Premier League

ERIK TEN HAG has lashed out at the “disgraceful” criticism of Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Coventry, despite admitting his side were “lucky” at Wembley.The Red Devils narrowly booked their place in next month’s final against Manchester City with a dramatic penalty shootout win on Sunday.Erik ten Hag has blasted criticism of Man Utd’s win over CoventryCredit: AlamyUnited had been leading 3-0 with 20 minutes to go before Coventry launched an astonishing comeback.A last-gasp strike took the game to extra time.And Coventry once again pounced at the death, this time with a match-winning goal.However, VAR narrowly ruled it out for offside in controversial fashion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited went on to win the shootout despite Casemiro missing their first penalty.And pundits criticised their lacklustre performance against a Championship side, with Antony also targeted for his unsporting celebration in the faces of the Coventry players.But Ten Hag has come out swinging after insisting United deserved to progress to the showpiece event.The Dutchman reckons any disparaging talk about his team is a “disgrace.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd he also lashed out at the “embarrassing” reaction from pundits.Ten Hag barked at his press conference on Tuesday: “No, I absolutely can’t understand the reaction. Was it embarrassing? No, the reaction from you was embarrassing.Premier League’s ‘most disliked player’ joins condemnation of Man Utd ace Antony as he says ‘not even I would do this’Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

“In top football, it’s about results. We made it through to the final and we deserved it. Not just in this game, but also in the other games.”Ten Hag also launched a desperate defence of his position at manager by pointing next month’s final will be his fourth in as many years.Reports claim Sir Jim Ratcliffe could sack Ten Hag in favour of a new boss, with Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter linked.Ten Hag added: “We were in control until the last 20 minutes and we also had bad luck. We were very lucky in the end with the penalties.“But we made it to the final and that is a huge achievement. Twice in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years. So the comments are a disgrace.”I’ve covered Man Utd for 25 years – that win over Coventry was biggest ever embarrassmentBy Neil Custis
The win over Coventry was an embarrassment for Manchester United supporters, and one that will be felt for some time.
In my 25 years covering the club, this was the biggest.
Forget a 6-1 defeat at home to Manchester City, an aberration, this was the denouement of a long and sorry chapter in the club’s history.
Fans briefly celebrated Rasmus Hojlund’s winning penalty in the shootout only because they felt they should.
There was no such delight on the pitch, apart from the penalty taker and that clown Antony who had come on with the side well in control at 3-0.
It was no coincidence they went into reverse when he imparted his questionable attributes on proceedings.
Indeed his cupping of the ears to the Coventry players when Hojlund landed that final cruel blow, only added to the feelings of unease.
Read Neil Custis’ full view on United’s Wembley shambles here.
For more from Neil Custis click here. More

DWIGHT YORKE reckons Roy Keane was “wrong” to call Erling Haaland a “League Two player.”The striker put in a tepid performance as Man City drew 0-0 with title rivals Arsenal last month.Roy Keane has been criticised by Dwight Yorke for calling Erling Haaland a ‘League Two player’Credit: PAKeane took aim after Haaland failed to score in Man City’s 0-0 with ArsenalCredit: GettyYorke and Keane know each other well after time together at Man Utd and SunderlandCredit: ReutersHaaland, 23, has failed to hit the same heights as last season’s 36 league goals, instead netting only 20 times this term.And after completing just seven passes against Arsenal, while also failing to register a single shot on target, the Norway star was savaged by Man United legend Keane post-match.The Irishman barked: “The levels of his general play is so poor and not just today.”I think laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be. In terms of in front of goal, he’s the best in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But his general play for such a player is so poor. Not just today, he has to improve.”He’s almost like a League Two player, that’s how I look at him. His general play, it has to improve and it will do over the next few years.”Keane’s comments sparked immediate criticism from Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who said: “I am not going to criticise my colleagues when I retire.”Haaland’s dad Alfie, who clashed with Keane in their playing days, also hit back at the “agenda” against his son.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd now, Keane’s former United teammate Yorke has come to Haaland’s defence.The Treble-winning striker, who netted 65 times for the Red Devils and was also managed by Keane at Sunderland, reckons his old pal was “degrading” towards Haaland.Roy Keane asked by Premier League owner ‘were you smoking weed’ after brutal ‘League Two player’ Erling Haaland verdictPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

