Premier League

LEAGUE title No.21 has never felt so far away for Manchester United.On the weekend that rivals Liverpool could match their record of 20 top flight triumphs, United looked to be slumping to another history-making defeat with their fall from grace hitting a new low.Rasmus Hojlund ended his goal drought with a last-gasp equaliserCredit: ReutersAntoine Semenyo netted the openerCredit: GettyThe winger fired in after Evanlison’s clever touch to himCredit: GettyEvanilson was shown a red card following a collision with Noussair MazraouiCredit: GettyRuben Amorim managed to salvage a point against ten menCredit: PAFollowing Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd-minute strike at Europe-chasing Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim’s men were on course for their sixteenth defeat of the campaign – a first in the Premier League era and the first time in 35 years.Fortune appears to favour the woeful, however. Evanilson’s harsh 70th-minute sending off gave the visitors the momentum as Rasmus Hojlund bundled in a 96th-minute leveller from close range.The jubilation in the away end was wild, but perhaps just for show. United’s state remains bleak, in 14th and a world away from life on Merseyside right now – a team that actually has cause to celebrate.Boss Amorim and shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in the stands at the Vitality Stadium, should be more worried about themselves.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is laughable that, in the most dire of seasons, United could still emulate Liverpool by lifting silverware this season, but boss Amorim is somehow still dreaming of just that with a Europa League semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.Not that Bilbao should be concerned. Bournemouth weren’t, and Andoni Iraola will feel his side deserved a valuable three points that would have put them in the driving seat for continental football.Instead, there is still a mountain to climb with four games left.Harry Maguire spoke pre-match of the similarities between Bilbao’s style of play and Bournemouth’s, making this the perfect European warm-up in the south coast sunshine.Most read in FootballIt is why Amorim opted to go for strength rather than security – making five changes from the Wolves defeat with big-hitters Maguire, Leny Yoro, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes back in.There was also a rare start for Luke Shaw – his first since England’s defeat in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain back in July – which would prove to be a stern test of his fitness following a series of frustrating muscular issues that have severely hampered him this term.’This is big boy stuff’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend blasts stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir after Newcastle blunderTo be protected further, Shaw was on the left of a back three with Patrick Dorgu at wing-back – a necessity now with Diogo Dalot likely ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a calf problem.For any other side, this would be a great time to head to the Vitality, the Cherries suffering a woeful run of form of just two Prem wins from their last ten to drop off the sprint finish for a top five Champions League spot.But as the saying goes, this is Manchester United. One that averages slightly above one point a game under Amorim and with just 17 away points this term, only Tottenham and the relegated bottom three accumulating less thus far.You cannot blame Amorim for living in the future when the present is so bleak.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated.This is a dead dog of a season that is being wished away week by painful week while United remain in with a shout in Europe, however fanciful and unlikely that may look right now.But as preparations go for a mammoth two-legged tie against Bilbao – currently in the La Liga top four behind the division’s three giants – this will have taught Amorim very little, but confirmed a hell of a lot he already knew.Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho had attempts at goal that kept Kepa occupied but unfazed. In the meantime, the hosts were patient, waiting for a moment to pounce on a feeble opponent.It came via some fortune. Tyler Adams left the ground and planted one of his studs into the ankle of Garnacho just outside United’s box, picking up a yellow for his troubles.In real time it looked nasty. Replays confirmed it was, one that usually ends in a dismissal, yet VAR let the American midfielder off after the briefest of checks.Andre Onana stood over the free-kick, deciding his best bet was to put his team under more pressure after a stop in play, passing sideways to Maguire and then onto Dorgu, who was dispossessed in the softest of contests.The cross in was flicked backwards by Evanilson and Semenyo gobbled up the offering with a fizzed effort past Onana.Bought for £10m and now linked with a mega-move away this summer for around £70m, the Bristol City academy graduate is a stark reminder to United in how to develop a player and make him better.United appear to be elite in doing the opposite with whoever walks through the door at Old Trafford, which is why Semenyo will be thinking more than twice if the Red Devils come calling in a few months.Amorim’s reaction to his side going behind again was muted and emotionless. Casemiro took his anger out on Evanilson by raking his studs down the chest of his compatriot.Garnacho was the brightest of a dim bunch for the visitors, beating the offside trap and nearly lobbing an onrushing Kepa but for the Spaniard’s fingertips.Another shot from the Argentinian winger was dragged wide. Half-time was hardly a welcome relief with United winning just one of their 21 Prem away games in which they have trailed at the break across the past four seasons – the last coming in December.So it made sense when Amorim’s men sleepwalked into the second half and allowed Semenyo to curl one within inches of the top corners after just 70 seconds.Dango Ouattara then smacked the post from a free-kick, but the game changed when Evanilson slipped into a sliding challenge on Noussair Mazraoui in the 68th minute.Two minutes and a VAR check and monitor review later, Peter Bankes upgraded the yellow to red – having also booked one of Iraola’s coaching staff for clashing with United’s bench.Throwing caution to the wind, finally, United looked dangerous.Read More on The SunMason Mount missed a sitter, blocked by Milos Kerkez and Fernandes smacked the side-netting.And then, Shaw’s cross was diverted by Manuel Ugarte and stabbed home by Hojlund – just his second United goal since December. More

