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      Ruben Amorim ‘verbally agrees’ to replace Erik ten Hag as Man Utd ‘beat rivals City to £8m top manager target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to become their new manager.The Athletic claims talks have intensified on Monday evening, just hours after United brutally sacked Erik ten Hag.Manchester United are nearing a deal to make Ruben Amorim their new bossCredit: GettyUnited sacked Erik ten Hag on MondayCredit: RexAnd it’s believed Amorim has already verbally agreed to take charge at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils appearing to beat rivals Man City to his signature.Ten Hag was given his marching orders after Sunday’s dismal defeat at West Ham.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in charge as interim United boss ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester.But he may not get a go against Chelsea in the league next Sunday, with Sporting boss Amorim firmly in Ineos’ sights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are deep in talks with the tactician, who has won two titles in the Portuguese capital.And Amorim has already given the green light to a stunning deal which could yet see him in charge for Wednesday’s game against Leicester.Former midfielder Amorim, 39, is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.He had been tipped as Pep Guardiola’s potential replacement at Man City should the Spaniard leave next summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe champs raided Sporting earlier this month for footy chief Hugo Viana, who starts his new role in 2025.And many saw it as an indication that Amorim had been selected by City to eventually take charge following Guardiola’s exit.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentRuben Amorim’s career statsPlaying career:Belenenses, 2003-2008: 106 games, 5 goalsBenfica, 2008-2015: 154 games, 6 goalsBraga (loan), 2011-2013: 46 games, 5 goalsAl-Wakrah (loan), 2015-2016: 14 games, 2 goalsPortugal, 2010-2014: 14 games, 0 goalsTrophies: Primeira Liga x3, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese League Cup x5, Portuguese Super Cup (Benfica); Portuguese League Cup (Braga)Managerial careerCasa Pia, July 2018-Jan 2019: P4 W3 D0 L1Braga B, Sept 2019-Dec 2019: P11 W8 D2 L1Braga, Dec 2019-March 2020: P13 W10 D1 L2Sporting, March 2020-Present: P237 W170 D34 L33Trophies: Portuguese League Cup (Braga); Primeira Liga x2, Portuguese League Cup x2, Portuguese Super Cup (Sporting)It’s not the first English job Amorim has been linked with, as SunSport revealed he was targeted by Chelsea in 2023 before Mauricio Pochettino took charge.Amorim was then tipped as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp when the German announced he would be quitting Liverpool earlier this year.And in April, Amorim sensationally jetted to London for talks with West Ham before calling their contact “a mistake.”Sporting would be reluctant to see the ace leave, with Amorim transforming their fortunes on the pitch following his arrival in 2020.But United are willing to pay £8m to prise him from his contract in Portugal and bring him to Old Trafford to spearhead Ratcliffe’s revolution.Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Amorim was asked by local media whether he would be interested in taking the Red Devils job. Amorim gave a coy answer, saying: “I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment. I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Sporting play Nacional in the Portuguese Cup tomorrow night and it remains to be seen whether Amorim is on the sideline for the clash.The former Benfica star and Portugal international has favoured a 3-4-3 system during his time at Sporting, with his key men including Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomande, Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita and Portuguese forward Pedro Goncalves.But Amorim’s main star is undoubtedly Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored 56 goals in 63 games following a move from Championship Coventry City last year.  READ MORE SUN STORIESSporting cruised to last season’s title with just two defeats all season while scoring 96 goals in the process.And they currently lead the race in the new campaign with nine wins from nine, while also netting 30 goals and conceding just two in the process.  Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Man Utd next manager LIVE: Red Devils close in on Ruben Amorim as new boss after Erik ten Hag sacking – latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have decided to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag after a dismal start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.The Red Devils sacked Ten Hag on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on the weekend. The Premier League giants failed to find any consistency under the Dutchman, with speculation around his future starting at the backend of last season.Man Utd have put Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge on an interim basis as the club begin their search for their seventh manager since Sir Alex Fergurson left the club.The Red Devils are in talks with Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to become the club’s new manager, with United ready to pay his €10m release clause.NEXT MAN UTD MANAGER LATEST ODDSFollow our live blog below…We have moved!Keep up to date with the very latest from Old Trafford with our live blog.Copy linkCopiedHowe about Eddie?But how about Eddie Howe, whose Newcastle release clause is less than Dan Ashworth’s; who has an excellent record of over-achievement in the Premier League; who preaches an entertaining style of football and has been unsettled by behind-the-scenes changes at St James’ Park.If leaving the club with the richest owners in world football to go to Old Trafford is a step down, then why did Ashworth do it?It is reckoned that Howe might fancy the switch and you can be sure that Ashworth, still a close ally, will have asked the question.