Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED could add to their dismal record after the international break when they host Brentford on Saturday.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure at Old Trafford following The Red Devils’ worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dreadful start to the seasonCredit: GettyBrentford boss Thomas Frank is eyeing a victory at Old Trafford this weekendCredit: RexEight points from seven games sees them languishing in 14th place in the table.They are also without a win in two Europa League matches.And the stats do not suggest things will begin to turn around this weekend.According to sports betting site BetVictor, Man Utd have won just THREE of their last 10 games after the October international break stretching back to 2014.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat is the worst record of the so-called “Big Six” – and even below the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa.It is yet more damning news for Ten Hag – who faces an injury crisis ahead of the Brentford game.Due to a host of defenders being unavailable, Jonny Evans could be set to start at left-back.Noussair Mazrouai, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are all sidelined.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSelected clubs’ records after the October international break since 2014Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo also face fitness problems.And new signing Manuel Ugarte has worried Man Utd fans by coming off during Uruguay’s goalless draw with Ecuador on Tuesday.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Brentford have won just one of their last 11 meetings with Man Utd.That came in Ten Hag’s first away game in the Premier League as his side were thrashed 4-0 in West London. More

MANUEL UGARTE has given Erik ten Hag another headache after an injury scare while on international duty.The £51million summer signing was subbed after 82 minutes of Uruguay’s goalless draw against Ecuador on Tuesday.Manuel Ugarte limped off during Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with EcuadorIt comes as the latest injury blow to under-fire Erik ten HagUgarte has been used sparingly by Ten Hag, but the injuries in midfield are mountingHe appeared to be in some discomfort and had treatment from one of the medical team before deciding he could not continue.The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is due to fly back to England today and will be checked when he returns to Carrington.But another fitness concern is that last thing Ten Hag needs as he starts preparations for Saturday’s clash with Brentford.It means there are now question marks over TEN United players ahead of a busy run of fixtures over the next three weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFellow new boy Noussair Mazrouai is out of action for a few weeks following a minor heart procedure – after he had heart palpitations in the draw at Aston Villa.Like the Moroccan, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho also pulled out of international duty following the game at Villa Park.And wide man Amad Diallo returned early from a spell with the Ivory Coast squad due to illness.Full-backs Luke Shaw (calf) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are still sidelined while another defender, Harry Maguire, limped off at Villa with a foot injury which he says will keep him out for a few weeks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer signing Leny Yoro has still yet to make his competitive debut for United – but is understood to be making good progress in his recovery from a broken metatarsal.Meanwhile Mason Mount was ruled out of the final two matches before the break but his injury is not believed to be serious.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel UgarteTen Hag is due to hold his press conference on Thursday to preview the clash with the Bees and is expected to give updates on some of his absent stars.The Red Devils recorded 75 different cases of injury last term – the most in the Prem.The cost of these injuries was £39.81m spent on players Ten Hag could not select.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has inadvertently helped Erik ten Hag twice as the Dutchman clings on to his job at Manchester United.The former England boss, 54, quit his role with the Three Lions after Euro 2024.Gareth Southgate left his post as England boss in the summerCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under pressure at Man UtdCredit: GettyEven prior to his England departure, Southgate was linked with the potential post at Old Trafford.He is believed to be well thought of by the Red Devils’ Ineos chiefs, and would likely emerge as a target if Ten Hag were to be sacked.But Southgate recently ruled out returning to management in the next 12 months, even opening the door to a role outside of the dugout.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.”But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.”I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate’s comments would appear to rule himself out of any potential role at United.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThomas Tuchel has been confirmed as England’s new bossCredit: APAnd by quitting his job with England, he appears to have inadvertently taken Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favourite for the United job out of the running too.Ineos chief Ratcliffe, 71, is believed to be a big fan of new England boss Thomas Tuchel.Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 7 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exitIn June the pair met in Monaco, with a potential vacancy at United among their topics of discussion.With Tuchel signing an 18-month, £7.5million deal to manage England from January 1, however, he would appear to be out of the running too.Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford appeared to be hanging by a thread following United’s 3-0 home drubbing by Tottenham.Subsequent draws with Porto and Aston Villa saw the Dutchman cling on to his position going into the international break.Should Ten Hag be sacked, his replacement, at least on a caretaker basis, could be promoted from within.It was recently claimed that first team coach and club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy was “on standby” to take the position, should Ten Hag be axed.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

