Premier League

KAORU MITOMA delivered relief for Brighton in another harsh lesson for Ipswich.The Japan international’s first goal since November inspired a first win in nine Premier League games for the Seagulls.Kaoru Mitoma hails his breakthrough just before the hourCredit: PAMitoma hardly hit his shot powerfully but it was still good enoughCredit: GettyGeorginio Rutter then finished Ipswich off on 81 minutesCredit: RexGeorginio Rutter made sure of the much needed win from the bench, lifting the mood and sending them back into the top half.And, at the fourth attempt, it was the first win they had managed over a promoted club this season.Not that Ipswich played like a side fresh from the Championship – they just finished like one.Kieran McKenna’s men had Brighton on the ropes for a lot of this contest, but lacked the knockout blow when they needed it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis opener damaged Ipswich’s resolve and Rutter made sure of the three points eight minutes from time.Town signed winger Jaden Philogene in a £20million deal from Aston Villa on Wednesday, but last night’s game came too soon for the new man.Despite Hurzeler saying it would be a risk to start him, Joao Pedro returned to lead the line for Brighton.There is a real sense around Portman Road that they might just be able to defy the odds and beat the drop this season.Most read in FootballRutter enjoys sealing victory as Brighton’s poor run endsCredit: ReutersJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut early on they were sitting off Brighton, not showing the sort of attacking verve which has provided that hope.But for all of the Seagulls’ early possession, they could not craft a clear opening and it was the hosts who provided the first spark of action.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAfter some strong and smart centre-forward play by Liam Delap, Nathan Broadhead stepped towards the Brighton defence, cut inside and saw a low effort just palmed around the far post by Bart Verbruggen.His effort brought the Sir Bobby Robson Stand to life, giving McKenna’s men the backing they needed.With their tails up, Ipswich started finding gaps to exploit. Omari Hutchinson scared the Brighton back line before, from a similar position to Broadhead, Delap also drew a save from Verbruggen.Brighton were struggling to get a handle on the hosts whenever they added some pace to the attack, and Hutchinson was a particular problem.The former Chelsea man found space one the edge of the area but was again denied by Verbruggen, who did well to get down to the powerful strike.Town continued to trouble the Seagulls after the break with Hutchinson twisting and turning on the left, while Delap was booked after being caught giving Joel Veltman a nudge in the ribs off the ball.At the other end, Pedro tried to copy the dark arts. First by diving under pressure from Dara O’Shea before leading with his shoulder in a nasty collision with keeper Christian Walton.And having taken an almighty knock, the keeper was at fault for Brighton’s opener.Jacob Greaves missed a challenge down the left which allowed Yasin Ayari to roam free and cut back for Matt O’Riley.Instead of pulling the trigger the summer signing kept his cool and squared for Mitoma, whose shot somehow squeezed under the body of Walton – an effort he should have stopped.It was evidence of the quality gap when it really matters. Ipswich had created all the significant chances, Brighton had not had a real sniff, certainly nothing you could call clear cut.Yet they made it count, and Ipswich had not.There is greater depth in Hurzeler’s squad too. After Pedro drew a fine stop from Walton on the turn, he was replaced by Rutter – who made sure of the result.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrom a wide free-kick, Danny Welbeck – another sub – fumbled the ball towards the Frenchman who turned and finished from close range.If the hope of survival is to persist in Suffolk, they must find the temperament to grab hold of games when they are on top.Mitoma & Co mixed joy and relief as they clinched three pointsCredit: ReutersIpswich striker Liam Delap leaps with Adam Webster in Town’s defeatCredit: Reuters More

RUBEN AMORIM has revealed the low point of his Old Trafford reign left him “embarrassed” – but also happy to be Manchester United manager.The boss has had a mixed time at the club since taking over in November after Erik ten Hag was sacked.Ruben Amorim revealed the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth was ’embarrassing’Credit: GettyAmorim has overseen five wins, two draws and six losses so far.A 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford just before Christmas started a woeful run of three defeats without a goal in the Premier League to leave him admitting relegation was a “possibility”. Ahead of the game against Southampton on Thursday, Amorim was asked by TNT Sports what his best and worst moments have been at Man Utd.He said: “The highest and lowest moment, you can put both together.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The end of Bournemouth, the way that loss was so hard on us and on me. It was really, really hard.”But then in the end, you have your fans clapping. It is so embarrassing and good at the same time.”I think you can put them together and you feel this is the club I want to stay in.”You also have the other feeling that is we are disappointing a lot of people.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”This moment I can explain both sides of the coin.”The damaging Bournemouth defeat saw United break two unwanted records as they found themselves in the bottom half of the table at Christmas for the first time in their history. ‘My goodness, they’re so bad’ – Roy Keane slams Man Utd as he admits ‘big concern’ over lack of improvement under AmorimAnd Dean Huijsen’s goal meant they had conceded more times from set-pieces, excluding penalties, than ever before in a calendar year.They ended 2024 having shipped 18 goals from corners and free-kicks.Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More