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      Ten Hag tells senior players to ‘stand up and take responsibility’ as horror stat shows Brentford draw was new low

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      ERIK TEN HAG told his senior players to “stand up and take responsibility” after a shocking stat showcased Manchester United’s dire level in their 1-1 draw with Brentford.The Red Devils were outplayed at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday night and incredibly fortunate to come away with a point.Manchester United produced an insipid display against Brentford on Saturday nightCredit: RexErik ten Hag has urged his players to take responsibilityCredit: AlamyBrentford had a remarkable number of attempts on Manchester United’s goalAnd the numbers back up just how poor the visitors were as they conceded a remarkable 31 SHOTS.Brentford also had 85 TOUCHES in Man Utd’s penalty area, compared with just 16 in the opposing box.Ivan Toney had 15 on his own – just one fewer than the entirety of Ten Hag’s side.And the 85 touches registered by Brentford is the most recorded against Man Utd in a Premier League game since the 2008/09 season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe previous highest came in December 2019 when Manchester City hosted their local rivals at the Etihad and racked up 79 touches.Remarkably, the Red Devils have not lost either match as they ended up beating Man City 2-1 four and a half years ago.Yet the damning stats will still be a major concern for Ten Hag – whose future is constantly being called into question.And he urged his players to improve during his post-match press conference.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe top five matches in which Man Utd have conceded the most touches in their own box since the 2008/09 campaignHe said: “We didn’t deserve to win but we showed resilience all through the game.”But in points of aggression, Brentford were better. We should show more passion and desire in many moments in the game. But when you are winning you should bring it over the line.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window”You can never compare such levels and performances [to Liverpool] but also when you don’t play well you still have to win – we did it almost. That is my big disappointment that we didn’t bring it over the line.”We didn’t play well but there was spirit, there was fight, but not enough. It was enough to get the goal, 1-0, and before that we had a big chance for Rasmus Hojlund.”We have many senior players we should all stand up and we also take responsibility for this.”The Brentford draw leaves Man Utd eight points behind fifth-place Tottenham and 11 adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa with just nine games remaining.The dropped points puts a huge dent in Ten Hag’s hopes of Champions League qualification.But they are still in the FA Cup with a semi-final against Coventry on April 21.Man Utd’s next five games in all competitions More

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      Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd performances described as ‘heartbreaking’ by Jamie Redknapp who ‘wants to see more’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S performances are “heartbreaking” to watch, says ex-Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp.The Red Devils forward, 26, was hauled off in the 80th minute of his side’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday night following a disappointing display.Marcus Rashford was disappointing in Manchester United’s draw with BrentfordCredit: GettyJamie Redknapp was damning in his assessment of the England forwardCredit: X/SkySportsPLRashford has just nine goal contributions in the Premier League this seasonHe has been criticised for his form throughout this season, contributing just eight goals and six assists in 36 appearances.And Redknapp, 50, admitted he finds it sad to see Rashford struggling like he is.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “That performance was so tepid and without any spark.”In the front part of the pitch, Hojlund was working off scraps all of the time.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Marcus Rashford is a player with so much talent, god-given talent, he’s got everything, he’s got an incredible physique, he can run, he can dribble, he can shoot, he scored 30 goals last year.”I look at a player right now – I think he’s on eight goals, seven in the Premier League, one in the FA Cup – he just looks like he’s not enjoying his football.”For me it’s quite heartbreaking because he’s got so much talent. I just want to see more.”Dion Dublin then added: “You want to see him smile. Marcus Rashford is possibly the best player they have in regards to natural talent. He can do things when he wants to do things.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford posed some disappointing stats in the Brentford drawRashford failed to make an impact despite having 53 touches in the match”I just want Marcus Rashford to be enjoying his football again. I don’t know what’s going on away from football with Marcus, but when I see him on the pitch I don’t see him smile enough.”I want to see him enjoying his football again because if I see that then he’ll be tearing it up, scoring goals, and he’ll be the best down the left-hand side in the world – which he can be.”Erik ten Hag speaks out after Man Utd held to 1-1 draw at BrentfordRashford was replaced by Mason Mount against Brentford, before the ex-Chelsea man went on to score what looked to be a stoppage-time winner.But Thomas Frank’s men then came roaring back as Kristoffer Ajer salvaged a point with a 99th-minute equaliser.The result leaves Man Utd eight points behind fifth-place Tottenham and 11 adrift of Aston Villa in fourth with just nine games remaining.The dropped points puts a huge dent in Erik ten Hag’s hopes of Champions League qualification.But they are still in the FA Cup with a semi-final against Coventry on April 21. More

