Premier League

CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge. Chris Wood opened the scoring before Noni Madueke capped off a sublime performance with a goal. Joao Felix looks on in frustrationCredit: AFPThe Blues pressed for a winner by Forest stubbornly held out to prevail with a well-earned point. Here is how Jack Figg rated Enzo Maresca’s side. Robert Sanchez – 8 Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6 Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box. READ MORE IN footballWesley Fofana – 7 Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea. Levi Colwill made some important blocksCredit: GettyLevi Colwill – 7 Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending. Marc Cucurella – 5 Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6 Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line. Most read in FootballMoises Caicedo put in a good defensive shiftCredit: ReutersEnzo Fernandez – 5 Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer. Cole Palmer – 6 Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save. Noni Madueke – 8 Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Noni Madueke was a bright spark throughoutCredit: EPAJadon Sancho – 4 Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward. Nicolas Jackson – 4 Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points. Subs Joao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5READ MORE SUN STORIESPedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape More

HARRY MAGUIRE left Villa Park in a plastic boot after being helped off the pitch by a club doctor.The England defender was removed at half-time after he was handed a shock Manchester United start for Sunday’s all-important Premier League clash, which ended 0-0Harry Maguire was helped to the sidelines before half-time of Ten Hag’s crunch matchHis knee looked to have locked before his sock was rippedMaguire was later subbed off injured during the breakHe was helped by a team doctor before the whistle blewMaguire’s knee looked to have locked during a Villa set piece on the brink of half-time.The back of his sock was completely ripped, with a huge hole showing his full calf as keeper Andre Onana assisted him to the sidelines.Maguire was holding his calf before he was helped off by three members of Man Utd’s medical staff after referee Robert Jones’ whistle.And the Telegraph claims the England centre-back left Villa Park in a protective boot to leave Erik ten Hag sweating over his fitness.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMaguire’s counterpart Jonny Evans also looked to be struggling in the first half after a crunching challenge on Leon Bailey – but went onto win Man of the Match.Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui were subsequently subbed at the interval, with Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof brought on as replacements.Maguire also picked up a yellow card for leaning into Ollie Watkins’ face with his arm in the 36th minute and will now undergo tests to determine the extent of his problem.The 31-year-old missed Euro 2024 amid ongoing issues with his calf.Most read in FootballMaguire had been handed a shock start over Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro MartinezThe defender wasn’t deemed fit enough to come out for the second halfAnd Man Utd now face an anxious wait over their former captain, who scored a last-gasp equaliser for Ten Hag’s side in a 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.Ten Hag is under mounting pressure to save his job following a nightmare start to the season.SunSport reported this week that the Dutchman had two games to persuade Old Trafford chiefs of his ability.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw But with Maguire off, Villa stepped up the intensity after a pretty tame first 45 minutes from both sides.Marcus Rashford was lucky to somehow escape a second yellow for lunge in on Bailey shortly before he was hauled off in the 64th minute.Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring for the away side, with his powerful free-kick strike smacking off the crossbar inside 68 minutes.But despite the obvious defensive personnel changes, the Red Devils defended valiantly – although both sides showed a real lack of quality going forward.Ten Hag’s crunch clash ended goalless, with the Dutchman’s fate out of his hands for now as Man Utd sit 10 points behind leaders Liverpool in 14th. More

ARSENAL have suffered a potential injury blow after Kai Havertz withdrew from the latest Germany squad with an ankle issue.The former Chelsea star hit headlines on Saturday as he continued his fine goal-scoring run against Southampton.Arsenal star has withdrawn from the latest Germany squad with an ankle problemCredit: RexHavertz led the way after the Saints took a 1-0 lead in the second half, pegging the visitors back just moments after Cameron Archer’s 55th minute opener.Gabriel Martinelli then put Arsenal ahead before Bukayo Saka sealed all three points late on.And the result means Mikel Arteta’s men are level with Man City while breathing down the necks of league leaders Liverpool.Plenty of Gunners stars have now departed for the upcoming international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Havertz is no longer linking up with Germany due to an injury worry.Julian Nagelsmann’s side are set to play Nations League qualifiers against Bosnia and the Netherlands.And they will have to do it without 53-cap Havertz, who has withdrawn from the side due to an ankle problem.The forward will remain in London to be assessed by Arsenal’s medical team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut with stars like Martin Odegaard and Ben White already out injury, Arteta will be praying tests show that Havertz is not set to miss any domestic action.The versatile attacker already had six goals in 10 matches this season, an impressive return after he netted 14 times last term.