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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele breaks silence on why he walked out of management job after just THREE games in charge

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      CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele walked out as manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after just three games in charge.Makelele, 51, claims his decision came after initial promises were not upheld and club chiefs began to interfere in team selection.Claude Makelele resigned as Asteras Tripolis manager after just three games in chargeCredit: AFPMakelele claims promises weren’t kept and Asteras club chiefs interfered in team selectionCredit: GettyThe French tactician crossed over to management after ending his 20-year career in 2011 and worked as a coach at the Blues, Swansea and Paris Saint-Germain as well as manager at Bastia and Eupen.The legendary midfielder had been a free agent since September 2023 when he left the West Londoners’ coaching staff but returned to the dugout for Asteras in the Greek Superleague.However, the Real Madrid great’s stint in Greece lasted barely two weeks and he left after just three games, in which he was undefeated.The former France international claimed club chiefs didn’t keep their word.Read More on FootballMakele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team. “It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”The final straw took place on Sunday when Asteras visited Kallithea at Leoforos.Most read in FootballMakelele picked up his first victory in charge of the Greek minnows, winning 3-1 thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Darnell Bile, who registered two assists.The Chelsea icon claims club chiefs ordered him to bench a “key player” before the match because of his contract situation, but he disobeyed.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentMakelele added: “In the last game [at Kallithea], they insisted a key player should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team. “I brought him on for just 20 minutes – he got two assists, and we won the game. But they didn’t want him [to play]. “They thought they could control whether he plays because he hadn’t signed a [new] contract [with the club]. I used him because of his quality.”Makelele has left Asteras undefeated having won one and drawing his other two games in charge.However, the ex-Premier League star insists the conditions didn’t allow him to focus on his duties.Makelele added: “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football.”I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. “I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know the name, but they don’t know the human being. You cannot lie with your principles. I built my career on honesty with players and the club. Always honest.“Football is about human beings, about connection, understanding movement, tactical awareness, technical skill – individually and collectively. We use data, sure, but football is more than that.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer arrive at Old Trafford 24 hours before crunch talks with Ten Hag over Man Utd future

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      MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been spotted heading into Old Trafford with chairman Joel Glazer amid speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday in their final match before a two-week international break – with Ratcliffe and other Man Utd bosses watching on from the stands.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was spotted heading into Old Trafford on MondayCredit: PAMan Utd bosses will have talks on Tuesday amid speculation over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyMan Utd sit 14th in the table and their tally of eight points from seven games makes it their worst ever start to a Premier League season.Now Ineos boss Ratcliffe, 71, who is in charge of the football operations at the club, has been seen at Old Trafford on Monday alongside fellow owner Glazer.He is set for showdown talks with club chiefs, including co-chairman Glazer, in London on Tuesday.Gary Neville – who is on their stadium redevelopment board – was also in attendance.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSunSport understands their trip today is for various meetings, with Glazer attending one with the Fans’ Advisory Board.Reports have emerged claiming The Red Devils are lining up a move for ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in June.He previously spent 20 months in the Premier League managing Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United.But earlier this year he told Ratcliffe that he did NOT want the United job.Man Utd had been seeking a new manager before Ten Hag’s FA Cup final triumph and considered Tuchel an option.Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa But the German told officials that he instead wanted some time away from management.It is currently unclear whether or not his position has changed since then.Tuchel is yet to be contacted by United officials this season.Despite the ongoing speculation around his future, Ten Hag insists he would know if his job was at risk.Following United’s drab 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, he said: “I don’t have any idea that is different. Because they should have told me. We communicate very open, very transparent.”I speak continuously with them and just after the game I have to do my job, talk with the players, manage the players and answer questions from you.”We always talk. Every week, I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”I think you said it very good – external noise. Internal, we are disappointed, we know we have to do better, especially we need to score more, that is the moment in this area after this block of games where we are really short.”All the other areas we are doing really well: four clean sheets, so that tells something about the defending and about the organisation, the defending of defensive transitions.”We are doing really well, we are really improving on that point.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our build-up play is good, we are calm and composed. We are creating chances apart from today. Today we should have created more.”But that area in the box of the opponent, we have to be more ruthless, more clinical, more killing and we have to work on this.” More

