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      Erik ten Hag loses AGAIN in new role as head of Dutch giants after Man Utd’s horror start to Premier League season

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      ERIK TEN HAG faced yet another defeat as he took charge of his old club FC Utrecht in a testimonial match on Sunday.It follows Manchester United’s recent losses to Liverpool and Brighton, that have added to the pressure on the Dutch boss.Erik ten Hag faced another defeat as head coach of his old club FC Utrecht in a farewell match on SundayCredit: RexThe match at FC Utrecht was organised to honour club icon Mark van der Maarel, who recently retiredCredit: RexThe match at Utrecht was organised to honour club icon Mark van der Maarel, who recently retired after a glittering 15-year stint at the Galgenwaard Stadium.Van der Maarel, 35, spent his entire professional career with the club, making him a popular figure among fans and team-mates alike.The testimonial match featured a team of current Utrecht players against a squad of former players. Ten Hag agreed to take the team of former Utrecht players for the clash at his old club, who he played one season for in 1995 before returning to manage for two years in 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match provided the perfect chance for Ten Hag to get back to winning before he clocks back on to the day job at Carrington early next week.Centre back Van de Maarel, who had to wait until just before the end of the match to score, made the final result 2-1 with a late goal.Despite his best efforts, Ten Hag’s team lost the match with Urby Emanuelson and Ruud Boymans scoring for the oppositionAfter the defeat Ten Hag praised Van der Maarel, saying, “If you stay at this club for so long, you are a character. He has so deserved this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVan der Maarel played 397 official matches for Utrecht after making his debut in 2009 for the Eredivisie side.And is now third on the club’s all-time list of most games played.Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringMeanwhile, the defeat adds to a challenging period for Ten Hag, who has been under scrutiny following United’s recent performances. The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton on August 24 and a 3-0 loss to Liverpool on September 1.They next face Southampton away on September 14 where Ten Hag will hope to get his side back on track. More

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      Ex-Man Utd striker Weghorst and Arsenal ace Timber in furious training ground bust-up with boss Koeman forced to step in

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      ARSENAL ace Jurrien Timber and ex-Manchester United player Wout Weghorst locked horns during training with the Netherlands.The Dutch duo were called up for international duty by manager Ronald Koeman for the Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany.Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber and Wout Weghorst had a heated bust-up in trainingCredit: EPANetherlands boss Ronald Koeman intervened to put an end to the altercationCredit: AFPTimber went hard on a challenge with Weghorst, who was left upsetCredit: EPATimber, 23, went hard for the ball and appeared to inadvertently step on the foot of Weghorst, 32, who was left visibly upset after the clash.The two players exchanged heated words soon after the duel and the Ajax star complained to Koeman about the tackle.The ex-Everton boss intervened immediately and told Weghorst: “I said something to you, I said something to them.”But the ex-Burnley ace continued to voice his frustration and Koeman was then heard shouting: “And now it’s over!”Read More on FootballThe camera then caught Weghorst walking out of the training ground once training was over and his Netherlands team-mates were still on the pitch.The striker got on his bike and was seen riding away while checking his phone.After leaving the pitch, Koeman said of Weghorst: “He has no injury.”Timber and the centre-forward are set for action on Tuesday when the Oranje host Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe two men helped Holland destroy Bosnia 5-2 in Eindhoven on Saturday with Weghorst scoring after he and the Arsenal defender came off the bench.That was a match that saw United ace Matthijs de Ligt committing two critical errors that led to both of the visitors’ goals.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionDe Ligt admitted his frustration at his display with an X-rated response after the game.Ex-Manchester United ace Weghorst walked out alone after trainingCredit: AFPAjax star Weghorst rode away on his bicycle while his team-mates were still on the pitchCredit: EPA More

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      Man Utd boost as £50m summer signing Ugarte destroys fitness fears with incredible Uruguay feat

