boxing in international break Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6The reason Rashford is so infuriating is that a player of his talent should be scoring 20 goals a season, regardless of the quality of the players around him.While Rashford was training on his own (while posting a video of it on Instagram, naturally) England played two games against Ireland and Finland.When interim manager Lee Carsley named his squad, at no stage was he asked about Rashford’s omission because it was all so glaringly obvious that he would not be involved.This is a sad state of affairs when you consider here is a player who has played 60 times for England but has featured just once in 10 months, against Brazil in March, and was left out of the Euro 2024 squad due to his dismal season.Maybe Rashford, 26, can force his way back into the England squad but first, he needs to have a decent run of form for United and at least this was a start.United were helped by some poor Southampton defending throughout their 3-0 win and Rashford was lucky that Cameron Archer failed to close him down for his 41st minute goal.But on receiving the ball from Amad Diallo, it was still a decent, instinctive strike by Rashford from outside the area and it squeezed past Aaron Ramsdale in the bottom right corner.In the second half, Rashford’s goal-bound shot was deflected by Jan Bednarek while a dipping 25-yard shot was met with a flying save by Ramsdale.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford was replaced by Garnacho with 17 minutes remaining and while ten Hag will make changes for Tuesday’s home Carabao Cup tie with Barnsley, Rashford will probably fancy playing as he could fill his boots goals-wise.Perhaps, Rashford will look back on this game as a turning point and will be thankful for putting in a bit more graft. 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      Fulham 1 West Ham 1: Super-sub Danny Ings scores dramatic 95th-minute equaliser to rescue point from nowhere for Hammers

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      DANNY INGS’ dramatic 95th minute strike rescued a point for West Ham with his first goal since March.The striker, who has been a huge disappointment for the Hammers until now, rifled home to steal a draw which Julen Lopetegui’s side hardly deserved.Danny Ings stole a point for the HammersAnd the visitors couldn’t believe it after a quiet afternoonRaul Jimenez scored his sixth career goal as Fulham looked set to winCredit: GettyJulen Lopetegui looked set to lose all four opening games before Ings struckFulham had been dominant and were cruising their way to three points thanks to Raul Jimenez’s first half strike until crumbling in the final seconds.The Cottagers started fast, Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira and Alex Iwobi all causing West Ham trouble with smart and neat footwork around the box.Adama Traore was a threat on the break too and the Hammers had a lucky escape when Max Kilman went unpunished for a last-ditch shove on the winger in the penalty area.But referee Tim Robinson deemed the contact was minimal to the dismay of home fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRobinson headed for the touchline but not to consult VAR, only to book Fulham boss Silva for his protests.The bulky winger then barged his way in at the back post to meet a dangerous Iwobi cross but headed wide.West Ham were struggling to get out of their half as Fulham continued to turn up the heat, soon breaking their way through.The Hammers had been powerless to stop Fulham creating chances but did not cover themselves in glory for the goal. Most read in FootballJimenez opened the scoringAdama Traore was bundled down in the area by Max KilmanCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSasa Lukic was allowed plenty of time to pick out Smith Rowe’s fine run in behind from deep.Smith Rowe did well to keep the ball in play and took his time before cutting back through the legs of Konstantinos Mavropanos and tee up Jiminez to tap home his first Premier League goal of the season at the near post.West Ham chief Karren Brady has her say on VAR in Premier League and predicts ‘a season of anger and confusion’Fulham were full of confidence, given a clear plan which was being executed superbly. West Ham looked somewhat of a rabble.Lopetegui was given £127.5million of new signings in the summer to help transform West Ham into a free-flowing footballing side. But they were shaky on the ball and often relied on an individual run or a long ball to relieve the pressure.The Hammers boss turned to one of his new men – Crysencio Summerville – after half-time to try and get them going, with Lucas Paqueta also sent on after he had been rested following a return trip to South America during the international break.While the changes helped stem the tide of Fulham chances, it took West Ham until the hour mark to start looking more dangerous on the ball.Jarrod Bowen, moved up top after Michail Antonio was replaced at the break, collected a Mohammed Kudus cross ahead of Joachim Andersen but saw his close range effort stopped by Bernd Leno.That one chance could have sparked some confidence within the visitors, but never amounted to anything more.West Ham were without their new No9, Niclas Fullkrug, following an injury while away with Germany lacked a dominating presence through the middle.Lopetegui, who had lost Emerson Palmieri to a knee injury, then threw on deadline day signing Carlos Soler for a debut to try and find a leveller.His introduction changed little and Lopetegui called for Ings for the final ten minutes.West Ham ramped up late pressure with a few corners before Bowen managed to pick out Ings between Andersen and Calvin Bassey, allowing the striker to fire home.Silva saw Bassey miss a last gasp header to regain the lead in the final seconds and was furious that Kilman was not sent off for a first half shove on Traore in the penalty box.READ MORE SUN STORIESSilva, who was booked for his protest, said: “If it is a penalty he should be sent off, the player didn’t try to play the ball.”That moment, clear penalty and clear red card.”Danny Ings stole a point with a stoppage time leveller at FulhamCredit: ReutersAnd West Ham fans couldn’t believe itCredit: Reuters More

