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      Former Man Utd star, 26, out for months after almost losing thumb in kitchen accident, manager says

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

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      ‘That’s why he’s captain’, say Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes shares touching message after gift from Scott McTominay

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

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      Brennan Johnson reveals meaning behind his tattoos including message his mum sends him before every Tottenham game

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      BRENNAN JOHNSON is ready to ink his name into Tottenham’s history books — with a helping hand from his mum.The forward, 23, bids to join ex-Spurs stars Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks in an exclusive club by scoring for the SEVENTH club match in a row against West Ham on Saturday.Brennan Johnson has been in incredible form for club and countryCredit: PAJohnson, 23, recently sat down to talk through his various tattoosCredit: Instagram @fawalesThe Welsh international has several tattoos on his armsCredit: Instagram @fawalesHe has explained the meaning behind his inkCredit: Instagram @fawalesJohnson receives good luck wishes before every match from his mother in the form of a four-leafed clover — which is also one of many tattoos on his body telling the story of his life.The Welshman revealed: “I’ve got a four-leafed clover which my mum has always texted me before every game. She sends me a little one  on messages.”Johnson has already scored in his last six games in all competitions against Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Manchester United, Ferencvaros and Brighton.He then netted for his country against Iceland in the Nations League a week last Friday but was suspended for the Montenegro clash on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet Johnson wants to keep on writing new chapters in his blossoming career.The £47.5million ace has several tattoos across both arms and he got his first bit of ink at the age of 18.Johnson added: “My first was of my family initials in Greek. The main reason behind getting it was I wanted to get a tattoo but I didn’t really know what to get.“So I felt like getting the family initials always goes down well. I also got this one – on his left forearm – at the same time. It means family over everything. It’s what my sisters, my mum and dad all have so I wanted one as well. I felt it would be a nice thing to do.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSeveral of Johnson’s tattoos can be seen when he wears short sleeve shirts on the pitchCredit: Getty“I have my grandparents’ date of birth but I also have a map which represents where my family are from. I designed it myself.”It has an outline of Wales and Jamaica with the co-ordinates around the side and shows where my family are from. It means a lot to me so I thought it was a nice idea. I’m very happy with it.The incredible Rise of Tottenham’s Mikey Moore“I’ve got an eagle above the map. The idea was to do it all in one at first but then I wanted the get the map a bit lower. It was going to be on top of the map and flying over it. But I liked it the way it was done and keep it on its own.”Johnson’s mum Alison is from Wales while his dad David, who played for Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, was born in Jamaica and attends his matches. And the bulk of Johnson’s tattoos are dedicated to his family.Johnson has some tattoo collection which has built up from his days playing at ex-club Nottingham Forest and a loan spell at Lincoln.’I STARTED SMALL’He said: “I grew up seeing my family and other people that I inspired to be like having tattoos and I looked at them as cool. I didn’t want to force it and get one that didn’t mean anything.”I started small. Over time not all of them have crazy meanings or are really personal to me.“I’ve got the number 23 because I was born on the 23rd of May. I really like the number. But some of them I just like and I’m comfortable with.“I’ve got Bart Simpson. I was a big Simpsons fan growing up. I have a Daft Punk helmet. I’m not like a super crazy fan but I thought the helmet was really cool. It has got a smiley face and thought it looked quite cool.”I’ve even got an alien. They are random things that I find cool. This left arm shows little things I like and I’m not too serious about myself. It’s a reminder to always try and be happy.“The first one weren’t actually too bad or painful. They were quite small and thin. I’ve got a palm tree with some sun which is on the back. I was lying with my arm out and it was killing because it was in an awkward place to do. That one was quite painful.”’I’M LOOKING FOR AN ARTIST IN LONDON’Johnson plans to add more tattoos in future. He told an episode of Cymru Ink: the stories behind the tattoos: “I don’t have an artist that I go to in London yet. I would have liked a few dates of when we got promoted with Forest or the day I signed for Spurs which I still have time to get. I’m looking for an artist in London.“I probably got most of them on my right arm in the space of six to eight months. You kind of fall out of it and then you get back into it.“I had a tattoo artist in Nottingham who was really flexible and would fit me in whenever. I didn’t really want to have to wait too long and think about it too much. They are pretty instinctive.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d definitely say at times it was addictive. When I first started I got a lot then I chilled a bit. I’d definitely get some more. I’ve got the arms pretty much done. Maybe a few more on my right arm.“Now it’s just if something happens or I find a bit of inspiration or something that means a lot to me, I’d definitely get it tattooed on me.”Johnson will be looking to keep up his impressive streak this weekendCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd linked with forgotten Premier League star to replace under-fire Ten Hag after missing out on Thomas Tuchel

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

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      Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis hit with five-match STADIUM BAN after ‘improper’ behaviour in tunnel

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

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      Fulham chief defends eye-watering £12,000 tickets in new stand – because club has ‘business class’ fans

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

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      ‘John Terry tipped me to replace him at Chelsea but I only played 16 minutes in the Premier League’

