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      ‘I had no one but my PlayStation’ – Aaron Wan-Bissaka breaks silence on ‘difficult’ Man Utd spell after £50m transfer

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      AARON WAN-BISSAKA had no one but his PlayStation when he first arrived at Manchester United in 2019.The full-back has opened up on the loneliness he felt when he swapped the safety of Crystal Palace for the bright lights of Old Trafford.Aaron Wan-Bissaka has broken his silence on feeling isolated when he first arrived at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old joined West Ham for £15m this summer after five years at UnitedCredit: GettyAt £50m, he was the fifth-most expensive player United had ever signed and remains now the priciest ever uncapped Englishman.Then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described the then 21-year-old as “one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League.”Wan-Bissaka quickly earned the trust of the fans with Jamie Carragher coining him the “best one-on-one defender in world football” in 2020.But he initially struggled to adapt to life in Manchester off the pitch as it took time for the South London boy to settle in.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe told The Standard: “It was difficult. Very difficult. I went on my own and it was my first time moving away from home. I had no one up there, apart from my PlayStation.”Because Manchester’s smaller, everyone’s aware of everything that’s happening. You have to be mentally strong to avoid the negative stuff it comes with.”In fact, he felt so isolated that he would travel back to London after training most afternoons to spend time with his family, before heading back up North that same night.But Wan-Bissaka admitted that the tiredness of travelling forced him to settle as the reality set in that he was a United player.Most read in FootballAaron Wan-Bissaka made 42 appearances for Crystal Palace in the Prem before his move to Old TraffordCredit: GettyHe won the Carabao Cup in 2023 alongside Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWan-Bissaka added: “I came back as a man. More mature, more grounded, more focused.”He became a staple at right-back for two seasons, as United finished third in his debut campaign and runners-up the following term.Man Utd braced for Mason Greenwood lawsuit after Mendy successfully sued City over £11m unpaid wagesBut he eventually started slipping down the pecking order as the need for a more modern attacking full-back became increasingly important.And Erik ten Hag didn’t favour him either, instead deploying Diogo Dalot with Wan Bissaka only starting 20 games last season.Explaining how his exit from United came to be – after being linked with a move away for some time – he said both parties agreed it was mutually beneficial for him to leave.He said: “I spoke to the club and they thought this opportunity was best for me.”They gave me some time to think about it. In the moment, I didn’t, but I spoke to family and friends about it and we all decided it was the right time.”Now Wan-Bissaka is back in his hometown of London playing for West Ham, who have struggled this season.He has started eight of their first 10 Prem games after joining Julen Lopetegui’s side for £15m in the summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 26-year-old played a full 90 minutes as the Hammers beat his former team 2-1 last month – which saw Ten Hag sacked the following morning.He played a total of 190 times across five seasons at United and won two trophies – the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in May. More

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      Jack Grealish at centre of club-versus-country row as England call-up leaves Pep Guardiola furious at Lee Carsley

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      JACK GREALISH is at the centre of a club-v-country row over his England call-up.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is fuming with the FA and interim manager Lee Carsley for picking the £100million ace — who has not played since October 20 due to a groin injury.Jack Grealish with Man City boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: ReutersGrealish has been recalled by Lee CarsleyCredit: GettyThree Lions sources insist they were in regular contact with City medics and were assured he was available for the Nations League double-header.Carsley said Grealish, who misses City’s tea-time trip to Brighton today, returned to training this week — but Guardiola hit back: “It’s his decision.“It’s a question for the England manager, I’m not involved. They can select who they want. “All I’d say is the day after Wolves, he was injured — 17 days out and Friday was the first training with the team.READ MORE IN football “He trained 20 minutes. This is the reality. He was in the gym a few minutes, yes, the last two days. But for my team he’s not fit — he cannot play.“They can select who they want. Jack trained and believes he can help, so I’m not the guy to say you cannot go.“All I can say is that over two weeks he didn’t train but the people from England believe he can help. So go.”Guardiola was angry when John Stones played in the March internationals despite fitness fears.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNow he is on a collision course with the FA again ahead of next week’s Greece and Republic of Ireland clashes.Pep is also unimpressed Grealish, 29, wants to go.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashHe said: “Have I spoken to him? Yes. He said, ‘I want to go to the national team’. Am I surprised? No.”Asked if it could help the forward get fit for a busy couple of months, Guardiola said: “Maybe. The manager from the UK will know better.“Our medical department haven’t told me they spoke with them.”But FA sources last night insisted there had been dialogue with City about Grealish’s availability before Thursday’s squad announcement.Guardiola also indicated he will not be signing a new deal in the international break.The last two times he has extended his stay, he has done so in November.But Pep said: “I said many times, I won’t talk about it. When it happens, it will happen.” More