RUSSELL MARTIN is heading for a managerial tussle between Leicester City and Rangers.Martin, 39, is the first choice at relegated Foxes, as SunSport revealed last month, and the former Southampton chief is keen.Rangers and Leicester are set to battle for Russell MartinCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy hopes to continue as Foxes bossCredit: ReutersHowever, Scottish giants Gers have also shortlisted Martin, who played for them on loan and is very interested.Martin is waiting on the call from Ibrox, where the club is about to be taken over by an American group tied in with Leeds.Until the takeover is finalised, it is difficult to make a concrete offer to a boss.Leicester are also waiting for a few weeks before committing to their own change, so it is a case of who moves first for Martin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLee Carsley has been linked with the Foxes – but the England Under-21 boss is not looking to work in the Championship.Current Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in the dark over his future.He has picked up just three wins as manager in 23 games.But he is keen to stay on, despite Sean Dyche also being tipped to join the King Power dugout.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVan Nistelrooy said of his future: “It’s necessary to find alignment.”The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”We need to be on the same page.”Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.”The club knows where I stand.”I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.”We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now.”I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building.Read More on The Sun”There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.” More

SOUTHAMPTON may be already relegated, but they gave this a fair go.The Saints were four minutes away from avoiding the lowest-ever Premier League points tally.Fulham produced second-half comeback to boost hopes of European qualificationCredit: GettyRyan Sessegnon came up with the goods in the 92nd minuteCredit: RexClub captain Jack Stephens up the Saints 1-0 upCredit: ReutersEmile Smith Rowe’s deflected strike dragged the visitors levelCredit: ReutersBut Fulham produced second-half comeback to boost hopes of European qualificationClub captain Jack Stephens headed Southampton into an early lead in the 14th minute at St Mary’s.Before Emile Smith Rowe’s deflected strike dragged the visitors level in the 72nd.And Uefa Conference League-chasing Fulham’s persistence finally paid off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRyan Sessegnon’s cracking header snatched a dramatic late winner in added time.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

CARLOS BALEBA last-gasp 30-yard rocket heaped more misery on Graham Potter who was booed at his old stomping ground.West Ham are now without a win in TWO MONTHS as Baleba won it at the death on 92 minutes to add to Kaoru Mitoma’s 89th minute equaliser.Carlos Baleba won it at the death with a rocket from distanceCredit: GettyTomas Soucek thought he had netted a late winner for West HamCredit: ReutersMohammed Kudus scored West Ham’s equaliserCredit: GettySoucek scored a diving header from Jarrod Bowen’s brilliant crossCredit: PAThe Hammers couldn’t quite believe their eyes as up to Mitoma’s leveller, they had been on the cusp of a precious win after a woeful recent run of form.Tomas Soucek found the net with an 83rd-minute diving header in front of the boisterous Hammers fans, who had been giving ex-Brighton boss Potter jip all game.They had been chanting in support of Niclas Fullkrug and his outburst after the club’s woeful loss at struggling Southampton last time out.Fans were singing “The German’s right, we’re f***ing s***e” and “get the German on the pitch” as they showed their support for Fullkrug.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe chants came after an early 12th minute wonder strike from Yasin Ayari which was then cancelled out by Mohammed Kudus on 48 minutes to give the Hammers a glimmer of hope.Ayari looks as though he will be a monster next season and he broke the deadlock with a rocket strike which melted into the top corner like a knife in butter.Alphonse Areola had no hope of stopping the screamer – which no goalkeeper in the world could stop.Brighton were at it again and a pinball machine-like series of passes fell to Matt O’Riley who drilled a low shot but it was scooped up by Areola.Most read in FootballUp the other end Bart Vebruggen leapt like a salmon to keep out a bullet header from Tomas Soucek which kissed the woodwork.Brighton looked like they had inflicted more misery on the Hammers when Simon Adingra appeared to have doubled the lead, but it turns out Mats Wieffer was offside in the build up and VAR concurred with referee Darren England’s decision.’Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’All eyes were on Niclas Fullkrug, who came on after the break for James Ward-Prowse following his fiery out-burst and subsequent ticking off from Potter in the aftermath.There was an early chance for Brighton as Adingra fizzed a ball across the face of goal, but there’s no blue and white shirts to make the crucial touch.Queue chants of “Big f***ing German, he says what he wants” aimed at the struggling Hammers players.The players took it in their stride though and Jarrod Bowen threaded the ball through a pile of Brighton defenders, to Mohammed Kudus who fired home from the edge of the six-yard box.Fabian Hurzeler was left with his head in his hands over his side’s questionable defending.Brighton were knocking on the door as a string of menacing crosses fell into the box, with Ayari nearly slotting home before he lost his footing.Local lad Hinshelwood also had a go, sending a shot dipping and curling just over the crossbar.West Ham hit back though as a pin-point delivery fell to Soucek who guided the winning header on smack bang in front of a boisterous away end.Read More on The SunBut it was all square again when Brajan Gruda headed the ball back across the face of goal and Mitoma was there in the six yard box to nod past Areola.The Seagulls were 2-1 down just moments before but a moment of magic fBaleba has put them in front as the ball soared into the top corner, giving Ayari a run for his money.Yasin Ayari opened the scoringCredit: PA More