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      Out-of-favour Man Utd midfielder ‘will be allowed to leave club this summer’ weeks after telling Ten Hag he is unhappy

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will allow a key player to leave this summer after he told manager Erik ten Hag he’s “unhappy” at Old Trafford.United are looking to turn the page come June during new part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first summer transfer window in charge with a special emphasis on young talent.Eriksen has raised frustration with his lack of minutes to Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyManchester United will allow Christian Eriksen to leave this summerCredit: EPAEriksen told Ten Hag he is ‘unhappy’ with his role at Man UtdAnd the Red Devils seem set to build their midfield around rising star Kobbie Mainoo, who is in talks over a new long-term contract following a breakout season under Ten Hag.That could see some other notable figures making way for a new generation of talent.Christian Eriksen could be among them after falling down the pecking order.According to The Mirror, Eriksen, 32, will be allowed to leave the Manchester giants come June.Read More on Man UtdThe playmaker has previously raised frustrations over his lack of game time during private talks with Ten Hag.And United are open to selling the Denmark international as he approaches the final year of his deal.Galatasaray have already shown interest in the ex-Tottenham star, who won’t be short of suitors at the end of the season.The Dane also enjoyed a stunning six-month spell with Brentford two years ago after his stunning return to action following his shocking cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.Most read in FootballEriksen previously said: “I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night.”The team is performing, and I must respect the role I have alongside. For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window”I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.”He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team.”Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. “Naturally, you don’t want to always sit on the bench. I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now. “Often when you change teams and win, you don’t change the winning team, and I respect that.” More

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      Premier League title race has been harmed by international friendlies… there was no point in two England games

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      TEN games to go with the top three separated by a point — it really is the title that’s impossible to call.But for me there’s an even bigger head scratcher than picking a Premier League winner out of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.Harry Redknapp has slammed the March international breakCredit: GettyEngland lost to Brazil and drew to Belgium as domestic football took a two-week pauseCredit: GettyIt’s working out why there was a need to play two international friendlies at this stage of the season.Try as I might, I’m sorry, I just can’t see it.I know it wasn’t only England and the Euros are around the corner but one fixture would have been enough.Keep the players together for the same time, for sure, but two games? When they talk of hectic schedules, player welfare and all that? I’m not having it.Don’t agree? Well just ask Pep Guardiola what he thinks, with Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.This could go down as the international break that decided the title.Kyle Walker and John Stones were injured with England, while Manuel Akanji got a knock playing for Switzerland.Akanji has since been given the all clear but, at one point, Guardiola must have thought he could be losing three of the back four who started against Liverpool three weeks ago, in a game that could have a massive impact on the title.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhen it’s as close as this year, the smallest thing can make a huge difference.If Pep had any need for a comb, he’d be tearing his hair out.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024My days as a manager may be over but I still remember the feeling in your stomach when you hear one of your players has been injured.There’s never a good time for that to happen but at this stage it means you could be without a key man at the most crucial time of all.And the thing is, I’m not having it that Gareth Southgate didn’t already know his squad — probably his team in fact — before the second game.He wouldn’t think ‘so and so did well against Belgium, so he’s in’. Yes, young Kobbie Mainoo has put himself right in the frame now, and would be in my squad, for sure.But Gareth could have seen enough against Brazil. That would have told him the kid had the ability and temperament to handle it at the top level.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta won’t admit it but I’m sure he’ll be delighted Stones and particularly Walker are missing.It always makes me laugh when people say how they want to play against the best. I heard someone do that when City star Erling Haaland had a knock this season.Well that is absolute rubbish. You don’t wish a bad injury on anyone but as a manager you think ‘if a couple of their big names are out, we’ll have a right chance’. There were plenty of times over the years when I thought the same.We all do it. You tell me anyone involved with Arsenal won’t be glad if Pep’s missing two regulars.They finally ended a horrible run against City by beating them back in October, and I can’t see them losing on Sunday either.Another Sunday, another draw . . . it’s getting to be a habit! But while a point at the Etihad is never a bad thing, that would do the Reds a right favour, because I think they’ll beat Brighton and end the weekend on top. Looking at the respective run-ins, I’d just about favour them.The other two face tough Champions League games as well, while City also have an FA Cup semi-final.I know Liverpool are in Europe too but there’s no Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in their way.It will still be nip and tuck but they’re my new fancy for the title . . . this week at least!Be Grand to have a National day outHarry Redknapp enjoyed success at this year’s Cheltenham FestivalCredit: PAIT was a dream come true when my horse Shakem Up’Arry was a winner at Cheltenham, so maybe it’s too much to hope for another.But that won’t stop me!When the Grand National weights came out, Shakem Up looked too far down the handicap. But after the latest declarations, it looks like he could sneak in.Last year was my first visit to Aintree, and what a fantastic atmosphere.I’d love to go back with a runner which has a serious chance — and he certainly would.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf ’Arry doesn’t make the big one then he will probably go for the Topham over the National fences on the Friday.I’ll have a chat with trainer Ben Pauling and we’ll see how things pan out but you never know . . . I might be a double winner in a fortnight! More