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      Inside the world of Pep Guardiola’s disciples as Maresca and Arteta go head to head for first time in huge London derby

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      PEP GUARDIOLA smiled when it was put to him that two of his old assistants are now among his biggest rivals.He said: “If you want to be a manager, come on my staff — and maybe you’ll have a chance!”Pep Guardiola has had his say on his two former assistantsCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca landed the Chelsea job after a year at LeicesterCredit: RexMikel Arteta worked on Guardiola’s staff for more than three yearsCredit: RexSpeaking last month, the Manchester City boss was only half-joking.But the fact is the managers of two of the Prem’s powerhouses have both served their apprenticeship under the master himself at the Etihad.And on Sunday, Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta and Chelsea boss Enzo  Maresca go head to head for the first time — in a vital London derby at Stamford Bridge.What’s more, both are now expected to push Guardiola’s side for the major honours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola said: “They are so young and will have much success in the future.“It was a pleasure for me to work with them. The knowledge is back and forth, not just in one direction.”Yet Maresca is sure that both he and his opposite number tomorrow owe a huge debt of gratitude to the man who has won six of the last seven Prem titles.The Blues boss, 44, said: “I learned many things from Pep. If I’m here today, it’s probably because of the amount of things that I have been lucky to learn next to him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca worked under Guardiola at CityCredit: ReutersArteta assisted Guardiola prior to landing the Arsenal jobCredit: Reuters“Probably both of us, we have to be thankful because we worked beside the one who I consider the best manager in the world.”And Arteta echoed those feelings, saying: “Enzo has had many years learning from some top people and he is proving he is a very good  manager at the top level. Enzo has given his touch and you can see clearly what he wants to do.Enzo Maresca hails Chelsea professionalism in comprehensive win over FC Noah“He has been very brave from day one to consistently follow what he wanted to do.“I know a lot of people that know him well and are very happy with him that he’s making a lot of progress there.”Arteta was the first to become one of Pep’s disciples, way back in summer 2016, and served a longer apprenticeship at almost three-and-a-half years.It’s hard to believe it now — when you see him prowling the touchline at the Emirates — but Arteta was quiet when he first linked up with Pep.Guardiola had identified the former Rangers, Everton and Arsenal midfielder as someone who could help him learn about the Premier League.Arteta had only just hung up his boots and was determined to learn as much as he could for a future in management.ARTETA’S FIRST TESTIn the early days, Pep’s then-No 2 Domenec Torrent took his fellow Spaniard under his wing and relayed his ideas to the manager.They quickly realised he had something special though — and four months into the season, Arteta was given his first real test.Pep took the young coach into his office ahead of a game with Arsenal in December 2016 and told him ‘you’re in charge for this one’.Luckily the young apprentice had guessed he would be asked his opinion — as he had been playing for the opponents a few months earlier.So he had come prepared and Guardiola liked his ideas. City won the game 2-1 thanks to a late Raheem Sterling goal.’FROM THE START I WAS FASCINATED’That won him respect from his superiors but he was learning so much from the former coach of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.He says in the book ‘Pep’s City’: “From the start I was fascinated by Guardiola’s work ethic — his ability to transmit his ideas to his players and convince them they are going to work.“How he simplifies the most complicated things  so they appear straightforward.”Arteta was not long retired and he would often be asked to join in training — as he and Pep felt it was an excellent way to see things from the ‘inside’.After two years on the coaching staff, he stepped up to be the main assistant when Torrent moved to the MLS.’THE CLUB OF HIS HEART’And many even viewed him as a natural successor to Guardiola — before Arsenal, who Pep always knew was the ‘club of his heart’, appointed him a year later.It was a few months after that when Maresca first came onto the radar of the Etihad hierarchy.He was recommended to City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain by their old boss Manuel Pellegrini. And he was appointed head coach of the Under-23s in 2020 – taking charge of Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Tommy Doyle and Liam Delap.During his only season in that role, he led the club to the Premier League 2 title and impressed everyone.Crucially, with Covid restrictions in full swing, he found himself in the same bubble as Guardiola and Begiristain and they quickly realised what Pellegrini had been talking about.The City boss was soon telling everyone Maresca would go on to become an ‘extraordinary manager’.A move to Parma did not work out, so when Pep’s assistant Juanma Lillo left for a job in Qatar in summer 2022, he was brought back to City — this time with the first team.He was only back for a year — but what a year it proved to be as City swept to their historic Treble.Leicester came calling for him to replace Brendan Rodgers but Guardiola urged him to see the season out  and Maresca wanted to do that too.The recent Netflix documentary ‘Together: Treble Winners’ shows the pair having a heated debate around a tactics board at half-time in the Champions League final.Pep later felt the way he had approached the team-talk at the interval in Istanbul had been key to them beating Inter to win the trophy.Leicester came back in for him a few days later and, after one season with the Foxes, he landed a job with one of the Prem’s superpowers.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola looked puzzled when it was put to him in pre-season that the new Chelsea boss was known as ‘Diet Pep’. He asked: “Is it because of the bald head and the beard?”But he has known for a while there is a lot more to the Italian than that. More

