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      I scored the winning goal when Arsenal last lost a league game at home to Southampton, now I’m a tiler at 65

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      SOUTHAMPTON have failed to win in their last 28 league games at Arsenal – stretching back 37 years.Former Saints midfielder Glenn Cockerill reflects on that last win in North London and his next visit to Highbury the following year with Saints, when he suffered a broken jaw in a 2-2 draw.Glenn Cockerill was part of the Southampton team that last won a league game at ArsenalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCockerill scored the winning goal for Southampton against Arsenal 37 years agoCockerill is now a tiler but still works with SouthamptonThe former midfielder works as a tiler and, at 65, says he hopes to retire next year. He is still involved in football with Saints and his tireless charity work — including a legends match which takes place next weekend. His son Brody is part of the Bromley academy.WITH just over 10 minutes left, Colin Clarke nodded on a long free-kick into the Arsenal area and lightning-quick Danny Wallace prodded the ball home.If you would have told me then, as we walked off the pitch at Highbury, that a Saints side would not have won at Arsenal in the league before I was 65, I’d have thought you were having a laugh.Read More on FootballI actually thought my old team were going to win at the Emirates in 2023 when they were 2-0 up and then 3-1 ahead with two minutes remaining, but the Gunners pegged them back to 3-3.It’s hard to comprehend that it was 37 years ago when we last won there — and even more crazy that there is a whole new generation that don’t even remember Arsenal’s old Highbury ground.It was one of the grandest stadiums to play in, with a huge marble entrance. As a player it was always one of those away games I really looked forward to.But you knew as an opponent going to Highbury (or the Emirates as it is now) that it was always one of the most difficult places to get anything from the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt the time of this match, George Graham’s side were top of the table but, under manager Chris Nicholl, we were a very underrated side.During my eight wonderful years as a Southampton player, six of them were spent playing alongside Jimmy Case in midfield.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGWe formed a great understanding on the pitch and a lifelong friendship off it. I never stopped learning from him and we’d always cover for each other during games.But what a player he was! It angers and frustrates me when I see so many players with half his talent playing for England when I look and see he never won a Three Lions cap.Here was a guy who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool.Jimmy had one of the hardest shots in the game, could unlock defences with sublime passes with either foot and could play all over the pitch. And he was as hard as nails as an opponent.We should have won in our next game at Highbury the following season when we were leading 2-0 before my jaw was broken. The game ended up 2-2.Even 36 years on, I have no wish to comment on what Paul Davis has had to say about the incident (which led to a nine-game ban and a £3,000 fine).Unforgettable injuryFrom my own perspective, one moment I was playing and the next I was knocked out cold. When I came round all I can recall is our physio, Dennis Rofe, asking if I was OK and whether I knew what the score was.The crazy part is that I played on for the rest of the match not having a clue that I had a badly broken jaw.It seems almost Stone Age compared with today where players are treated in cotton wool where anything medical is involved, and rightly so. I never thought for a moment about coming off!We always had fish and chips on the way home from a London away game. It wasn’t until I tried to eat the fish I realised my whole jaw and mouth wouldn’t work.I made my way to the front of the bus, told the manager and the medical staff. I was taken straight to hospital and within a couple of hours was in surgery having an operation.All I wanted to do was get back playing again as soon as possible. The irony was I returned with Davis’ ban still running.Next generationAs far as this season is concerned, I reckon Russell Martin and Southampton are going to need around eight wins and a smattering of draws if they are to stay in the Premier League.Arsenal is one of the toughest games they’ll face this season but we saw last week another newly-promoted club, Leicester, run them very close.I am very proud that my son Brody is one of the apprentices and part of the academy at new League Two side Bromley.At 16, he’s got so much more natural talent than I ever had.But he’s also a very grounded lad and has so much dedication.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s got a long way to go but he’s on the right path with an ambitious club and learning every day.I am hoping we get a huge turnout on Sunday week (October 13) when a Saints’ Legends side play against a Russell Martin XI at St Mary’s — with everything to fund chosen charities in the Southampton area. More

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      Premier League’s newly promoted clubs must forget about style and play to win – only Ipswich seem to stand a chance

