Premier League

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

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

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