Premier League

PEP GUARDIOLA will not leave Manchester City hanging over his future — as he left the door open to becoming England boss.Guardiola says part of him will leave the club when sidekick Txiki Begiristain quits in the summer.Pep Guardiola has left the door open to managing England in the futureCredit: AlamyThere are fears City’s serial Prem-winning manager wants to follow the sporting director — with his contract expiring at the end of this season.Asked about signing a new deal, Guardiola said: “I want to be really, really, really convinced that it’s the best for the club.“I will not delay every action knowing  I am creating a problem for the club.“If I feel there’s a problem, I’ll take a decision as quick as possible. But I don’t have that feeling because they understand the reasons.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“A part of me is leaving. Txiki is a friend of mine — the architect who helped to create one of the best teams ever from Barcelona and now here.“I’ve known his decision — for family and personal reasons — for a long time and he will be missed.“I’m pretty sure that the club have an option when Txiki should leave and they have options when Pep will leave.“Sooner or later it’s going to happen and they are prepared. So it’s not going to be a surprise.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola, who is still missing crocked Kevin De Bruyne for tomorrow’s trip to Wolves, was approached by FA chiefs over the summer as they started the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.Thomas Tuchel landed the job and will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley on January 1.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThomas Tuchel was appointed Three Lions manager this week on an 18-month dealCredit: GettyGerman boss Tuchel’s 18-month contract, worth £7.5million, will run up to the 2026 World Cup.And Guardiola could be available at that point if he signs a one-year extension at City, which Etihad chiefs hope he will.When asked if he would like to manage a national team, he replied: “Yes.”Asked about the backlash over the Three Lions appointing a foreign boss, he explained: “We don’t decide where we are born. I didn’t decide to be Catalan. I didn’t decide to be English.“I understand people think it is normal to be manager for the national team where you were born.“But the world is so big and you have to be open-minded.“I would like to support Thomas unconditionally because he will represent your country the very best — with his knowledge, his wisdom.“If he wins he will be congratulated and if he loses he will be criticised. But it doesn’t matter if he is a foreigner or not.”Guardiola could still succeed Tuchel as England boss after the 2026 World CupCredit: ReutersArsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes England fans should feel “proud” Tuchel has taken the job.And he can relate to the German’s love affair with English football.Spaniard Arteta says he would have been open to playing for England when Fabio Capello considered calling up the former Everton midfielder ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Fifa blocked the move because Arteta played for Spain’s youth teams.But Arteta said: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it.”Asked about bossing England, he replied: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football, and how you get treated.“That’s something you should be really proud of.”Mikel Arteta has also hinted at becoming England manager later in his careerCredit: Getty More

ERIK TEN HAG admits Manchester United have a mountain to climb after their worst-ever Premier League start.The under-fire Red Devils boss is still clinging on to his job ahead of Brentford’s visit to Old Trafford, with his side 14th in the table.Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United ‘have a mountain to climb’Credit: GettyThe Dutchman’s side are down in 14th after their worst-ever Premier League startCredit: ReutersTen Hag, who has accepted United’s start “is not good enough” following just two wins in seven league games, saw the club’s hierarchy hold a seven-hour London summit during the international break.The Dutchman said: “We have a mountain to climb. But that is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges — sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down.“But I am sure we will make it a success as we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good things.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I see good patterns and the good stats confirm we are in a direction but, of course, the ranking is not lying. We are where we are and that is not good enough.”Ten Hag needs results as United bid to end a run of five games without a win in all competitions.However, he has bad memories of facing the Bees in the early stages of his Old Trafford career.The Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 in West London back in 2022 in Ten Hag’s first away game in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat result is Brentford’s only win in their last 11 meetings with this weekend’s opponents, though.Thomas Frank’s side are also looking for their first points on the road this season.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd The Danish coach has so far seen his side lose to Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham in a brutal run of away matches.Their 10 points from 12 at home have seen Brentford climb to 11th, however, three places above United after seven fixtures this term.Ten Hag remains confident he can deliver more success after trophies in his first two seasonsCredit: Getty More