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      Coaches should tell kids ‘you don’t have to be like Haaland, you can be like Chris Wood’ after stunning October spell

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      CHRIS WOOD’S career revival should help inspire every kid, every non-league hopeful, across the country.He has proved that, at the age of 32, there’s still a space in football for different types of players.Chris Wood won the Premier League Player of the Month award for OctoberCredit: GettyErling Haaland isn’t ‘real life’ for most coaches – but Wood can give hope to upcoming prospects in non-league and academiesCredit: GettyWe get so caught up in how Pep Guardiola plays, what Pep has, what Pep wants — but that isn’t real life.It is not real life to have Erling Haaland.Coaches should be telling these kids: you don’t have to be like Haaland . . . you can be like Chris Wood.It gives people in the lower leagues, all those who are not traditional academy prospects, hope.READ MORE ON NOTTINGHAM FORESTAnd what you are seeing now is based purely on his hard work — his determination to keep going.It is just incredible to see his numbers. 14 goals in the Prem last season. Eight in ten now.Who’s to say he can’t go and get 20 come May?All he needs is two goals a month until then.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA lot of people had written him off. He had gone to Newcastle from Burnley in 2021 and it didn’t work.And before he arrived at Nottingham Forest last summer on a permanent deal, he would have heard people tell him: You’re finished, you’re old, you should go to the Championship.Fans chant ‘you don’t know where you’re going’ as Edson Alvarez gets LOST trying to find tunnel at Nottingham ForestFor some reason, when a player hits 30 it’s then a danger zone.Why? Trust me, nobody in a dressing room cares about age. And where he is at now, he is cutting out the noise.Those poor experiences at Newcastle have taught him so much, knowing what to do and how to act in the tough times.He’s been there, he’s battled it, he’s got the scars and he has the look of a guy who isn’t afraid to keep working in the shadows because you know one day, you will get a chance.You must remember, the start to his career was tough, too, coming over from New Zealand to England at West Brom.He was then shipped out on loan after loan to the likes of Barnsley, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol City, Millwall . . . All of those would have shaped him.And I even remember when he was at Leicester as a 21-year-old, playing against him for Watford in the Championship play-offs back in 2012-13.In that second leg, when I scored a fairly memorable winner at Vicarage Road, he started up front, but was taken off after an hour for a young Harry Kane.I don’t mean this disrespectfully but he was sluggish — a bit cumbersome.It looked like his shoulders were too big for him with skinny legs.He was decent, a big target man, but nothing special. Now, he is a Rubik’s Cube of a man — just so solid.And he is a lovely bloke, what you would expect with a guy from Down Under.But did I think that, 11 years later, he would be in the early running for the Prem Golden Boot? Absolutely not.He has stuck at it and with the way football is now, he is really suited to it.No one really defends any more. Everyone has a high line and you can find space.And, then, Nuno Espirito Santo has come in at Forest and believed he could get more out of this fella.So he tweaked the system, getting more pace around him with Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi.That’s a sign of a great coach. Nuno doesn’t get the credit that he deserves for looking at the players he has and changing things around to win games.You compare that to someone like Russell Martin over at Southampton who looks at what he has got and still plays his way, sticks to a philosophy, a style, regardless of results.Apparently now, that’s the way to go? What about winning games . . . ?What about getting the very best out of what you have? What about being smart and pragmatic?And those two words — smart and pragmatic — perfectly sum up Nuno and Wood.Forest have a chance to do something special this season.I am not saying they will go and do a Leicester and win the league but the stars are aligning early doors.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ‘big boys’ just aren’t as dominant. Manchester City are in a mini-crisis. Arsenal are having a bit of a wobble. Liverpool look good but are still in transition.And against his old club Newcastle tomorrow, he now has the chance to say: You didn’t think I was good enough? Just watch this. More