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerMeet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.Following an initial sticky patch following his £65million move from Chelsea in 2023, Havertz has become a fan favourite at the Emirates.And Arteta hailed the German in the wake of yesterday’s latest victory.He said: “You can tell [his confidence has grown]. The way he holds the ball, the positions he takes in the box. He’s an attacking midfielder but he plays as a nine so you don’t know where he is.”That’s his football brain and for sure his focus now is I’m going to win the game, I’m going to do it’ and that’s a different thing.”He’s practising and he wants more. He’s not satisfied with what he is doing because there is still another level for him.”He’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him and that confidence you really sense it. And now he’s scoring in games and winning football matches which is great.” More

MIKEL ARTETA was spotted checking his “dark arts” notepad which included THREE key principles to beating Southampton.Arsenal secured a 3-1 home win against the Premier League’s basement boys on Saturday to keep his side hot on the tails of Man City and Liverpool.Mikel Arteta was spotted checking his ‘dark arts’ notepad on SaturdayCredit: RexThe tactical instructions paid off as Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1Credit: RexThe Gunners came from behind to secure all three points thanks to strikes from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.And Arsenal have now won their last four in all competitions while remaining unbeaten.However, Arteta may have to rethink his tactics for the next match at Bournemouth.The Spaniard loves to make scribbles on tactical plans before and during matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd unfortunately for Arteta, his latest notes were caught in broad daylight at the Emirates.One piece of paper, with a red header and footer, appeared to show positions on the field with various instructions.However, it was difficult to make out what exactly it said, with the black ink written on the other side.Yet another note was clearer to see.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it appeared to outline Arteta’s three “principles” to beating Southampton.The first note read: “Force AR 6 yard.”Arsenal player ratings vs SouthamptonOne piece of paper was hard to decipherThe other showed several instructions, including one that may have targeted Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Dave Shopland/REX/ShutterstockIt is unclear what exactly this meant.But it could be interpreted as instructions to make Saints goalie and former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale play on the edge of his six-yard box.Arteta’s next two “principles” were harder to gauge due to his fingers blocking the final words.One read: “Force our…”And the second added: “Avoid switch…”Below, there was another section to Arteta’s masterplan.One note said: “Throw ins. Who takes it?”While the second said “right” before being cut off by Arteta’s fingers.After the game, the Spaniard praised his Arsenal players for their resilient performance.Arsenal ratings vs Southampton: Saka saves nervy Gunners with Jesus low on confidenceARSENAL came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in front of a temporarily anxious Emirates crowd.Here’s how SunSport’s Ivan Speck rated every Arsenal player…David Raya – 6A spectator for most of the game. Could do anything to keep out Cameron Archer’s curling opener.Thomas Partey – 6Swapped his usual defensive midfield role for right-back, though given the one-way traffic, he barely had any defensive duties.But he supported Saka at every opportunity.William Saliba – 6Dependable as always when he was needed, which was mostly in the second half.Could have closed down Archer more quickly for the Southampton goal, but not alone in that.Gabriel – 6Spent more time in the Southampton box trying to get his head on corners than in his own area, especially in the first half.Handled the giant Paul Onuachu well when Southampton threw him on.Riccardo Calafiori – 5Given a couple of uncomfortable moments by Tyler Dibling.Did not seem to know which way the St Mary’s youngster was going half the time.Jorginho – 6Inches wide with a searing low shot late in the first half.Probed but rarely found an incisive pass through the yellow shirts. Taken off after an hour.Declan Rice – 6His usual solid self and tried to take on a more creative role with Southampton camped out in front of their own area, but prefers an open game to showcase his box-to-box talents.Raheem Sterling  – 7A freedom about his play. Happy to take on defenders at pace with his dancing feet.Unlucky not to finish off one dazzling run and even more unfortunate to be taken off after an hour.But was robbed of the ball for the Saints opener.Bukayo Saka – 9A game of two halves. Had to cope with being double-teamed every time he picked up the ball in the first half and there was disbelief around the Emirates when he launched one shot high into the stands.The second period was a different story. Tore Southampton to shreds time and again.A brilliant floated cross for Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead, then a typically clinical finish for his side’s third.Kai Havertz – 8Proved his worth again as a scorer of important goals with the crucial equaliser just as nerves were beginning to jangle around the Emirates.Gabriel Jesus – 4Too long in the shadows has drained him of the belief he had when he first arrived at Arsenal as the main man up front.Two tame shots summed up his current ineffectiveness.