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      ‘Happening again in front of our eyes’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher spot Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked

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      GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher have spotted a Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked at Manchester United.The Red Devils slumped to their ninth defeat of the Premier League season against Newcastle on Monday evening.Gar Neville and Jamie Carragher have hit out at a Man United tacticThe club has not scored from open play when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui have been at right-wing-backMazraoui and Dalot are not as effective for the Red Devils going forwardCredit: PAThe Magpies claimed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford but the scoreline could have been much worse for Amorim’s side.During the game, Man United had ten shots but did not hit the target once.The hosts were ineffective in their attack without talisman Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended.However, Neville and Carragher have revealed another issue that Amorim is facing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarragher showed that when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui start at right wing back, the team has not scored in open play.However, when Amad Diallo or Antony have featured in the position, nine goals were created from open play.Carragher claimed that the two more defensive-minded full-backs lack the “urgency” to get up the pitch.Speaking on Sky Sports: “That’s the problem with these two playing at wing-back and the problem we’ll see.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the Liverpool legend did insist that Amorim was right to keep his style of play.He added: “The manager has said he’s not for changing his system and I think he is right to do that, not to sort of adapt.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfAmad Diallo and Antony have added more threat to the attack from the defensive positionCredit: Getty”He’s been brought in for a reason, to play that system and to provide at United what he provided in Lisbon with Sporting and the success they had.”I think it would be wrong to change, but that means I think he may have to go through a little bit more pain.”Neville also spoke about the information Carragher displayed while commenting on the match.He said: “There was a graphic shown before the game by Jamie Carragher that showed that when Manchester United have played Mazraoui and Dalot, the more defensive wing-backs, they haven’t scored a goal in open play.”Which is stark. And it is happening again in front of our eyes.”The stats that Carragher showed were from before the defeat to Newcastle.However, there was no improvement against the Magpies, and now, they appear even bleaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Dalot and Mazraoui were right-wing-back, the team failed to score from open play in 359 minutes.While the impact of Amad or Antony in the role is now nine goals from 361 minutes.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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      Matheus Cunha slapped with ban and huge fine for Wolves star’s role in ugly spat during Ipswich clash

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      WOLVES’ star forward Matheus Cunha has been suspended for two games and fined a whopping £80,000 by the FA.The Brazilian was charged with misconduct and acting in an improper manner after the final whistle following Wolves’ 2-1 home defeat by Ipswich Town on December 14.Matheus Cunha has been hit with a two-game banCredit: GettyHe has also been fined £80,000 for his role in the brawl after the defeat to IpswichCredit: Sky SportsCunha became involved in an ugly spat with an Ipswich member of staff on the pitch as tensions reached boiling point.The Wolves star admitted the charge and an independent Regulatory Commission dished out the punishment and will publish full written reasons for the punishment in due course.The ban will come as a massive blow to new boss Vitor Pereira who has turned Wolves’ season around.He has guided the club to victories over Leicester City, Manchester United and a draw against Spurs since taking over at Molineux.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCunha lost the plot after Jack Taylor scored with the last attack for Ipswich – a defeat which turned out to be Gary O’Neil’s final game in charge of Wolves.The 25-year-old has been Wolves’ best player this season, scoring 10 goals and producing four assists in the Premier League.Cunha will now miss the Wolves Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Monday and their FA Cup third-round tie against Bristol City.Meanwhile, the forward’s good form has seen him become one of the most-wanted players in the January transfer window.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal and Manchester United have been linked with moves for Cunha.However, he has insisted that he is happy in the West Midlands despite reports of a potential big move.From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursCunha joined the club on an initial loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023, and the deal was made permanent for £44million.He previously spent time at Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin in Germany after beginning his career in Switzerland with Sion.Cunha will be back in the Wolves squad for the away trip to Newcastle United on January 15.That match will then be followed by tough clashes against Chelsea and Arsenal. More

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      Plymouth statement in full as Wayne Rooney AXED on New Year’s Eve and Man Utd legend’s manager career in ruin

