Premier League

PAUL SCHOLES has given a brutal verdict on Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United under the new INEOS ownership.The Red Devils fell to a dismal 3-1 defeat against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.Paul Scholes gave a brutal verdict on Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyTen Hag’s side faced a dismal 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday afternoonCredit: RexSir Dave Brailsford, who is INEOS’ director of sport, watched on in the stands after Marcus Rashford’s first-half strike was cancelled out by two goals from Phil Foden and another from Erling Haaland.While the start of the game looked very promising for Ten Hag’s men, it was clear his squad had no depth or posed no threat to City with just one shot on target the whole match.After full-time United legend Scholes was not impressed and said the team was “nowhere near good enough to be competing”.He told Optus Sport: “What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Every single season it’s just so far away.””I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.”From the interviews we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on.“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Dutch boss had a great start at the club and ended United’s trophy drought of six years with the Carabao Cup – but not much more has happened since.And Scholes who spent nearly two decades at Old Trafford said he feels “a little bit sorry” for Ten Hag.Man City 3 Man Utd 1: Brilliant Foden double completes comeback from Rashford thunderbolt to pile more misery on Ten HagHe continued: “With new owners anyway they always tend to change the manager and especially with the way they’re playing.”Where there are in the league and what it’s been like in the last couple of seasons, I just think they’ll make a change.”Scholes’ former England teammate Michael Owen also chipped in on his thoughts about Ten Hag’s future.Owen said: “I think they should make a change. Scholesy thinks they will make a change but doesn’t know if they should – I think they should.“It’s not all the manager’s fault but his signings have been pretty average. I still watch Manchester United and I have no idea what they want to do at all.“That has to come from the top, from the manager, having a certain way of playing, even if you have to go through a period of pain.“Manchester United have had a lot of pain, they can probably take a little bit more to have a direction but I don’t see what that direction is.”Michael Owen says United ‘should make a change’ with their managerCredit: PA More

FORMER Blackburn defender Martin Olsson was sent off after shockingly PUNCHING an opposition player in the face with a violent left hook.The ex-Norwich and Swansea left-back, 35, stormed into the middle of a brawl in a cup match in Sweden. Former Blackburn man Martin Olsson was sent off for a shocking punchCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe violent act occurred amid a melee between Malmo and Varbergs BoIS playersCredit: RedditVarbergs BoIS forward Yusuf Abdulazeez was dismissed for headbutting one of Olsson’s Malmo team-mates.The incident, which occurred in the 87th minute of a 1-1 draw, led to a host of players from both sides furiously squaring up to each other as tempers boiled over.And this ended with a horrific moment as Olsson left one of the Varbergs players in a heap on the floor with a sickening punch.Despite the chaotic situation proving difficult for the referee to handle, he did instantly spot the Swede’s violent act and sent him packing by showing another red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to Olsson’s astonishing act, one person said: “That’s crazy.”Another added: “Literal assault. Should be reported to the police.”A third replied: “That’s gotta be a solid suspension, feels like 4-5 games might be in order.”While a fourth responded: “First I thought you’re calling that little headbutt a boxing KO… but then out of nowhere, a full blown left hook!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOlsson played 197 games in the Premier League across spells with Blackburn, Norwich and Swansea, scoring five goals and assisting 13.He also helped Norwich return to the top flight when they beat Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final in 2015.Shock moment referee is PUNCHED by player after abandoning Scottish football match after three red cardsAfter three seasons with Swansea, he returned to his home country in 2020, signing for Helsingborg.He joined Hacken in 2021, before agreeing a deal with Malmo later in the year – where he has gone on to win two league titles and the Svenksa Cupen – Sweden’s biggest cup competition.He has also racked up 56 international caps, the last of which came in June of last year. More

IVAN TONEY was almost speechless as he provided a stunned reaction to an awkward question at the Brit Awards.Brentford’s star player joined DJ Vick Hope to present an award at last night’s glitzy ceremony.Ivan Toney was left stunned after being asked an awkward question by Vick HopeCredit: GettyThe DJ and the Brentford star presented a gong together at the Brit AwardsCredit: PAMusic stars far and wide were given accolades at the O2 Arena in London.Toney presented the Producer of the Year gong to Chase & Status – just hours after featuring in Brentford’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.But it was the pre-award banter between the striker and Hope that left the audience and millions watching on TV open-mouthed.As the pair engaged the crowd, cheeky DJ Hope made a reference to Toney’s eight-month ban for betting offences.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe teased: “We are so pleased to be presenting the award for Producer of the Year.“Ivan, any bets on who it could be?”This provoked a stunned reaction from Toney, who smiled as he answered.The England Euro hopeful said: “Damn, too soon, too soon.”Most read in FootballFans at home had mixed reactions to the joke.One said: “Terrible gag by the script writers.”Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerCredit: GettyAnother noted: “Belter this…”But one person declared: “It’s just a bit of banter.”Since returning from his ban, Toney has scored four goals in seven games for Brentford.He hit an incredible 20 goals in the Premier League last term.And Toney is dreaming of making England’s squad for the Euros this summer.It could also be the time when he finally leaves Brentford, with Toney out of contract in 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal and Chelsea are thought to be interested.But Brentford could demand a large fee, having previously asked for an eye-watering £100million. More