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a cost-cutter who, having just shelled out £15million to sack Erik ten Hag, would rather not pay another large compo fee – but he will also understand that this appointment must be the right one, irrespective of cost.Whoever does succeed Ten Hag will inherit an omnishambles. He will need to be utterly clear in his vision and ruthless in his approach.Ashworth and the rest of Sir Jim’s Rat Pack simply have to get this one right.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd move for AmorimManchester United are making a strong move for Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.According to The Athletic, United are actively working on a deal to appoint Amorim.The Red Devils are ready to pay the Portuguese tactician’s €10million (£8.3m) release clause.The Manchester giants are in talks with Sporting and the 39-year-old head coach is open to accepting a move to Old Trafford.Copy linkCopiedWho else?Thomas Frank is the bandwagon candidate and was sounded out by Manchester United earlier this year. His Brentford side play a very direct brand of football but the Dane is tactically flexible.Last week Frank spoke of not relishing the intense spotlight that comes with the biggest jobs – without ruling himself out of making such a move. And wouldn’t it be sadly typical of United to appoint the only manager whose team has lost to them in the last eight games? After those front-runners, it is instructive to look at Dan Ashworth’s previous.Gareth Southgate says he is taking a year out, during which he will literally be knighted for the job he’s just done with England but still won’t be fancied by supporters of any major club. Because, I don’t know, handbrakes or something.Sir Dave Brailsford offered Graham Potter the job at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club, Nice, but he has been out of work since failing in his only elite managerial role at Chelsea. Unai Emery surely isn’t crazy enough to leave Aston Villa for United.Copy linkCopiedMore candidatesThen there’s Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, who distanced himself from the Liverpool vacancy earlier this year and whose mate, Hugo Viana, is Manchester City’s incoming director of football, making him favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.Amorim would be a well-received appointment. But is he already spoken for?Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the caretaker manager, is the bookies’ favourite because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.But the “give it to Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] to the end of the season” and “give it to Ralf [Rangnick] to the end of the season” thing hasn’t worked well in the past. It brings a sense of impermanence and drift.Ratcliffe isn’t a sentimentalist. And anyway Van Nistelrooy doesn’t hold Solskjaer’s nostalgia value.As for others with United links, it is surely too early for Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna or Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick.Copy linkCopiedXavi next?Who is the best man for the job? Pep Guardiola. Can we get him? No. Has Pep got any mates? Yes.Some of Pep’s mates are doing pretty well – Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Enzo Maresca at Chelsea – and so Sir Jim Ratcliffe will surely have asked his chief executive, Pep’s former mate Omar Berrada, whether Pep has any other mates.Hence the one-time Barcelona playmaker and manager Xavi becoming a major contender.But Xavi couldn’t hack the pressure of managing Barca. And that sort of ‘kid on a FIFA computer game’ mindset isn’t Ashworth’s way.It’s the sort of thinking which saw United re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, stink-bombing the dressing room in time for Erik ten Hag’s arrival.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedOver to Sir JimSir Jim Ratcliffe has assembled one hell of a brains trust at Manchester United. So now is the time for them to start getting brainy. To start taking intelligent decisions. To make Manchester United sensible again.The Ineos chief, who took over United’s footballing arm ten months ago, has poached Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as sporting director, Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive and Jason Wilcox from Southampton as technical director.These men sit alongside Ratcliffe’s chum, Sir Dave Brailsford, the former British cycling chief and marginal gains man, as the Old Trafford decision-makers.In the summer, when Ratcliffe made the expensive mistake of handing Ten Hag a new contract after the FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City, his cabinet hadn’t been fully constructed.But now that the delusional Erik ten Hag is gone – ranting on about media ‘fairytales’ over his imminent sacking and denying results that he didn’t like – it’s time for them to take a shot at sanity.Ten Hag will justify himself with boasts about two domestic knock-out trophies. Yet he assembled a former Dutch Eredivisie All Star XI to lead United to 14th place in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League.The £85million fee paid to his former club Ajax for Antony is a towering monument to an era of staggering incompetence. So now it is time to find out whether United will bend to the will of Ratcliffe – a self-made, hard-hootered, multi-billionaire businessman.Or whether Ratcliffe will descend into the United rabbit hole and end up as mad as everyone else employed there since Sir Alex Ferguson resigned in 2013.