And calling the hitman a lower-level player was a “slap in the face.”Yorke, now managing for the first time in Australia for Macarthur FC told TVSportGuide: “Roy Keane always says what he thinks, sometimes people can take it to a whole new level.“Even the best pundits can get it wrong, and I think Keane is wrong that he thinks Erling Haaland has the all-round game of a League Two player.“That comment can be degrading to someone like Haaland, especially when you think about what the kid has done in a short space of time.“’League Two player’ is a bit of a slap in the face, if someone said that about Keano, I don’t think he’d be too pleased. I don’t think Haaland, especially his dad Alfie, would have been too pleased either.“Haaland is far better than what the comment suggests, but I do think he can do more sometimes. Some people forget he’s only 23 years old and he’s still learning, he just needs to tidy up the simple things, but that doesn’t mean he’s a League Two player.”Dwight Yorke’s career statsThose numbers in full:

Aston Villa, 1990-1998: 287 games, 98 goals

Man Utd, 1998-2002: 152 games, 65 goals

Blackburn Rovers, 2002-2004: 74 games, 19 goals

Birmingham, 2004-2005: 16 games, 2 goals

Sydney FC, 2005-2006: 24 games, 8 goals

Sunderland, 2006-2009: 62 games, 6 goals

Trinidad and Tobago, 1989-2009: 72 games, 19 goals

Trophies: Carabao Cup (Aston Villa); Premier League x3, FA Cup, Champions League, Intercontinental Cup (Man Utd); A-League (Sydney FC); Championship (Sunderland); Caribbean Cup (Trinidad and Tobago) More

TOTTENHAM cult hero Pascal Chimbonda is now trying to make it as a manager in England’s ninth tier.The iconic defender, 45, spent two years at White Hart Lane between 2006 and 2008.Pascal Chimbonda is dreaming of becoming an EFL manager after going into the dugoutCredit: GettyThe Tottenham icon is player-manager of ninth-tier side Skelmersdale UnitedCredit: Instagram / skelmersdaleunitedChimbonda scored four goals in 98 games following a £4.5million move from Wigan, where he had just made the PFA Team of the Year.The one-time France international helped Spurs win the Carabao Cup during his final season.And he also spent time in the Premier League with Sunderland and Blackburn before dropping down England’s divisions.But Chimbonda is now hoping to strike it big as a boss after joining Skelmersdale United in the ninth tier.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.Chimbonda joined as player-manager in October, and was finally able to make his debut this year after being registered in January.He has since played four times for Skelmersdale, but has only overseen 8 wins in 33 games.However, the fan favourite is already dreaming of climbing the ladder to become an established EFL boss within the next decade.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERChimbonda exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “Look, in some ways, it’s good for me to start from scratch, at the bottom, and make a name for myself, step by step, climbing and climbing. And if I have to do that, then I will, because my dream is to one day be on the bench of a professional club.“In 10 years from now? I want to be managing in the EFL. League Two, or maybe League One, or if I can be an assistant manager, or in the backroom staff at a Premier League club, of course that’s right up there as one of my dreams!Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2Chimbonda also played for Wigan, Sunderland and BlackburnCredit: Getty“I learn every day, you know. I watch as much football as I can, from across so many different leagues and levels. I love watching group sessions, I love one-to-one sessions. This is what I live for now.“This game is my life, you know. It’s always been that way, since I was young. I’d wake up and play football; it didn’t matter what the weather was doing, or what the ages were of the people I’d play against. I just loved being involved in football, and I still do now… you know, I can’t picture myself doing anything else.“I just have a love for the game, and it’s something I want to pass on to others. That’s why I coach. I love teaching people, and helping people reach their potential. I actually think I love this job more than I loved playing!”Chimbonda also lamented the lack of chances he feels black coaches do not get in football.He added: “There’s a clear lack of black managers within the game. If I had the answer as to why that was, believe me, I would give it to you right now. It is what it is, you know… maybe people see us as inferior for whatever reason.Pascal Chimbonda’s career statsThose numbers in full:

Le Havre, 1999-2003: 92 games, 5 goals

Bastia, 2003-2005: 72 games, 4 goals

Wigan, 2005-2007: 44 games, 2 goals

Tottenham, 2006-2008: 98 games, 4 goals

Sunderland, 2008: 16 games, 0 goals

Tottenham, 2009: 5 games, 0 goals

Blackburn, 2009-2010: 37 games, 1 goal

QPR, 2010-2011: 3 games, 0 goals

Doncaster, 2011-2012: 16 games, 0 goals

Market Drayton Town, 2012-2013: 0 games, 0 goals

Carlisle, 2013-2014: 28 games, 0 goals

Arlesien, 2014-2015: 6 games, 0 goals

Washington, 2017-2018: 3 games, 0 goals

Ashton Town, 2018-2019: 4 games, 0 goals

Skelmersdale United, 2023-2024: 4 games, 0 goals

France, 2006: 1 game, 0 goals

Guadeloupe, 2003-2012: 6 games, 0 goals

Trophies: Carabao Cup (Tottenham)