KIERAN McKENNA says Axel Tuanzebe faces a “few months” out after nearly losing his thumb in a kitchen accident.It was revealed earlier this month that Ipswich’s Congolese defender required an emergency op when a glass shattered while he was washing up.Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe faces a ‘few months’ out after nearly losing his thumbCredit: RexKieran McKenna has confirmed he will be without Tuanzebe due to the freak accidentCredit: AlamySpeaking for the first time about the horror incident, boss McKenna said: “Some of the details came out of how he did it.“It was a household accident — very unfortunate but very serious, very close to losing his thumb.“He has had surgery to repair the tendons and everything in the thumb that was damaged.“Now, he’s just recovering from that. I think the recovery’s going pretty well but it’s a long-term injury.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“As much as it seems like a pretty innocuous body part in the game  of football, it’s a pretty important body part in human anatomy and he needs to let it recover.“Of course, he’s a loss and a miss. It just shows how quickly things can change in football and  in life. Thankfully, he’s recovering well and we now have to adapt and improve as a team.“But we look forward to having him back when he’s ready again.“It could be anything from a few months, maybe a little bit less if the recovery goes well.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“That’s something we’re in dialogue with different specialists on.”Tractor Boys centre-back Dara O’Shea is a doubt for Everton’s visit today after getting injured while on Republic of Ireland duty.Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’And McKenna added: “He had an issue in his back that’s being assessed, so we’ll see how it goes.”McKenna plans to stick with £22.5million club-record buy Omari Hutchinson at No 10 — despite his stunning display for England Under-21s on the right wing.Hutchinson, 20, had a hand in four goals in a 7-0 win over Azerbaijan.McKenna said: “We’ve got a pretty clear belief in how we can make him most effective in different games and scenarios.”Tuanzebe required an emergency operation after a glass shattered while he was washing upCredit: Getty More

BRUNO FERNANDES has shared a touching message after receiving a gift from Scott McTominay.The Manchester United captain was surprised by his ex-team-mate after facing him during the international break.Bruno Fernandes has been hailed for his touching message to Scott McTominayCredit: AlamyThe Manchester United captain was gifted a Napoli shirt by his former team-mateCredit: Instagram @brunofernandes8McTominay’s Scotland welcomed Portugal to Hampden Park in the Nations League on Tuesday night.Both he and Fernandes played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw.After the match, McTominay gifted his former skipper a Napoli shirt with his name and number on the back.The 27-year-old left the Red Devils to join the Italian side in the summer in a £25million deal.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFernandes shared a snap of the gift to his Instagram story along with a touching message.He wrote: “The name that’s conquered the heart of Napoli,” to the delight of United fans.Reacting to their interaction, one supporter commented: “That’s why he’s the captain.”Meanwhile, another added: “This is beautiful.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcTominay and Fernandes made 171 appearances together for United as well as winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup under Erik ten Hag.The Scot has continued to have success since penning a four-year deal with Napoli.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He has scored twice in five appearances across all competitions for the Serie A leaders.As for Fernandes, he is yet to score in 11 appearances so far this term.His woes have contributed to United’s slow start to the campaign, with Ten Hag’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League.They have also already lost three of their opening seven league matches.Fernandes will be hoping to kickstart the season this weekend as United return to action against Brentford on Saturday.Fernandes and McTominay faced each other as Scotland and Portugal met on TuesdayCredit: Alamy More