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have released a statement confirming Wayne Rooney has been axed.The Manchester United and England legend has departed as manager with the Pilgrims bottom of the Championship.Wayne Rooney has been axed by Plymouth ArgyleCredit: RexThe club announced the news in a statement, which read: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.”Departing the club with Rooney will be assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland.”First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as goalkeeping coach.”We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course.”Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.“Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future.“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”Wayne Rooney furious after Plymouth Argyle loss to Norwich A shocking nine-match run without a win ended Rooney’s time at the Pilgrims. The 39-year-old guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the league.They conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.Argyle are four points adrift from Championship safety.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Rooney has now left his fourth job in four years.He begun at Derby County and managed to save them from relegation to the third tier in the 2020/21 campaign.But following a huge 21-point deduction due to administration, they went down the following season.Rooney then moved to the US and took over a struggling DC United.After a promising start, he was unable to guide them into the play-offs and he mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2023 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then returned to the Championship with Birmingham but had a nightmare, lasting just 15 games before being sacked.Rooney then penned a three-year deal with Argyle in May, but he has been unable to take the team tipped for relegation away from the drop zone.The club are four points adrift from safety More

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      Wayne Rooney axed by Plymouth after woeful run of form with Man Utd legend’s men bottom of Championship

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      WAYNE Rooney has parted ways with Plymouth Argyle.The ex-Manchester United star, 39, only took over at the start of the season but the Pilgrims are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.Rooney is set to leave the club, The Sun understandsCredit: RexPlymouth are rooted to the bottom of the Championship tableCredit: RexWayne and Coleen at Nordoff Robbins’ Legends of Football at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in OctoberCredit: Getty ImagesPlymouth have not won since a narrow 1-0 victory over Portsmouth on November 5.They have since embarked on a run of nine games without a win, including heavy losses 4-0 at Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City respectively.Plymouth have also earned just two points on the road this season.The club currently sit 24th in the league with just 18 points from 23 matches and are four points adrift from safety.Read more footballA statement from the club today said: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.”Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.”First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach.”We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.Most read in Football”The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course.”It comes two days after his side’s 2-0 loss to relegation rivals Oxford United on Sunday.Wayne Rooney’s statementWAYNE Rooney also today issued a statement after leaving the club.He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with. “Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.”To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.”I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.”Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”Wayne Rooney hits out at speculation he took mystery woman back to his flat and says ‘it’s simply not true’Earlier this month, Argyle chairman Simon Hallett publicly backed Rooney.The ex-England legend had also recently appointed Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 Mike Phelan to replace outgoing assistant Pete Shuttleworth.It marks the latest setback in a stuttering managerial career for Rooney.It is a far cry from his playing days, which saw him amass 120 caps for his country and become England’s all-time leading scorer with 53 goals before the record was taken by Harry Kane.He also scored 253 goals for United on his way to winning the Premier League five times, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup three times and Club World Cup.Rooney joined Derby County as a player in January 2020, before being named as part of a four-person interim management team in November.The ex-England man officially retired from playing in January 2021 when he took sole charge of the club.Derby were relegated to League One at the end of the following season under Rooney’s leadership, but had been in administration throughout the entire campaign and suffered a 21-point deduction.He resigned from the club in June 2022.Rooney then returned to the MLS with DC