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      THE state of this season’s new boys in the Premier League is alarming.For the first time in 20 years, the three promoted teams — Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester — haven’t won in their opening six league games.Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich and the other promoted clubs are waiting for their first winsCredit: GettyThe Tractor Boys denied Southampton a maiden win when they met last monthCredit: GettyTroy Deeney and Watford stayed up for five seasons before being relegated in 2020Credit: PABack in 2004-05, it happened to Norwich, West Brom and Crystal Palace. Only the Baggies survived.And before Everton beat Palace last weekend, there were six teams down the bottom who hadn’t tasted victory in their opening five games — the first time that has happened in top-flight history.The longer you go without winning, that’s when pure panic kicks in.You start questioning yourself. Are we actually any good? Are some of my team-mates over the hill?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTrust me, I have been there with Watford. In 2019-20, we didn’t pick up our first win until matchday 12 — losing six and drawing five before finally beating Norwich 2-0 in early November.We would eventually be relegated.And the worst part by far is, when you finally get that first win, you race back to the dressing room, look at the league table, and you’re still in the drop zone and miles off the pace.It is so demoralising and your body just drops. Then the rumblings start amongst the squad, players speaking with their agents, talk of whether the manager is up to it. His tactical plans begin to get ignored on the pitch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt spirals. That is why getting on a winning run is vital.By the law of averages, you’re bound to win at some point, but you need the right mindset.Dream team Transfer Suggestions for Game Week 7 There are those who will say this season’s table is a bit misleading right now.On the one hand, Ipswich in 15th have only lost twice, drawing four while Leicester in 17th have drawn three and lost three, but then there is Southampton in 19th — lost five, drawn one, and look hopeless.So, is the gap between them and the top half of the league too great? Are they just not good enough? Are they being too brave? Or perhaps not brave enough and content with draws?To be honest, it is a bit of everything.That gap between the Championship and the Prem is growing by the second and these promoted teams are trying to play like the big boys too often when they don’t have the quality or experience to do so.Why on earth would you try and beat the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool at their own game when not even some top sides in Europe can do that? It’s madness.Physicality and resilience plays a huge part and this trio are really lacking in it.Just look at Leicester’s 4-2 defeat at Arsenal last Saturday. It was one of the worst Premier League performances I have seen in a long time, and they are somehow still reliant on a 37-year-old Jamie Vardy.Leicester were beaten 4-2 by Arsenal last weekend as their winless run extended to sixCredit: AlamyVardy is always going to be a legend of the club and he still runs his arse off and will nick a few goals. But asking him to hold it up against William Saliba and Gabriel? Come on.The one and only time Vardy ran the channel, he won a foul and Leicester got a goal from a free-kick but he didn’t try that again for the rest of the game. Why?And then in their midfield they have Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp. I think I could run past them even now.When Southampton go to Arsenal on Saturday, I can guarantee Aaron Ramsdale will try to play out from the back from minute one and I expect them to lose badly. Maybe by six or seven.At least Ipswich look like they have some goals in them and Kieran McKenna has admitted he won’t stick to one way of playing. Out of the three, they have a chance of staying up.But why does it take these teams, and their managers, so long to clock that the Prem is a different ball game entirely?Forget style of play – how about we play to win?Why is the relentlessness and the  ruthlessness of the Prem still massively underrated by anybody outside of it? It is not exactly this big secret designed to surprise you.Southampton face the Gunners this weekend bidding to secure their first win of the seasonCredit: GettyI remember running over people in the Championship with Watford and then thinking: “I’m a f***ing beast,” and then I walked into the Prem and I thought: “F**k me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe reason my Watford group stayed in the top-flight from 2015 to 2020 was because we had a squad full of players who knew the game, knew their jobs and got on with it.But ultimately, whatever happens, as long as you’re in touch of survival  come March, you are in with a chance, however slim. More

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      Ex-Man Utd coach reveals ‘no one knew anything about Sancho’ and admits Chelsea star would ‘sneak off to London a lot’