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag’s last presserErik ten Hag gave a press conference to preview Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester on Wednesday – even though he was sacked today.The Dutchman spoke to the media directly after his press conference following Sunday’s controversial 2-1 loss away to West Ham.Yet bizarrely, Ten Hag found himself axed more than TWO DAYS before the Leicester game.Unfortunately, club staging press conferences directly after games – to preview a match a few days later – is something which has crept into the game.It is actually a bad idea. And it is only to save club media staff and the manager from staging a press conference the day before the game, which has always been the case.But if a manager attempts to preview a game three days later, there is always a danger that the situation could change such as a key player getting injured or something important happening at the club in general.Yet this situation was particularly unusual – and the manager who delivered a pre-match press conference ended up getting the boot.At the conference, which was due to be released at 1.30pm tomorrow, Ten Hag revealed his frustration with Luke Shaw’s injury nightmare.Ten Hag also stressed that he would consider it a success if he won the Carabao Cup for United, meaning he would have won a trophy for a third season in a row.He stressed that the most important thing was to win silverware, above anything else – and pointed out the fact that United still had the chance of winning four trophies – even though he has been sacked with United 14th in the table.Copy linkCopiedInside Erik ten Hag’s sacking as reasons Man Utd finally pulled the trigger revealedErik ten Hag has finally been sacked by Manchester United – and SunSport can reveal the reasons why.The Dutch boss, 54, was axed just hours after the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat at West Ham as the club released a blunt 87-word statement.The result leaves Man Utd 14th in the Premier League – with the club also winless in all three of their Europa League matches.Ten Hag was under serious pressure in the summer after guiding United to a record-worst eighth placed finish.But ultimately the ex-Ajax boss escaped the axe and was handed an improved contract on the back of his side’s FA Cup win.However, SunSport can now reveal why United chiefs performed a U-turn just nine games into the Premier League season.While Red Devils chiefs found the decision difficult, they were unanimous in their decision to move on from Ten Hag.The United boardroom were keen to give the Dutchman a chance to work under the new structure put in place by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.United bosses were keen to keep Ten Hag in a bid to find continuity in their leadership for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012-13 season.However, they were left disappointed by both the results AND the performances on the pitch and feared the lack of momentum could only cause United to fall further.Chiefs felt there were no excuses for the shoddy form and poor results both in the Premier League and Europa League – especially the manner in which the side have dropped points from winning positions.Having put things in place to watch the team develop, the shocking start to 2024-25 left them with no option but to sack Ten Hag.Copy linkCopiedFrank speaks about Man Utd vacancySpeaking to the media ahead of Brentford’s Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday, Frank said: “Of course, I feel for Erik. He is a great coach and has a great career. He did a good job at Man United, two trophies in two years.”It’s a non-stop developing world and that is more than acceptable. At these big clubs, there are massive expectations but there has to be a reality check… You feel for guys who lose their jobs and I’m sure Erik gave everything.”There are better people to judge that (improvement). He had a very good first season and had more than a few injury problems.”When asked if he wanted the Man Utd job, Frank said: “I’ve got a big responsibility to Brentford Football Club, the fans, the leadership, players and staff. One focus, to beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.”I’m very happy here, one of the best clubs in the world. What happens in the future who knows, but I am very happy here.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLineker suggests ‘brilliant’ left-field coach Man Utd ‘probably won’t think about’ to replace Ten HagGary Lineker has thrown an unexpected name into the hat to replace Erik ten Hag.The Dutchman was sacked as Manchester United manager on Monday following weeks of speculation.Match of the Day host Lineker joined Micah Richards and Alan Shearer to discuss United’s next steps on their podcast The Rest Is Football.The panel speculated on who would come in to take over from Ten Hag long term.And Lineker put forward Lee Carsley, England’s current interim coach, as a surprise candidate.Lineker said: “I’m going to throw in a name here. I think it would be very interesting, he’s certainly a brilliant coach.”A certain Lee Carsley – who they probably won’t think about.”He’s a really imaginative coach, he plays attacking football.”From what I heard from England players, they thought he was really good. Really interesting and thoughtful on the game.”Copy linkCopiedZidane the fan favourite to replace Ten Hag as Manchester United managerA survey conducted by BetMGM, which polled 1,000 Manchester United supporters — found that over a quarter of fans (26%) would like to see the Frenchman take over at Old Trafford ahead of Ten Hag’s former assistant and current interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, at 