United the following month, winning his first game in charge.But his side picked up just nine points from their last 14 games and they mutually parted ways at the end of the season.The ex-England captain then joined Birmingham City in October 2023 with the club in sixth place in the Championship.Martin Lipton on Rooney’s Plymouth tenureBY MARTIN LIPTONIt’s finally come to an end. His departure from Plymouth is no surprise.In fact, it’s been there screaming, on the wall, for a few weeks now. The question is, what next? He really believed he was going to be a manager, he felt he was cut out for it. But at Derby he had less than a 30% win ratio, worse everywhere he’s been since – at DC United, a miserable time with just two wins in 15 games at Birmingham and now leaving Plymouth with the Devon club staring relegation fully in the face.It’s tough. Rooney really cares, there’s no doubt about it, I spoke to him in the US 18 months ago, his enjoyment in the job was clear, he was really dedicated to making it work. But it doesn’t seem to work.Maybe it’s a bit of Glen Hoddle syndrome. When the former Spurs midfielder walked onto a training ground as a manager, he was the best player there still. It’s the same with Rooney I suspect. Certainly lower down the leagues he will be much, much better – that was the level of talent he possessed.If you’re that good how do you make limited players, play, when they can’t do things that come naturally to you.I still think there’s a chance for Rooney, it isn’t the end. It seems almost inevitable that at some point he will be handed the reins to his boyhood club, the chance to manage Everton. But for now it seems a long way away.This will be brutal, this will be hard, it will hurt.Let’s hope for Rooney he doesn’t let his own inner demons, the ones he’s talked about in the past, descend on him now. That he can cope with this adversity, come out firing and prove that next time, he has what it takes.But he was sacked after winning just two of his 15 games in charge.It also comes after Rooney hit out at speculation he took a mystery woman back to his flat, insisting “it’s simply not true.”Trolls claimed a video posted on X showed him letting an unidentified woman into his luxury Plymouth pad.But he hit out and explained they were actually a couple who had given the football legend a lift home and his son was present at the time.Posting on his Instagram stories, the angry football icon said: “I am aware of a video circulating online.”The video shows a man and woman looking around my apartment.”The couple kindly gave me a lift home and were in there at the same time as my son who was visiting.”Footage is from last summer, it is annoying that at least one online newspaper has chosen to edit the footage to make it appear has though a woman entered the apartment on her own.”That is simply not true.”In the video, Wazza – wearing a grey tracksuit – unlocks a door to his rented luxury apartment in Plymouth as an unidentified woman stands waiting.The club are four points adrift from safetyWayne, Coleen and their kids in matching Christmas pyjamasCredit: InstagramWayne Rooney yesterday hit out at speculation he took a mystery woman back to his flatCredit: TwitterRooney is then filmed walking past a huge flatscreen TV, with the camera later panning around to show a kitchen and dining table.A woman can be heard saying “What time does it end?” while a man holds a blue baseball cap saying “this is the hat that he wears all the time”.Another video shows the guests looking around Rooney’s bedroom and huge ensuite bathroom, with the girl saying “Wow” while the man says “Oh my f***ing god”.A club spokesman confirmed the apartment videos were not recent as Rooney spent Saturday evening with his team in a hotel near Oxford’s ground preparing for the game.Rooney took over at Home Park in May, succeeding Ian Foster.It was the Man Utd legend’s first managerial role since he was sacked by Birmingham City in January.The 39-year-old initially guided Plymouth into mid-table by the start of October.But the Pilgrims’ stuttering form – especially on the road – saw them drop into the relegation spots just before the festive period.Plymouth’s away record is the worst in the entire Football League having taken just two points from 13 games.A 4-0 Boxing Day drubbing at Coventry City left Plymouth bottom of the table.And they followed it up with another defeat on the road to Oxford.The board decided to part ways with Rooney following the defeat, just days after he insisted he was the man to lead them forward.Rooney guided Plymouth to victory in just 4 of his 23 league games at the helm.His team have leaked 51 goals, the most in the division, and last won on November 5.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe axing also comes after Wayne and wife Coleen spent weeks apart while she took part in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity,.It saw Coleen take part in Bushtucker Trials and living in the jungle camp.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.Rooney’s side are four points adrift of safety at the halfway mark of the seasonCredit: RexRooney had a glittering playing career with Everton, Man United and EnglandCredit: Carl Recine More