A SHOCK name has reportedly been added to Manchester United’s managerial shortlist amid pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag.The current Old Trafford chief is clinging on to his job after a difficult start to the season. Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep hold of his job as Manchester United bossCredit: EPAThe Red Devils have racked up three defeats this term already, including two 3-0 at home to Liverpool and Tottenham.And they went into the October international break without a win in their last five matches in all competitions. That has led to rising speculation that the United hierarchy are preparing to make a change in the dugout if the slump continues.Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel were both high on the list of possible new managers.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut they are both now unavailable – Southgate ruled himself out and Tuchel took the England job. Now Turkish outlet Ajansspor claim a surprise candidate would be in the running to replace Ten Hag if he is relieved of his duties.They state Vincenzo Montella is in the frame thanks to the job he has done with Turkey.The former 20-cap Italian striker, 50, has been in charge of the Turkish national team since 2023 and guided them to the quarter-finals of this summer’s Euro 2024.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is thought his 53 per cent win rate with Turkey has caught the attention of the United board.Montella’s impressive CV also includes stints in charge of Adana Demirspor, Fiorentina, Sevilla and AC Milan.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He also led Roma’s Under-15s following his 2009 retirement before stepping up as interim head coach, replacing Claudio Ranieri. Montella spent the majority of his playing career in Italy, concluding with ten years at Roma which also included a short loan spell in the Premier League with Fulham in 2007, where he scored six goals in 15 games. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be under further pressure to act should United not get back to winning ways against Brentford tomorrow. However, before the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa before the international break, Ratcliffe was quizzed on Ten Hag’s future but bizarrely claimed he does not call the shots at Old Trafford. He said: “I don’t want to answer that question…”I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July.”They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – [CEO] Omar [Berrada], [sporting director] Dan Ashworth – they only arrived in July.”They’ve only been there…you can count it in weeks almost – they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.”The United hierarchy held showdown talks in London last week but have stuck with Ten Hag for now. While Southgate and Tuchel are out of the running, data analysts believe Ruben Amorin would be the best fit – followed by Zinedine Zidane and Simone Inzaghi.Kieran McKenna and current No2 Ruud van Nistelrooy were both deemed to be better options than Ten Hag – but they warned Graham Potter, Michael Carrick, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank would struggle. Ten Hag, though, reckons talk of his imminent sacking is “fairytales”. 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.The Dutchman said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales. We are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists they didn’t believe me, I see the reports but internal in the club it’s quiet.”But he added: “Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner but ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Also we have to climb a mountain, that’s top football and sometimes you have to face challenges, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down I am sure we will make it a success like we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good patterns, good steps that confirm we are in a direction but the ranking is not lying, it is not good enough.”Vincenzo Montella has impressed as Turkey’s head coachCredit: ReutersMontella finished his career with ten years at Roma and a brief loan stint at FulhamCredit: AP:Associated Press More

NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis has been slapped with a FIVE-MATCH stadium ban for his furious outburst.Marinakis, 57, was adjudged to have behaved in an “improper” manner in the City Ground tunnel following the 1-0 defeat to Fulham on September 28. Evangelos Marinakis has been hit with a five-match stadium banCredit: GettyHe was furious after his side lost their unbeaten start to the season to a second-half penalty which was converted by Raul Jimenez.Referee Josh Smith awarded Fulham the penalty on the advice of VAR John Brooks, while denying Forest two spot-kick claims of their own.And Marinakis’ emotions got the better of him in his tunnel meltdown.Now the Forest chief – who paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation and also owns Olympiacos – has paid the price with a hefty penalty of his own.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn FA statement said: “Nottingham Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis has been sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission.”Evangelos Marinakis was charged with misconduct following Nottingham Forest’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday 28 September.”It was alleged that his behaviour around the tunnel area after the final whistle was improper. He denied this charge, but it was found proven by the independent Regulatory Commission, and a five-match stadium/ground suspension has been imposed.”The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMarinakis will therefore have to watch the games against Crystal Palace, Leicester, West Ham, Newcastle and Arsenal from away from the grounds. Therefore will next be able to take his seat in the stands of the stadium he owns when his side host Ipswich on November 30 – but will be denied entry to the City Ground against the Eagles, Hammers and Magpies. Watch hilarious moment Premier League ref says ‘hello there’ to the BALL as fans call it ‘highlight of the weekend’And it was a double whammy for Forest on Friday.That is because, in a separate punishment, the FA also hit manager Nuno Espirito Santo with a three-match touchline ban for his red card during the 2-2 draw with Brighton.Santo lost his cool when Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off and was dismissed alongside Seagulls counterpart Fabian Hurzeler.The ex-Wolves and Spurs boss must also pay a fine of £55,000 while Gibbs-White got a one-match suspension and £20,000 fine.Hurzeler, however, only needs to stump up £8,000 – and has faced no ban. A separate FA statement added: “It was alleged that the Nottingham Forest head coach [Santo] acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official.”The Nottingham Forest midfielder [Gibbs-White] allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official after being sent off.”It was alleged that the Brighton and Hove Albion manager [Hurzeler] acted in an improper manner.”During the international break, Forest were fined a whopping £750,000 for an explosive post claiming the VAR ref for their defeat to Everton towards the end of last season was “a Luton fan” – when both the East Midlanders and the Hatters were vying to avoid relegation. Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney got a one-match touchline ban and £5,500 fine following his dismissal late on in Plymouth’s win over Blackburn. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ex-England captain accepted using improper, abusive or insulting words towards a match official and a charge of improper and/or violent conduct relating to him kicking a water bottle.Rooney also admitted returning to the field of play after being sent off as he came back out to congratulate his squad for their last-gasp winner. Marinakis was furious at the VAR call to award Fulham a penaltyCredit: GettyRaul Jimenez made no mistake from the spotCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo got a three-match touchline ban for his red card at BrightonCredit: Reuters More