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      MANUEL UGARTE has destroyed fears regarding his fitness after his incredible performance for Uruguay.Erik ten Hag previously claimed that the £50.8million midfielder may need time to get up to speed to start in the first team.Manuel Ugarte has destroyed fears regarding his fitness after his incredible performance for UruguayCredit: APThe midfielder produced an impressive display in the World Cup qualifier against ParaguayCredit: AFPUnited signed the star was £50.8million this summerDespite being drafted into the starting lineup by head coach Marcelo Bielsa, Ugarte showed no signs of rust during Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay.The 23-year-old produced an impressive display in the World Cup qualifier before being subbed off in the 79th minute after completing 52 passes and winning 12 duels across the clash. Bielsa praised the “great” Ugarte and explained that his ability to recover the ball was something that the fans “celebrated the most”.He told reporters: “We had players with a great ability to recover the ball.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“In fact, I think this is what the fans celebrated the most; the number of balls recovered by our two full-backs and Ugarte.”And after the match, Ugarte revealed his readiness to dive into action with Ten Hag’s squad.Ugarte said: “I’m very happy, very hungry and very excited,’ Ugarte said shortly after wrapping up his move. “I feel very good, I have prepared myself. The truth is that I haven’t played many minutes since the season began, but physically I feel very good.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManuel Ugarte vs Parguay79 minutes played87% accurate passes9/12 Ground duels won3/4 Aerial duels won0 Dribbled past1 Chance createdUnited have had a disappointing start to the season, securing only one win from their first three Premier League matches.Following Ugarte’s performance, Ten Hag will be relieved that the player’s fitness is not a concern. ‘Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionThe Dutchman claimed last week that it might take “a couple of weeks, maybe even months” to “build him into the team.”Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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      How Man Utd beat off Real Madrid’s attempted transfer hijack of £52m defender Leny Yoro only for defender to get injured

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      THE decision maker for Leny Yoro’s move to Manchester United over Real Madrid has been revealed.Yoro, 18, signed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months with United for £52m.The decision maker in Leny Yoro’s transfer to Man Utd over Real Madrid has been revealedCredit: RexThe 18-year-old is currently out injured after fracturing his metatarsalCredit: https://x.com/leny_yoroAfter winning the Champions League, Real Madrid sought a new central defender due to long-time player Nacho leaving the club at the end of his contract. The reigning LaLiga and European champions offered Leny Yoro a salary of £2.5 million per season. However, United presented a significantly more lucrative deal, offering Yoro triple that offer for £8.1 million per year, as reported by Marca.Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag was eager to integrate the promising talent into his squad.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Yoro made his friendly debut against Rangers after just a few days of pre-season training.He then travelled to America with the team for more friendly matches but suffered a serious injury during a game against Arsenal.This injury required metatarsal surgery sidelining him for an expected three months.He will not be rushed back after United secured the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined fee of £60m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite discovering Yoro’s potential metatarsal issues, club executives chose to push ahead with the move.It was seen as a rare opportunity to capture one of Europe’s highly-regarded young stars.Man Utd’s completed summer transfer dealsBut Real Madrid later clarified that they were not willing to invest in players not necessarily needed in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, especially after enhancing their squad with the signing of superstar Kylian Mbappe. More

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      Former England star Darren Bent branded ‘a horrible man’ after revealing his pick for WORST transfer of the summer

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      FORMER England striker Darren Bent was labelled a “horrible man” after naming Oliver Skipp the worst transfer of the summer.Midfielder Skipp, 23, joined newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester from Tottenham for £20million.Darren Bent named Oliver Skipp as the worst transfer of the summerCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTSkipp left Tottenham to join Leicester in a £20million dealCredit: GettyBut ex-Tottenham man Bent, 40, is unconvinced by the signing as he questioned what his contribution will be to Steve Cooper’s team.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Worst signing, Oliver Skipp, and I feel so bad saying that.”To which co-host Andy Goldstein jokingly replied: “Horrible man.”Justifying his selection, Bent added: “What am I supposed to do?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just think, £20million, is that what Leicester needed? Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks. Harry was good last year in the Championship.”The reason why I am not putting Dewsbury-Hall [to Chelsea] in there [is] because Chelsea have just thrown the money left, right and centre at loads of different players, so you almost get lost in it.”I am not saying he [Skipp] is a bad player. Leicester fans can tell me, when they signed Oliver Skipp, did they automatically think ‘right, yes, he gives us the best chance of staying up?’ Does he?”Skipp played 106 games for Tottenham, scoring one goal and providing two assists.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe came off the bench to make his debut in the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Fulham.He then made his first start for Leicester when they suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa before the international break.PREM RULE CHANGESChanges 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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      Arsenal ace Riccardo Calafiori ‘leaves Italy camp and returns to London’ as injury fears deepen after freak collision