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      Super-sub Danny Ings scores dramatic 95th-minute equaliser to rescue point from nowhere for Hammers

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      DANNY INGS’ dramatic 95th minute strike rescued a point for West Ham with his first goal since March.The striker, who has been a huge disappointment for the Hammers until now, rifled home to steal a draw which Julen Lopetegui’s side hardly deserved.Danny Ings stole a point for the HammersRaul Jimenez scored his sixth career goal as Fulham looked set to winCredit: GettyJulen Lopetegui looked set to lose all four opening games before Ings struckFulham had been dominant and were cruising their way to three points thanks to Raul Jimenez’s first half strike until crumbling in the final seconds.The Cottagers started fast, Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira and Alex Iwobi all causing West Ham trouble with smart and neat footwork around the box.Adama Traore was a threat on the break too and the Hammers had a lucky escape when Max Kilman went unpunished for a last-ditch shove on the winger in the penalty area.Ref Tim Robinson deemed the contact was minimal. He headed for the touchline but not to consult VAR, only to book Fulham boss Silva for his protests.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe bulky winger then barged his way in at the back post to meet a dangerous Iwobi cross but headed wide.West Ham were struggling to get out of their half as Fulham continued to turn up the heat, soon breaking their way through.The Hammers had been powerless to stop Fulham creating chances but did not cover themselves in glory for the goal. Sasa Lukic was allowed plenty of time to pick out Smith Rowe’s fine run in behind from deep.Smith Rowe did well to keep the ball in play and took his time before cutting back through the legs of Konstantinos Mavropanos and tee up Jiminez to tap home his first Premier League goal of the season at the near post.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFulham were full of confidence, given a clear plan which was being executed superbly. West Ham looked somewhat of a rabble.Lopetegui was given £127.5million of new signings in the summer to help transform West Ham into a free-flowing footballing side. But they were shaky on the ball and often relied on an individual run or a long ball to relieve the pressure.West Ham chief Karren Brady has her say on VAR in Premier League and predicts ‘a season of anger and confusion’The Hammers boss turned to one of his new men – Crysencio Summerville – at the break to try and get them going, with Lucas Paqueta also sent on after he had been rested following a return trip to South America during the international break.While the changes helped stem the tide of Fulham chances, it took West Ham until the hour mark to start looking more dangerous on the ball.Jarrod Bowen, moved up top after Michail Antonio was replaced at the break, collected a Mohammed Kudus cross ahead of Joachim Andersen but saw his close range effort stopped by Bernd Leno.That one chance could have sparked some confidence within the visitors, but never amounted to anything more.West Ham were without their new No9, Niclas Fullkrug, following an injury while away with Germany lacked a dominating presence through the middle.Lopetegui, who had lost Emerson Palmieri to a knee injury, then threw on deadline day signing Carlos Soler for a debut to try and find a leveller.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis introduction changed little and Lopetegui called for Ings for the final ten minutes.West Ham ramped up late pressure with a few corners before Bowen managed to pick out Ings between Andersen and Calvin Bassey, allowing the striker to fire home.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. More

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      Crystal Palace 2 Leicester 2: Mateta snatches dramatic point for struggling Eagles as Cooper misses out on first win