FULHAM have defended the eye-watering prices for tickets in their new stand – because they have ‘business class’ fans.Celebrity Fulham fan Richard Osman yesterday hosted the official launch of the £100 million Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage, which sits on the banks of the Thames.Fulham new stand is nearly ready to fully open for businessCredit: AFPThe Riverside Stand is set to open in DecemberCredit: Fulham FCThe lavish new stand has plenty of swanky featuresCredit: Fulham FCThe Cottagers have been criticised for their high ticket pricesCredit: Fulham FCMany fans have expressed outrage about the regular ticket prices for Premier League games in the new stand which cost upwards of £120.However, they pale into insignificance compared to the corporate season tickets prices which range between £3,250 and £10,000 plus VAT, taking it to the region of £12,000.Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: “When I first spoke to the Fulham Disabled Supporters Association they gave me some advice and that was that Fulham is the sort of club that can have a business class or first class and have fans that turn left on a plane.“They said to me, that is for some people but the rest of us want a premium experience elsewhere.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They may want to have this experience for the odd game then may want to return to their seats.“I feel stretching pricing means there is something for everyone at Craven Cottage. But the attention is on the top-end pricing as it is more interesting to report than the bottom end, but our game against Villa is sold out.“It shows there is a lot of demand for these tickets and if we had a bigger stand it would be nice but we are selling out everything we have.”The project took almost six years to complete and had to overcome several logistical obstacles including building contractors Buckingham going into administration midway through the build.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDeep pocketed Fulham fans will not be short of corporate facilitiesCredit: Fulham FCThe new Riverside Stand has taken six years to buildCredit: Fulham FCThe stand will be fully open for business in December and features a top-deck swimming pool, a Michelin-starred restaurant and various swanky bars and dining areas.It will also increase the capacity at Craven Cottage to just under 30,000.’What’s that-‘ – Chabuddy G actor left stunned by what’s in Fulham’s trophy cabinet during Craven Cottage tourFulham also plan to build a pier adjacent to the new stand, allowing fans to access the Cottage by boat. But Mackintosh played down rumours its construction would affect the Varsity Boat Race which passes nearby Putney Bridge.He said: “There has been quite a bit of fake news about an 86-metre pier that would stop the boat race and that has never been in the plan.“We are working with the boat race company because they will use this as one of their key venues and are discussing working with them rather than stopping them.“We want people to travel here in a green and accessible way by boat.”Season tickets will cost up to £12,000 in the new standCredit: Fulham FCPlans are afoot for Fulham to build a new pier outside the Riverside StandCredit: Getty More