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    Chelsea ‘revisit talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel’ and Nkunku could go the other way in swap transfer

    CHELSEA are set to revisit talks with Bayern Munich to sign Mathys Tel, according to reports.The Blues showed an interest in the forward earlier this month but were told Tel wanted to stay at Bayern.Chelsea are interested in signing Mathys TelCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku could join Bayern Munich in exchangeCredit: AlamyHowever after failing to feature in the last three matches the Frenchman could be available for a move with time running out in the transfer window.Chelsea are set to try again to see if Tel has changed his mind, according to the Daily Mail.They could even offer Christopher Nkunku as part of the deal with Bayern interested in the out of favour forward.Nkunku has made just three Premier League starts this season and could be allowed to leave on loan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United are also keen on the French international.It has been rumoured Nkunku could move to Old Trafford on loan as part of a deal that would see Chelsea sign Alejandro Garnacho.United have reportedly slapped a £55million asking price on the head of the 20-year-old, who Blues boss Enzo Maresca is open to signing.He said: “We pay attention [to the market] if something can happen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But 10 days to go, we didn’t do anything, just we called back Trev [Chalobah].”We’ll see in the next 10 days if something is going to happen.”Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debut More

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    Aston Villa boss Emery reveals he wants to bring former Tottenham flop back to Premier League for reunion

    UNAI EMERY wants a reunion with versatile Villarreal defender Juan Foyth at Aston Villa.Ezri Konsa is Emery’s only fit senior centre-back.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants a reunion with one of his former Villarreal acesCredit: ReutersEmery is keeping tabs on Villarreal ace Foyth during the January transfer windowCredit: RexFoyth struggled to stand out at Tottenham before moving to VillarrealCredit: GettyVilla were chasing a central defender having sold Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce, while Tyrone Mings suffered a knee injury against West Ham on Sunday.Foyth, 27, won the Europa League under Emery and with crocked Villa centre-back Pau Torres in 2021.But the ex-Spurs and Argentina right-back has been hit by injuries over the past two seasons.Emery said: “Juan is one player that can unite and play with the qualities and the performance we want to add.”Read More on FootballFoyth kicked off his senior career at Argentinean giants Estudiantes in 2016.The versatile full-back’s impressive performances caught the eye of Tottenham, who signed him a year later.The right-back, who can also play at centre-back, struggled to stand out at Spurs as he only managed 32 appearances and that ultimately led to a loan to Villarreal in 2020.The defender shone bright with the Yellow Submarine, who signed him on a permanent deal a year later.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFoyth has since amassed a total of four goals and six assists in 120 appearances across all competitions with Villarreal.The Argentina international has also registered 18 caps after making his senior international debut in 2018.Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consentMeanwhile, Midfielder Emi Buendia, 28, has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Villa until 2027. More

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    Horror Hojlund and Zirkzee stats should convince Amorim to throw Rashford a lifeline if attacker ends up staying

    RUBEN AMORIM may be convinced to throw Marcus Rashford a lifeline after witnessing abysmal performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee at Fulham.Stats show that the Manchester United pair had a night to forget despite Amorim’s side taking home all three points.Rasmus Hojlund had a game to forget against FulhamCredit: AFPJoshua Zirkzee also failed to impress as Man Utd won 1-0Credit: APRuben Amorim may be tempted to recall Marcus Rashford to lead his lineCredit: GettyLisandro Martinez’s deflected shot was enough to seal victory at Craven Cottage.But on the back of tonight, Amorim may likely be tempted to give Rashford another go up top despite the England star being linked with a January exit.However, judging by the manager’s comments post-Fulham, Rashford would have to step things up in training to be offered any olive branch.Danish striker Hojlund started the game in West London with an immediate red flag over his head.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Atalanta star has played in 48 Premier League games since his £64million move in 2023.But he hasn’t scored in 36 of those matches — virtually an entire top-flight season.And Hojlund’s latest outing did not prove to be different as he again failed to net.Indeed, he didn’t have one single shot at goal on the night.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHojlund only managed 17 touches of the ball too — with just ONE of them in Fulham’s penalty area.And his passing fared little better too, with the forward completing six of just eight being before hauled off in the 58th minute.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’Hojlund was replaced by fellow hitman Zirkzee, who has failed to impress since his £36.5m summer move from Bologna.The Dutchman has just three league goals so far this term and, like Rashford, has also been linked with an exit.But he is yet to be axed from Amorim’s squad and so was given another chance to prove doubters wrong tonight.However, Zirkzee arguably had a worse game than Hojlund.He too had zero shots at goal, therefore failing to score.Unlike Hojlund though, Zirkzee didn’t even muster one single touch in Fulham’s box.And despite being regarded as the more technical of the two, Zirkzee managed just five passes all game — with one of them failing to reach its target.Amorim is sure to be scratching his head as he searches for a solution up top.Rashford is the closest thing he has to a third striker.And if the Englishman fails to secure a dream move to Barcelona, he may yet end up leading the line for the remainder of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford has also been strongly linked with a move to AC Milan.While Aston Villa have been tipped as potential late suitors in the window.MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeat

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU dished out a death stare in another chilling exchange with a Tottenham fan.The Aussie boss even walked BACK to the tunnel confrontation after Leicester inflicted Spurs’ sixth defeat in seven Premier League games.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou reappeared to glare at a fanCredit: Chris CowlinPostecoglou had walked straight off at first before returningCredit: Chris CowlinJust last month Postecoglou was guided away from visiting fans following a heated clash of words after a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth.And this time he faced a torrent of criticism from above the tunnel – amid boos for his team – after Leicester’s 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.One supporter bawled: “You’re taking us down. We’re going down with you.”Postecoglou initially continued striding towards the changing rooms.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBut astonishingly he backtracked and glared up at the fan.However, a club official appeared to point him inside again.And the 59-year-old then heeded that advice as he disappeared out of view.The footage was Spurs fan and podcast host Chris Cowlin and shared on his YouTube channel.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSupporters who saw the drama labelled Postecoglou an “embarrassment” for seemingly considering an angry encounter with the fan.One viewer posted: “Who does he think he is? We’re 15th in the league. Walk in those changing rooms before you get battered.”Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis Another said: “This is a recurring issue with him, it seems to be every game he squares up to fans who are rightly frustrated.”And a third wrote: “The guy’s just lost his 13th league game of the season against a crap team at home and steps back as if he’s gonna do something…what an embarrassment!”Postecoglou said of Sunday’s defeat: “It hurts a lot.”The players gave everything again. We are going to look at a lot of things, but in terms of effort I can’t ask anymore of this group, things just didn’t go our way today.”And he insisted:  “I know it will turn. We’ll get some players back, we were short again today but in the next couple of weeks there’s some really important players coming back that I know will help this group.”Postecoglou is fighting for his job after another miserable defeatCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd fans turn on Sir Jim Ratcliffe with X-rated chant after seeing he is at Craven Cottage for Fulham clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans piled X-rated abuse on Sir Jim Ratcliffe after spotting him at Fulham.United’s minority owner was even compared to the Glazers’ hated regime before him in the rudest chant of all.Away supporters reacted angrily to seeing Sir Jim RatcliffeLisandro Martinez celebrates his deflected winner for Man UtdCredit: RexRatcliffe, Britain’s richest man, angered supporters last month by raising Old Trafford ticket prices to £66.And he arguably made things worse with the club’s following by insisting United should not charge less than Premier League rivals like… Fulham.So when he was picked out in the Red Devils’ scrappy 1-0 win at Craven Cottage, he faced brutal verbal abuse from away supporters.A chant rang out of “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t – just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t”.READ MORE TOP STORIESFans had been desperate for Ratcliffe and his Ineos company to take over from the Glazers, which they finally did in December 2023.But recent cut-backs off the pitch have helped send relations between Ratcliffe and supporters plummeting.And observers online appeared to back the hostile reaction he received in West London on Sunday evening.One responded: “Best away fans in the country.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Beautiful scenes,” added a second, while a third was gleeful that the chanting took place “while he’s there too.”Ruben Amorim’s men clawed their way up to 12th via a wickedly-deflected winner from Lisandro Martínez on 78 minutes. ‘Managers don’t get that now’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘intel’ that wouldn’t happen todayBut for many fans the bigger picture is the rising costs back at Old Trafford.United say the changes will put the club “on a stronger financial footing” – after making a total loss of more than £300million over the past three years.But supporters unfurled a “your debt not ours” banner during Thursday’s dramatic 2-1 home victory over Rangers in the Europa League. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Harry Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleys

    MANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected effort was enough to give United three pointsCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho struggled amid rumours he could leave the clubCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHarry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Harry Maguire reveals he sent private message to Joshua Zirkzee after Man Utd star was cheered off vs NewcastleLisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United. He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. More

