Premier League

CHELSEA are set to be forced into a makeshift starting XI when they take on Wolves tonight, with star man Cole Palmer set to miss out through injury.The Blues have been hit by a wave of injuries going into the crunch Premier League clash.Cole Palmer looks set to miss Chelsea’s clash with Wolves tonightCredit: RexTrevoh Chalobah is in line for an immediate startCredit: GettyAnd Enzo Maresca is likely to be without Palmer, who was injured in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and missed training on Friday.However, Maresca looks set to hand an immediate start to Trevoh Chalobah, who is in line for his first Chelsea appearance in 246 days.The versatile defender was brought back from Crystal Palace this month after the Blues were hit by a raft of absences.Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are all sidelined with issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable as he awaits the B-sample of his failed drugs test.Now, Chelsea face an even bigger crisis with FOUR more stars now major doubts for tonight.Talisman Palmer, centre-back Levi Colwill, midfielder Romeo Lavia and vice-captain Enzo Fernandez all look set to miss out this evening.It means the Blues are set to be left seriously short on numbers, especially in midfield.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd that could force boss Maresca to put Chalobah further forward alongside Moises Caicedo against a potent Wolves attack.Matheus Cunha alone has 10 goals and four assists in the league this season.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starIt means Maresca is unlikely to want both Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku starting in the middle, as they did nine days ago in the FA Cup against minnows Morecambe.And Chalobah’s presence would shore up midfield while allowing Caicedo to push on further forward.Should Maresca plump for that option, it may also see Josh Acheampong hold down his spot in the XI alongside Tosin Adarabioyo.Spanish duo Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez are both nailed-on to start.While Reece James could yet muscle his way in at right-back ahead of Malo Gusto.Further up the pitch, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho could play either side of Felix, in for Palmer as the Blues’ No10.And Nicolas Jackson is sure to keep his spot at striker ahead of Nkunku, who has been strongly linked with a move away. More

JUST what is it about Manchester United legends and management?Ruud van Nistelrooy’s struggle at Leicester is an all-too-familiar story when it comes to players who had stellar careers at Old Trafford but found it a difficult transitioning to the dugout.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s struggle at Leicester is an all-too-familiar storyCredit: RexLeicester have suffered seven straight defeats in the PremCredit: PAWayne Rooney, Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are among those who have all tried — and so far failed — to make that jump over the past two decades.None of them are currently in management.Ex-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this month ended a three-year spell without a job when he became gaffer at Besiktas in Turkey.On paper, it really should not be happening.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAll of these players learnt from one of the most successful managers in the game, Sir Alex Ferguson.But it often does not translate when they look to build their own careers in the game, post-playing days.So what of Van Nistelrooy? He now finds himself heading down the same route, although he desperately wants to buck the trend of former Red Devils stars.RVN, only in the job for seven weeks, was on the end of criticism from the stands on Saturday — and will take a lot to come back from that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen the Dutchman arrived he was welcomed by fans after Steve Cooper’s spell came to an abrupt end.But the chants of “Rooood” have turned into “you don’t know what you’re doing”.Can you imagine how lucky I was-‘ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tributeThe jeers that accompanied the manager’s decision to take off Bilal El Khannouss — a 20-year-old Morocco international — just after the hour were impossible for him to ignore.One thing we do know about King Power Stadium fans is that if they do not like what they see, they will not hesitate to let you know about it.Until now, Van Nistelrooy has seen director of football Jon Rudkin take the flak. Cries of “sack the board” could be heard again on Saturday.But now, he is also feeling the heat from supporters who have seen their team win a Premier League title and the FA Cup over the past nine years.Ruud’s response of, “at this moment, I don’t have the answers for that” when asked why the team are so far off it right now, will not inspire confidence, nor will his refusal to explain the controversial substitution.Van Nistelrooy’s side are second from bottom having won just three games this seasonCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy, 48, now faces the most important two weeks of his short spell at Leicester.He needs players in the January window who can somehow turn the Foxes’ season around. Full-back Woyo Coulibaly, the midweek arrival from Parma, could not play as his paperwork had not been completed in time.Van Nistelrooy says he has the board’s support this month and, when asked how many players he could sign, he said: “As many as we can.”But Leicester need someone who can stick the ball in the back of the net because if Jamie Vardy is off-form, there is nobody else to step up.A run of seven straight defeats is Leicester’s worst top-flight sequence in 24 years and they have not scored at home for their last four league games.Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson have made a foray into management, however most ended up flopping.As RvN edges closer to joining an unwanted list of United legends who can’t do it in the dugout, SunSport runs the rule over the careers of 14 big former Old Trafford names.Steve BruceFormer United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman gaffer, having managed 12 clubs with a 35.7 per cent win rate.Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.Bruce, who now manages League One side Blackpool, spends around two years at clubs on average and was abused by Newcastle fans before he was axed in 2021.VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIMEBruce is now somewhat of a journeyman gaffer, having managed 11 clubsCredit: RexBryan RobsonRobson, who was in the crowd at Old Trafford for Denis Law’s tribute on Sunday, hasn’t managed a team since 2011.He had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.VERDICT: FLOPBryan Robson managed between 1994 and 2011Credit: GettyMark HughesHughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.A falling out at Fulham and sackings at QPR, Stoke, Southampton and Bradford then followed. Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.VERDICT: BLACKBURN ROLE SAVES HIM Mark Hughes was sacked by Bradford last yearCredit: AlamyGary NevilleHaunted Neville often gets stick for his awful and short-lived tenure with LaLiga side Valencia, where he lasted just 28 games in 2015.The former right-back’s record of 10 wins in 28 games saw him earn a 35.7 per cent win rate. He’s never managed since.The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.Neville said in 2019: “I never should have said yes to the job. I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.”VERDICT: FLOP Gary Neville is haunted by his time with ValenciaCredit: Getty – ContributorRoy KeaneAs a fierce leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material and things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland when they were promoted to the Prem.However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.VERDICT: FLOPFormer United captain Roy Keane appeared to be management materialCredit: SportsfilePhil Neville Neville led England’s Lionesses to glory in the SheBelievesCup in 2018 but finished a disappointing fourth in the World Cup a year later.After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami. But was sacked in June 2023 with the club rock bottom of the MLS.Neville joined MLS side Portland Timbers shortly after and guided them to a final series play-off.His hiring was criticised by fans due to past controversial tweets about women on social media.VERDICT: FLOP Phil Neville led England’s lionesses to glory in the SheBelievesCup in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyMark RobinsRobins was the EFL’s longest serving manager before he was brutally sacked by Coventry City in November 2024. He now manages Stoke.He oversaw the resurrection of Coventry from the depths of League Two, to the champions of League One in 2020.Robins was even on the cusp of bringing the West Midlands club to the Premier League when they lost the Championship play-off final on penalties to Luton in 2023.He memorably led them to the FA Cup semi-final last season, where they were unlucky to marginally lose out on pens to Man Utd after climbing back from 3-0 down in the second half.VERDICT: SUCCESSRobins was the EFL’s longest serving manager before he was brutally sacked by Coventry City in November 2024Credit: PAWayne RooneyManchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney was sacked by Plymouth Argyle on New Years Eve after five months in charge. Wazza has been axed by all four clubs he’s managed: Derby, D.C United, Birmingham City and Plymouth. The former striker has a 26 per cent win percentage – which accounts for 46 victories in 177 games.VERDICT: FLOPRooney was sacked by Plymouth Argyle on New Years Eve after five months in chargeCredit: RexPaul ScholesScholes’ first taste of being boss was as caretaker manager at Salford City, a club he now co-owns with most of the Class of 92.The legendary midfielder then spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.He was re-appointed as interim head coach of Salford for a month, following the departure of Graham Alexander.VERDICT: NEVER REALLY GOT STARTEDPaul Scholes twice took caretaker charge of SalfordCredit: Getty Images – GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer Solskjaer has finally got a managerial job after spending FOUR YEARS away from the game following his Man Utd axe in 2021.But now Super Lig side Besiktas have confirmed a shock new job for the former Molde and Cardiff chief.The former Red Devils super-sub striker helped guide United to a second-place finish in the Premier League and reached a Europa League final during his near-three-year reign.VERDICT: A FLOP ON THESE SHORESSolskjaer joined Super Lig side BesiktasRyan GiggsIn 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.Following a stint as Louis van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.But Giggs, who oversaw 24 games, was forced to take gardening leave in 2020 before stepping down amid investigations into domestic and coercive behaviour of an ex-girlfriend. The charges against him, which he denied, were dropped in 2023.VERDICT: NEVER REALLY GOT STARTEDRyan Giggs managed Wales between 2018-2020Credit: ReutersPaul InceIn the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting MK Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet before later managing Notts County.Ince left his first role at Blackpool in 2014, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.But returned to the dugout EIGHT YEARS later to lead Reading for just over a year in the Championship.Ince’s managerial win rate was 39.2 per cent before Reading sacked him with the club sitting 22nd in April 2023.VERDICT: FLOPPaul Ince did a stellar job in the lower leaguesCredit: PAJaap StamStam said he’d happily join Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff at United last month.The 52-year-old is currently in charge of amateur team DOS Kampen, in the Dutch sixth tier.He was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati in 2021 having won four of just 25 games.Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.VERDICT: FLOPStam is currently in charge of amateur team DOS Kampen, in the Dutch sixth tierCredit: PA:Empics SportMichael CarrickCarrick remained at Carrington after retirement, having been handed a position on Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff, alongside Kieran McKenna.The ex-midfielder took caretaker charge after the Special One’s sacking in December 2018.He also stepped in for three games after Solskjaer’s dismissal, overseeing wins over Arsenal and Villarreal and a draw with Chelsea.Carrick, 43, walked away from United after Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment and was appointed by Championship club Middlesbrough.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe won 16 of his first 23 Boro games as the club climbed from 21st to a play-off semi-final against Coventry. He signed a new three-year contract in June 2024. VERDICT: SUCCESS IN EARLY STAGE OF HIS CAREERMichael Carrick manages Championship side MiddlesbroughCredit: Rex More

RUBEN AMORIM reckons this could be the worst team in Manchester United’s history.The Portuguese, 39, pulled no punches after the Red Devils’ 3-1 home defeat to Brighton.Ruben Amorim has failed to reserve Man Utd’s awful formCredit: GettyThe Red Devils have fallen to 13th in the Prem tableCredit: ReutersFollowing the loss, United’s sixth in 12 Prem home games this season, Amorim said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.”These comments come barely two weeks after Amorim admitted that relegation this season is a “possibility”.So yes, things look pretty bleak for United fans – but fear not! Here are seven reasons to remain positive, as cobbled together by SunSport.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAMAD DIALLOThe Ivorian winger has unquestionably been United’s brightest spark this season.His performances since Amorim’s arrival have made it seem frankly laughable that he wasn’t a nailed-on starter under Erik ten Hag.Goals against Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as Thursday night’s hat-trick vs Southampton, act as clear evidence that the 22-year-old could become a special, special player for United.Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United this seasonCredit: RexOLD TRAFFORD’S NEW FUTUREOkay, so Old Trafford has clearly seen better days. It’s dated, it’s rusting, it has plumbing problems and fans keep spotting mice and rats hanging about.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYOld Trafford embarrassingly became home to one of England’s highest waterfalls when the roof leaked last seasonCredit: RexBut worry not, changes are around the corner! A Task Force set up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe has “completed its initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium” – brill!A decision on whether to give Old Trafford a significant face lift, or to build a new £2bn 100,000-seater stadium, is expected to be reached by the summer.Manchester United squad transfer verdict: stay or go? articleCHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES (YES, REALLY)Man Utd are 13th in the Prem table – 12th points behind rivals City in fourth.But the bookies reckon they have a great chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.That’s because incredibly, the Red Devils are joint-favourites to win the Europa League… alongside Tottenham, who are even lower in the Premier League at 15th.Man Utd are joint-favourites to win the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyBIG TIME CHARLIESMan Utd have failed to beat Ipswich, Wolves, West Ham, Crystal Palace and the aforementioned Spurs this season.But they have performed better against some of the bigger teams, which may bode well for big Europa League tests to come.The Red Devils recently dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup at the Emirates, grabbed a very useful point against Liverpool at Anfield and beat Manchester City with two last gasp strikes at the Etihad.Man Utd celebrate winning at the Etihad last monthCredit: AFPRIGHTING WRONGSThe Red Devils have forked out astonishing sums of money in recent years; from handing Marcus Rashford a £325,000-a-week contract, to inexplicably spending £85.5million on Antony.Under their new Ineos overlords, however, the one accusation you can’t level at United is that they haven’t tried to tighten their purse-strings, often to the ire of their fans.With Antony reportedly nearing a loan exit, and Rashford potentially on his way, however, similar mistakes may be eradicated in future.Antony could be set to leave Old Trafford on loanCredit: RexSTICKING TO THE PLAN”Nobody panics if things are going according to plan, even if the plan is horrifying,” said The Joker in one of the most memorable Batman quotes.And Man Utd fans who panicked under the previous regime may be encouraged to hear the clarity with which Ruben Amorim said his team will stick to his style of play no matter how much the players “suffer”.That’s a stark contrast to Erik ten Hag, who didn’t take long to admit that the Red Devils flops could never play the style which earned him a glowing reputation at Ajax.Ruben Amorim believes he has a clear plan to rejuvenate Man UtdCredit: PAAGENT RUUDLast… and let’s face it, probably least, is the job that club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is doing at Leicester, since being appointed there following his stint as Man Utd caretaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim admitted that relegation is a “possibility” for his side earlier this month.But with Leicester having lost seven games in a row under Van Nistelrooy, United being dragged into a dogfight looks unlikely!Ruud van Nistelrooy is having a nightmarish stint in charge of LeicesterCredit: PA More