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      RICCARDO CALAFIORI has left the Italy national team camp and returned back to London.The Arsenal star picked up an injury on Friday after a freak collision during a Nations League clash.Riccardo Calafiori has left the Italy national team camp and returned back to LondonCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star suffered the injury during a Nations League clash against FranceCredit: GettyDembele caught Calafiori on the back of the knee as he landed after a clash with Italy’s Alessandro BastoniThe Italian will head back to the capital to be assessed by the Arsenal medical team.Calafiori hobbled off the pitch in the 71st minute in Italy’s match against France at Parc des Princes.The centre-back returned to international duty following some impressive performances at Euro 2024, which led to his £42million move to the Emirates from Bologna this summer.And the 22-year-old got injured because of a clash he wasn’t even involved in.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt all started after a clash between Calafiori’s team-mate Alessandro Bastoni and France star Ousmane Dembele in the 66th minute.Inter Milan ace Bastoni tackled PSG’s Dembele and sent him flying in the air.Then as he landed, the forward’s left foot made contact with Calafiori’s left leg as he caught him in the back of the knee, studs first.The Gunners new boy tried to power through but he was subbed off five minutes later.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn Saturday Italy boss Luciano Spalletti hoped the defender would have recovered for the Gli Azzurri’s next game.He told reporters: “We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.”How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentBut Calafiori heading home now says otherwise and will miss Italy’s clash against Israel in Budapest on Monday night.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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      Newcastle transfer guru Mitchell ‘unhappy and could walk away’ just TWO MONTHS after joining club as Howe rift deepens

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      PAUL MITCHELL’S future as Newcastle’s sporting director is in doubt — just TWO MONTHS after arriving at St James’ Park.SunSport revealed on Friday that chief exec Darren Eales has backed boss Eddie Howe amid his rift with Mitchell over transfer business.The future of Paul Mitchell, left, as Newcastle’s sporting director is in doubtCredit: GettyNewcastle chief Darren Eales has backed boss Eddie Howe amid his rift with MitchellCredit: GettyToon bigwigs want Mitchell to stay, meaning he will not be axed.However, sources close to the ex-Southampton and Spurs recruitment guru claim he is unhappy and could walk away if relations do not improve.A Toon source said Eales is attempting to support Howe and Mitchell — and wants both to stay.Another source claimed their Saudi owners may be forced to get involved.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn July, appointing Mitchell, 43, to replace Dan Ashworth was seen as a coup.But he got off on the wrong foot in early chats with Howe  — who felt he was being told how his team should play.Tensions then ramped up after a quiet window.Mitchell failed to buy Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace — or the right winger Howe requested.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Mitchell’s desire for control over transfers also caused friction, with the head of recruitment Steve Nixon less involved than usual.A Mitchell interview in which he claimed Toon’s recruitment and scouting teams were “not fit for purpose” ruffled feathers.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsHis failure to say the club would fight to keep Howe if he was offered the England job also contributed to this.Newcastle’s 24/25 summer transfersArrivalsLewis Hall – £27.86mOdysseas Vlachodimos £22.46mWilliam Osula – £9.79mLloyd Kelly – Free TransferJohn Ruddy – Free TransferDepartures Elliot Anderson – £34.78mYankuba Mintesh – £29.55mRyan Fraser – Free TransferMatt Richie – Free TransferKell Watts – Free TransferJamal Lewis – Loan TransferHarrospm Ashby – Loan TransferJoe White – Loan Transfer More

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      Brighton planning next wonderkid transfer raid as Seagulls eye 20-year-old EFL star who has already captained his side

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      BRIGHTON are ready to move for Sheffield United’s rising star Ollie Arblaster as their next big signing.Seagulls chiefs have made the midfield dynamo, 20, a top target despite their flurry of new arrivals.Brighton are ready to make a move for Sheffield United midfielder Ollie ArblasterCredit: RexAnd they are willing to pay at least £20million for Arblaster, who has already stood in as skipper of Chris Wilder’s side.The Blades supporter is in no rush to leave — yet his fan club is growing and an offer or two is likely in January.And a homegrown star such as Arblaster would fit in with Brighton’s  strategy because they try to find players who can improve them, but also be sold on at some point.Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister are amongst the players to have been sold for huge profits in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Seagulls’ strategy was also on display this summer with the arrivals of nine players all aged 24 or under.New boss Fabian Hurzeler has already blended them into his squad with an unbeaten start to the campaign.As for Arblaster, he has scored twice in four Championship appearances for the Blades this term, who are also yet to lose in the league.Those matches include captaining his side against Norwich and Watford in their last two fixtures.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England under-20 international also made 12 Premier League appearances last term after breaking into the first-team.However, he was unable to save the club from relegation at the first attempt.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeWilder’s return to Bramall Lane in December failed to save them from the drop.The Blades ended the season bottom of the Premier League on 16 points after winning just three matches during the campaign.The Seagulls are willing to pay up to £20million to sign Arblaster from the BladesCredit: Alamy More