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      JADON SANCHO’S stint at Manchester United failed because the coaching team knew “literally nothing” about him.That is according to ex-United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who spent the last two years at Old Trafford working under manager Erik ten Hag.Chelsea star Jadon Sancho failed at Man Utd because of a ‘lack of communication and understanding’Credit: GettyEx-Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy claims no one knew anything about SanchoCredit: GettySancho fell out with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag before his move to ChelseaCredit: PASancho would also ‘sneak out’ to London during his time at Man UtdCredit: PASancho, 24, joined the Red Devils in 2021 after a staggering £73million move from Borussia Dortmund, where he thrived for four years but never managed to live up to his billing in Manchester.The winger ultimately fell out of favour last year after a public spat with Ten Hag, who claimed he left him out of the squad because of his performances in training.The player responded with a fiery post on social media claiming he was turned into a “scapegoat” amid the team’s turbulent start to the campaign.The England international refused to backtrack and that led to the Dutch tactician axing him from the first team entirely.Read More on Man UtdMcCarthy, 46, claims the main reason behind Sancho’s hapless United stint was down to a “lack of communication and understanding” between the forward and the coaching staff.And that led to Ten Hag as well as his assistants never really getting to know the now Chelsea star as a player.McCarthy said on the On The Whistle podcast: “Just a bit of communication problems, really, because Sanch is a very quiet guy.”No one knows literally nothing about Jadon. Jadon comes in, he does his job, he does his work, and then it’s just like, very quiet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[He’s] A great boy, great character, fantastic footballer, unbelievable the things that he can do. “For me, it was a real shame that it didn’t work out for Jadon at United, because I thought he was the type of player that would flourish in a United shirt. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add up”But unfortunately, I think lack of communication and understanding, I think was was part of the downside that didn’t end up working with Sanch.”Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January and showed glimpses of his former self as he helped the Bundesliga giants make it to the Champions League final.The forward returned to United in the summer and reached an uneasy truce with Ten Hag but still couldn’t manage to convince on the pitch and thus joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy.McCarthy believes Sancho may finally reach his full potential with the Blues, especially after an impressive start under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he is now closer to home.The South Africa legend suggested the fact the Camberwell native was far from home also contributed to his troubles at Man Utd as he revealed he would often “sneak out” to London.McCarthy added: “He’s closer to home because he did sneak out to come to London quite a lot.Sancho would ‘sneak out’ to London”So probably the fact that he was missing home, and, just wanted to be a bit closer to family and friends and his culture.”The London culture is quite strong, so I think Jadon maybe wanted more of that. So that’s why he kept on. He was in London quite a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now he is closer to home, so hopefully he can find that peace, he can find that bit of magic that he found when he went to Dortmund, and he gets the love that he deserves from the coaching staff, the players.”I think he will turn out to be a special player again. Because I think every single one that knows Sancho that would want him to be at that level, because it’s good for world football.” More

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      Man Utd train in random Portuguese stadium as Ten Hag gets straight down to business before must-win Aston Villa game

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      MANCHESTER UNITED trained in a random Portuguese stadium after their draw with Porto.Erik ten Hag and his players got straight down to business on Friday ahead of their must-win game against Aston Villa.Manchester United trained at a random Portuguese stadium on FridayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils got straight down to business ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on SundayCredit: GettyUnited remained in Portugal following their Europa League draw with Porto on ThursdayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils travel to Villa Park in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.It comes after Harry Maguire’s late header rescued a point in Portugal on Thursday night.Following their Europa League match, though, United remained in the country overnight.As a result, the players trained at the nearby Estadio do Bessa in Porto on Friday.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 28,263-capacity stadium has been home to top flight side Boavista since it was built in 1911.It also hosted three matches at Euro 2004 after being renovated ahead of the tournament.United’s players were pictured on the pitch on Friday for a session ahead of their flight back to England.The likes of Antony, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee were all put through their paces.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing their session, the squad returned to Manchester to continue preparing for Sunday’s match.Ten Hag is looking to secure a first win since the 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup last month.Porto vs Man Utd player ratings Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated hereHarry Maguire and Co trained at Boavista’s Estadio do BessaCredit: GettyUnited scored a stoppage time equaliser to draw 3-3 with PortoCredit: GettyThe Dutchman is under mounting pressure following defeat to Tottenham and Thursday’s Europa League collapse.United had raced into a two-goal lead before Porto’s turnaround and needed a stoppage time strike from Maguire to rescue a point.Meanwhile, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has failed to back Ten Hag after admitting it will not be his decision if he is sacked.Instead, CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth will be the ones to decide on his future.The Red Devils head into a must-win match for manager Erik ten Hag this weekendCredit: GettyUnited held a session at the 28,263-capacity stadium before returning to EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It used to do my head in’ – Aaron Ramsdale reveals what upset him most at Arsenal after being benched for David Raya