“I don’t know, but there are so many black ex-players, who have all the necessary coaching badges, who know the game inside out, who have played at the highest level, but they’re not being given the opportunity. “You know, there are so many people working and coaching within the game who have never played the game, who have never kicked a ball. They’ve just watched the game on the internet, or whatever.“Nowadays, so many academies are taking these kind of people on, who have never played the game before, and they’re being put in these huge roles, like head of academies, or coaching roles at academies. I don’t understand why that keeps happening.“But there should be more black coaches in football. It’s as simple as that. If you’ve got black kids playing in all of these academies, you’re going to want to identify with someone in one of those roles, you know?“It’s just so difficult for black managers, and when we do get these jobs, you feel like you have to deliver results straight away, otherwise you’ll lose your job, and it becomes harder to find a job anywhere else because you’ve not had enough experience. If a white coach gets sacked, they’ll usually find a new job straight away… it’s something I’ll never understand.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Maybe changes will be made, but at the minute we have to live with it and hope something happens in the near future. “I know there are more rules now around interviewing candidates for roles, and there’s an emphasis on diversity, which is only a good thing for the game in the future. It is frustrating, though. I’ve applied for so many jobs. So many, and they’ve all come back as negative. “ More

NEAL MAUPAY, who dubbed himself the Premier League’s “most disliked player”, has slammed Manchester United flop Antony for his antics against Coventry City.The Red Devils narrowly avoided a major upset as they snuck into the FA Cup final on penalties.Antony has been slammed by Neal Maupay for his celebrations against CoventryCredit: GettyAntony cupped his ears as Man Utd avoided an embarrassing defeatCredit: RexUnited were leading 3-0 before Coventry scored three of their own to send the game to extra time.The Championship outfit then netted a dramatic 120th winner, only for VAR to controversially rule it out for offside.United then went on to win the shootout, despite Casemiro missing their very first effort.Rasmus Hojlund netted the decisive penalty but was left hanging after initially celebrating wildly with fans.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd despite almost all of United’s players appearing to look highly embarrassed by their performance, Antony also decided to toast the moment.As his teammates remained still, with some of them going to shake the hands of Coventry’s brave battlers, Antony got other ideas.He instead sprinted towards Hojlund, who was already at the advertising boards with United supporters.As Antony charged, he turned around to Coventry’s broken-hearted stars and unbelievably cupped his ears to rub their faces in the defeat.Most read in FootballMan Utd star Diogo Dalot builds the ‘worst footballer in history’ with the left foot of AntonyMaupay has clashed with numerous players but says he would not have celebrated like AntonyCredit: GettyKyle Walker threatened to ‘knock out’ Maupay in one matchCredit: GettyAntony’s unsporting conduct was roundly condemned by fans and pundits alike, especially after such a dismal performance from the Brazilian and his United pals.Now, even the Premier League’s No1 wind-up merchant Maupay has declared it was a step too far.The Brentford striker, on loan from Everton, has clashed with numerous players this season.His antics on the field saw Maupay crown himself the league’s “most disliked footballer.”The Frenchman clashed with James Maddison by copying the Tottenham star’s celebration, with Richarlison also getting involved.And Maupay also collided with Kyle Walker, with the Man City star threatening to “knock him out.”But even he wouldn’t have stooped so low to celebrate a win like Antony did under the circumstances.Taking to social media, while posting a clip of Antony’s reaction, Maupay said: “Just for the record, not even I would do this.”Our beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd
When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
There is so much wrong.
After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

