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      Ex-Man Utd star says Erik ten Hag HAS to drop big-money summer signing for crucial Premier League clash vs Aston Villa

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      A FORMER Manchester United star demanded Erik ten Hag to ditch a big-money summer signing.The Red Devils head to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon after four games without a win.Owen Hargreaves reckons a Manchester United star needs to be dropped from the starting XICredit: ReutersDraws with Crystal Palace and FC Twente were followed by the 3-0 hammering at home to Tottenham last weekend.And then despite leading 2-0 at Porto on Thursday, Ten Hag needed a 91st-minute Harry Maguire header to salvage a last-gasp draw. The pressure continues to mount on the Dutch manager – and a trip to Villa Park to take on the high-flying Champions League side is instilling fear into plenty of United fans. And one ex-Red Devils man has called on Ten Hag to make a big selection change. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOwen Hargreaves believes Matthijs de Ligt needs to be brought out of the starting XI – and replaced by Thursday’s hero Maguire.He told TNT Sports: “Harry will play at the weekend against Villa. “I think he’ll have to.”De Ligt struggled today, Samu (Omorodion, who scored twice for Porto) is a super explosive and powerful player.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran… that’s not going to get any easier. So he’s got some big calls to make.”De Ligt was caught out for Porto’s equaliser as Omorodion beat him in the air to thunder a header past Andre Onana, leaving the ex-Bayern defender thumping the turf in frustration.Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto He then lost Omorodion again as the Porto striker fired in his side’s third. Ten Hag changed both centre-backs – De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez – and replaced them with Maguire and Jonny Evans in the closing stages.De Ligt put pen to paper on a £195,000-a-week contract as part of a £42.7million transfer from Bayern this summer. He scored in the 3-0 win at Southampton but has struggled to make his mark defensively – conceding three against Liverpool, Tottenham and now Porto.On the international stage, he suffered a nightmare double header in September when he was at fault for three goals against Bosnia and Germany.That prompted his X-rated reaction, saying: “I think you know how I feel, we won but then comes the individual part.”I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that. I don’t really know what happened.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I should have cleared the ball but I kept having doubts during the play. It’s just f***ed.”If this game is a missed opportunity for me? I don’t know, I just try to do my best.”Matthijs de Ligt was undone by Samu Omorodion for the equaliserCredit: EPAOmorodion got the better of De Ligt again for the thirdCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire rescued United with a last-gasp equaliserCredit: APTen Hag has a big call to make about his new defenderCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

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      GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd ratings: Rashford shines before shock substitution as Casemiro produces yet another horror show in Porto draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED spurned a two-goal lead as they drew 3-3 with Porto in the Europa League.Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock in the Europa League clash, cutting inside and firing his effort under the dive of Diogo Costa who should have kept it out.Rasmus Hojlund scored Manchester United’s second goal as they bagged an early braceCredit: GettyPorto then roared back and Samu Omorodorin completed the turnaround with his second of the gameCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund made it two midway through the first half as Costa again failed to show a strong enough arm and let the ball squirm beyond him.But Porto then got back into the game as Pepe tucked home a rebound from close range to reduce the deficit.And before half-time the hosts were level through an excellent header from Samu Omorodion, before the Porto No9 bagged five minutes into the second half for his second of the game.But substitute Harry Maguire had the final say as his header from a corner salvaged a point for Erik ten Hag’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Man Utd players.Andre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNoussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on. All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Peter Schmeichel reveals hotel corridor fight with Roy Keane and moment Man Utd legend was busted by journalist Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Taken off with 10 minutes remaining.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Hooked along with De Ligt late on.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.It is not a shock now to see the five-time Champions League winner in this state, but Ten Hag continues to field him and embarrass him further.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Casemiro was abject yet again in The Red Devils’ midfieldCredit: AFPChristian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.Rashford was a positive attacking outlet for Man Utd all eveningCredit: GettyRashford produced a superb half of football but was then replaced at half-timeSubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Rashford, 46 mins) – 7Showed a willingness to take on Porto defenders from the moment he entered the fray – as Rashford had done before him.Went close to equalising but for an acrobatic save from Costa.Antony (for Diallo, 69 mins) – 4Compared to the impact Garnacho had, Antony was invisible.Offered nothing as Man Utd went in search of an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 69 mins) – 6Linked the play and held the ball up but does not have the threat in behind that Hojlund poses.Harry Maguire (for Martinez, 79 mins) – 8Ten Hag raised eyebrows by bringing on two centre-backs, only for Maguire to head a stoppage-time equaliser.READ MORE SUN STORIESJonny Evans (for De Ligt, 79 mins) – N/ADid his job when he came on but it was his fellow substitute who stole the headlines.Unused subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Lindelof, Collyer, Gore, Ugarte. 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      Pep Guardiola called me overweight… now every new club I go to asks about my body, rants ex-Man City ace Kalvin Phillips