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has been blocked from the Manchester United dressing room, according to reports.The former Red Devils manager, 82, saw the club stop paying his £2.16million-a-year salary as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson has been told to stay away from the Manchester United dressing roomCredit: EPAAnd now in a dramatic change of club policy, it is understood Fergie and the Manchester United football board have been asked not to enter the changing room.The football board is separate to the official United board which includes the six Glazer siblings.According to the Daily Mail, Ferguson has not been directly banned but there is a “collective understanding” regarding who is allowed to go in following matches.Traditionally, United have allowed senior figures to visit the dressing room.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFerguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and United chiefs David Gill, Mike Edelson and Maurice Watkins were all given a green-light policy to stop and pop their head in.The culture of keeping the club’s historic figures in touch with the current stars dates back to Sir Matt Busby’s reign as manager.However, the chance for Ferguson to speak with the players after matches has reportedly been taken away from him.The Scottish icon is the most successful manager in United’s history.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe won 38 trophies across his 26-year stint in the dugout – including 13 Premier League titles plus two Champions Leagues. That saw him rewarded with the lucrative role as global ambassador soon after he retired in 2013.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree on Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless player axing at Man UtdHowever, the new Ineos minority owners – spearheaded by Ratcliffe – decided to cut the contract, months after making 250 redundancies at the club. He has also cancelled senior Man Utd staff’s private cars and reduced lunch privileges on match-days.Ratcliffe informed Fergie of the decision to end his payments at the end of this season in a face-to-face meetingFerguson will remain a non-executive director at United and welcome at games.The shock axe prompted reactions from various former Red Devils players who shone under Ferguson.Eric Cantona launched a blistering X-rated tirade on Instagram.The Frenchman blasted: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.”Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous.”Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, believes it is an attempt to send a message. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe defender wrote: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.”Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson of the decision to stop his £2m-a-year salaryCredit: PAFergie is the club’s most successful manager and won 13 Premier League titlesCredit: Getty More

COLE PALMER left fans in stitches during a “girly” quiz with sister Hallie as he declared: “To everyone that says I’m dumb, I’m not.”The Chelsea star, 22, is preparing for the return of the Premier League this weekend after international duty with England.Cole Palmer told fans ‘I’m not dumb’ during a hilarious quiz with his sisterThe siblings left supporters in stitches with their anticsPalmer started in the Nations League defeat to Greece last week.And he was just one of a few to retain his spot in Lee Carsley’s starting XI for Sunday’s win in Finland.Palmer is now set to return to Chelsea’s team when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.But in the meantime, he has been relaxing at home with his family.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Palmer delighted fans when he appeared on his sister’s TikTok for a “girly” quiz.Hallie, 23, asked the ace questions including “what’s the difference between bronzer and contour?”Some of Palmer’s replies were hilarious, as he answered the above: “How the f**k am I meant to know that?”But as the questions about make-up and clothes continued, Palmer started getting the answers right — much to his sister’s surprise.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe two were left in fits of giggles.And after Palmer correctly guessed what a “kitten heel” was, he turned to the camera and said: “To everyone that says I’m dumb, I’m not dumb!”Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a wordFans reacted in delight to the sweet moment between siblings.One said: “You could never hate this guy.”Another declared: “Big up the Palmers.”One noted: “Him just being normal, that’s how you know he’s actually a cool brudda.”Another added: “This guy is jokes.” More