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      Banned for threatening ref & not eating when he loses – fiery new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim will bring ‘hairdryer’ back

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim arrives at Manchester United on Monday, the Premier League had better be ready for some hairdryer treatment.The Portuguese manager has gained a reputation for struggling to contain his temper both on and off the pitch during his career.New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has a fiery side, just like former boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: RexIt is the kind of rage that fans and players at Old Trafford got used to when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.Amorim, 39, who impressed United supporters by beating their rivals Man City 4-1 in his penultimate game in charge of Sporting Lisbon this week, is charged with bringing back the glory days achieved by Fergie in the 1990s and 2000s.The former midfielder has admitted letting anger get the better of him as a player, and he was banned from the touchline as a manager for three months after allegedly telling a referee: “I’ll smash your face in.”Amorim, who played 14 times for his country, also conceded that he struggled to hide his frustration when his team wasn’t doing well and got “impatient” with young stars.READ MORE RUBEN AMORIMHe has gained inspiration by reading about great leaders such as Barack Obama and the late Apple boss Steve Jobs.Different atmosphereHe is also said to be a fan of Peaky Blinders and has seen every episode of the BBC gangster drama starring Cillian Murphy, reportedly telling pals he was “addicted” to the show, which was mainly shot in Birmingham, but also in Manchester.And thanks to some anger management therapy, he is said to be calmer now.But Amorim, who gives few interviews, once admitted: “One problem I have is I can’t control my body language when something is, in my opinion, incredibly wrong.Most read in Football“Because there are things that should be known at a certain level and when I see players making certain mistakes I quickly get frustrated and can’t hide it.”Amorim is set to earn around £8million a year as boss at Manchester United.’Sporting fans will be upset with Ruben Amorim but he will be much better than Erik ten Hag’It is a huge change of fortunes for the man who was raised on the breadline in a household in Lisbon.His parents split up when he was a year old, and money was tight as he and older brother Mauro were raised by their mother Anabela.When Amorim was 13 they moved to the Corroios area of Almada, across the river Tagus from Lisbon, and matters got worse.Amorim’s father Virgilio said: “We were separated and it was an important change for our sons.“Ruben was used to a quiet school and I remember he was attacked once or twice in Corroios, it was a different atmosphere.”Amorim, who has a half-sister, Catia, is said to have been teased at his new school for preferring water to Coke.His friend Daniel Oliveira said: “We teased him a lot because at meals we nearly had to force him to drink something else.”But that healthy approach proved wise, as Amorim’s footballing talent was noticed by local side Belenenses, which signed him in 2003.Amorim is a hero at Sporting where he has won two league titles, and beat Manchester City this weekCredit: PAIn 2008 he joined Benfica, one of Portugal’s top sides, and for him, winning was everything.He said: “In my first derby, Sporting v Benfica, I lost, and I didn’t eat all weekend. “My week, if Benfica lost, I was depressed.”Unfortunately his career was blighted by injuries, such as a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee and tendonitis.Sitting on the sidelines deeply frustrated Amorim, who grew so annoyed he is said to have hurled his boots across the physio room.He said: “An injured player gets stressed and in a bad mood, and contrary to what one might think, you spend more time at the club recovering.”But Amorim was fit to play for his country in the 2014 World Cup. He said: “It was the only year I didn’t have injuries. I was so happy.”A year later he accepted that his physical state meant he could no longer play at the highest level, and he decided to sign for Al-Wakrah in Qatar on loan. It didn’t go well.He recalled: “I knew I wouldn’t have much success there. “Things went against me a lot.“I was sent off twice when I’d never been sent off before. “It must have been the frustration and it turned to anger. “I was stupid.”13-time title winner Sir Alex Ferguson became known for the ‘hairdryer’ treatment dealt out to his playersCredit: GettyAfter just 14 games in the Middle East he decided he would rather quit than accept a losing mentality, even though he could have earned a fortune at the wealthy side.Amorim said: “People said I could stay there five years and earn a lot of money, and that’s what I thought.“But when you go on the pitch I couldn’t think that way — you want to perform well.“I couldn’t stand players greeting me and chatting during the game when we were losing.”In 2017 he decided to retire from playing football at the age of 32.Four years earlier, in 2013, he had married interior designer Maria Joao Diogo in an impressive ceremony at a historic palace in the city of Coimbra.Unlike many footballing partnerships, the couple, who have sons Miguel and Manuel, do not advertise their romance on social media and prefer to keep a low profile.But Amorim did dance with Maria on the pitch when he won his first league title as manager of Sporting Lisbon in 2021.He had had some doubts about going into coaching because the demand of the job means you do not get to see much of your family.He revealed: “At first I wanted to look at doing other things because it’s not very easy for family life.“As I finished playing early, it’s a way of filling the gap. “I’ll try it. I don’t know if I’ll be good or bad.”His rise to the top has been meteoric, having started as a manager in 2018 with lowly third- division side Casa Pia in Lisbon.Amorim has been supported through his managerial career by wife Maria Joao DiogoCredit: D. RAmorim’s hot-headed nature got him into trouble the following year.During a match against Amora he put his head against that of referee Hugo Silva and was reported to have told him: “I’ll smash your face in.”Having been restrained by colleagues, he then took the dispute into the changing room, continuing to berate the ref.Amorim was banned for 90 days and fined 408 euros.According to Espresso, a Portuguese daily newspaper, he went to a psychologist for anger management sessions. Much of his success is down to a strict work ethic, which includes starting his day at 6am.And he has a reputation for looking after his players — including paying the rent for his Casa Pia central defender Deritson Lopes for a year after after he heard that the player was having to work nights at a fast food joint to support his three children.Lopes said: “He was an angel in my life.”Amorim left Casa Pia because he had been banned for coaching without the right level of qualifications and he went to Braga instead.His friend Tiago Ribeiro said: “When he went to Braga B, there were some months without work during which his assistants didn’t get paid, and he took it upon himself to make sure they weren’t lacking anything.” At Braga’s first team he won the league cup and took the unfashionable side into Europe.In 2020 Sporting Lisbon, the bitter rivals of the Benfica side he had supported as a child, paid a record fee to secure his services.It proved to be money well spent because he won the club’s first league title in 19 years.That is what Manchester United hope to be buying, having not finished top of the Premier League since 2013. He is a young coach who should be given the time to succeed, like Ferguson was.Amorim said: “I’ve grown with experience in every respect. “It’s normal to improve with experience.“I’ve made mistakes. “I’ve learnt, I keep learning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve come through difficulties, I have had great support and I’ve been lucky.”Additional reporting: VICTOR VAGOAmorim, 39, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the topCredit: Getty More