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      AARON RAMSDALE revealed the one thing that bothered him the most after being replaced as Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper by David Raya.Ramsdale, 26, impressed between the Gunners’ sticks during the 2022-23 campaign as he helped Mikel Arteta’s men come close to the Premier League title and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.Southampton star Aaron Ramsdale revealed what upset him the most about being benched at ArsenalCredit: X/ BBCMOTDRamsdale was replaced by David Raya in Arsenal’s goal last seasonCredit: AFPRamsdale hated it when cameras switched to him watching on from the bench every time Raya committed a blunderCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHowever, the now Southampton star was immediately overtaken by Raya, 29, last season when he arrived on loan from Brentford before ultimately signing a permanent deal in the summer.That led the England international to a £25million move to St Mary’s during the summer transfer window.The keeper broke his silence about his time on the North Londoners’ bench with a surprise revelation as to what he hated the most about his predicament.Cameras would often switch to Ramsdale watching on with the rest of the subs every time Raya committed a blunder in goal last season.Read More on ArsenalAnd the ex-Sheffield United star was absolutely livid every time the TV crews panned to him trying to get his reaction.Ramsdale told the BBC: “It used to do my head in.”Coming off the pitch and then my wife would say, ‘You were on TV five times again today’.”Why someone would pan to me when someone makes a save or a goal goes in and it pans to me on the bench.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I do think the story was bigger than what it needed to be. I do think it put pressure on David at time as well.”Ramsdale returns to the Emirates on Saturday for the first time as an opponent since his move to Southampton. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endAnd the shot stopper revealed Raya was the first one to text him after his departure to Saints.Ramsdale added: “I did an interview with David Seaman about my new contract and how I wanted to emulate him and be there for eight, 10 years. A couple of months later I was out of the team.”I tried my hardest to dislodge David out of the team. I do think now the rewards are showing. He’s started the season incredibly well.”He was actually the first person to text me on my move here from the boys at Arsenal. But no he was great, he was top.”Like I say he’s made some big, big saves this season and kept them in some games. I’m just desperate he doesn’t have one of those games again on Saturday.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

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      Erik ten Hag’s close friend reveals it’s a ‘miracle’ he’s still Man Utd boss… and begged him to QUIT in the summer

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S close friend told him to leave Manchester United in the summer.The Red Devils boss came close to losing his job days after winning the FA Cup in May.Erik ten Hag’s close friend told him to leave in the summerCredit: AFPUnited chiefs considered his position before deciding to continue with Ten Hag at the helm, but poor form this season means the Dutchman is under renewed scrutiny.He reportedly has one match to save his job and a heavy defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday could see him fired.Close friend Leon Ten Voorde believes it is a “miracle” Ten Hag is still in his post and revealed he advised him to leave in the summer.He told the De Ballen Verstand of TC Tubantia podcast: “I advised him to leave last summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He won the FA Cup, so you leave through the front door.”He’s had a lot of injuries this past year. But then trainers think: ‘I can turn things around’.”How long does United think this can go on?”That question is now hanging over United and Ten Hag again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In general, he is calm and relaxed. But I can’t imagine that this leaves you completely unaffected.”However Ten Hag is confident he will turn things around at Old Trafford and he has been keen to point out his trophy record at the club.Porto vs Man Utd player ratings He also called for judgement of the team to be reserved until later this season, adding: “We will get there. Don’t judge us in this moment. Judge us at the end of the season.”We are in the process and we will improve. We are now two seasons where we achieve finals. We have to develop and progress this team…I advised him to leave last summer. He won the FA Cup, so you leave through the front door.Leon Ten Voorde”We will work and we will continue and we will fight. You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team. Between the players, together, there’s a strong spirit.”We want to achieve and we are in that [same] direction. We have that mentality and spirit-wise, but especially in some defending parts, we have to step up.” More