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      Paul Scholes reveals clear reason Man Utd are ‘a MESS’ and namedrops five signings caught up in it

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      PAUL SCHOLES has slammed Manchester United’s transfer business and Erik ten Hag’s tactics after the bore draw against Aston Villa.The Red Devils drew 0-0 yesterday to make it five games without a win.Paul Scholes slammed the club’s recruitment strategyCredit: BT SportThe former Man Utd star also hit out at Erik ten Hag’s tacticsCredit: GettyBoth Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt were criticisedCredit: PATen Hag’s side have picked up eight points from seven Premier League games, which is the the United’s worst-ever start to a season.With the manager set to cling onto his job until after the international break, Scholes hit out at the boss, the players and club chiefs.Despite a £180m summer outlay on Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, the Man Utd legend took aim at the transfer strategy.Scholes ranted to SuperSport: “Zirkzee, what is he? Is he a No9 or a No10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rasmus Hojlund does alright – but is he gonna score you 20 goals? I don’t think so.”I think they are relying more on hope than actual proven quality and they spent so much money as well.”It’s a ridiculous amount of money and some of them can’t get in the team.”You think of Ugarte coming into the club, who was supposed to change the midfield, he didn’t play him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”De Ligt, £50m and he didn’t play him. Jonny Evans has come in at 36-years-old instead of him. “Martinez, Ten Hag brought him into the club. What must he be thinking? Jonny Evans is playing, Harry Maguire started, Victor Lindelof comes on before him. Erik ten Hag really did not help himself with what he said after Man Utd’s draw with Aston Villa, slams BBC pundit “It’s just a recruitment mess really.”Scholes also slammed Ten Hag’s “survival tactics” versus Villa and said a lack of identity is resulting in his new signings struggling.He said: “When you don’t have a style of play and you don’t know how to play, or the way you want to play, it’s very difficult to choose players.”When you don’t have a style of play and it changes from week to week, you’re almost throwing balls in the air and saying: ‘He looks a good player, we’ll try and get him’.”It’s a point for United, going to a tough ground under a lot of pressure. “I never really felt like they went there to try and win the game. It was more of a survival tactic more than anything.”But from everything we said before the game, United were quite tough to play against.”But you have to take into account the midweek fixtures. Villa had a big lift from Bayern Munich, winning that game, big atmosphere.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They struggled to really live up that today. You could see they probably suffered a bit. “For Manchester United, it’s difficult to go away in Europe on Thursday night and it was a tough game against Porto with ten-men, so I think the game probably reflected the midweek that both clubs had.”Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More

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      Paul Pogba ‘to agree contract termination with Juventus’ after drug ban reduction as former Man Utd star eyes new club

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      PAUL POGBA will reportedly agree to terminate his Juventus contract after his drug ban was reduced from four years to 18 months.Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.Paul Pogba is set to terminate his Juventus contract after having his drug ban reducedCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.However, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means Pogba will be available to play again from March 2025, while he can train with his club from January.But it appears that will not be at Juventus, with Fabrizio Romano claiming all parties are now close to agreeing a deal that will see Pogba terminate his Turin contract.The midfielder played just twice at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, after rejoining from United.And new Juve boss Thiago Motta has since taken his squad in a fresh direction.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPogba himself is said to agree that a new start is the best course of action.And he will start looking for a club once he becomes a free agent.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraJuventus chiefs certainly had a cool reaction to the news of Pogba’s imminent availability.Speaking before the 1-1 draw with Cagliari, boss Motta said: “The club will decide what to do with Pogba.“For me, he was a great player, he hasn’t played for a long time.”Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli added: “He was a great player but he’s been out of action for a long time.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      Real Madrid trigger Dani Carvajal contract clause in classy move after defender carried off in tears and out for season

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      REAL MADRID have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026 after his shocking injury that is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season.Carvajal, 32, suffered a horrific clash with Villarreal ace Yeremy Pino during Saturday’s 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu that caused his leg to bend unnaturally. Real Madrid have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026Credit: RexCarvajal’s leg was bent backwards in the challengeThe Real Madrid star screams in agonyCarvajal suffered a horrific injury against Villarreal and was stretchered off in tearsCredit: EPAHe was then seen in tears before being stretchered offReal ace Carvajal is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyCarvajal’s selfie from inside the ambulanceThe right-back was in such agony that he was immediately stretchered off in tears before boarding an ambulance to undergo tests at a nearby hospital.The defender posted a selfie from inside the ambulance.He later wrote on Instagram: “Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I’ll have to go through surgery and be off the pitch for a few months.”Already looking forward to starting recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you so much for your messages, I feel very loved.”Read More on FootballReal confirmed the Spain international sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg.The full-back is now set to undergo surgery with initial reports in Spain claiming he will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.In a statement, Real Madrid said: “Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days.”The club, though, rallied behind Carvajal at this difficult time with a classy move as they extended his deal, which was running out in June.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including a staggering six Champions League trophies.Carvajal’s wife Daphne paid tribute to her husband and thanked the club for their support.She posted on Instagram: “It still feels like a bad dream. “To see how you were so sad and going through so much pain… and you tried to make me smile. I love and admire you immensely.”Your path back to where you are the happiest starts today. Stronger. Because you always give your all. You still have a lot to win, my life.Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal involved in furious spat with Barcelona boss Xavi during heated Copa del Rey El Clasico”Thank you for so many messages. And to our Real Madrid family, we felt so loved yesterday, I have no words.”This comes amid rumours suggesting Real are looking to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.However, Carvajal’s new deal may have poured cold water on the speculation involving the star right-back. More

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      Van Nistelrooy ‘will be offered interim job as Man Utd manager’ if Ten Hag is sacked but ex-striker ‘has reservations’

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to be offered the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag is sacked, but reportedly has reservations about replacing him.Ten Hag is teetering on the precipice of losing his job after a poor start to the season which has seen his side win just three games from their first nine games in all competitions.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been touted as a potential successor to Erik ten HagCredit: ReutersBut the former United ace is said to be having reservations over taking the jobCredit: RexIt was reported at the start of the week that Ten Hag, 54, had two games to save his job.The first of those was a 3-3 draw at Porto, with today’s clash against Aston Villa potentially the last dance for the former Ajax manager, with club chiefs also scheduled to meet in London on Tuesday.Consequently, talk over his replacement has been rampant, with one potential successor in the hot seat being assistant manager and United legend Van Nistelrooy on an interim basis.However, according to the Mirror, Van Nistelrooy is having doubts over his potential succession to the manager’s hot seat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after his own experience of being betrayed while a manager at PSV Eindhoven – to date his only senior managerial experience.Van Nistelrooy shockingly ended his association with PSV towards the end of his first season with the club which saw him win the Johan Cruyff Shield and qualify for the Champions League.He accused his assistant Fred Rutten and several senior players of conspiring with the club’s directors in the Spring of 2023, before he quit the Dutch outfit prior to the final game of the season.And he is said to be conscious of a similar scenario developing at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA source in Holland said: “Van Nistelrooy is a principled guy. “He felt betrayed at Eindhoven – and he will not want to be viewed as the man who went behind Erik ten Hag’s back.”Porto vs Man Utd player ratings Van Nistelrooy, 48, was brought in as a coach over the summer after Ten Hag was handed a contract extension by new club chiefs brought in by Ineos.Last week Arsenal icon Martin Keown suggested Van Nistelrooy might not be giving everything to help Ten Hag.He told talkSPORT: “I’m looking at Van Nistelrooy. Is he giving everything to this manager? This manager looks very lonely on the sideline.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.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.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 be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.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.”Is Van Nistelrooy waiting to take over? Because it looks as if there’s going to be change taking place there.”Keown added: “Is everyone adding to the group? I’m not seeing that from Van Nistelrooy. “Ten Hag is just sitting there, nothing going on, no conversation. Pep [Guardiola] goes back and speaks to the gurus next to him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Is everybody looking in the mirror at themselves giving their best?”It doesn’t look like the players are committed, it doesn’t look like the staff are particularly committed. It’s a lone man in the dugout.”Man Utd ratings vs PortoMAN UTD ended up with a 3-3 draw after throwing away a 2-0 lead away to Porto.Here’s how SunSport’s Dylan Terry rated the Red Devils’ stars performances in PortugalAndre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on.All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Christian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.See how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Premier League and Championship clubs considering shock Jordan Henderson transfer – but Saudi deal could cause problems

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      JORDAN HENDERSON’S lack of playing time at Ajax is whipping up interest in England.The former England skipper cannot get regular games in Holland and may be in the market for a return home in January.Jordan Henderson has found game time hard to come by at AjaxSome Premier League clubs have been alerted but leading Championship sides are also considering a loan deal.Hendo, 34, found it hard to come back to England sooner due to  potential tax issues following his spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.That may still be an issue for him next year but the midfield general is hoping there is a way of doing it.Henderson emerged at Sunderland, before Liverpool paid around £20million to secure his services in 2011.Read more football newsAnd an emotional return to the Black Cats could be on the cards, with Regis Le Bris’ side top of the second tier.While Henderson’s experience and leadership could prove invaluable to any of the teams under threat of relegation from the Prem.Hendo was named captain of Liverpool in 2015 after Steven Gerrard’s departure.He lifted the Champions League trophy in 2019 – after the Reds defeated Tottenham 2-0.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it was a year later that he went down in Liverpool legend as he skippered Jurgen Klopp’s side to their first domestic title in over 30 years.After 492 appearances for the Reds, Henderson chose to join the Saudi revolution on an outrageous £700k-a-week deal.Watch Ivan Toney score first goals since Saudi Arabia transfer as £400,000-a-week striker sends reminder to Lee CarsleyBut his stay at Al-Ettifaq lasted less than six months after he terminated his contract with the club to join Dutch giants Ajax.He said at the time: “It was very much a football decision.”Of course I’ve got to make the decision be for me about what’s best for me and my family as well.”I think a lot of people would probably like us to sit here and criticise the Saudi league and everything that went along with that, but that certainly wasn’t the case and that’s something that I’m not going to do.”I’ve got full respect for the league, for any fans of the club, for the people over there who really made us feel welcome. But unfortunately these things in life sometimes just don’t work out in football and in life in general.” More

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      West Ham chief Tim Steidten angry at being overruled by club after missing out on Duran transfer and top boss choice

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      WEST HAM’S sporting director Tim Steidten is frustrated at being overruled on key decisions at the London Stadium.The German played a key role as the Hammers spent £155million on nine summer signings but many of his targets were missed.West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten is frustrated at being overruledCredit: GettySteidten is unhappy West Ham did not finalise a deal for Aston Villa star Jhon DuranCredit: RexSteidten wanted to get Fabian Hurzeler as boss by the Hammers ended up with Julen LopeteguiCredit: AlamySteidten is unhappy the Irons did not finalise a deal for Aston Villa’s in-form striker Jhon Duran.He also wanted to sign Lille forward Jonathan David but the board were unwilling to meet the asking price.SunSport can also reveal Steidten put forward a list of candidates to replace David Moyes as manager.It featured Julen Lopetegui, Fabian Hurzeler and the Portuguese trio of Sergio Conceicao, Ruben Amorim and Paulo Fonseca.Read More on FootballSteidten liked Hurzeler but others at the club felt he was too young.The 31-year-old instead switched German side St Pauli for Brighton and has started well.West Ham in contrast have struggled under Lopetegui, although his position is not under immediate threat.There is not thought to be any tension in the relationship between Steidten and Lopetegui, as was the case with his predecessor Moyes.Most read in FootballMoyes took the extraordinary step of banning Steidten from the dressing room towards the end of last season.West Ham are renowned for giving managers time and retain faith in Lopetegui.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMoyes came through several difficult periods when he was being lambasted by fans last season before the club decided not to offer him a new contract at the end of the campaign.Only two West Ham managers – Manuel Pellegrini and Slaven Bilic – have been sacked during the season in the last 17 years. More