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      Jose Mourinho ‘identifies shock Premier League manager’s job he is ready to take straight away’

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      JOSE MOURINHO has taken talk of a Prem return to a new level.The Fenerbahce chief blasted Turkish football last week and is reportedly targeting one high-spending English club in particular.Jose Mourinho is eyeing an English top-flight returnCredit: AFPMourinho fancies making waves in the Premier League once more after landing in hot water in Turkey.The ex-Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham chief has been banned for one match as well as fined after scorching comments about officials and fighting “the system”.The Portuguese 61-year-old suggested the Turkish League “smells bad”.He also questioned why international fans would watch it when there are exciting alternatives such as the Prem.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow The Guardian reckon the two-time Champions League winner is paying extra attention to one Prem team.It’s reckoned the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager has been eyeing the situation at Newcastle.St James’ Park chief Eddie Howe is under pressure as the club’s Saudi owners are itching to qualify for the Champions League football.Howe has eased the short-term strain on his position with victories over Chelsea and Arsenal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut ahead of Sunday’s trip to third-placed Nottingham Forest, Newcastle still sit just 11th.It’s understood Mourinho met Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan socially at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March.Jose Mourinho jokes that he could become Millwall manager as he says ‘it’s just across the bridge from my house’And The Guardian say the three-time Prem winner has “maintained the connection” since then.Mourinho’s recent outbursts included a frank admission he was keen to boss again in the Prem – albeit at a STRUGGLING team.He said: “So you find a club in England from the bottom of the table (that) needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go.”Ironically, Mourinho appears to have grown ever more outspoken since picking up a red card against old club United last month.He was banished for his touchline antics in a 1-1 Europa Conference League draw at Fenerbahce.Now it appears he’s eager for a chance at another United in England – with the Magpies potentially becoming his first swoop on the North East. More

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      VAR has made just THREE mistakes in 100 games with TWO against Man Utd, but are Arsenal really victims of bad decisions?