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (Sterling 60) – 8Three weeks ago, his role in the Arsenal side was in question.His form has returned in spades with a second Premier League goal in successive weeks.Leandro Trossard (Jesus 61) – 7Like Martinelli, welcomed as a hero when he came on. Has become an important player in this Arsenal team. His run led to the third Arsenal goal.Mikel Merino (Jorginho 61) – 6A first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours. Introduced just as the games was opening up and will benefit from the taster.Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey 84) – 6Back from injury. Given a run out towards the end to ease him back into first team duties.Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori 90) – 6Introduced late on when the game was won. Not much to do.He said: “Saka has the capacity to change and decide games.“If we want to be at the top, sometimes players have to create those moments and he’s done that again.“What he is doing at his age is unbelievable — and when the team needs him. That’s what defines a top player.”On Havertz, Arteta added: “He wants more. He’s not satisfied. There is still another level from him.“He’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him. You really sense that confidence in him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Now he’s putting it in games and he’s winning matches, which is great. He’s an attacking midfielder, he’s a nine, you don’t know where he is.“That’s his football brain. His focus is, ‘I’m going to win the game, I’m going do it’.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

LUCAS PAQUETA is expected to face his hearing over alleged spot fixing in March.The West Ham star, 27, was hit with four charges of intentionally being booked by the FA in May after an investigation into irregular betting on Paqueta Island in Brazil.Lucas Paqueta’s hearing over alleged spot fixing is set to take place in MarchCredit: RexOne contentious booking concerns a handball vs BournemouthThis yellow card against Leeds is also being probedPaqueta is alleged to have been intentionally booked in games against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth dating back to November 202.He could face a lifetime ban if found guilty.The Brazil international has also been charged with two counts of failing to comply with the investigation.West Ham are now expecting their star man to face a hearing in March next year, with some frustrated that it will come during the Premier League season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Hammers have given the former Lyon midfielder, who denies wrongdoing, their full backing.However, some feel the charges are impacting his performances.Paqueta endured a poor end to last season and has not improved under new manager Julen Lopetegui – with just one goal so far this season.Lopetegui said recently Paqueta was handling the charges well but that they had not discussed the issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “He managed this in a good way, we try to help him because until now he is one player more.”We don’t talk about this, we talk about football. The next match and about life but not about this.”Transfer fees could be SCRAPPED forever after Lassana Diarra wins landmark court case against FifaLopetegui added: “I’m happy with his behaviour and his commitment.“He’s working very hard, he’s trying to understand what we want.“We’re trying to help him to be better and better.“He’s an important player.”The FOUR games Paqueta has been charged forLUCAS PAQUETA has been charged by the FA over four specific games…FIRST INCIDENT – West Ham 0-2 Leicester, 60th minuteThe Brazilian was booked for lunging into Leicester’s Boubakary Soumare from behind.After initially playing the advantage, referee Jarred Gillett eventually pulled it back and brandished the yellow.SECOND INCIDENT – West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa, 70th minute Four months later against Aston Villa Paqueta slid into John McGinn inside the centre circle, completely missing the ball and instead catching his legs.THIRD INCIDENT – West Ham 3-1 Leeds, 65th minuteAt the end of the 2022-23 campaign against Leeds at the London Stadium Paqueta tripped Crysencio Summerville from behind.The foul prevented the visitors from breaking on the counter attack.FOURTH INCIDENT – Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham, 93rd minuteWith just a few minutes remaining on the opening day of the season, Paqueta jumped up for an aerial challenge but instead handled the ball.The referee, who was standing directly in front of him, was quick to brandish the yellow. More

VILLA PARK could be the last-chance saloon for Erik ten Hag on Sunday — just as many felt it once was for Sir Alex Ferguson.Back on Boxing Day 1989, Manchester United left on the end of a 3-0 hammering and Ferguson’s days as manager looked numbered.Erik ten Hag is on the brink ahead of Man Utd’s trip to Aston VillaCredit: RexSir Alex Ferguson almost met his end at Villa ParkCredit: AlamyMan Utd kept faith with Fergie after the defeat, with the Scot going on to make historyCredit: GettyExcept, almost miraculously given the clamour for him to be sacked, Fergie time kicked in and he survived.Steve Bruce, one of those who walked off to Holte End chants of “Fergie, Fergie on the dole!” believes, no matter today’s result, Ten Hag should be shown the same patience.Now Blackpool boss, with two years in charge of Aston Villa on his CV, Bruce said: “Alex got time to turn things around and look what happened next.“The same should go for Ten Hag. Of course fans are desperate for success — but so were they then, too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“United this summer decided to stick with Erik. They made their decision and should stick to it now because, as we found under Fergie, things can and do turn around. Just give the guy a bit of time.”Whether the club listen is open to question, with Ten Hag’s side — like United were 25 years ago — wallowing in the bottom half of the table.Thursday’s Europa League failure to hold on to a two–goal lead, with Harry Maguire grabbing an equaliser in a 3–3 draw in Porto, only underlined how lost Ten Hag’s team are.It came on the back of a 3–0 thumping at the hands of Spurs and the inability to beat FC Twente and Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIndeed, some United fans might say Ten Hag should not even get the chance to have a quick drink before getting the boot should his side succumb to Unai Emery’s Villa.Yet 35 years ago it was grim indeed for Ferguson as he left the place.Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, admits dementia fears as legendary Man Utd boss opens up on tragic death of wife CathyNine 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.Two weeks before that debacle there had been a shocking 2–1 home loss to Crystal Palace. And one United fan’s banner read: “Three years of excuses and it’s still c**p. Ta-ra Fergie.”After that Villa loss, Sir Alex kept his players in the dressing room for a 40-minute hairdryer special.Bruce, 63, said: “What took place in that dressing room was normal at the time. The defeat came at the end of two very tough years at the club when nothing seemed to be going right.“The fans were up in arms, the gaffer was under big pressure.“To say things were difficult would be a real understatement. At the time there seemed no way out.”“Three years of excuses and it’s still c**p. Ta-ra Fergie.”United fan’s bannerEx-England full-back Viv Anderson, 68, Ferguson’s first signing after he arrived from Aberdeen in November 1986, also played against Villa in ’89.He said: “The year before, we went to Hartlepool for a pre–season friendly and were 5–0 down at half-time.“Sir Alex was trying to pull a team together, struggling like Ten Hag is now. So there were plenty of rants, yet THAT one really was a bit special.“I remember Paul McGrath saying to him as he screamed in his face, ‘It’s OK, I’m just here, you know gaffer’.“Well, it really kicked off then. The veins were sticking out of his neck as he went for us and, strangely enough, Paul was off to Villa the next season — and played in that 3–0.“Mind you, we did better in the second half against Hartlepool. We only lost that 1–0!”Welsh midfielder Clayton Blackmore, 60, another of the Villa Park culprits, said: “I’ve a good idea how hard it is for Ten Hag and the players as there’s no hiding place at Old Trafford.Steve Bruce admits it felt like the walls were caving in following Villa’s wniCredit: GettyViv Anderson opened up on Fergie’s famous rantsCredit: Action Images“With Sir Alex in his first years it was always a bumpy ride. We were hit and miss, like United are now.“For instance, before we got battered at Villa Park, we left Anfield with a 0–0 draw that everybody — including the gaffer — was pleased about.“It’s how you handle the strain as a player, it’s not just about the manager. Sir Alex often went ballistic back then, even after we were winning.“All we could do was keep trying to believe in ourselves. But those days were hard, just as they are for the current lot. “It’s how you react that counts in the end — whether you pull yourself and your team-mates together that makes or breaks you.”Sir Alex was trying to pull a team together, struggling like Ten Hag is now. So there were plenty of rants, yet THAT one really was a bit special.Viv AndersonUnited had looked broken after that Villa Park defeat. Ian Ormondroyd, 60, one of the stars of that victory, revealed: “Our manager, Graham Taylor, was a good motivator. And he said to us, ‘They’re struggling, they’re a poor team’.“We felt pumped up, went out with our shoulders back and full of confidence.“We believed that we could beat anybody — it’s a very similar situation for Villa ahead of this game.”That Ferguson did survive was still a close-run thing. After Villa, Alan Cork grabbed a last-minute equaliser for Wimbledon at Plough Lane to deny United in a 2–2 draw.Then another miserable performance allowed QPR to leave Old Trafford with a goalless draw.Red Devils fans were by now clamouring for the head of Ferguson — and chairman Martin Edwards was preparing to give it to them.Clayton Blackmore admits it was always a ‘bumpy ride’ under FergieCredit: GettyThe rest is history with Sir Alex going on to win 13 titlesCredit: GettyBut 15 days after Fergie’s 40–minute dressing-room rant, Mark Robins scored to give him a 1–0 FA Cup third-round win at Nottingham Forest.And Bruce added: “The rest, as they say, is history. We went on to win the Cup that season and everything began to change.“The most important thing about that period was that Sir Alex WAS given time — and the same should apply now.“It was six years ago last Tuesday that Villa sacked me and that was a tough time, too.“There was no money in the club. Me and some of the office staff were basically running it on our own.“Now look at them — and I’m delighted for them. Beating Bayern Munich the other night was fantastic.“The way Villa are back shows how fortunes can change in this game.“Things got a whole lot better for Sir Alex and us. They can still get better for Ten Hag, too.”Former Villa full-back Kevin Gage remembers that Boxing Day win — and his goal — with great pride.Ian Olney and David Platt also netted that day for the hosts.And Gage, 60, said: “It does seem amazing Fergie might well have been on the brink after this game and yet went on to win 13 top-flight titles.“You could never have imagined it after this defeat.”Taylor’s reputation was tarnished — in many ways unfairly — by his disastrous spell as England manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Taylor, who sadly died in 2017, aged 72, was arguably at the peak of his powers that season  before taking the Three Lions job  in 1990.Ormondroyd said: “He got slaughtered because of the TV documentary but he was the best manager I had. Graham was just tactically brilliant.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More