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      Crystal Palace make £15m bid for Liverpool wonderkid Ben Doak in shock January transfer swoop

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      CRYSTAL PALACE have made a £15million bid for Liverpool starlet Ben Doak.The 19-year-old winger is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from the Premier League leaders.Crystal Palace have made a £15m bid for Ben DoakCredit: GettySunSport previously revealed that Doak is keen on returning to Liverpool when his time at Boro ends.But Palace are keen admirers and he is open to leaving his parent club should he not get a chance at Anfield.Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s side are interested in Palace captain Marc Guehi and it was thought that the Eagles may try to poach Doak as part of a potential deal.But their £15m bid is separate from any possible move involving Guehi. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDoak has caught the eye under Michael Carrick, having been named Championship Player of the Month for November after registering five assists. The Scotland international has also found the back of the net twice this season.Doak joined Liverpool in March 2022 after making his senior debut for Celtic aged just 16.The Reds paid the Scottish giants £600,000 in compensation to seal the deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe made his first appearance for Liverpool in a Carabao Cup win against Derby and just five days later he penned his first professional contract.However, Doak’s rise was halted as he underwent knee surgery and missed nearly all of the 2023/24 season.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly But despite his injury woes, he was called up to Scotland’s Euro 2024 provisional squad, only to withdraw due to fitness problems.Losing Doak in January would be a huge blow to promotion-chasing Boro as they sit fifth in the Championship table.Ben Doak has played ten times for LiverpoolCredit: AP More

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      Man Utd WILL trigger Harry Maguire contract extension but Ruben Amorim warns him he ‘must improve as leader’

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      HARRY MAGUIRE will be staying at Manchester United for at least the next 18 months.But the ex-skipper has also been told by Ruben Amorim that it’s time for him to stand up and be counted again, stressing: “We are starving for leaders.”Harry Maguire is set for a Man Utd contract extensionCredit: ReutersManager Ruben Amorim confirmed the newsCredit: GettyThe Old Trafford boss, who also says that Amad Diallo is close to signing a new long-term deal, announced the club have triggered a one year extension on Maguire’s deal.Without doing so the 31 year old would have become a free agent this summer.Yet in revealing that he wants to keep the central defender who predecessor Erik ten Hag was prepared to sell, Amorim also delivered a back – handed compliment.He declared : “Harry Maguire is going to trigger our option.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“I spoke with him this morning and told me he has to improve his game on the pitch.“We need him a lot but he also has to improve as a leader.“We know the situation he had here but we are going to trigger happily the option.”The news caps a remarkable turnaround in fortune for the England defender.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was stripped of the captaincy by ten Hag in July 2023, in favour of Bruno Fernandes, and the Dutchman was willing to sell him to West Ham for £20M.Even at the start of this season with ten Hag in control offers would have been listened to for the former Leicester City star who arrived I 2019 for £70M but ultimately lost his way.Amorim is unhappy that Man Utd team news is being leaked ahead of the games Now, with Amorim desperate to resuscitate United’s fortunes after four successive defeats and Sunday’s scary visit to Anfield coming up, Maguire has become central to the Portuguese’ plans after it had looked like he as on the way out.Amorim, going into his 12th game as boss and with only four wins, stressed : “There are moments in the career of a player that are different and difficult.“Like we saw this last week with Josh Zirkzee.“I think Maguire coped very well with his struggles while when you loo at our team we are starving for leaders.“He is a leader. He has to improve that part and he has to improve our game and we are happy to continue with him.”Diallo, says Amorim, is “near” to signing a new five – year contract, the 22 year old’s current deal also due to expire in the summer although United do have an option to add a further 12 months.READ MORE SUN STORIESTalks that have gone on for weeks are set to come to a successful conclusion to the wing whizz who has been one of the few positives during Amorim’s nightmare start at the Red Devils.Meanwhile Marcus Rashford, who has been ill over Christmas, will not again figure in Amorim’s squad, the manager revealing he has not trained all week.Marcus Rashford is out against LiverpoolCredit: Rex More