20%.Gareth Southgate was also fancied by 20% of voters, while new England manager Thomas Tuchel was liked by 15%. Former United player and current Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick attracted 14% of votes — the same percentage as ex-Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Eddie Howe.Interestingly, Ruben Amorim, Xavi Hernandez and Julian Nagelsmann – all fancied in the betting to replace Ten Hag – were not picked by any fans.Copy linkCopiedMicah Richards reacts to Ten Hag sacking and next managerSpeaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “You have to give them time. “They have got some good people in the backroom staff. I think all the noises coming out of Man United are not good, leaks to the press and all of that sort of thing.”They had the meeting the other week with Ten Hag. It looked like he was going to be sacked, it didn’t happen and then it happens today. I think they have the right pieces in play.”Copy linkCopiedMan Utd chief tasked with choosing Ten Hag replacement has incredible hit-rateManchester United chief Dan Ashworth has the tough job of picking the club’s new manager after Erik ten Hag was sacked.Ashworth is set to lead the search and he boasts an impressive CV when it comes to appointing the right managers for the right teams.The 53-year-old previously worked for the FA and played a huge role in giving Gareth Southgate the England job in 2016.He revolutionised the team and guided the Three Lions to two Euros finals that ended in heartbreak.Ashworth then worked at Brighton, where he appointed Graham Potter as boss.He implemented an attractive style of play and took them from near the bottom of the league to European contenders.Ashworth then moved to Newcastle and he gave Eddie Howe the job, who led the Toon into the Champions League for the first time in two decades.Interestingly, Unai Emery was supposedly his first-choice at St James’ Park, but the Spaniard instead went on to oversee Aston Villa’s remarkable rise from relegation candidates to matching Europe’s elite.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag’s worst XI of Man Utd signings cost £300MILLIONErik ten Hag has been sacked with Manchester United 14th in the Premier League and £300MILLION out of pocket.The Dutchman was shown the exit door following 2-1 defeat at West Ham with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge in the interim.Ten Hag leaves with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but in the league and Europe results were underwhelming.And so too was his transfer business.In his two seasons, Ten Hag signed 21 players costing over £545m.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING: Ten Hag seen for first time since Man Utd sackingThe Dutchman has been spotted for the first time since his dramatic Manchester United axing.Ten Hag was dismissed as Red Devils manager on Monday morning.Ten Hag was seen getting into the back of his car as he left his Cheshire home.The 54-year-old bowed his head as he prepared to travel back to the Netherlands.Man Utd released a blunt 87-word statement as the 54-year-old was relieved of his duties.It read: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.”Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.”We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”Credit: ZenpixCopy linkCopiedHojlund reactsRasmus Hojlund has taken to Instagram to react to the sacking of Erik ten Hag.The forward was signed by the Dutchman in 2023, joining from Atalanta for an initial fee of £64million.Copy linkCopiedDamning numbersHere are Man Utd’s defensive numbers compared to other Premier League clubs under Ten Hag:Copy linkCopiedOle ‘under consideration’ for bombshell Man Utd returnFormer Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is being linked with a stunning Old Trafford return.The Red Devils are searching for a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.Ten Hag leaves the club with United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.He was given his marching orders following a dismal run of just 4 wins in 14 games across all competitions.Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in temporary charge and is currently favourite to take over full-time.But it’s reportedly another blast from the past who may be back in the dugout long-term.Solskjaer – who has been a free agent since United dismissed him in November 2021 – could benefit from the awkward timing of the dismissal.Ten Hag is due a whopping £17million in compensation with United having to buy him out of his huge contract.Cost-cutting is already underway at Old Trafford and club bosses are reportedly scouring cheaper options.According to the Manchester Evening News, free agent Solskjaer is therefore “under consideration for a return.”The report adds it is unclear if he is viewed as a” serious long-term option as manager or a backroom staff member.”Copy linkCopiedHow much Man Utd will have to pay Ten Hag after sackingIt has been revealed how much Manchester United will have to pay up after sacking Erik ten Hag.According to reports, the Red Devils will have to pay up to £15million to the Dutchman.The former Ajax manager was reportedly earning £6.75m-per year with a contract until the summer of 2026.Ten Hag signed a contract extension at the start of July after winning the FA Cup with United.