Premier League

MAN UTD legend Paul Scholes realised he had to retire for the final time after Gareth Bale ran him ragged.Scholes initially called time on his illustrious playing career at the end of the 2010-11 season after winning the title for the 10th time.Paul Scholes says he ‘knew it was the end’ for his playing career after being exposed by former Tottenham star Gareth BaleCredit: YouTube/ The OverlapScholes has revealed that he felt exposed by Gareth Bale when he came out of retirementCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the Old Trafford ace was tempted out of retirement just seven months later to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s injury crisis at the time.After returning in January 2012, Scholes went on to play for another 16 months before eventually hanging up his boots for the final time in May 2013 at the age of 38.But Scholes revealed it was a “mistake” to agree to return and “knew” it was time for him to step aside after a particularly humbling afternoon against Spurs star Bale.Bale had become one of the most devastating players in the Premier League and would soon join Real Madrid in a deal worth £85m.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSScholes told Football’s Greatest podcast: “I actually thought the first time I retired would be the end.”I came back for six months originally and then the manager wanted me to stay for another season and I think that was a mistake.”I think it was the first home game of my last season, against Tottenham. I remember I didn’t actually play that badly but I remember playing against Gareth Bale.”Now this could have happened to me when I was 21 but he was just starting to burst and he was flying. Most read in FootballBale scored in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford in 2012Credit: Action Images – ReutersScholes would go onto win his 11th Prem title in 2012-13Credit: Getty – ContributorFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I remember him going past me two or three times and I knew I couldn’t compete with that, I had absolutely no chance.”I was in the ice bath later and I could’ve been in there for two days, I could barely move for three or four days.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal “That’s when I knew that was the end. It was a mistake to play that season.”Bale scored in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford in 2012, a game which convinced Scholes he should retire for good.Scholes would play in Ferguson’s final home game as manager of United – but he wasn’t all that keen.He added: “It was a special moment (to come on for his final game) but I didn’t really want it, I wanted to go away quietly. “I didn’t even want to play the last game and even that confirmed I was doing the right thing.”Ranked by his peers as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, it’s not hard to imagine why Ferguson requested for one of his favourites to come out of retirement. Scholes was part of United’s iconic Class of 92Credit: GettyScholes made his comeback in a 3-2 win over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup and also revealed how he had to go to the local sports shop to pick up a new pair of boots for the match.Some players didn’t know he was coming back until they saw his shirt in the dressing room.He made 17 appearances that season as United lost out to City for the league title on the final day of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 66-capped England star went onto win another Prem title with United the following season – his 11th of his career.Since retiring, Scholes has become a well-respected football pundit, working on TNT Sports – and Premier League Productions.Ferguson asked Scholes to come out of retirement in January 2012Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

BRAZIL legend Ronaldo Nazario has snubbed a host of superstar pals by picking a former Aston Villa star as his best-ever teammate.Ronaldo, 48, is arguably the greatest No9 in history after starring for some of football’s top sides.Ronaldo Nazario has revealed his best-ever teammate is an ex-Aston Villa starBrazil legend Ronaldo won two World Cups and two Ballon d’Ors in his primeCredit: Getty – ContributorA two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he banged in goals for Barcelona, Real Madrid and both Milan clubs while winning a host of trophies.Ronaldo also led Brazil to TWO World Cups and is now owner of LaLiga side Real Valladolid.As a result of his incredible career, the former hitman has played alongside some of the best in the business.Ronaldo got to link up with fellow superstars like Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho at international level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile club life saw him play alongside icons including Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham.However, Ronaldo feels that another unsung hero trumped them all.Before playing at Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Milan clubs, Ronaldo’s first spell in Europe saw him turn out for Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.He continued his fine form from first club Cruzeiro by netting 54 goals in 57 matches while also winning the Dutch Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it was at PSV that Ronaldo struck up a strike partnership with former Belgium star Luc Nilis.The pair linked up superbly on the pitch for two years before Ronaldo was snapped up by Barca.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersRonaldo loved his partnership at PSV Eindhoven with Belgian striker Luc NilisCredit: ReutersNilis played five times for Aston Villa before a leg break ended his careerCredit: GettyNilis went on to net 133 goals in 212 games across six seasons for PSV, winning two titles in the process.His career came to an abrupt end in 2000 after just five matches for Aston Villa when he suffered a complicated leg break that almost required amputation.But despite not being as glamorous a name as some of Ronaldo’s Galactico friends, Nilis has the honour of being his greatest-ever teammate.Ronaldo said: “I played with people like Figo, Romario, Zidane, Rivaldo, Djorkaeff and Raul, but nobody was like him.“(Nilis) was simply fantastic, certainly the best teammate I’ve ever had.”Ronaldo played with numerous superstars over the years including RivaldoCredit: AP:Associated PressZinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Luis Figo were among his pals at Real MadridCredit: EPA More