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      Man Utd are the WORST team in the country, says Gary Neville as ’embarrassed’ Amorim admits club are in relegation scrap

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      EMBARRASSED Ruben Amorim vowed he will not change despite  Manchester United being slammed as the “worst” team in the Prem.The “lost” Red Devils are only seven points above the drop zone after Amorim’s flops crashed to another Old Trafford horror show.Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by NewcastleCredit: AlamyThe club are currently slumped in 14th place in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyGary Neville slammed Man United as the worst team in the countryCredit: GettyRuben Amorim insisted the club is in a relegation battleCredit: Sky sportsAlexander Isak and Joelinton put Newcastle 2-0 up inside 19 minutes to inflict United’s fifth defeat in the last six Prem games — and third successive at home in a dismal December.Amorim said: “It is a bit embarrassing to be United coach and lose a lot of games. It is one of the worst moments in the history of our club and we have to accept that. It is my fault.“The team is not improving and it is a little bit lost in this moment.”United were booed off at half-time, prompting club legend Gary Neville to blast: “You are watching the worst pound-for-pound football club in the country. They are that bad.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut defiant boss Amorim insisted his tactics will remain the same even if he faced the sack or the club faced the threat of relegation.Amorim added: “You have to be really focused on your idea. If you start changing because of the results, it’s the end for any coach. I was hired because of my idea.“You cannot go back. You have to continue to push. We’ve only had four training sessions all together.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That is important. I am here because of my idea and I will continue to do my idea until the end.Most read in Football“I change something tactical in every game. You focus on the three defenders, you can focus on that. ‘Has Gary Neville been taken hostage-‘ ask fans as they’re left baffled at Sky Sports coverage of Man Utd vs NewcastleMan 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.“I change for every game and you can see it. If I did not believe I would change because I am not stubborn. I believe in something and I really stick on that.”With Ipswich stunning Chelsea, Amorim’s suffering 14th-placed side now faces a daunting trip to runaway Prem leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.The Portuguese coach added: “It is really hard. Relegation is a possibility. That is really clear so we have to fight.“It is a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United and we have to address it with honesty.“We have to fight in the next game. We have to change something but this season will be really hard on everybody. It can make us stronger.“I am responsible. I don’t like to arrive here and make excuses. I think people are tired of excuses in this club.“I think our club needs a shock and we have to understand that. We have to acknowledge where we are – we have to win games and focus on surviving.”Amorim hooked Joshua Zirkzee for Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes and the substitution was greeted by both cheers and jeers.Amorim said: “You have to think about the team and sometimes about the player.“Sometimes the player is suffering. It was really tough on me to do that and I will talk to Josh. But at that moment it was important to the team.“Josh is a really, really good guy. He will have support and prepare for the next game.”Wantaway United striker  Marcus Rashford, 27, was back in the squad after being dropped for the last four matches but was an unused substitute.Toon boss Eddie Howe was a much happier man.It was a fourth Prem win in a row without conceding a goal to put them up to fifth in the table.He said: “It is a big win psychologically.“Confidence is the ultimate thing that makes the difference. The players are playing in their best positions and look happy and comfortable and our injury record has also improved from last year.”Worst pound-for-pound teamNeville’s claim that Man United were the worst pound-for-pound team in the country was almost correct.The Red Devils’ squad cost £757 million, including big-money signings such as £82m Antony’s and Harry Maguire, who arrived for a similar fee.The club has accumulated just 22 points from their 19 Premier League games.This means the club has spent £34.4m per point, which is the second worst in the division.Only Southampton has spent more per point, with the club forking out £34.8m for each of their six points.However, Man United would drop to last should the Saints pick up one more draw as their points cost would fall to £29.9m.Nottingham Forest’s impressive season is clear to see, with the squad only costing £270m.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Tricky Trees are currently second in the Premier League and have only paid £7.3m for each of their 37 points.Only Fulham spent less per point than Forest, with the West London side’s 29 points costing £7m each. More

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      Kyle Walker enjoys night at World Darts Championship after failing to buy Christmas gifts for kids with Lauryn Goodman

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      KYLE WALKER enjoyed a night at Ally Pally to watch the World Darts Championship.The Manchester City captain headed to the Palace to watch on as Luke Littler took to the oche in darts’ premier competition.Kyle Walker attended the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra PalaceCredit: ReutersWalker watched on as stars like Luke Littler took to the ocheCredit: RexWalker’s night out comes after he did not send Christmas gifts to his two kids with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: PAWalker showed off a banner in the crowdCredit: RexWalker was in the crowd enjoying his night after The Sun exclusively revealed that he did not send Christmas gifts to his two kids with Lauryn Goodman.The England star, 34, missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second year despite promising friends he’d do the “right thing”.Sources have told The Sun that Lauryn was left upset by the snub.One said: “All of their mutual friends have talked to Kyle.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“They feel really upset for the children and for Lauryn who is always trying to do right by their kids.“They were hoping Kyle would put aside his differences for the sake of the children.“But to leave them with nothing to open for another year is just really sad.”Walker landed himself in trouble at home last Christmas when chaos broke out between himself, Lauryn, and his then-pregnant wife Annie Kilner.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalker missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second yearCredit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Lauryn Goodman was said to have been upset by the snubCredit: RexLauryn broke the news of her second child with Kyle on December 27 in a text to Annie — leading to a huge public feud.Walker has been having a tough time on the pitch too, with Man City struggling for form and currently sixth in the Premier League table.Roy Keane fumes at ’embarrassing’ Kyle Walker dive during Man City’s clash against Man UtdThe Champions have won just TWO if their last 14 matches in all competitions.While Walker himself has struggled for game time, leading to speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium.But the veteran right-back seems to have found the time to relax at Ally Pally with the darts after City returned to winning ways against Leicester on Sunday.Life on the pitch isn’t going well for WalkerCredit: GettyThe defender was able to unwind at the dartsCredit: GettyKyle with his estranged wife Annie More