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      Sorry Man Utd have FOUR out of top 10 players whose transfer values have dropped the most worldwide since summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have four players in the worldwide top 10 list of stars whose transfer value has dropped the most.United are currently sixth in the Premier League table having had a disappointing season under Erik ten Hag.Man Utd have four out of the top 10 players whose transfer values have dropped the most since the summerCredit: APThanks to their dramatic late 4-3 win to Liverpool earlier this month United are in the FA Cup semi-final.But they face missing out on the Champions League if they do not finish fifth or higher.And while youngsters Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund have been on terrific form this season, there have been a number of stars in Ten Hag’s squad who have struggled.Transfermarkt has recorded the transfer values of players from across world football since July 1 2023 until the present day.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd winger Antony has seen his value drop the most in the world with a total of £27million wiped off his £51million valuation after his inconsistent form this term.Meanwhile in fifth place is Marcus Rashford who recently signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford, as his value dropped £17m to £51m.Then in seventh is summer signing Mason Mount who recently returned after being injured for the majority of the campaign, meaning his value decreased by £17m to £34m.And the final Red Devil who has made the unwanted list in tenth spot is outcast Jadon Sancho.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe is on loan at his former side Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season.The first half of the term saw Sancho struggle for game time due to a public spat with boss Ten Hag over claims he wasn’t training well enough.Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itNow the Englishman’s transfer value has dipped 44 per cent, from £34m to £17m.Other Premier League stars to make it into the rankings include Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was second at a 53 per cent loss to £17m.And Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana is also there after an injury-plagued season. His price tag has been slashed 41 per cent to £19m.Barcelona also saw three of their players in the top 10, Pedri in fourth, Joao Cancelo in eighth and Joao Felix in ninth.Antony has seen his value drop the most with £27m wiped of his £51m valuationCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was fifth with his value dropping £17m to £51mCredit: GettyMason Mount was seventh after his value decreased by £17m to £34m in totalCredit: GettyJadon Sancho’s transfer value has dipped 44 per cent to £17mCredit: AP More

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      Jamie Redknapp slams Man Utd’s woeful performance against Brentford and blasts that’s what ‘gets the manager the sack’

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      JAMIE REDKNAPP says Manchester United put together the kind of performance that “gets the manager the sack” at Brentford.United picked up a woeful 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium after Kristoffer Ajer’s late equaliser cancelled out Mason Mount’s injury-time opener – his first ever goal for the club.Jamie Redknapp hit out at Manchester United’s display against BrentfordCredit: X/SkySportsPLErik ten Hag’s side were unrecognisable from the team that beat LiverpoolCredit: GettyRedknapp believes Man Utd made Brentford look like Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Red Devils struggled throughout the Premier League encounter and were lucky to pick up a point in a match that saw the Bees dominating.And Redknapp didn’t hold back on his damning assessment as he was left baffled with under-fire manager Erik ten Hag’s tactics.The Liverpool legend insisted the Manchester giants’ stars didn’t play for Ten Hag.And the pundit suggested the performance was so woeful it could lead to the Dutchman’s removal from the dugout in June as United found themselves farther away from the top four.Read More on Man UtdRedknapp told Sky Sports: “I’ve watched Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. I don’t know what their way of playing is.”I don’t know whether they play out from the back. They tried to do at times and they pass the ball to the keeper and he lumps it up the pitch. Do they do that for effect?”I know they haven’t necessarily had all the back four that they would like and if you’ve got [Lisandro] Martinez and [Raphael] Varane, it helps you build.”But I don’t know what the Man United way of playing is. They had so many opportunities today, Brentford, they were just better in every single department.Most read in Football”And there’s lots of talk about the manager. Will he still be here next year?”I think the way that the players are playing right now and that kind of performance, they’re going to decide because they’re the sort of performances that get the manager the sack, because there was a lack of effort.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window”And if they really liked this manager, if they want to play for him, they will do that. “I saw so many players just walking around, strolling around and not looking like they care. And they play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”And that for me, it shouldn’t really ever happen. There’s too many of them.”Redknapp pulled no punches on his scathing feedback as he also claimed United – who had beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup in their last game before the international break – were so poor they made Brentford “look like Real Madrid”.The 50-year-old added that the “lack of desire” made it look like the visitors were playing with “nine men”.Redknapp added: “They gave up so much possession. There was a lack of energy with the ball, without the ball. They just made Brentford look like Real Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s what I felt like I was watching. That shouldn’t have been the case. The way that Manchester United were was just so off it. “The lack of desire to go win individual battles. It was too easy for them. It was almost as if Man United had nine men.” More