MATTHIJS DE LIGT claims Erik ten Hag was “unlucky” to be sacked by Manchester United and reckons his side “played well in many matches.”De Ligt, 25, joined United from Bayern Munich in July and quickly established himself as a first-team regular in defence.Matthijs de Ligt reckons Erik ten Hag was ‘unlucky’ to be sacked by Man UtdCredit: GettyDe Ligt also had his say on the fateful West Ham penalty which sealed Ten Hag’s fateCredit: RexThe Dutch centre-back has already clocked up 15 appearances in all competitions.And fans have been impressed with his solid performances at the back.However, De Ligt was unable to prevent his former Ajax manager Ten Hag from slumping to United’s worst-ever Premier League start.The gaffer won just three of his opening nine matches in the new season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile United also drew their first three matches of the Europa League campaign.The turning point for Ten Hag came when United lost 2-1 at West Ham last month.The Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner was quickly given his marching orders, with Ruud van Nistelrooy becoming interim boss ahead of Ruben Amorim’s appointment from Sporting Lisbon.But De Ligt feels Ten Hag was unfortunate to be axed, claiming United actually played quite well in games where results went against them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told De Telegraaf: “Ten Hag bought me to Manchester, the goal was to achieve success together with him.“He has not been very lucky. We played well in many matches but we did not use the chances we got.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)“It’s a shame it has to end like this. A dismissal can always be quite hard, we discussed some things.”De Ligt also insisted that West Ham’s fateful winning penalty, which he gave away, should not have stood. He continued: “Normally I am always self-critical and I can get annoyed about things that I do not do well.“But here I could not do anything about it, I could not blame myself for it. The referee committee also called us to say that it was not a penalty.”United are now looking forward to a new era under former Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim.He played a 3-4-3 system in Portugal, and De Ligt could get a starring role in the heart of defence.He added: “Amorim did well at Sporting, hopefully he can also take us to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Amorim is not my first coach and he will not be my last. I did not only move to Untied for Ten Hag. It is still one of the biggest clubs in the world, I think.“I just have to do my own thing and play well myself. I feel really fit now and things are going well. Hopefully I can continue that.” More

LISANDRO MARTINEZ has handed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorin an immediate injury blow.Amorim started work this week and met some of his players at the club’s Carrington training ground.Lisandro Martinez sustained a hip injury against LeicesterCredit: ReutersThe defender is coming back to Manchester for treatmentCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s first game is against IpswichCredit: AFPMartinez, 26, was not among them as he had travelled to South America to represent Argentina against Paraguay and Peru.However, the defender has now been sent straight back to Manchester after national team medics discovered a “significant hip injury”.It is believed he picked up the issue in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday but flew to join the Argentina squad before it was evaluated.Reports in Argentina claim he felt “discomfort” after a coming together with an opponent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALDespite completing 90 minutes, the pain has left him unable to “function normally”.Martinez will now be assessed by United’s doctors.The issue provides a headache for new Red Devils coach Amorim as he prepares for his first against Ipswich on November 24.Amorim is already without injured centre-half Harry Maguire until the end of the month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Luke Shaw remains out having missed the whole season so far.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThe centre-back has not played since his £52million move from Lille in the summer.And forgotten man Tyrell Malacia also played in first minutes in SEVENTEEN months for the under-21s on Tuesday night.Amorim was seen pictured at Carrington yesterday, greeting the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

ARSENAL have suffered another major injury blow after Ben White underwent knee surgery.The right-back has gone under the knife for minor surgery to fix a joint problem in his knee.Ben White could be miss the rest of this year, having undergone surgeryCredit: GettyThe Press Association reports White, 27, will be ruled out for EIGHT weeks, meaning he will not play again until the New Year.But SunSport understands Arsenal remain hopeful he could still play a part in the festive schedule.White has been playing through the pain barrier this season, but has been limited to 12 appearances.He did play the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ past two matches against Inter Milan and Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the decision has been made to have an operation during the international break.Mikel Arteta previously said that White has a “little issue” and “we have to protect him”.But the boss now has a defensive crisis to deal with as Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are already out, with Jurrien Timber only just back from a muscle strain.Further up the pitch, both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both withdrawn from the England squad due to injury concerns.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta revealed he has been “praying” for an end to Arsenal’s fitness problems after a “nightmare eight weeks”.White will miss several huge games if he remains sidelined until next year.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The Gunners face Nottingham Forest, Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and West Ham in the week after the international break.Clashes against Fulham and Manchester United then follow ahead of a busy period around Christmas. Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More