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBiggest net spend since Ten Hag joined Man UtdHere is a list of the highest-spending Premier League clubs since Erik ten Hag was appointed Man Utd manager in 2022.Chelsea – £715mMan Utd – £400mTottenham – £310.5mArsenal – £285mNewcastle – £235mCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedFerdinand reacts to Ten Hag sackingFormer Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, spoke on his YouTube reacting to the breaking news regarding Ten Hag, he said: “I look at Ineos and I think about the way things panned out at the end of the season.”Did they back themselves into a corner, with the way that they handled stuff in the summer?”They’ll look back and go ‘we could have handled it better’. I think having a manager in place and actively looking for new managers and it becoming public knowledge, isn’t a great way to do it.”It isn’t a great way to advertise for the job. It’s hard for the guy coming in, to come in under that cloud.”It’s also even harder for the guy whose in the hot seat, still the manager and then they keep him as the manager and he has to face questions constantly about his standing within the organisation.”It’s not easy to navigate through a situation that is so public, a club the size of Manchester United but if they’re honest, Ineos – they could have done that in a better way.”Copy linkCopiedWhat did Ten Hag win during his time as Man Utd manager?The Dutchman was in charge of the Red Devils for two-and-a-half years.Ten Hag enjoyed a successful first season as United boss with a third-placed finish in the Premier League and his side won the EFL Cup – the club’s first major honour in six years.However, the Dutchman failed to build on the success of his opening season after a disappointed eighth-placed finish, United’s lowest in Prem history.United were also knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League.That said, the Red Devils did end the season on a high by winning the FA Cup, beating rivals Man City 2-1 at Wembley.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopied’Thanks for everything boss!’Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has had his say following Ten Hag’s sacking.He posted on Instagram: “Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”Even knowing the last period isn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager as done for our club!”Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedNeville on Ten Hag’s sackingGary Neville has had his say on Ten Hag’s sacking as Man Utd boss. “The big shock for me is just how bad they’ve been, with the new signings that have come in,” he told Sky Sports News. “I felt as though they would be able to get a decent level of performance together. The fact it was a smooth transfer window, the fact with Erik Ten Hag, there’s some stability.”But the fact they’re in 14th is unnacceptable. You can’t be in 14th after nearly nine or 10 games with the level of spend that’s occured.”I was hoping it would end differently, I think United fans were hoping that the manager could keep his job, but it’s just not been the case.”Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd job has become the toughest in football with Erik ten Hag the latest hyped-up boss to flop at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED is now the toughest job in football after Erik ten Hag became their latest big-name casualty.The Dutchman was dismissed after just more than two seasons following Sunday’s disastrous defeat at West Ham.Erik ten Hag is the latest big-name casualty at Manchester UnitedCredit: RexThe club has become a graveyard for hyped-up bosses like Jose MourinhoCredit: ReutersOle Gunnar Solskjaer was another who failed to pass the testCredit: AFPTen Hag, who led the club to success in the Carabao and FA Cups, had won just four of his 14 games at the helm this term.And with United also struggling to impress in Europe, Sir Jim Ratcliffe felt the time was right to wield the axe for real change.Ruud van Nistelrooy is now interim boss at Old Trafford.While the likes of Gareth Southgate and Xavi Hernandez have been tipped as candidates for the role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Ten Hag is not the first hyped-up manager to fail at United.Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit in 2013, the Red Devils have now worked their way through SIX big-name bosses.The first to follow in Fergie’s steps was David Moyes, who was widely heralded as his ideal successor after 11 years at Everton.However, the Scot lasted just 10 months into his six-year deal as United missed out on Champions League football for the first time since 1995.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNext up was Dutch master Louis van Gaal, once a top name in European dugouts.He led United to FA Cup glory in his second season but was immediately sacked after the final due to his dull style and fifth-place finish in the league.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentDavid Moyes was the first manager to trip up after FergieCredit: Getty Images – GettyLouis van Gaal was given the chop after winning the FA CupCredit: AFP or licensorsRalf Rangnick decided not to move into a consultancy roleCredit: AFPJose Mourinho then took charge before bagging a Carabao Cup and Europa League double, as well as second spot in the table.Yet his abrasive style led to clashes with stars like Paul Pogba, and the Special One was given his marching orders after two-and-a-half seasons.A softer approach with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was then favoured, with the former United striker initially getting off to a flyer.But with results souring following a Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, Solskjaer received the boot after three years.All Manchester United bosses since Sir Alex FergusonDavid Moyes (June 2013-April 2014): P51 W27 D9 L15, 0 TrophiesLouis van Gaal (May 2014-May 2016): P103 W54 D25 L24, 1 TrophyJose Mourinho (May 2016-Dec 2018): P144 W84 D32 L28, 2 TrophiesOle Gunnar Solskjaer (Dec 2018-Nov 2021): P168 W91 D37 L40, 0 TrophiesRalf Rangnick (Dec 2021-May 2022): P29 W11 D10 L8, 0 TrophiesErik ten Hag (July 2022-Oct 2024): P128 W70 D23 L35, 2 TrophiesRalf Rangnick was quickly drafted in as interim boss with the view to a permanent consultancy role.Yet his tenure resulted in just 11 wins, leading him to reject his future position and become Austria boss.It now remains to be seen who comes in for Ten Hag, with Van Nistelrooy in the dugout for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Leicester.There is also the small matter of the weekend league clash against a resurgent Chelsea.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Premier League title winner has had some managerial experience in his homeland with PSV Eindhoven.And should Van Nistelrooy enjoy some success as interim, he could yet end up getting the gig on a full-time basis.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Man Utd were punished by decision that was never penalty in a million years… any wrong call could cost manager his job

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S sacking shows just how much rests on the decisions Premier League referees make every week.The enormity of their job is not lost on them.Bad referring decisions contributed to Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyWest Ham were awarded a controversial late penalty against Man UtdCredit: AlamyBut the ex-Manchester United boss finds himself out of work off the back of a decision that was never a penalty in a million years!Matthijs De Ligt’s challenge on West Ham’s Danny Ings was not even a foul, let alone a penalty.And if the correct decision was made, Jarrod Bowen would not have scored from the spot, Man Utd would likely avoided defeat and perhaps Ten Hag would have lived to fight another day?I just don’t understand why VAR Michael Oliver got involved after on-field ref David Coote did not award a spot-kick. It was just two players coming together in the penalty area and Coote was in a fantastic position, looking straight at the incident.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt was normal contact in a contact sport!We keep hearing PGMOL chief Howard Webb saying the on-field decision’s got to stay when it’s subjective.Well that one was not even subjective! It was simply a correct decision from Coote.But then Coote is at the pitchside monitor for two to three minutes and that’s where he makes a mistake. What on earth did he see there that made him think he had made a clear and obvious error?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe should have shown much more mental toughness and strength to stick with his original decision because he was correct not to award a penalty.Apart from West Ham fans, everybody would have applauded him for sticking with his original call. On-field referees have got to get out of the mentality of walking to the screen and just going with whatever VAR tells them.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himIf everybody who loves football is saying ‘that’s not a penalty’ and the match official is saying ‘it is’, there’s something seriously wrong.Oliver is our best referee, no doubt about that, so I can only wonder if he wrongly got involved because he was fatigued.He was far too forensic as Coote had 100 per cent NOT made a clear and obvious error.I just don’t understand what is going on with the training and education of our VARs and officials and where PGMOL chief Webb stands with it all.Arsenal vs LiverpoolArsenal can feel very aggrieved Gabriel Jesus’ late goal was disallowed against Liverpool.On-field ref Anthony Taylor judged Jakub Kiwior to have fouled Dominik Szoboszlai in the build up.But only Taylor can tell us exactly why he deemed it a foul because I saw nothing wrong with it.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was a subjective decision and maybe he felt Kiwior went over the top of Szoboszlai and made it difficult for him to challenge for the ball.But the Arsenal defender clearly won the ball before he went over over Szoboszlai so Taylor should have allowed play to continue, and if he had, the goal would have stood and Arsenal would likely have won. More

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      Real Madrid release furious 52-word statement as club boycott Ballon d’Or after Vinicius Jr snub

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      REAL MADRID have released a furious statement and confirmed they will not attend the Ballon d’Or as Vinicius Junior looks set to miss out on the top men’s prize.Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is set to win the award ahead of Los Blancos’ star forward.Vinicius Junior looks set to be snubbed for the Ballon d’Or in favour of RodriCredit: ReutersIt has since been reported Real Madrid will not send anybody to Monday night’s ceremony in Paris.And now the Spanish champions have commented on the matter – claiming the outcome of the Ballon d’Or shows the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” Real Madrid.They also claim one interpretation of the criteria should have led to Real and Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal winning the award.They told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings.Vinicius, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists last season, is one of six Real Madrid stars who made the 30-player shortlist for the award.He is joined by Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToni Kroos, who helped Real win the LaLiga title and Champions League last season before retiring from football, also made the shortlist.Rodri, who is the obvious candidate to win the Ballon d’Or at the expense of Vinicius, was instrumental in Man City’s fourth successive Premier League title.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique He then helped Spain win the Euros as Luis de la Fuente’s men triumphed in Germany.Vinicius is expected to come second behind Rodri, with Bellingham third.Rodri will become only the third player since 2007 to receive the award outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luka Modric won in 2018, while Karim Benzema took top spot in 2022.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Man Utd legend David De Gea posts very cryptic message following Ten Hag sacking after former boss forced him out

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      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea posted a cryptic message on social media following the announcement of Erik ten Hag’s departure.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils today following a poor start to the season.Ex-United goalkeeper David De Gea appeared to poke fun at Erik ten HagCredit: The TimesErik ten Hag was sacked by Man Utd todayCredit: AlamyDe Gea posted an emojiCredit: X / D_DeGeaUnited currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with 11 points from nine games.They are also struggling in the Europa League having managed just three points.It is understood that club officials were disappointed with the lack of progression and momentum under Ten Hag.They also believe results and performances have not been good enough over the last year.Read More in FootballMan Utd’s decision to sack Ten Hag has pleased many fans.Ex-United goalkeeper De Gea also appeared to be thrilled with the outcome.The Spaniard posted a cryptic message on social media in the wake of today’s announcement.He simply shared a pinched fingers emoji – which many fans believe is a sly dig towards Ten Hag.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne person wrote: “Hahahaha David couldn’t wait. Bigger legend in my book to Man Utd than Ten Hag.”Another said: “Elite level hater stuff, this. Have to respect it I’m sorry to say.”Man Utd legend David De Gea shows off his skills in manic training session While a third joked: “Not enough footballers are petty like this on social media 😂.”De Gea left Man Utd as a free agent in June 2023 – one year into the Dutchman’s reign.He allegedly agreed to a new deal at Old Trafford before club officials backed out of talks.United subsequently signed Andre Onana in a £47million transfer from Inter Milan while De Gea spent over a year without a club.It was deemed a controversial move by many United fans, especially given the Spaniard’s loyalty to the club.De Gea made 545 appearances during his time in Manchester and won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Bungling Man Utd chiefs paid Ten Hag an extra £7MILLION for 14 dismal games after new deal in the summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED supremos have finally sacked Erik ten Hag… but even then they’ve been left with egg on their faces.The Dutchman, 54, has long been under-fire after an unimpressive tenure at Old Trafford.Man Utd chiefs’ Erik ten Hag blunder in the summer has cost them an additional £7mCredit: AlamySir Jim Ratcliffe is embarking on major cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford, including relieving Sir Alex Ferguson of his ambassadorial role, but still gave Ten Hag a new dealCredit: PATen Hag was expected to be sacked in the summer after leading United to a record-worst EIGHTH in the Premier League.He survived by the skin of his teeth in part thanks to winning the FA Cup, but perhaps more due to the lack of options on the manager market.But rather than just keep Ten Hag – whose original contract was due to expire next summer – bungling United chiefs offered Ten Hag improved terms, including an additional year on the contract.It’s believed it will cost Man Utd a staggering £15MILLION to sack him.READ MORE SPORT STORIESAnd that number would have been roughly half that had they not offered him a fresh contract in the summer.So what exactly did Man Utd get for that extra £7million or so?Well, how about 14th place in the Premier League with just three wins from nine games averaging 1.2 points per game?How about ZERO wins from three Europa League games?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat about averaging under one goal per game in the top flight for a goal difference of -3?In fact, in all competitions, United have only beaten Fulham, Brentford, Southampton and Barnsley.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentWhy NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would also have been a popular and gettable option – but England got in there first.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.They’ve got nowhere near the big boys either, getting thrashed 3-0 by both fierce rivals Liverpool AND Tottenham.Perhaps United’s new look boardroom were fearful Ten Hag WOULD show signs of promise this season and then jump ship when a better offer came in next summer.Otherwise, why on earth would you extend his contract?With the benefit of hindsight, it’s a massive blunder – especially with United chiefs desperately slashing the budget, including axing club legend Sir Alex Ferguson from his multi-million-pound ambassadorial role.Of course, Ten Hag and the board aren’t the only ones to blame – the players have been largely dreadful, too.And for now it’s up to striker icon Ruud van Nistelrooy – brought into the club setup in the summer to help Ten Hag – to try to get the best out of this struggling squad, on an interim basis.He may, too, be given the full time job if he impresses.With the bar set so low, it’s hard to believe he won’t improve the club at least in some small way.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, it’s most likely United chiefs look for a more seasoned campaigner with Xavi, Ruben Amorim, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Kieran McKenna and Edin Terzic all in the running.The likes of Thomas Frank and Michael Carrick will all be keeping an eye on the situation at Old Trafford with great interest.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running. More