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    Fulham 0 Man Utd 1: Martinez’s deflected strike sends all three points back to Manchester in huge boost for Amorim

    LIFE now begins for birthday boy Ruben Amorim – and he will now hope his team can also start enjoying themselves.Amorim will be blowing out 40 candles on a cake today and at least he will not be in a rotten mood, which has been the case the day after most of his United games.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected shot sealed a 1-0 win for Man Utd at FulhamCredit: GettyThe defender pounced with just over 10 minutes left to seal victoryCredit: GettyOn this occasion, there was no TV smashing in the dressing room although by the time Lisandro Martinez scored a 78th minute winner, many fans at home will have switched off their television sets as the game was so bad.But thanks to Martinez, who got away with a nasty challenge on sub Adama Traore before the goal, United will now look to win a third successive game for the first time under Amorim when they travel to Romania to face FCSB on Thursday.Amorim’s name was sung enthusiastically by the United fans who will not have headed to west London with too much confidence.While the United boss is unlikely to be getting a birthday card off skinflint boss Jim Ratcliffe – and he was here at Craven Cottage – Amorim will be hoping to get a few presents in the transfer market this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite this win, only a seventh under the Portuguese coach, it remains clear United are still desperately short of quality, particularly in the final third,While they might not be the worst team in United’s history, despite those bombshell comments from the manager, the fact they are 12th in the Premier League sums up this embarrassing situation.Where United go this season remains to be seen although at least they will not get relegated like 51 years ago. But great entertainers they are certainly not.FIFA president Gianni Infantino will certainly regret heading to west London for this match which only became interesting in the closing stages.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe family of Hollywood star Julia Roberts were also supposed to come but they cried off and that proved to be an incredibly wise decision.The Magnificent Seven by The Clash was played at half-time although there was nothing magnificent about this game which kicked off at the unusual time of 7pm. Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everAlex Iwobi fired a couple of efforts at United keeper Andre Onana but they were not particularly testing ones.Raul Jimenez delivered a couple of wild finishes but against this awful United team, Fulham would have expected to do better,United did not manage a shot on target until the 42nd minute although it was not much of one with Matthijs De Ligt’s effort easily gathered by Bernd Leno.Martinez’s hit took a wicked deflection off Sasa LukicCredit: PAMartinez celebrated in style 12 minutes from timeCredit: PAAmad Diallo, one of United’s better performers recently, looked lost on the right while Alejandro Garnacho – who started despite being a January window target for clubs including Chelsea – had a few bright moments and played a part in the winning goal.Marco Silva’s Fulham were less of a threat in the second half and they lost Harry Wilson who hobbled off towards Cottage and they are unlikely to see him play away at Wigan in the FA Cup on Saturday.In Wilson’s place, Fulham brought on speed merchant Traore down the left and worried about his pace, Amorim switched Noussair Mazraoui over to the right of defence with Diogo Dalot moving across to left wing-back.Amad Diallo netted a second for United at the deathCredit: ReutersThe winger was judged to be offside by VAR, ruling the goal outCredit: GettyDespite Fulham being unusually passive, United were so lacklustre.They had one free-kick in a dangerous area and bizarrely, keeper Onana raced to the touchline on halfway to get a view of the angle and he shouted at Bruno Fernandes to try his luck in the top right corner.Whether this was a clever ploy or Fernandes could not be bothered to take any notice of his colleague remains to be seen, But United’s captain went for the bottom left corner but he shot wide.A heated game saw tensions flare on the pitchCredit: ReutersAdama Traore reignited his feud with MartinezCredit: APTraore added a bit of spark although as ever, his final product was not great and he wasted one good chance while he then suffered that crunching tackle from Martinez.And then, the United centre-back delivered an impact at the other end of the pitch. He seized on a loose pass from Sander Berge, nipped  in front of Jimenez, and his shot deflected off Sasa Lukic and looped over keeper Keno who was able to get a hand to the shot.Ruben Amorim was delighted to see his side get the winCredit: GettyIt was a frustrating night for Marco SilvaCredit: GettyUnited sub Toby Collyer saved his team with a goal-line clearance from Joachim Andersen’s header.Diallo thought he had got the second deep into stoppage time but it was ruled out by VAR but Amorim would not be bothered about that,Now aged 40, Amorim still looks youthful. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut what a couple of years in the job at United will do to him remains to be seen. There will certainly be plenty of grey hairs.MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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    Fulham vs Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Lisandro Martinez scores MASSIVELY deflected goal to give visitors vital away win