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS is fed up with talk about his feeding and fitness.The Manchester City midfielder was famously labelled as “overweight” by his manager Pep Guardiola following the 2022 World Cup.Kalvin Phillips is still feeling the effects of Pep Guardiola calling him ‘overweight’Credit: GettyPhillips admitted the brutal remark and the aftermath was the “toughest moment” he has experienced as a footballer.And now the former Leeds man insists his body shape is the first topic of conversation with any club.Phillips – who has made just six competitive starts for City since a £42million move from Elland Road in 2022 – was shipped out on loan to West Ham for a difficult loan spell last season.Now he is spending the 2024-25 campaign with Premier League new-boys Ipswich – where he feels at his physical peak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPhillips told former Leeds team-mate Patrick Bamford on the My Mate’s A Footballer podcast: “You probably heard about the time when Pep came out and said that I was overweight after the World Cup and I think that narrative on social media just grew and grew.”Every club that I’d go and spoke to, the manager and the nutritionist would always speak about weight before they’d say anything else.”And it got to the point where it peed me off a little bit. “I was getting quite frustrated with it, but now I’ve come to Ipswich and the manager’s an unbelievable person as well as a manager.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPhillips enjoyed his best football with boyhood club Leeds – helping them into the Premier League in 2020 and then forcing his way into the England squad. The Whites earned promotion under Marcelo Bielsa, who set Phillips an ambitious body composition target to maximise his performances on the pitch.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out However, within months of his big-money switch to the Etihad, Guardiola publicly ridiculed the Yorkshireman for his weight – a comment he later apologised for. But still not getting a look in at City, Phillips opted for Portman Road as the place to try and reignite his career at the age of 28 under Kieran McKenna. Phillips added: “We spoke about all my past stuff that happened in my career.”He just said, ‘I’m big on body composition and I just want you to get to where you were when you left Leeds or when you were at Leeds. “‘I think that’ll give us a good starting point for you to push on and hopefully get back to where you were.'”It is only recently since I came to Ipswich I have got around about the target Bielsa set me because I have not played much in the last two years, one-and-a-half years.”The manager is very big on body composition here as well and I thought, ‘I’m not getting off to a bad start here as well, I need to come in and make sure my weight is on point.'”Phillips has started four times for the Tractor Boys so far.He is yet to taste victory but McKenna is pleased with what he has seen from the holding midfielder. The Northern Irishman said after the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa: “I think game by game he’s improving, his confidence was coming on the ball a little bit today. He’s been working really well off the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Of course, it was a shame for him to get the little injury that stopped his momentum, but I thought he stepped back into the team well today after only a couple of days’ training.”He’s enjoying it, he’s enjoying being part of the group, he’s enjoying the day-to-day work and he’s proving that he can be an important player for us on the pitch.”Phillips reckons he is in his best shape now on loan at IpswichCredit: PA More

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      Premier League cult icon working for FREE as manager of cash-strapped crisis club as they face threat of administration

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE cult icon is currently working for free as manager of a cash-strapped club.The crisis outfit are facing the threat of administration as their future continues to look bleak.Inverness manager Duncan Ferguson is working for free to help out the crisis clubCredit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun GlasgowHowever, they have been handed a boost by their manager after he sacrificed his wages for the cause.He had already taken a 40 per cent cut to his salary to help save the club.Scottish side Inverness need to raise £200,000 this month to avoid the threat of relegation.Manager Duncan Ferguson is now working for free in order to help, having already reduced his weekly wages from £3,000 to £1,200.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe explained: “I’ve given up my wage to try and help the club. I’m now working for nothing.”That’s by the by, it’s my own decision to try and help the club get through all this.”The players are worried, yes. They have contracts to fall upon, but it is the people around about the stadium, the staff, everyone’s jobs are on the line.”I think you know since I’ve been here I’ve taken cuts and reductions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now, when I realised the position the club is in, in needing to raise £200,000 this month, I decided I don’t need to get paid my wage.”I’ll work for nothing just now to try and help them through this. The plight of the staff was in my mind. It always is.Sean Dyche forced to bring list of injured Everton stars to press conference with only three of starting XI available Ferguson has donated his wages to help the club raise £200,000 to avoid administrationCredit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow”I like to think I’m a caring person and I like to look after my staff and people around about me.”At the moment, I’ll get through as best I can and try to keep putting petrol in my car and food on the table.”Ferguson was appointed by Caley Thistle in September last year, penning a three-year deal through to the summer of 2026.However, he was unable to avoid relegation from the Scottish Championship last season.Instead, Inverness dropped into the third tier for the first time since 1999, where they currently sit sixth in the table.They have won just one of their eight matches, drawing six and losing the other, to give Ferguson 15 victories from his 49 matches as boss.The former striker became a cult hero in England during his playing days after scoring 68 goals in 239 Premier League appearances for Everton and Newcastle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is particularly beloved by fans of the Toffees, where he won the FA Cup in 1995.Ferguson later returned to spend 11 years on the coaching staff, working with the under-18s before becoming first-team assistant and caretaker manager.Ferguson previously took a 40 per cent pay cut from £3,000-a-week to £1,200Credit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow More

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      Newcastle drop biggest hint yet they will LEAVE St James’ Stadium in ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED will wait until “early 2025” before announcing whether they will redevelop St. James’ Park or build a brand new stadium.As we revealed this week, plans drawn up to rebuild their current home showed that it could cost up to a billion quid.Newcastle want to either redevelop St James’ Park or build a new stadiumCredit: AlamyRebuilding the ground could cost up to £1bnCredit: RexAnd a new stadium built from scratch in a different location could cost DOUBLE that price.Members of the club’s Fan Advisory Board have now been talked through initial findings of the feasibility study into the different options.However, due to more investigations into what the best affordability and sustainability is, the Toon Army will have to wait to see what the next move is.Newcastle’s chief operating officer, Brad Miller, said: “This is an exciting but extremely complex project, and I’d like to thank supporters for their patience as we conduct this key phase of the feasibility process.Read More in Football“We aren’t quite at a decision-making stage yet, but we are targeting the early part of 2025 to complete the next essential tasks.“We know what a transformed St. James’ Park would give us and we now have a significant amount of data and feedback on our stadium footprint and surrounding area, so we are several steps forward.“But it is also clear that this option has several risks associated with it, so we need to fully analyse those risks against the opportunities to reach truly informed and intelligent outcomes.“We are challenging our appointed design team, and ourselves, to make sure our eventual chosen route delivers a fantastic fan experience – one that represents the fans, city, region and club, and aligns with the long-term ambitions of our ownership group.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But it must provide an investable return, and not least deliver strong revenue growth to increase our PSR headroom, which, as everyone knows, means we can invest more in football.“Part of the process is also to understand alternative options so that we see the bigger picture and, again, find the right balance between risk and opportunity.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“This is a once-in-a-generation investment, so we don’t want to look back in years to come, as a club or as a city, and regret an opportunity missed.“Our objective is to select a scheme that is deliverable, affordable, and sustainable, so we are investing this time to make sure we are only going to spend money on the project where it will make the biggest difference – to fan experience, revenue, competitiveness, investment in football and operational efficiency. “All this requires a robust process that leaves no stone unturned.”Miller added: “We are very grateful to the members of FAB for taking on board some of the detail behind our reasoning, and we look forward to their continued input as we move this historic project forward in the near future.” More

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      Alejandro Garnacho transfer: TWO European giants targeting shock £50m swoop for Man Utd star amid Erik ten Hag ‘row’

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      TWO of Europe’s biggest clubs are monitoring Alejandro Garnacho as his frustrating start to the season continues.The Argentine winger has had to spend a lot of time on the bench so far.Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Alejandro GarnachoCredit: ReutersHis surprising lack of action even led to claims of a row with boss Erik Ten Hag who was reportedly angry about a social media post Garnacho shared about not playing.Now, SunSport can reveal the situation has put Barcelona and Juventus on red alert.The Spanish and Italian giants are tracking the situation and could be willing to try to tempt United with a massive bid in thesummer.United are believed to value the player – who is a huge favourite with fans – at £50m.Read more on man utd Earlier this year, he insisted “God has something planned for me” in a cryptic post after being left out of the starting XI by Ten Hag in their 2-1 loss to Brighton.The Argentine was forced to play a substitute role in both of United’s first two games this season, playing the final 30 minutes against Fulham and the Seagulls – assisting Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner against the former at Old Trafford.Eyebrows were also raised earlier this season when Ten Hag was asked if he thought Garnacho was world class.Ten Hag responded: “You have gone to quickly. World class is something where he has to go a long way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He has a high potential, 100 per cent. But last season he contributed and he can be a starting XI player.”It starts with hard work. That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world class player because I agree he has the potential.”Garnacho impressed for United last season and was one of the bright sparks amid a difficult campaign, scoring nine times and providing four assists.Garnacho is being watched by Barcelona and JuventusCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League icon, 48, unrecognisable after incredible body transformation as mate admits he’s constantly in the gym’

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      A FORMER Premier League striker has undergone a shock body transformation and looks unrecognisable.The 48-year-old used to be a rapid centre-forward but is now built like a target man.The former striker looks unrecognisableThe ex-player now works as a coachCredit: RexHe has showed off his new look on social mediaCredit: @DHUCKS6He has been regularly hitting the gym and these days boasts a stunning ripped physique.His trademark spiky hair has also gone and a grey beard replaces his old clean shaven look.The player came through the ranks at Lincoln and got a Premier League move to Newcastle in 1995.He struggled for game time under Kevin Keegan and was loaned to Milwall before permanently joining Coventry.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe scored 28 league goals for the club across three seasons and earned a £6million transfer to then Champions League club Leeds.After one-and-a-half years at Elland Road, he signed for Manchester City, playing a crucial role in getting the club promoted from the Championship in 2002.Five years at Norwich and a brief stay at Nottingham Forest followed before he hung up his boots with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS in 2009.The star in question is Canaries legend Darren Huckerby.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe looked unrecognisable in an appearance on the Soccer A-Z podcast this week.Huckerby currently works as a coach in Norwich’s academy.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanDarren Huckerby helped Man City to promotion in 2002Credit: GettyHe has cult hero status at NorwichCredit: Getty Images – GettyWho are these famous footballers? More