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      Ruben Amorim told to scrap new Man Utd system with players ‘getting worse’ and team hurtling towards relegation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim should change his three-at-the-back system, claims Alan Shearer.The Portuguese boss, 39, has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life at Man UtdCredit: GettyAlan Shearer has had his say on the United boss’ tacticsCredit: GettyFollowing Monday night’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, Amorim admitted that relegation is “a possibility”.Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker called the defeat embarrassing – while he also questioned Amorim’s decision to play veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen together in a midfield duo within his 3-4-3.Responding, Shearer asked: “How long does he go on persisting with his system?”Because clearly his players, the players he has got in that squad, can’t play the way he wants them to play. How long does he persist with it?”READ MORE ON MAN UTDFellow pundit Micah Richards responded: “As long as he can? I don’t think he changes his ways whatsoever, because then he’s admitted defeat.”Shearer hit back: “Really? When you say ‘admit defeat’, is it not to say ‘Well okay, I’ve tried that way, my players can’t play that way so I have to change for the benefit of the team’?”Richards responded: “It’s not like Man Utd were great three years ago and then Ten Hag came in and they were really bad, and he’s trying to… they’ve not played well for years and they’ve tried every formation possible.”So if you’re a manager, you’re not going to then doubt yourself and go into a different system, a system that you don’t know.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMicah Richards disagreed with Shearer’s assessmentCredit: Getty”I think this is just one that is going to take a lot of time. Obviously the players are not good enough to fit into his ideas at this moment in time. But if he starts changing now…”After Shearer cut in saying “they’re getting worse Micah”, Richards went on: “I think sometimes you have to get worse before you go forward, they’ve tried everything else.”Ruben Amorim says Man Utd face a relegation battleShearer went on to add of Amorim: “I bet he thinks ‘What on Earth have I walked into?’ Both on and off the pitch.”Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher broadly agrees with Richards’ assessment.He wrote on social media: “Ruben Amorim needs to get results, as we have seen big jobs getaway from young managers in the past, eg Graham Potter at Chelsea.”But he can’t change his whole idea of 3/4/3 otherwise what was the point in bringing him in?”Jamie Carragher feels that Amorim needs to stick to his systemCredit: Getty’A BIT EMBARRASSING’Quizzed if talk of a relegation battle is “embarrassing”, Amorim said on Monday: “It is also my fault.”The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.”I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”Marcus Rashford returned to the matchday squad for the Newcastle match, after being frozen out for four games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even with United needing a goal, Amorim elected not to bring on the forward.The Red Devils, who sit 14th in the Prem table, are next in action on Sunday when they face a daunting trip to leaders Liverpool.Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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      Brighton vs Arsenal: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

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      ARSENAL head for the south coast in Saturday’s evening clash this weekend knowing a win over Brighton will see the deficit cut at the top to three points.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBrighton vs Arsenal: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Brighton vs Arsenal: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Brighton vs Arsenal: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Brighton vs Arsenal prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

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      ARSENAL can cut the gap at the top to just three points by beating Brighton in Saturday’s dinnertime clash.SunSport betting experts have previewed the south coast showdown and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBrighton vs Arsenal previewAfter four wins on the bounce in all competitions, spirits at Arsenal at high after a sticky start to December.Now, they can really put some pressure on leaders Liverpool if they beat Brighton on Saturday, cutting the gap to the Reds to just three points.Granted, they’ll have played two games more than Arne Slot’s men by the time Liverpool face Man Utd on Sunday.But it’ll still potentially put a bit of doubt in the mind’s of Liverpool, who’ve seemingly coasted to this stage after a stellar first half of the season.Scoring goals looked to be Arsenal’s problems and Bukayo Saka’s injury was meant to highlight that further but they’ve since scored 12 goals in their last four – which included a laclustre 1-0 win over Ipswich too.Brighton haven’t won any of their last seven games as their early season promise has hit the skids.They have drawn five of those games – and four of their last five – so they’re not losing many either as they sit in 10th place but really need more to start kicking on up the Premier League table.Arsenal haven’t lost at the Amex in their last four visits, too…First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-3 at 12/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Gabriel Jesus at 6/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREBrighton vs Arsenal latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Brighton vs Arsenal predictions and tipsMotoring onFour wins on the bounce can become five for Arsenal in Saturday’s game.Brighton need something to kick them back into gear and that could come with a big result against one of the big sides.But Arsenal look to have found a bit of a better balance to their side in recent weeks and, though unlikely to keep a clean sheet, can outscore their opponents.Arsenal to win and both teams to score at 2/1 with BetMGM – CLAIM HEREDunk LowNo Brighton player has more yellow cards this season that Lewis Dunk.With two in his last six, maybe the difficulties Brighton have faced in winning games are being felt by the club captain.His two bookings came in the two defeats in their seven game winless run, too. Both 3-1 defeats too that we’ve predicted. Stars aligned?Lewis Dunk to be carded at 23/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Plymouth Argyle SCRAP fly-on-the-wall documentary after Wayne Rooney was axed as manager and club face relegation