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      VAR officials have made just THREE clear mistakes this term – after 100 Prem games.Going into the final weekend before the November international break, there have been 29 decisions overturned after the intervention of the Stockley Park video booth.VAR have made just three mistakes from the first 100 Premier League matches of the seasonCredit: PAErik ten Hag lost his job as Manchester United boss after one of the errorsCredit: AlamyLeandro Trossard was sent off in controversial circumstancesCredit: GettyThat has seen five goals awarded along with eight penalties.Ten goals have been ruled out and four initially-awarded spot-kicks annulled.There have been a swathe of conspiracy theories about fans and some clubs.None more so than at Arsenal, where supporters have bemoaned the PGMOL’s referees of their “agenda” against the Gunners.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey cited the inconsistency from officials that led to red cards for Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba – while players from other teams seemingly got away with similar offences. Add into the mix their frustrations following the 2-2 draw with Liverpool and they now have a full “laundry list” of examples – although their own manager Mikel Arteta debunked any suggestions of a conspiracy against his team.Elsewhere, Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton is now suggesting he would vote to scrap VAR if there was another proposal on the table.But PGMOL bosses believe the reality is that they are getting it right.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Prem’s “Key Match Incident” panel of former players, managers and refs has determined that a handful of on-field calls might have been incorrect but did NOT meet the threshold for VAR to intervene.And that leaves just the three accepted mistakes – even if one of them directly contributed to the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign at Manchester United.Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions Refs’ chief Howard Webb is expected to confirm during next week’s new episode of the “Mic’d Up” review show that VAR Michael Oliver was wrong to recommend David Coote award an injury-time penalty for Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on West Ham striker Danny Ings.Jarrod Bowen converted the spot-kick – one of six successful penalties out of the eight awarded through VAR guidance – and Ten Hag got the boot the next day.United were also on the receiving end of one of the other two errors, with the FA subsequently rescinding the red card received by Bruno Fernandes for his challenge on James Maddison during the 3-0 home defeat by Spurs.The other mistake came in August, when Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara wrongly had a late “winner” against Newcastle ruled out for handball.PGMOL insiders believe the change in emphasis to put greater weight on the “referee’s call” – requiring clear evidence that the on-field ruling was wrong – has improved consistency and acceptance of decisions.Matthijs de Ligt was judged to have fouled Danny Ings in the boxCredit: PADeclan Rice’s second yellow card against Brighton sparked fury among Gunners supportersCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes initially saw red for this foul on James Maddison but it was later overturnedCredit: GettyDango Ouattara had his ‘winner’ against Newcastle chalked off for handballCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueMikel Arteta’s frustrations have been clear to seeCredit: GettyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim to be without key coach for first 2 GAMES as Darren Fletcher slapped with massive ban

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      NEW Manchester United gaffer Ruben Amorim will be without assistant Darren Fletcher for his first two Premier League games.Fletcher has been handed an extended three-match ban and a hefty fine by the FA for kicking off with officials during Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Brentford last month.Darren Fletcher has been fined and banned for three Prem games by the FAMan Utd furiously protested Brentford’s goalThe incident occurred after Ethan Pinnock netted a controversial opener on the brink of half-time at Old Trafford on October 19.United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott after blood was leaking from a gash in his head.It meant The Red Devils were down a man when Pinnock freely headed in from a corner in the final minute of first half stoppage time.Fletcher has been charged with allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 40-year-old United legend’s ban starts on Sunday when Leicester visit for the second time in two weeks after United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win. This means he will miss Amorim’s first two Premier League games, against Ipswich Town on November 24 and Everton on December 1.An FA statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher. “The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive. Ruud van Nistelrooy rejoins Man Utd as ex-team-mate Darren Fletcher gets completely different job and two coaches axed”However, the Regulatory Commission found this to be proven and imposed his sanctions. “The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”United face FK Bodo/Glimt inbetween Fletcher’s Prem bans, so he won’t be limited to seat in the stands during Europa League games.Both former boss Erik ten Hag and his then assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their reactions on the touchline.But emotions also got the better of Fletcher, who is said to have exploded at the officials inside the Old Trafford tunnel, which was included in Barrott’s referee report.Despite falling behind just before the break, United responded with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund sealing just the club’s third Prem win of the season.United are appealing the severity of Fletcher’s sanction.Man Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/A More