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      Trial of TV model accused of making false rape claim against France star suspended after no-show by lawyer

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      THE TRIAL of a TV model accused of making a false rape claim against AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez was suspended today after a no-show by her lawyer.Luisa Kremleva’s brief called in sick at the last minute, alleging a “medical emergency”, ahead of her court appearance in Malaga after public prosecutors demanded a two-year prison sentence on conviction.The trial of TV model Luisa Kremleva was suspendedKremleva is accused of making a false rape claim against AC Milan ace Theo HernandezThe Russian-born beauty is understood to have been made aware of her lawyer’s health problem beforehand and opted to stay away so she didn’t have to face waiting media.It was not immediately clear this afternoon when the long-awaited trial, which well-placed sources said today had been suspended on a previous occasion when Kremleva said she was undergoing treatment in her homeland, will now go ahead.French international Hernandez, whose club sides have included both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, was told he wouldn’t be needed to testify by video-conference from Italy after the trial suspension.A court official said outside the courtroom, about an hour after the hearing was due to get underway: “There won’t be a trial today.Read More on Football“The defence has asked for a suspension because of an emergency medical issue.”Another insider said: “Kremleva’s lawyer called in sick at the last moment. The court only found out this morning.”Public prosecutors allege the real estate boss’ daughter, who forged a name for herself on Spanish TV reality and dating shows between modelling assignments, made up the rape after she and Hernandez had “consensual sex” in a Porsche Cayenne outside glitzy Marbella nightclub Olivia Valere but then refused to go home with her.They claim in a three-page indictment seen by Sun Online which forms the basis of the allegations against her that she acted out of revenge.Most read in FootballShe was charged with perjury in relation to the “non-existent rape” following her arrest in January 2020 on a warrant after she failed to answer a court summons.We can reveal investigators took just two days to provisionally archive her rape claim after she made her police statement in June 2017.Full indictment reportThe public protection indictment states, referring to the Milan footballer and the female model by their initials or simply the initial of their first names: “In the early hours of June 4 2017 the accused was in Olivia Valere nightclub where she had arranged to meet up with T.B.F.H.“He was in the same venue in a VIP area with a group of friends.“About 4am both left with the intention of having a sexual encounter and went to a vehicle parked in the car parking area which a friend of T was using and had full sex which L consented to before returning to the nightclub.“L subsequently tried unsuccessfully to persuade T to stay with her and go home with her and ended up fighting with the women who were part of T’s group before returning to her home alone about 8am.“From there, out of revenge and to take advantage of T being well-known, she requested the presence of police and claimed she had been the victim of a sexual assault and wanted to report it.”Outlining how she had been taken to hospital for a routine medical examination before making a formal written statement in the afternoon. the indictment added: “She maliciously stated that after initially agreeing to having sex with T, she changed her mind and despite making it clear she didn’t want to continue, T continued and forced himself on her before injuring her by pushing her out of the car and making her fall on her knees.Phone message“She hid from investigators the fact that she had fallen to the ground accidentally and then again in the course of the fight with T’s female friends.”The falls are thought to have been recorded by Olivia Valere’s CCTV cameras, which also showed her returning with Hernandez to the nightclub after the “consensual sex” she claimed was a rape.Investigators are also believed to have obtained a phone message Kremleva sent the footballer around 6.15am, after the alleged rape, asking him repeatedly when he was going to go home with her.Attacking left-back Hernandez, capped 35 times by France at senior level, was never arrested before a court dismissed her claim and police started preparing a case against her.In a newspaper interview after the ‘rape’ investigators subsequently dismissed Kremleva insisted: “I have proof of the attack which are on my backside and knees.“I would love it if Theo apologised. It’s the least I deserve.”Her mum Mila went on Spanish TV after news of her January 13 2020 detention broke to claim: “My daughter is not under arrest. She went to pick up a court notification.“With time the truth is going to come out.”The model subsequently wrote on social media: “I have not been arrested. I have not been convicted of any crime. The truth will come out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe privatised her Instagram at the start of the month after it emerged a date had been set for her trial.As well as a two-year prison sentence Kremleva is also facing a possible POUNDS 12,000 fine if she is eventually convicted, although two-year jail sentences are normally suspended in Spain for first-time offenders. More