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have scrapped their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Wayne Rooney’s departure.Rooney, 39, left by mutual consent on New Year’s Day alongside No2 Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland following a dismal run of one win in 14 games.Wayne Rooney was axed following Argyle’s 2-0 defeat to OxfordCredit: GettySunSport revealed in November that filming had commenced on a documentary series showcasing Argyle’s battle against the Championship drop.The Pilgrims had hoped to flog the series to a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – raising significant money and the club’s profile in the process.Amid Argyle’s 10-game winless run and Rooney’s departure, however, The Guardian report that club bosses have scrapped the project.They claim that it was felt the project could become a “distraction”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilming had commenced in October, but after working at just two games, production staff were told to “take a break”.Lorton Entertainment had been working on the project.The production company has ties to the former Pilgrims boss, having worked on the feature length documentary “Rooney” – shown on Amazon Prime Video, and “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story”, which aired on Disney+.Despite Argyle’s documentary plans having been largely driven by Rooney and his team of advisers, club bosses did sign off on it initially.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLorton are understood to be co-owned by Kenny Shepherd, who is also a shareholder in Triple S Sports – the agency that have represented Rooney since he was a teen.Plymouth Argyle have declined to comment.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleLong-time Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has been placed in caretaker charge alongside injured captain Joe Edwards.The duo guided the Pilgrims to a 2-2 New Year’s Day draw with Bristol City at Home Park, and are expected to be in charge of tomorrow’s Championship trip to Stoke City.After the Bristol City game, Nancekivell paid tribute to outgoing boss Rooney.’PRIVILEGED TO GET TO KNOW HIM’He told the BBC: “I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.”People see the Wayne Rooney who’s an England international and legend of world football, but they don’t know him as a person.”I’ve been privileged to get to know him. He’s a super human being and he showed a lot of class when he came and said his goodbyes to us.”Nancekivell, 53, could remain in temporary charge as the Pilgrims take on Brentford in the FA Cup next week.Former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke City in December 2023, is the early front-runner to succeed Rooney.Remarkably, Schumacher’s Home Park predecessor Ryan Lowe is the second favourite for the post, having left Argyle for Preston in December 2021.Kevin Nancekivell paid tribute to RooneyCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is favourite to land the Argyle gigCredit: GettyWHAT’S NEXT FOR WAZZA?As for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney, 39, is likely to return to punditryCredit: Rex More

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      Hassan Mgaya dead at 29: Boxer dies just days after suffering KO defeat as tributes pour in

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      TANZANIAN boxer Hassan Mgaya has tragically died aged 29, the WBC have confirmed.Mgaya passed away in hospital just days after his defeat to Paul Elias.Hassan Mgaya tragically died aged 29The Tanzanian super-lightweight fought Elias in his country’s capital Dar-Es-Salaam on December 27.Following his KO defeat he was taken straight to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania.He was subsequently transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital, where he tragically died on December 30.A WBC statement read: “Tanzanian professional boxer Hassan Mgaya passed away on December 30, 2024, from injuries resulting from a knockout he received on December 27.READ MORE IN BOXING”Mgaya had been taken to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania, before being transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital where he spent his final moments.”The entire WBC family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved champion.”The Tanzanian Boxing Commission’s acting secretary Nsajigwa Mwangamilo has also paid tribute to Mgaya.He said: “We extend our deepest condolences to to the family and boxing stakeholders in the country.”Most read in BoxingMgaya held a 3-3-2 professional record.His fight with Elias had been his fourth bout of 2024. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson took 27 years to ‘knock Liverpool off their f***ing perch’… Slot could undo that in his first season