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      I was an Arsenal youth star but struggled to get first team football – I left and became a Man City cult hero

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      PAUL DICKOV is the type of cult hero Manchester City hoped they would never need.Because he’s the ex-Arsenal youth who saved City from remaining in the THIRD TIER during their darkest, daftest days of the 1990s – with a stoppage-time Wembley goal.Paul Dickov helped Man City climb back from the the third tier to the PremCredit: GettyThe frontman was just a bit-part player at first club ArsenalCredit: RexAnd even Dickov wonders if Sheikh Mansour’s transformational takeover of the club in 2008 would still have happened had he not scored his stunner nine years earlier.The Scot completed City’s late comeback from 2-0 down in the old Division Two play-off final with a 95th-minute strike past Gillingham keeper Vince Bartram – who had been the BEST MAN at his wedding!Joe Royle’s men went on to win 3-2 on penalties – earning an instant return to what was then Division One and is now the Championship.That memorable day in May 1999 came midway through Dickov’s six years at City – the same length of time he spent at first club Arsenal.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut he never came close to a regular Premier League spot with the Gunners.And following loan spells at Luton and Brighton he left Arsenal for City in August 1996 – two months before Arsene Wenger arrived for his golden 22-year reign in North London.Dickov was signed by 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball but played under FIVE bosses in his first year at the old Maine Road stadium.The situation got so crazy that at one time City had 56 players – only settling down once Royle took charge in February 1998 and nearly kept them in the second flight.Most read in FootballHe did take them back to that level the following season, however – aided by Dickov’s Wembley glory – and they returned to the Prem in the striker’s final campaign at the club.The 5ft 5ins star went on to play for Leicester and Blackburn before returning to City from 2006-2008 – albeit now at the Etihad.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceTemporary stints with Crystal Palace and Blackpool followed before a second two-year spell with the Foxes.But although Dickov’s gritty style made him popular almost everywhere he went, it’s at City where he has a unique standing – as the little man who helped make them big again.In fact, the 10-cap Scotland ace believes his dramatic play-off intervention has only grown in importance now that current manager Pep Guardiola has cemented the club’s rise to the very top.Dickov told The Guardian in 2019: “If anything it’s been magnified more by the success. “Maybe 10 years ago fans would stop in the street, thank us for the goal in the game and that would be it. “Now, the club are dominating football and with the football that they are playing it makes it more iconic and nicer for the fans to think that 20 years ago we were there, 20 years later we’re winning Premier Leagues and breaking all sort of records.“I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t have won. If you believe what people were saying, the club would have really struggled.”And of inflicting anguish on the pitch on his best man, Dickov added:  “There is nothing better than getting one over your mate or reminding him of it a few years later.” More

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      Kalvin Phillips set to be offered transfer escape after West Ham hell as he’s wanted by former club in emotional return

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      LEEDS UNITED are plotting to take Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road — if they clinch an immediate top-flight return.Phillips spent 12 years at his hometown club before a £42million switch to Manchester City in 2022.After limited action at Man City, Kalvin Phillips is struggling on loan at West HamCredit: AFPHammers’ midfielder Lucas Paqueta is wanted by CityCredit: RexYet his dream move became a nightmare — spending 18 months on the bench and sliding out of the England reckoning.He was eventually loaned to West Ham in January.Now Leeds want to offer the 28-year-old a chance to rebuild his career and reckon City would do business for around £30m to get him off the books.The champions’ interest in Hammers midfielder Lucas Paqueta is a potential stumbling block, as they would like to use Phillips as a makeweight in the summer.READ MORE TOP STORIESCity boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Brazilian — who has an £85m release clause — and would like to offset a chunk of the asking price against his midfield misfit.But that increasingly looks like wishful thinking on City’s part, as Phillips’ time in London has been another disaster.He has made only three starts, beginning with a debut clanger that cost a goal and followed by a red card in the next one.At the Etihad he kicked off just six games — and was labelled overweight by Guardiola when he returned from the 2022 World Cup.Most read in FootballPhillips kept his England place in the squad for the Euro qualifiers.But he is now so far out of the picture, there is no chance of him making the finals this summer.Man Utd fans brutally troll Kalvin Phillips with X-rated chant as he warms up – but City rival has perfect response More