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      STEVE COOPER thought he had secured his first win as Leicester City boss – before Conor Coady gave away an injury-time penalty. Jamie Vardy may turn 38 in January but still showed a clean pair of heels to race on to a ball and take it round the goalkeeper to tap in the opener at Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice to rescue a point for Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersHe kept his cool with a penalty in injury timeCredit: ReutersStephy Mavididi made it 2-0 within the first 30 seconds of the second half as Wilfried Ndidi teed him up following a defensive mistake. Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back moments later, tucking into the far corner with a fine finish.The goal was initially chalked off for offside but a lengthy VAR check confirmed the Frenchman was behind Tyrick Mitchell when the full-back squared. Then Coady slid in to gift-wrap a perfect chance to Palace to equalise.And Mateta made no mistake to roll in the leveller. 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.Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi put Leicester 2-0 upCredit: ReutersVardy rounded Dean Henderson to tap into an empty netCredit: RexMateta pulled one back within seconds of Mavididi’s strikeCredit: ReutersLeicester arrived at Selhurst Park in bright white tracksuitsCredit: GettyDaniel Munoz attempted a spectacular overhead kickCredit: PA More

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      Man City 2 Brentford 1: Haaland nets double after refusing compassionate leave as hosts survive scare to go clear at top

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      NEVER mind points deductions and penalties…there’s only one way to make it a level playing field against Manchester City.Forget all talk of hearings, panels, legal rows between highly paid barristers. It’s a lot easier than that – tie Erling Haaland’s legs together.Erling Haaland scored twice as Man City beat Brentford 2-1Credit: RexThat’s the only way to do it. Only then, will the rest of football have a chance…although he’ll still probably manage to stick a couple away.They certainly haven’t at the moment, the way City’s striking Viking is banging them in for fun.Two more yesterday – now just one shy of a century for the champions – and barring a coat of paint when the rattled the woodwork late on it would have been a third straight hat-trick.Records everywhere you looked again, in fact…not least the club extending their own one of 46 home games unbeaten.Throw in 13 Prem wins on the bounce, 26 top flight without defeat and five on the bounce is already looming large…serial winners doesn’t even come close for this lot.Brentford were actually the last side to beat the four-on-the-bounce champions at the Etihad, in November 2022.They tend to give them a decent fight on most occasions, to be fair and yesterday took just 22 seconds to prove the point, with the quickest Prem goal of the season.Kristoffer Ajer crossed from the right, Keane Lewis-Potter headed from the left, and when John Stones’ swipe only sent the ball arcing high, Yoane Wissa nodded it in.Most read in FootballCity were, frankly, all over the place. Not merely for the opener, but every time the Bees went forward – and to be fair, they did much of that in the early minutes.Bryan Mbeumo got behind a flat-footed backline and had two bites at adding a second, only to find a stubborn Rico Lewis in his way on both occasions.If City’s defence against those alleged financial breaches is as dodgy as it was on the pitch at times yesterday, they’ll be heading for the National Conference before they know it.It wasn’t the first time they had been caught napping by flying starts, either. Ipswich did likewise in the previous game here.Mind you, they soon discovered the dangers of poking the bear, as City bit back with a quickfire salvo. Well guess what…Brentford now know the same.Fair enough, it did take 20 minutes before the champions hauled themselves level, and there was plenty of huffing and puffing without a serious threat before that.But then suddenly bang, there it was. A quickfire swivel and strike from the deadliest finisher in the game, spinning onto Kevin De Bruyne’s touch, and it was all square.For Haaland, a goal in memory of Ivar Eggja, the close family friend who passed away this week. Not the greatest he’ll ever score, but certainly full of emotion.And little over ten minutes later he had a second to add to it, with a goal that the antithesis of the pat-a-cake passing game City play so much better than anyone else.This one came courtesy of one downfield punt from keeper Ederson, an awesome show of strength from Haaland and the soft and intricate touch of a surgeon to finish it off.Bees’ defender Ethan Pinnock is no seven stone weakling of a centre back, but bounced off Haaland as he slowed to get a better run at the ball, before a subtle dink into the corner.City fans taunted Pinnock with mocking chants of “he’s stronger than you,” although to be fair he’s stronger than everyone, so they can pretty much belt that out every week.For Haaland, that made it nine goals in his first four games – edging him one ahead of Wayne Rooney, in 2011, for the Prem’s deadliest start over such a period.With the thick end of an hour still to play, you wouldn’t have got rich on the odds they’d have quoted on a third successive hat-trick at that stage.So maybe, in the land of small mercies, Brentford should be patting themselves on the back at not conceding any more from that point.Admittedly they rarely looked like scoring a second themselves, either, but plenty of opponents have buckled and been battered in similar positions.Although on another occasion City might well have finished with half a dozen, never mind merely another match ball for Haaland.Christian Norgaard stretched out a leg to deny Ilkay Gundogan a tap in, Kyle Walker fizzed a long ranger inches over and Mark Flekken went full length to reach a Jack Grealish strike.It wasn’t the only impressive save the Brentford keeper made, with a pantomime-villain stretch to stop Haaland side footing a hat-trick.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen a jabbed right boot when Savinho went through – second before the Brazilian shaved the upright with another drive.And finally Haaland rattled the post when the whole of the Etihad was willing him to make it the perfect finale. Still, you don’t imagine he’ll be waiting too long for another match ball. More