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      Simone Inzaghi ‘REJECTS’ Man Utd offer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe lined up Inter boss to replace Erik ten Hag immediately

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were turned down by Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi after lining him up as under-fire boss Erik ten Hag’s replacement, reports claim.Ten Hag, 54, has been enduring another turbulent campaign in charge of United, who are winless in their last four matches across all competitions.Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi turned down the Manchester United top jobCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe offered the manager’s position to Inzaghi with immediate effectCredit: PAMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position has become increasingly untenableCredit: GettyThe Dutchman suffered a miserable 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford, right after a shocking 1-1 home draw with minnows Twente in the Europa League and a goalless tie at Crystal Palace.And things got even worse on Thursday at Porto where the Red Devils surrendered a 2-0 lead and drew 3-3 thanks to a last-gasp equaliser by Harry Maguire, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in just four days.Ten Hag’s position is becoming increasingly untenable and transfer insider Tancredi Palmeri revealed the Manchester giants’ chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is holding “frantic talks” regarding the managerial position.Palmeri claims United could move for a new head coach during the upcoming international break, which starts on Monday.Read More on Man UtdAnd the Premier League giants reportedly offered the top job to Inzaghi, who won the Serie A last season and led Inter to the Champions League final the previous term.The Italian tactician was asked to take over with immediate effect but he declined.Palmeri tweeted: “Frantic talks underway at Manchester United to decide whether to proceed with a manager change during the break.”Manchester United in recent days offered the bench to Simone Inzaghi to take over immediately during the break but Inzaghi declined”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInzaghi’s Inter are currently fourth in the Serie A table with only two points separating them from leaders Napoli.The Nerazzurri won three and only lost one of their first six league matches.Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto The Italian champions are also impressing in the Champions League as they drew 0-0 at Manchester City – in an unofficial rematch after losing the 2023 final – and destroyed Red Star Belgrade 4-0.Simone Inzaghi’s managerial careerHere’s Simone Inzaghi’s full managerial career by the numbers:2016-21 LAZIOGames: 244Wins: 131Draws: 43Losses: 70Titles: Coppa Italia (2018-19), Italian Super Cup (2017, 2019)2021- INTER MILANGames: 166Wins: 108Draws: 31Losses: 27Titles: Serie A (2023-24), Coppa Italia (2021-22, 2022-23), Italian Super Cup (2021, 2022, 2023), Champions League final (2022-23)Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Aerial photos of Stamford Bridge show stadium damage caused by Gent fans during Conference League clash

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      CHELSEA’S first Conference League match of the season was marred by violent scenes from Gent fans at Stamford Bridge.The Blues hosted the Belgian outfit in the League Phase and won 4-2 with a convincing display by Enzo Maresca’s men.Shocking aerial photos show the full extent of the damage caused by Gent fansCredit: PAGent fans tore seats out of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundCredit: PAGent fans caused chaos both inside and outside of Chelsea’s groundCredit: PAGent fans threw the seats away after tearing them outCredit: PAHowever, travelling fans caused chaos both inside and outside of the stadium before the game even began.The visitors filled the plush streets of west London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the ground.Fans waved scarves over their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and threw them away.Read More on ChelseaThe Chelsea fans were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down.And shocking aerial footage showed the full extent of the damage done.Almost entire rows of seats have been ripped off in what poses as a shameful site.Chelsea, though, had a smooth evening on the pitch as they cruised to their first ever Conference League victory.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe hosts opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Renato Veiga’s first ever goal for the club and doubled their lead one minute into the second half with Pedro Neto.Gent hit back with Tsuyoshi Watanabe just four minutes later but Christopher Nkunku put the game away on 63 minutes.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored his first ever Chelsea goal only seven minutes later.And Wouter Vrancken’s side grabbed another consolation goal with Omri Gandelman in the 90th-minute mark.Chelsea went on to pick up an easy victory over GentCredit: GettyChelsea won 4-2 despite the shameful scenes at the standsCredit: GettyChelsea’s Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored their first Chelsea goals despite the chaosCredit: GettyGent fans caused bedlam in the Conference LeagueCredit: Rex More