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON famously claimed his biggest challenge as Manchester United manager was “knocking Liverpool off their f****** perch”.When the great Scot left Old ­Trafford after clinching one last  Premier League title in 2013, it was mission f****** accomplished.Legendary Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson took pride in ‘knocking Liverpool off their perch’Credit: PAHowever, the Red Devils are now far from the threatening club they once wereCredit: GettyBut what Fergie achieved during the course of a glorious 27-year reign, new Kop manager Arne Slot is threatening to undo in his debut season.The crown United won 12 years ago was their 20th, putting them two clear of Liverpool at the top of the list of English champions.Jurgen Klopp brought the Merseysiders back to within one of United by clinching the crown in 2019-20.So if Slot can convert his team’s current lead at the top of the table into a trophy lift in May, he will put them level with their North-West rivals.Read More in FootballAnd given Liverpool’s superior European Cup and Champions League record — with six wins to United’s three — the Anfield faithful would once more have the numbers to back their claim to be England’s greatest club.The one crumb of comfort for United fans in recent years is the other lot down the M62 have failed to take advantage of United’s decline in the same way Fergie filled his boots during Liverpool’s barren years.Many Reds supporters would argue their team fell off that perch rather than being pushed by United.Poor recruitment and a failure to exploit the commercial opportunities of the Premier League breakaway cost the Kop dear as much as United’s quality under Fergie.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArne Slot has carried Liverpool to the top of the Prem table in his first seasonCredit: AlamyIn between Kenny Dalglish’s third and final league title as Liverpool boss in 1990 and Klopp’s victory 30 years later, Ferguson and United were champions 13 times.After Klopp announced his decision to leave Anfield last January — and his second bid for a Quadruple fell even flatter than the first — United supporters probably breathed a sigh of relief.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedThey have seen just how hard it is to replace an iconic manager and to compete with those other noisy neighbours, Manchester City.But Slot has come in to Anfield — and, rather than picking up where Klopp left off, has coaxed new levels from a group of players who looked spent when finishing third in last season’s three-way title race.So the United faithful will travel to Anfield for Sunday’s game fearing not only another hiding on the day but also a more long-lasting kick in the guts at the end of the season.The Red Devils’ recent Premier League record against Liverpool is humiliating, with just one win in the last eight meetings and six goals scored compared to the Reds’ 26.Losing to your fiercest rivals is bad enough, but the manner of the defeats has often been shocking.In the 2021-22 season, Klopp’s Reds won 5-0 at Old Trafford and then 4-0 at home. But United’s real nadir came at Anfield on March 5, 2023 when Liverpool scored seven without reply.So the United faithful will travel to Anfield for Sunday’s game fearing not only another hiding on the day but also a more long-lasting kick in the guts at the end of the season.It was not only the biggest margin of victory in a rivalry dating back to 1894, it also equalled the worst defeat of United’s entire history.Yet most Liverpool supporters would swap a one-off thrashing like that for another championship.And despite their team’s apparent superiority right now, there will be a small voice of caution in the back of the mind of all but the most optimistic fans.Because failing to beat United damaged title bids led by Klopp more than once.United have suffered some embarrassing defeats against Liverpool in recent yearsCredit: AFPIn February 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. The Reds finished one agonising point behind City at the end of the season.And Erik ten Hag’s United drew both league games against Klopp’s side last season.Had Liverpool beaten United at Old Trafford on April 7, they would have been level on points with City and two ahead of Arsenal with six games to go.But after Mo Salah’s late penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw, Liverpool lost at home to Crystal Palace the following weekend and watched another title chance slip away.Losing to your fiercest rivals is bad enough, but the manner of the defeats has often been shocking.There is further encouragement for United fans that their team can still lift themselves when playing Liverpool and form can go out the window in this fiercely-contested derby.Bruno Fernandes grabbed the  winner in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth round victory in January 2021.And most memorably last March, United came from behind twice to beat Liverpool 4-3 in the sixth round and went on to lift the trophy.The hero of that Old Trafford ­victory was Amad Diallo, with a dramatic winner in  stoppage-time at the end of extra-time. Or, to put it another way, in Fergie time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow the United fans would love another shock win for new boss Ruben Amorim’s side on Sunday.And recapture hope their club can remain alone on the title-winning perch where Ferguson left them.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More