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      JAKE CLARKE-SALTER was  tipped by Chelsea legend John Terry to replace him at Stamford Bridge.And he even went on to win a World Cup for the England Under-20s back in 2017 alongside the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.John Terry thought he found his replacement at Chelsea after his departureCredit: ReutersJake Clarke-Salter trained with Terry but played just 16 minutes in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyClarke-Salter underwent a series of loans before settling at Queens Park RangersCredit: GettyBut while his centre-back partner in that tournament, and ex-Blues team-mate, Tomori has gone on to play Champions League football for AC Milan, Clarke-Salter is battling at the bottom of the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.The defender recently signed a new four-year deal at Loftus Road and hopes his team can win only their second game of the season  when fellow early strugglers Portsmouth comes visiting on Saturday.Clarke-Salter, 27, only had 16 minutes of Premier League action in six years as a pro at Chelsea — coming on as a sub for Pedro in 2016 against Aston Villa.Terry was so impressed, he said at the time: “Jake reminds me of myself.Read More on Football“He’s doing great and I hope he goes on to take my position in the team.”Clearly that did not work out. Clarke-Salter did the hard yards in the EFL on loan with Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse in the Netherlands, Notts County, Birmingham and then Coventry.But he ended up leaving two years ago to sign for the Rs.The centre-half said: “You can say I didn’t live up to what people thought.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That’s something I’ve had to reflect on over the years.“I’m happy now at QPR because I’ve found my home again. I enjoy my football, which is the main thing.”’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Clarke-Salter believes going out on too many loans was what ultimately hindered his progress.And asked what advice he would give to any youngster in a similar  position at a top Premier League side, he said: “In all honesty, be patient.“I had an opportunity to stay around the Chelsea first team and train every day and learn a bit more — but I just wanted to play games.“So I went out at a young age, at 18 to 19, and then ended up breaking and dislocating my elbow while at Bristol Rovers.“At Chelsea, I was  training with some of the world’s best players, people like Eden Hazard, JT and Cesc Fabregas.“So I should’ve shown more patience rather than try to rush off.Looking back at Chelsea stint“Everyone has a different path. I should’ve stuck around, rather than play somewhere else as quickly as possible.“It was never like I thought I deserved to start. I had JT, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger all ahead of me.“You should be spending time learning from them and not taking that kind of experience for granted.”Yet Clarke-Salter did have the privilege  of playing with a then 16-year-old Jude Bellingham at Birmingham.And he admitted: “Everyone knew from day one that he was going to be a world beater because of  his mentality.“We could see all the talent he had  but his willingness to work, as a 16-year-old, I’ve never seen anyone  that age do that.QPR hopes“Every day in training, he’d put his foot in and tell people who weren’t doing it right to  get on it. It’s no surprise he’s one of the best players in the world.”Boss Marti Cifuentes performed a near miracle keeping QPR in the Championship last season after inheriting a side that looked dead certs to go down.And there were high hopes in West London that the team would progress this season and push up the table.But, so far, they have only  beaten Luton Town and are yet to win at home.Yet despite this, Clarke-Salter firmly believes the Spanish coach is the  right man to take QPR to the next level — which is why he committed to a new long-term contract.The defender explained: “The new  manager has been massive for the club and myself.Happy at QPR“I suit the style he wants to play. Hopefully there’s  a good future here.“We’ve got a lot of new players and  a new way of playing — so it’s just about gelling now.“Everyone is trying to implement the gaffer’s ideas. It’s a long season.“What I like about the gaffer is his ideas and the way he sees football — his philosphy, his calming presence, the way he speaks to the players.“He has a good understanding and is a great man-manager.”Newly-promoted Pompey are one spot and two points behind 22nd-placed QPR in the table —  and are the only side in the Championship yet to win a game.But Clarke-Salter said: “The table is so tight right now. One win can just shoot you up the table.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got  great players in this squad and now it’s just about getting that  consistency.”  CopyBet is  official betting partner of Queens Park Rangers. Visit CopyBet.comWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘FAIRYTALES’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’

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      ERIK TEN HAG says rumours of his imminent sacking are “fairytales”.But he admits that Manchester United simply are not good enough right now.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure with Manchester United 14th in the Premier LeagueNew co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, left in green jacket, could sack Ten Hag if results get any worseCredit: AFPTen Hag’s job is hanging by a thread after their worst ever start to a Premier League season sees them in 14th place going into this weekend’s home game against Brentford.Still, the Dutchman feels rock solid in his position at Old Trafford, even if others are finding that difficult to believe.Ten Hag said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales. We are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists they didn’t believe me, I see the reports but internal in the club it’s quiet.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he knows things have to improve starting with the visit of Thomas Frank and his team, another manager linked to the Old Trafford hot seat.Ten Hag said: “Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner but ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.“Also we have to climb a mountain, that’s top football and sometimes you have to face challenges, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down I am sure we will make it a success like we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good patterns, good steps that confirm we are in a direction but the ranking is not lying, it is not good enough.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd have not won in five games in all competitionsCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel was another manager tipped to take over from Ten Hag and was even spoken to by the club over the summer as they sought out a new boss only to stay with the man they had.Now he has become England manager and Ten Hag believes it is a good choice.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He said: “I think it’s a very good choice from the FA. He is a top class manager who has proved himself, creating top teams, creating teams who win.“England hasn’t won since 1966 so I think it’s a very good appointment to get a win because England has world-class players to make a team and they have the opportunity to win the Euros or the World Cup.”United just need to win a few more games to take the heat off Ten Hag whether he thinks stories of his position being under pressure are fairytales or not.The players look like they are feeling the pressure particularly in front of their own fans with a shocking performance in the 3-0 defeat against Tottenham last time out at Old Trafford.He stabilised things with away draws against Porto and Aston Villa.And Ten Hag said: “I think the players do well, we won a trophy last season, maybe you forgot and when we face problems sometimes we have to line up teams that were not in the right balance because the players were not available.“In general, the players do perform well and we have to start scoring and that part is the most important part in football if you want to win games.“That part we have to improve, we are entering the final third, the box, we are coming in good positions to score but now the most important part is to net.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited go into Saturday’s game without Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire who are out for a fortnight each injured.There is good news on Noussair Mazraoui, however, who is available after a procedure on his heart.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More