FORMER Chelsea star Khalid Boulahrouz has launched a blistering attack on Antony after the winger taunted Manchester United’s FA Cup rivals.Former Holland international Boulahrouz dubbed the £85million buy from Ajax a “pathetic” waste of money – who plays every game as though he has SOILED HIMSELF.Antony has been heavily criticised for his behaviour and performancesCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea man Khalid Boulahrouz described Antony as ‘pathetic’Credit: ReutersUnited sneaked past Coventry City into the FA Cup final on penalties on Sunday after the Championship club staged an epic comeback to draw 3-3, and had a winner ruled out by VAR.Antony then goaded the Sky Blues with an ear-cupping celebration while most of his team-mates remained embarrassed at going through.Boulahrouz, an £8.5m Chelsea buy from Hamburg in 2006, has now savaged the 24-year-old on Dutch TV.The 42-year-old told Rondo: “Antony’s behaviour was completely uncalled for. I think it was a bit pathetic.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He completely failed to understand the situation he is in, and the way his team had just performed.”He is truly the last person who should be acting this way.”He has been signed for 100 million euros and he plays every game as though he has s*** in his pants.”As far as I know he has just provided one assist, and not scored any goals [in the Premier League this season].Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAntony mocked the Coventry players after Manchester United’s winning penaltyCredit: RexHe has been largely disappointing since arriving for £85million in 2022Credit: Rex”And what about Coventry, whose players put in a terrific performance?”You simply have to afford them respect, and congratulate them. You should leave the pitch as a gentleman, and he should be deeply ashamed.Man Utd stars accused of playing up to ITV cameras with ‘classy’ gesture after FA Cup penalty shootout win over Coventry”If I was Antony’s team-mate I would tell him: ‘You ought to be ashamed, man. Behave yourself!'”Boulahrouz won 35 Netherlands caps and made 20 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side.He also played for Sevilla, Stuttgart, Sporting Lisbon and Feyenoord, and helped Holland reach the 2010 World Cup final.I’ve covered Man Utd for 25 years – that win over Coventry was biggest ever embarrassmentBy Neil Custis
The win over Coventry was an embarrassment for Manchester United supporters, and one that will be felt for some time.
In my 25 years covering the club, this was the biggest.
Forget a 6-1 defeat at home to Manchester City, an aberration, this was the denouement of a long and sorry chapter in the club’s history.
Fans briefly celebrated Rasmus Hojlund’s winning penalty in the shootout only because they felt they should.
There was no such delight on the pitch, apart from the penalty taker and that clown Antony who had come on with the side well in control at 3-0.
It was no coincidence they went into reverse when he imparted his questionable attributes on proceedings.
Indeed his cupping of the ears to the Coventry players when Hojlund landed that final cruel blow, only added to the feelings of unease.
Read Neil Custis’ full view on United’s Wembley shambles here.
For more from Neil Custis click here.

Boulahrouz also said Antony should feel ‘ashamed’ about his actionsCredit: RexAntony has just one goal contribution in the Premier League this season More

NEWCASTLE UNITED’S in-form Anthony Gordon has revealed the secrets behind his success – and what he wants to do after football.The 23-year-old winger joined the Magpies from Everton in a £45million deal in January 2023.Anthony Gordon joined Gary Neville on the latest episode of The OverlapCredit: YouTubeThe winger has been in stunning form for Newcastle United this termCredit: GettyAfter a tricky start, he has blossomed this term since leaving his boyhood club and is now aiming for a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad.Gordon has scored 11 goals and produced eight assists this season for Newcastle and that led to him making his international debut against Brazil last month.This week he appeared on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, with Gary Neville.And the Liverpudlian explained his desire to go into psychology after hanging up his boots – despite previously hinting at a shock career change into photography.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGordon said: “I was speaking to some close friends about this [leadership] recently, because I feel my calling after football may have something to do with that – whether that be through football and management, or through the psychology route.“That may be my end goal – I’m not too sure yet, but I’m so invested in that stuff that it surely has to come to fruition at some point.“As a footballer, I lead by example rather than being a big speaker, I’m very quiet in the dressing room.”He then explained how he starts preparing for games two days in advance with meditation and visualisation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGordon said: “My preparation for a match will start two days before – three days will be set out to the minute. Thursday night, I’m fully switched on.“I try not to think too much about the game, it’s more so that I do a lot of meditation, visualisation, so that if a chance comes I feel like I’ve already lived it – all I have to do then is be present and trust my ability rather than overthink it.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v Brazil“I’ll visualise my opponent – I know what they’re going to do, what their habits will be. If I’m playing against a full-back who’s running – if he does a one-two around me, I’m going to put myself in that position of being tired and getting back, so that in the game it’s a lot easier.”He continued: “It [preparation] is more of a coping mechanism for how to handle pressure of playing.“That’s where the meditation and visualisation just allows me to react from a higher perspective than my own emotions. Being emotional is not the best – it’s no good in sports.“It’s not how you’d perceive it to be with your legs crossed, it’s just sitting in a room on your own, with no noise if possible, closing your eyes and getting in touch with your body through breathing, and letting the game run. “I start by arriving at the stadium, going through the warm-up, through the game, and ultimately trying to see how I want to feel after that game – and what I need to do to achieve that.”And despite his Everton roots, Gordon revealed that he has drawn inspiration from a Liverpool legend.He added: “My confidence comes from my preparation. I don’t know where it comes from, I wouldn’t say anyone round me is anything like that.“I just love learning stuff, and throughout my years growing up, I’ve taken a liking to learning about psychology.“There may be people who do the same thing as me, there may be loads who just haven’t spoken about it.“Some footballers like to think less, just turn up and play and trust their instincts. I just love the mindset of getting myself in that place before I’m already there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I saw Mo Salah talk about it – that’s where I took even more interest, because I see him as an absolute machine and a winner.“People like that, you’re not going to go too far wrong following what they do.”Gordon made his England debut last month against BrazilCredit: PA More