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      Southampton forward Ben Brereton Diaz breaks Premier League’s most embarrassing record after Man Utd defeat

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      BEN BRERETON DIAZ broke the Premier League’s most embarrassing record against Manchester United.The Southampton forward, 25, started at St Mary’s for today’s lunchtime kick-off.Ben Brereton Diaz was on the losing side as Southampton were beaten by Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPHis team-mate Cameron Archer missed a penalty just after the half-hour mark and was made to pay.Matthijs de Ligt put the Red Devils in front just two minutes later before Marcus Rashford slotted into the bottom corner.Alejandro Garnacho completed the 3-0 win in injury time.The result ensured Southampton’s nightmare return to the Premier League continued.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSaints have lost all four of their matches so far this season, rooted on zero points with just one goal scored.And it means Brereton Diaz is STILL looking for his first win in England’s top flight.In fact, he now holds the outright record for the most Premier League appearances WITHOUT a win.Because the clash with United was his 18th Premier League match – and he has yet to be on the winning team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Chile international and former Red Devils academy star – whose red-hot form for Blackburn earned him a transfer to Villarreal last year – joined Sheffield United on loan last season.Despite six goals in 14 Prem games for the Blades, he only picked up four draws and lost the remaining ten.How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsThe striker then joined Southampton in the summer on a four-year deal on the south coast.But has added four further defeats to make it 18 games without that elusive first win.And that sees him overtake Marvin Sordell with the unwanted record.Sordell went 17 games without collecting three points between 2012 and 2015.They came while playing for Burnley and Bolton, featuring four draws and 14 defeats.Brereton Diaz and his Southampton team-mates have a great chance to end his barren run next weekend.Saints host fellow promoted side Ipswich at St Mary’s.The Chile international failed to win any of his 14 Prem games with Sheffield UnitedCredit: RexMarvin Sordell held the previous record on 17Credit: AFPChanges 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. More

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      Matthijs de Ligt’s goal celebration explained as Man Utd new-boy reveals touching reason behind pointing to stands

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      MATTHIJS DE LIGT has revealed the touching reason behind his goal celebration as Manchester United won 3-0 at Southampton.The Dutch defender scored his first United goal after joining this summer and was quick to dedicate it to his wife on her 24th birthday.Matthijs de Ligt pointed to the stands after he scored his first Prem goalCredit: AFPThe touching reason behind his unique celebration has been revealedCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old headed in Bruno Fernandes’ curling cross just minutes after Cameron Archer’s penalty was saved by Andre Onana.And a beaming De Ligt ran off in celebration and pointed to the stands.He then gestured the outline of a heart with his fingers before pointing up again.When quizzed on the unique celebration, De Ligt told TNT: “It’s my wife’s birthday, so this one is for her!”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDe Ligt married his long time girlfriend, Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model and daughter of ex-footballer Keje Molenaar, a week before Euro 2024.He also praised his teammates, particularly Onana, who collected the rebound after as United had been stuck in their own half until then.De Ligt added: “The win was important. I think if you get three points from three games, it’s not enough.”So there was some pressure, but I think today we played very well.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Ligt with wife Annekee MolenaarMan Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6The former Ajax centre-half and Golden boy winner joined United for £43million from Bayern Munich in August, alongside full-back Noussair Mazraoui.On his goal, De Ligt revealed that it was a result of the team’s set-piece practice – as United were 15th in the table from goals scored from dead ball situations last season.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’He explained: “We’ve been working on some set pieces, this one was not exactly out of the book, but this was from a good spot.”St Mary’s was stunned into silence when Marcus Rashford scored six minutes after De Ligt.Rashford picked up a ball on the edge of the area and curled a low shot past Aaron Ramsdale, who probably should have done better.Saints captain Jack Stephens needlessly chopped down Alejandro Garnacho on the touchline and received a red card with three minutes remaining.The Argentine winger, 20, then smashed home from six yards out at the death. More