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      Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer doesn’t deserve to be on the losing side but Disasi gifts Ipswich second goal

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      CHELSEA made it back-to-back losses as they slumped to an awful 2-0 defeat at Ipswich this evening.Enzo Maresca’s side went into the match hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.Chelsea endured a night to forget at Portman RoadCredit: GettyThey would have fancied their chances, with the Tractor Boys having gone into the match still searching for their first home win of the season.But Liam Delap’s controversial 12th minute penalty gave the hosts a surprise lead, before Chelsea old-boy Omari Hutchinson haunted his old side to double Ipswich’s advantage.On a night to forget for the Blues, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates each performer.FILIP JORGENSEN – 6His first bit of action was a clumsy trailing leg to catch Delap and give away a needless penalty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowed it up with a few decent stops to deny the forward anything else, but the damage was already done.AXEL DISASI – 4Offered very little until a fine pass early in the second half to put Madueke through.But that was then overshadowed by a woeful piece of defending to give the hosts a second goal, first with a stray pass to Delap and then giving Hutchinson the freedom of Ipswich to slot home.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Struggled to deal with Delap, physically and for pace. Looked terrified to press him. Lumbered about for most of the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLEVI COLWILL – 6Looks so much better with a proper defensive partner, unlike here.Not his best game, but not his worst.Enzo Maresca gives blunt two-word response when asked about Noni Madueke’s Chelsea axingMARC CUCURELLA – 5Nervy clearance off Hutchinson almost gave Delap a second inside 15 minutes and caught out of position plenty when Ipswich countered.Poor in attacking areas.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6A real mixed bag.Picked up some good pockets of space but out-muscled on occasion.MOISES CAICEDO – 6Blazed over a glorious chance from the edge of the box off his left peg.Controlled the game well from deep at times.Moises Caicedo battles with Liam DelapCredit: ReutersNONI MADUEKE – 7Involved in everything good with Chelsea, taking on defenders and unlucky not to grab a first half goal.Linked up well with Palmer and Enzo.COLE PALMER – 8A joy to watch. His cleverly-disguised free-kick smacked the post and his cross for Joao Felix at the far post to score from was delightful, only to be called back for offside.He was then denied a curling beauty by a worldie save. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. Best player on the pitch by a mile.Cole Palmer was a bright spark for the BluesCredit: GettyJOAO FELIX – 6Perhaps a harsh one but should have stayed onside before tapping in Palmer’s brilliant cross to level the scores.Had a header cleared off the line just after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5An anonymous first half was followed up by more anonymity in the second before being hauled off just after the hour mark.Feels like he has wasted a huge chance given to him by Maresca to prove he can be the difference maker.Christopher Nkunku endured a night to forgetCredit: RexNicolas Jackson (for Felix, 55) – 6Missed a blatant one v one, spared blushes by a delayed offside flag.Jadon Sancho – (for Nkunku, 65) – 6Did very little, but the game was pretty much done by the time he came on.Malo Gusto (for Disasi, 77) – 6Came on just so Disasi could make way, it seems. Made his presence known by getting into a late scrap with Davis.READ MORE SUN STORIESPedro Neto (for Madueke, 77) – 5Brought some zip, but let himself down by going down soft holding his face from a Kalvin Phillips ‘challenge’. More

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      Man Utd ratings: Casemiro shows Red Devils need to move on from him in summer but Mainoo is rare bright spot

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      KOBBIE 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.Casemiro had another night to forget at Old TraffordCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee was taken off after just 33 minutesCredit: ReutersKobbie Mainoo made a big impact after he replaced ZirkzeeCredit: RexHarry Maguire came closest to scoring for Man Utd with a headerCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui was caught out on the right flank on both occasions and United’s hapless midfield duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled to keep up with play.Mainoo, who started the match on the bench, solved the midfield crisis quickly after his 33rd minute introduction.Casemiro was fortunate not to be ahueld off at that point, as Ruben Amorim instead sacrificed Old Trafford boo boy Joshua Zirkzee.The Dutch forward has not had a happy time of things since his summer move and he barely completed a pass against Toon.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat being said, few players in a red shirt covered themselves in glory as several vyed for the worst performer label.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.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut 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.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfHarry 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – Not enough time to influence the match. More