    LISANDRO MARTINEZ’s late deflected goal earned Manchester United a massive three points.United entered the clash on the back of a dramatic victory over Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night.Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to create chances and Martinez’s deflected strike was their only shot on target – but was enough to earn the win.The away side also had young Toby Collyer to thank for the win after his vital goal-line clearance.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…That’s all, folks!We’re going to call it a night there, thanks very much for joining us. Just a reminder that Lisandro Martinez handed Man Utd all three points with a heavily deflected late goal.Ruben Amorim then aimed a brutal dig at Marcus Rashford, who continues to be left out.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd fixturesHere’s how the next six games are looking for United – some very winnable games in there.Jan 30 – FCSB (a) – Europa LeagueFeb 2 – Crystal Palace (h) – Premier LeagueFeb 7 – Leicester City (h) FA CupFeb 16 – Tottenham (a) – Premier LeagueFeb 22 – Everton (a) – Premier LeagueFeb 26 – Ipswich (h) – Premier LeagueCopy linkCopied’One scrappy goal’Bernd Leno didn’t sound too impressed with the way United performaned.The Fulham goalkeeper said: “I think United were waiting for one sloppy goal and unfortunately that ball went into the top corner and we couldn’t take our chances.”But that’s football, that’s part of the game. “I think there were a lot of positive things we can take from the game.”Copy linkCopied’Nobody knows’Amorim was also asked about Alejandro Garnacho, who continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea.The Portuguese said: “Nobody knows. Anything can happen. He’s improving in every department of the game, the way they recover, the understanding of the game when they defend. “I’m trying to find the best position for him, today he played a little more open, not so much inside. “We need the guys one against one but I don’t know what’s going to happen.” Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedRash decisionWow, some very, very strong quotes from Ruben Amorim on Marcus Rashford after that game – who says he would currently rather pick a goalkeeper than the forward.I must admit, I haven’t seen the clip, but these are all across social media. Asked why Rashford still isn’t involved, Amorim reportedly said: “It’s always the same reason. The training. “The way I see a footballer should do. In life. It’s every day, every detail.”If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.”You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench. “But I would put [Man Utd goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTransfers?Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim didn’t give too much away in terms of transfer news after tonight’s contest.He did urge “caution” heading into the final week of the window though with the club having made “mistakes” in the past.Asked about transfers, he said: “We have to cautious. The rules here and you know that we have to follow the rules, we have made mistakes in the past and we cannot do it now.”Copy linkCopied”Toby saved our team” – AmorimManchester Untied boss Ruben Amorim: “That feeling of winning and three points is really important for us.”You cannot see a great improvement in the team and that is a fact. But to win helps us to improve. We’ve had some lack of luck in some games. Today, was not the best match but we managed to win.”The important thing is I have a clear idea of what I want to do. Sometimes I’m frustrated. We want to play a different style and we are going to play different style in the future.”On Harry Maguire: “When we defend a little bit lower it’s really good on Harry – he doesn’t have to cover a lot of space.”On Toby Collyer’s clearance off the line: “He did it in practice one time. Toby saved our team today.”Thumbs upCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedAway daysAll three of Lisandro Martínez’s Premier League goals have come away from home (also vs Arsenal in January 2023 & Liverpool in December 2024) while he netted tonight with Manchester United’s first shot on target of the game.Copy linkCopiedBirthday boyIt’s Ruben Amorim’s 40th birthday tomorrow, but the Portuguese says he feels closer to 50 after his short stint at Manchester United.Asked about turning the big 4 0 tomorrow, he said: “It’s not 40… I’m 50! After two months at Manchester United it’s 50. It’s a privilege to spend my 40th birthday here.”Copy linkCopied”A lucky goal”Fulham manager Marco Silva speaking to TNT Sports: “Frustration really with the result in our dressing room right now.”Overall looking at the game, we should have deserved more and taken more from the game. One shot on target from Man Utd, a lucky goal deflection and all that stuff.”First half, better play from ourselves. We were the team that dominated more.”Marco Silva applaudsCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedHas that gone over?Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer, speaking to TNT Sports about the praise he received from Lisandro Martinez: “Unbelievable, coming from a World Cup winner. I couldn’t ask for anymore really.”A tough environment and that makes you better as a player and your character. I am looking to improve everyday and help the team as much as I can.”On his clearance: “I remember clearing it and thinking, ‘has that gone over?'”We did it as a team, together.”Toby Collyer clears the ball off the lineCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedPlayer ratings!”One player is simply not good enough to play for United…”Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Check out our full player ratings for tonight’s clash HERE!Copy linkCopied”It’s not normal” – AmorimManchester United manager Ruben Amorim speaking to TNT Sports about the club’s travelling supporters: “The fans deserve it.”It’s amazing. It’s not normal. I know you guys are used to this environment, but it’s not normal.”Congratulations to our fans. It’s a big privilege to work for this club and give them wins. We want to give them wins, today we did it. But we need to improve a lot and we are going to do that.”Copy linkCopied”We didn’t suffer too much today” – AmorimManchester United manager Ruben Amorim to TNT Sports: “Really important, to have this feeling away from home.”Great support from our away fans as always. Not a great game and you can feel it, no great chances, just in the end with long balls.”We tried to control the game, tried to play our game but we need to improve a lot and you can feel it. We need to hold the result, one goal and we closed the game. It’s really important to win now.”It’s really important because clearly you are closer to wining games and getting confidence. We didn’t suffer too much today and that’s a good sign. It’s not just the clean sheet, its the way we defended.”Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedLate arrivers68% of Manchester United’s Premier League goals this season have come in the second half (19/28), with only Leicester scoring a higher ratio of their goals after the break (72%).Copy linkCopied’I was lucky’ – MartinezMan Utd goalscorer Lisandro Martinez, speaking to TNT Sports: “I think I was lucky, but an important win.”I am happy with the way we won the game. It doesn’t matter who scores – the most important is the three points.”I am so happy because of this guy [Toby Collyer]. This guy is a big example for the young generation. He his working so hard everyday and he is so humble.”It means a lot. Not only to the fans, but for us because we have suffered a lot.”It is a hard win, this club the pressure is hard, but we are here. We know how difficult it is. Even a game like today we have to win and be humble after winning.”Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedNo home comfortsFulham are winless in their last five Premier League home games (D4 L1) since a 3-1 win over Brighton at the start of December. Indeed, this was just the second time they’ve failed to score on home soil in the top-flight this term (0-0 vs Southampton in December).Copy linkCopiedUp next…Marco Silva’s side face a very difficult assignment next with a trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United. After that it’s an FA Cup clash against Wigan before Premier League games against Nottingham Forest (H), Crystal Palace (H) and Wolves (A).As for Manchester United, they are in Europa League action against FCSB on Thursday, before hosting Crystal Palace in the Premier League and an FA Cup showdown with Leicester.Tough runCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedRepeat…Three of Manchester United’s last four 1-0 wins in the Premier League have come against Fulham with goals scored in the 78th minute or later.Copy linkCopiedGrind it outFormer Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports: “We can sit here and talk about lack of creativity, but I have played here and away games in the Premier League are tough assignments.”Sometimes you have to grind it out.”Copy linkCopiedHow many?I don’t want to take the shine off for Manchester United fans, and they probably couldn’t care less about this stat but…With just 13 shots, that clash saw the lowest number of shots seen in a Premier League game this season!One for the purists perhapsCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedThe standingsSo that’s how things look after another fairly bonkers weekend of Premier League football.Victory sees Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United climb into 12th position – 13 point clear of the relegation zone and 11 adrift of European qualification.Fulham remain in 10th.Credit: GOOGLECopy linkCopiedFULHAM 0-1 MAN UTDView of SunSport’s Andy Dillon from Craven CottageLisandro Martinez got the winning goal but no doubt Fulham will be angry that he was on the pitch to score it.Prior to his 78th minute deflected shot that dipped over Bernd Leno, the defender looked to have launched a two-footed tackle on Fulham sub Adama Traore.Suspect Marco Silva the Fulham boss will have plenty to say about it. Manchester United took their time waking up but have their first away win in the Premier League since mid-December.Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedFULHAM 0-1 MAN UTDFT: Manchester United take maximum points at Craven Cottage!It was by no means a classic, but a moment of good fortune for Lisandro Martinez and a fantastic goal-saving clearance from Toby Collyer means that the Red Devils take three points on the road.Copy linkCopiedFULHAM 0-1 MAN UTD94: Disallowed goal!It looks to be game, set and match Manchester United as Amad Diallo plays a beautiful back-heeled one-two with Kobbie Mainoo before firing it beyond Leno and wheeling away in celebration.VAR takes a close look and it appears that he’s a few millimetres offside. Not quite done this yet…Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopied More